Business Longevity Ft. Larese Purnell

What this episode covers

Sam Sylk welcomes financial expert and community leader Larese Purnell of CLE Consulting Company and Real Black Friday to talk about his journey from working at 12 and initially pursuing pharmacy to falling in love with business, accounting, and finance. Larese shares how CLE Consulting has grown over a decade, employing nearly 20 people, and why partnership, industry involvement, and strong foundations matter for business survival. He breaks down common mistakes entrepreneurs make—moving too fast, lacking structure, not knowing numbers, and trying to wear every “hat”—and offers guidance on becoming bank/grant ready through credit, cash reserves, planning, and hiring experts. He reflects on lessons from COVID-related setbacks, the mission behind Real Black Friday, the importance of supporting Black businesses with grace, and the pride he finds in family, legacy, and service.00:00 Mic Check and Setup01:07 Podcast Intro and Guest Hype02:25 Brotherhood and Discernment03:21 Community Work and Giving Back04:13 Who Is Maurice Parnell04:55 Early Hustle and Values06:44 From Pharmacy to Finance08:11 A Decade of CLE Consulting09:12 Keys to Business Longevity11:16 Finding the Right Partner14:38 Preparation Over Hype16:31 Know Your Numbers and Build a Team21:44 Lessons From COVID and Contingency Plans24:06 Plan for Curveballs24:31 Real Black Friday Origins26:03 Childhood Businesses Saved Me27:38 Why We Doubt Black Business29:40 Give Feedback Not Dragging31:30 Bank and Grant Ready Steps33:48 Proudest Moments Family First38:44 Losing My Mother Lessons42:01 The Hidden Cost of Service44:37 Support the Leaders Too46:58 How to Follow and Wrap Up

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