Fitness: The conversation explores entrepreneurship, health and fitness, community impact, and purpose-driven living.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ric Ross.  🔎 Interview Summary Ric Ross (not the rapper), a 37-year music industry veteran turned entrepreneur, discusses his transition into co-owning Big Peach Running Company in South Fulton, GA. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, health and fitness, community impact, and purpose-driven living. Ross shares how he combined his passion for running with business strategy to create a community-centered retail experience, especially serving underserved Black communities. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview The interview is designed to: Inspire entrepreneurship, especially in underrepresented communities Promote health and fitness as a lifestyle Highlight the importance of planning and financial discipline Show how passion can evolve into purpose and business success “We encourage people to stop reading other people’s success stories and start planning your own.” [Ric Ross | Txt] 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Passion Can Drive Career Reinvention Ross transitioned from music into fitness entrepreneurship Running was always his passion—even before it became a business “If I had to describe what running is… it’s freedom.” [Ric Ross | Txt] 2. Entrepreneurship Requires Planning and Discipline Success came from a detailed business plan, mentorship, and financial preparation He worked with partners, the SBA, and banks to secure funding “The bank said… they had never seen a business plan put together so well.” [Ric Ross | Txt] 3. Know Your Market (Even If It Breaks Stereotypes) Ross intentionally opened his store in a Black-majority community He challenged the stereotype that Black consumers don’t run “People say… Black people don’t run… but I knew my avatar.” [Ric Ross | Txt] 4. Focus on Customer (Guest) Experience The store emphasizes: Personalized service Foot analysis technology Inclusive branding (“run/walk”) Customers are treated as**“guests,” not just buyers** 5. Health Is a Lifestyle, Not Perfection Running/walking improves: Blood pressure Heart health Balance is key—he promotes moderation, not strict dieting “It’s not about following somebody else’s diet… you have to do what’s best for you.” [Ric Ross | Txt] 6. Representation and Community Matter The store reflects the culture and identity of the community it serves Ross aims to fill gaps where Black-owned specialty businesses are lacking “We are the first Black-owned specialty run store… in Georgia.” [Ric Ross | Txt] 7. Credit and Financial Readiness Are Critical Strong credit enabled business funding and partnerships “Credit is king.” [Ric Ross | Txt] 8. Entrepreneurship Requires Sacrifice Building a business involves: Financial risk Time commitment Personal discipline “Be willing to make the sacrifice because it’s a sacrifice.” [Ric Ross | Txt] 9. Service Is the Ultimate Purpose Beyond profit, Ross emphasizes community service and giving back His nonprofit supports youth through music education and career development “My passion was music and running. My purpose is serving.” [Ric Ross | Txt] 10. Purpose Is Often Discovered Early in Life He reflects that passions often emerge between ages 18–22 Many people lose sight of their purpose later in life 💬 Notable Quotes On running: “It’s freedom… a runner’s high… I’m in a whole ’nother world.” [Ric Ross | Txt] On business planning: “They had never seen a business plan put together so well.” [Ric Ross | Txt] On stereotypes: “People say… Black people don’t run… but I knew my avatar.” [Ric Ross | Txt] On health: “It’s a lifestyle change… do what’s best for you.” [Ric Ross | Txt] On finances: “Credit is king.” [Ric Ross | Txt] On entrepreneurship: “Be willing to make the sacrifice.” [Ric Ross | Txt] On purpose: “My passion was music and running. My purpose is serving.” [Ric Ross | Txt] ✅ Bottom Line Ric Ross’ interview highlights that successful entrepreneurship sits at the intersection of passion, planning, discipline, and community impact. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.