Three Stores, Two Cotton Gins, and One Remarkable Life

Rick Meekins shares his journey from being in the military to working in the restaurant business and eventually starting his own restaurant. He then transitioned into consulting and founded Aepiphanni, a consulting company that helps people sustain their businesses. One of the key lessons he learned is the importance of staying in your lane and focusing on what you do best. Rick Meekins shares his lessons learned in business and life, including the importance of trusting in God and being resilient in the face of challenges. He emphasizes the need for business owners to adapt and embrace new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, in order to stay relevant. Rick's ultimate goal is to create a million jobs and provide resources and support for growing businesses. He is also working on a book and his online magazine called Aepiphanni 'BizOps Insider' helps business owners navigate the complexities of running a successful company. In this episode: One of the key lessons he learned is the importance of staying in your lane and focusing on what you do best.Aepiphanni operates with the goal of doing business in a way that honors God and makes the world a better place. Trust in God and lean on Him during challenging timesAdapt and embrace new technologies to stay relevant in businessCreate a million jobs and support growing businesses Be inspired by his story and learn more about W. Rick Meekins in this 37th episode of 3 Stores, 2 Cotton Gins, and 1 Remarkable Life: The Journey from There to Here!

This week on 'Three Stores, Two Cotton Gins, One Remarkable Life,' we're joined by Haywood County Tennessee District 8 Commissioner Jeffery Richmond. Hailing from the iconic 'Tina Turner's hometown,' Commissioner Richmond shares his personal and inspiring journey into politics and government service, and his future goals. In this episode Commissioner Richmond talks about:  ●     Roots and family: Richmond shares insights into his roots, the impact of his father's death on his life, and his sister’s activism. ●     Entry into politics: He discusses the driving force behind his decision, namely to do more for his community. ●     Role as Commissioner: He talks about past successes, contributions, and vision for the community's betterment, and maybe ultimately running for mayor. ●     Personal motivations: Richmond is honest about his determination, and his positivity in life, and he always believed he could be elected to public office and make a difference.  ●     Role model: He also talks about the importance of good role models, and how to be one.

This week’s episode dives into the personal history of Professor Henrietta Giles and her experiences as a child at the heart of the desegregation movement of the 1960s. Today, her life has come full circle in her current work as a journalist, cultural historian, professor, and documentary storyteller.   In this episode Prof. Henri talks about:   • Her background. • The two pivotal moments in her youth that had the most impact on her life. • Her work as a college professor enables her to guide students in discovering the social issues that most impact them. • Her dissertation examines the news stories of the Civil Rights era and how they impacted the way black people perceived themselves during that historic time.

This week’s episode details how one determined woman is helping people return to the path of dignity, stability, and wellbeing — with a new pair of shoes. Chicago’s Charisma Cannon describes her journey building the non-profit organization Shoe Heals. Drawing on a combination of faith in God, self-confidence, and determination, Charisma partners with organizations around Chicago to serve people in need. Shoe Heals provides new shoes to the homeless, foster children, recently incarcerated youth, low-income workforce, and many more.  In this episode Charisma talks about: • Her inspiration for the non-profit, Shoe Heals • Can a new pair of shoes really heal the human spirit? • Pivotal moments that brought her to where she is today • The mission of Shoe Heals • How do I get involved?

Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson’s former student, Dr. Marcus L. Matthews is now a celebrated educator himself. In today’s episode, he shares with her some of the defining moments of his life and how he has converted his experiences into resilience and understanding as an educator. Today, Dr. Matthews leads and inspires teachers and other educators to develop trauma-informed classrooms that help students succeed, no matter their circumstances. Be inspired by his story and learn more about his work, books, and words of wisdom in this episode of Three Stores, Two Cotton Gins, One Remarkable Life: The Journey from There to Here.

"Reverend and Representative" Johnny Shaw, growing up in Laconia, TN, as the youngest of 11, was the golden voice of the church choir. He has become the voice urging citizens to vote for change by representing District 80 of Tennessee since January 2001. From being rejected for having a "Black Voice" to spreading Black Gospel Music globally through his Shaw’s Broadcasting, his story is inspiring. In this candid conversation, he expresses his views on politics, the need to serve, the challenges of having two Black-owned radio stations, 94.7 WOJG FM and WBOL 1560 AM, and staying true to his identity. WOJG currently spreads "Word and Music" all day, every day. The station serves 14 counties in West Tennessee and North Mississippi and can be accessed globally through the website wojg.com. Learn more about Johnny Shaw in this 32nd episode of 3 Stores, 2 Cotton Gins, and 1 Remarkable Life: The Journey from There to Here!

The ability to just show up and do what others have not tried will give you the confidence to break new ground. Civil Miller-Watkins is the Vice-Chair of the Fayette County School board, a mother, grandmother and politician. Over the years, she has contested for a couple of offices that many black women do not even think about running for. Although she did not win some of the elections, she came out with life lessons that can help empower other people, and black women especially, to shoot for the stars. Civil is a leader’s leader, a phenomenal exceptional woman who was able to balance family life, work and politics. The gems she has to share will shape your life and help you live a better and more productive one. Listen to this podcast and become empowered to be all that you were created by God to be

Managing people is one of the hardest things that you do as a leader. Every day leaders complain about their teams and try to create new ones as though that would solve the problem. In this episode, Justin L. Harris, a certified Human Resources Professional and Practitioner with over 20 years of experience, shows us that there is a better way to manage people and lead them towards productivity. Throughout the podcast, he echoes the importance of knowing your craft, and because he has achieved mastery in his career, he can share insights gathered over the years. As you listen to this podcast, you’ll hear solutions to people management problems, and discover ways to manage and lead teams from a pro who’s done it consistently and is now training others.

All the way from Downtown ‘no place’ in Tennessee to becoming Professor of Christian Education, Spiritual Formation, and Youth Ministry at Memphis Theological Seminary (MTS), Rev. Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield has traveled a long way on the winding course of life. His journey from being an accountant to becoming pastor, church administrator, fraternity president, professor, author, and mentor will inspire you to embrace the changes that life brings. In this episode, he talks about how his family shaped his life, the choices he made, how he dealt with the loss of a loved one, his brotherhood in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., his status as newlywed, and above all, his unwavering faith in God’s Grace.

Pamela Marshall is an extraordinary woman, who at 19 started anchoring the news on WBBJ Channel 7 in Jackson Tennessee. She went on to excel in many top positions and today she shares her life experiences and shows us how believing in your God-given gift, mixed with forgiveness and empathy can help you become the best version of yourself. One of the things we struggle with the most is forgiveness. Many times, we find it difficult to let go of the pain and hurt that others inflicted on us. We hold onto them tightly and we stew in the pain. In this podcast, Pamela shows us that holding onto pain and hurt will only end up destroying us. She talks about the benefits of letting go and how to forgive. Pamela has a new book coming in September titled The Art of Forgiveness. Tune in and hear all about it and how you can get a copy and begin the healing process. Her website is: https://pameladmarshall.com

Ida Prewitt Suggs was born in Stanton, Tenn., the second of 11 children, and the eldest daughter. When Ida’s parents couldn’t afford to send her to college, she had to figure out how to make her big dreams come true! In the meantime, she inspired her siblings, and became a woman of influence, a leader and an amazing woman of God. Over the course of her incredible life, she’s touched many lives, and in this podcast, she shares what helped her become who she is today.

Angela Lee is a leader, mentor, and inspirational figure within her community. Having worked for 10 years managing her own AT&T store in Michigan, she moved to Tennessee and is making an impact in the community she spent time in growing up. Inspired by the life of her grandparents, Angela has been a beacon of hope within the neighborhood, serving as the president of the Concerned Citizens of the Douglas Community. By the end of this episode, you will: Learn more about the Douglas family in Tennessee.Get to know more about Angela Lee and her achievements.Understand what it takes to lead.Get some hands-on advice that will help you live an impactful life.

Steven Dale Jones is an American multi-award-winning songwriter, composer and lyricist. His work has resulted in over 150 cuts and over 20 million records sold by artists including Bonnie Raitt, George Strait, Alabama, Reba McEntire, John Legend, Kenny Rogers, Diamond Rio, and Mindy McCready. On top of that, he has earned nine ASCAP awards, a Grammy nomination and a Dove Award. Steven Dale Jones hails from a musical family and attributes his talents to good genes and supporting parents. He started writing songs at the age of 11, and went on to college and completed a degree in finance. He worked in the banking industry for 10 years but his passion for songwriting never waned, and he continued to write songs relentlessly.  When he was offered a publishing deal at FAME Records, the rest, as they say, is history. His advice to any songwriter is to write what you know and write what you love because you can transfer those emotions to the listener. And, always write things that would be ok to play for your mom and dad.

Travelius "Trell" Harris is more than just an engineer. He is a world traveler and founder of the Alita A. Watkins Memorial Scholarship, a nonprofit organization established in 2010 which awards scholarships to deserving graduating students, in memory of his mother. He is also the owner of Annie Lue Estates, a real estate business established in 2013 that provides affordable housing to well over 100+ individuals. In 4th grade, Trell began to understand the power of speech and conversation after winning a public speaking contest. He discovered that by communicating effectively, he could persuade the crowd by using good diction and enthusiasm. He uses these skills in his daily life and imparts this knowledge to others. His goal is to pull others up and assist them with their life goals and ambitions. Trell founded the Camp Cousin Uncle Trell, a non-profit camp for children in his family who are 5 years and older, offering them new experiences, life skills, creative, mental and physical activities - and of course good communication. Trell firmly believes that remaining true to yourself (not listening to other people’s limiting beliefs) and practicing self-determination are life traits that will allow you to live life on your terms. By caring less about what others think about you, and thinking about what you should be doing, you can live a full life without limiting yourself mentally or physically. Currently Trell is working with his family to construct a public venue in his hometown - for the community to host events at an affordable cost for all.

Sherron Burgess is the Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Security Officer at BCD Travel, the second largest travel company in the world. BCD operates out of 109 countries, and it is Sherron’s responsibility to ensure cyber security for the entire global operation. Sherron is just one of two African American women who hold this title, and she is the youngest (still in her 30’s). Sherron attributes her success to the way she was raised. Her mother was a professor   so they moved around a lot, experienced many different cultures, and learned different ways of doing things and thinking about things; all of which helped her to be so successful in her role today. Sherron loves her position and her ability to help others understand their gift, and to operate  through their gift, has helped her to become an inspirational leader and trailblazer in the complex world of cyber security.

Overview: Pug Fuller grew up in Brownsville, TN where he accelerated through school and began studies at the University of Tennessee at just 16 years of age. When he started at UTKnoxville, in 1968, there were about 120 African American students out of 25,000. He received a B.S. in education and three master’s degrees. Pug spent many years teaching and in administrative roles at and after a stint working in a video lab, he developed a passion for this technology and that’s how Pug Fuller Video was conceived. Pug is blessed to have worked with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Jessie Jackson, and Shirley Chisolm.

From the age of 7, Joshua Trotter has always wanted to become a businessman. When he was 12, he approached his mother and told her of his to become an entrepreneur. Joshua’s mother Katrecia Miller, gave him some leg work to complete to ensure he was serious about his venture. After weeks of research, Joshua had an industry he was interested in: candle making. He presented a business name, completed his product research, and calculated start-up costs. That’s how Magic Wicks was born. Joshua's dream of being an entrepreneur is taking him to places far beyond the small town he lives in. Joshua's ultimate goal is also the Magic Wicks tag line, ‘add a little magic to every home.’ Lookout world, Joshua’s on his way! Website: www.magic-wicks.com   In This Episode: · Joshua’s first steps in creating his own business at a young age · Turning that goal into reality · The importance of family support · Market research is vital to the success of his products · Creating a successful product is harder than you think · Always have a goal

Rev. Roger Anthony Hopson has a lot to share when discussing how to get from there to here. As the oldest in his family, Rev. Hopson talks about how his brother Vincent is his best friend and how they had a blast spending time together, both in school and outside it. His story proves that even if a person thinks he has planned his life all out, things can change in the blink of an eye . Listen to Rev. Hopson’s remarkable story about how people and circumstances changed him and his view of life in Episode 20 of 3 Stores, 2 Cotton Gins and 1 Remarkable Life!   In this episode: · In this story, Rev. Hopson shares how special his brother was to him as his best friend and partner in crime growing up. · Rev. Hopson talks about how his experience of joining a gang when he was young changed the rest of his life as it triggered a move to live with his grandparents and how things shifted from there. · He reflects on the significance of how meeting a variety of people can change your view of life and the plans you’ve laid out. · The importance of having a supportive life partner · The lessons that Roger Anthony Hopson lives by and what he hopes his legacy to the world will be.

Being the 7th out of the 8 siblings, and the younger brother of Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson, Reginald Bond has a lot of wonderful and exciting experiences to share. Aside from enjoying being the youngest in the family for 14 years before his lovely baby sister arrived, Reginald is also very vocal about his love for farm life. He loves the smell of fresh air and nature but in Texas Reginald started getting into different jobs which greatly influenced the strong and versatile person he is today. Reginald had quite a journey growing up and you will get to hear some of these entertaining moments and his incredible story in Episode 19 of 3 Stores, 2 Cotton Gins and 1 Remarkable Life!   In this episode: · Reginald shared how he found it fascinating that Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson and he share the same birthday and havethe same love for cars · Reginald talks about different experiences in school where he felt the demands of having really smart siblings. · Experiencing the positive results of pledging a fraternity · Expectations of growing up with determined and driven siblings · Discovering what a job will teach you and what it leaves to the individual, which eventually helps him/her go through life · Being married and having kids as a pivotal moment in a person's life

Dr. Dorothy Granberry has a lot to share when talking about getting from there to here. As a middle child with parents who fully supported her education, she was able to overcome any adversities that came her way. Dr. Granberry has played a key role in bringing history alive and generating more awareness of the African American community and their contributions. Her life story proves that money should not be an obstacle to receiving the education one deserves. With determination, eagerness and love for what you do and believe in, anyone can achieve their dreams and develop a legacy for others to follow. Listen to her amazing story in Episode 18 of 3 Stores, 2 Cotton Gins and 1 Remarkable Life!   In this episode: · Dr. Granberry shares how being a middle child helped her accomplish more, and why this became an important place in their family · The significance of having parents that raise their children to believe they can do anything they set their minds to · The effect of hearing parents share their views and perspectives of the world with their children as they grew up · The value of having a "can-do" attitude and putting it into action · The significance of education wherever you are · Learning one's roots and contributing to society · Lessons that Dr. Granberry lives by and her legacy to the world rather than just the African-American society