Business and Finance
From pillar to post is now a family affair –
Initially, Jacqueline collects he had plans to launch it and run it From pillar to post franchise in Brooklyn, New York, with my husband, as we shared in our first BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP Gathers profile within the 2018 article Pillar To Post Franchisee Carries On Legacy After Losing Her Husband. Six years later, Gathers revived the dream of the family business, taking her son, Tim Gathers, together with her. TO BE We spoke with Gathers to learn more about how the choice got here about and what impact it had on the corporate.
(Black Enterprise) In our previous interview, you discussed your plan to run the Pillar to Post franchise along with your husband, who unexpectedly passed away. When and why did you select to bring your son into the business?
(Jacqueline collects) It just made sense. Tim had seen me start the business and when he decided he was unsure about his profession path, I invited him to get his license and join the corporate while he found out what he wanted to do. He discovered that he enjoyed inspecting homes and the feedback from his clients was overwhelmingly positive! He also discovered that he enjoyed working along with his hands, which made bringing him in the corporate the right decision for him and the corporate.
(TO BE) How did running a business change once you had a son, and what advice would you give to parents wondering whether bringing their children into the business is the suitable idea?
(Folds) My son is a Gen Z, and their mindset is very different than the Baby Boomers. He has initiated some specific changes in the corporate that I initially disagreed with, but they appear to be making a big difference. His use and implementation of technology has been useful to us. Tim is very intelligent and is already helping shape the corporate for the longer term. Now he is taking the initiative to start conversations about ideas and technologies that he thinks we should always implement in our industry. Before, he would just take instructions from me and let me lead. It is a joy to watch him grow in the corporate, but I’m also happy with my son.
When considering hiring your child for a job, it needs to be a alternative, not a mandate. Choosing a profession needs to be something they enjoy, not an obligation.
(TO BE) We talk a lot about family legacy and generational wealth. Is there anything you do or steps you’re taking to ensure your corporation lasts for generations? If so, what?
(Folds) We need a reliable team to help us run the business. We have spent a lot of time training inspectors to perform inspections to the high standard expected of Pillar To Post. Ultimately, when Tim steps away from conducting inspections, we could have reliable individuals who will meet the necessities of the business. Tim is starting to learn the business side of the franchise in order that when the time comes, he can take a leading role in managing and developing the business.
(TO BE) As a black woman in an industry dominated by white men, what challenges have you ever faced and the way have you ever overcome them? Do you are feeling that clients are more open to your son?
It wasn’t easy. Most of the inspectors didn’t appear like me. I had a hard time convincing people who I knew what I used to be doing. But I used to be good at it, so I kept it consistent. Eventually, I began constructing trust with the actual estate agents in the world and I saw them repeating properties with me. Then, those repeaters began recommending my services to other real estate agents, and my clients began recommending me as well. I expanded my territory greater than I could have before, and at every turn, I built relationships locally and helped not only provide quality inspections, but additionally educate the community about home ownership and constructing wealth within the black community. I’m a member of the Brooklyn Chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) and currently the Second Vice President of the Bedford Stuyvesant Real Estate Board, Brooklyn Chapter. NAREB’s platform is to increase the variety of black homeowners across the United States. I help by educating first-time home buyers concerning the importance of the house inspection component of shopping for a home. Especially those coming off the pandemic and my son’s age who may not know in the event that they may even buy a home. I also mentor people enthusiastic about becoming home inspectors.
(Folds) When my son shows up for an inspection, they do not blink a watch. They seem to be more friendly towards him and have began asking him questions and approaching him as a substitute of just following me around and watching me. There is room for me to proceed to change people’s perspectives as an inspector. But that did not stop me before. I’m glad that my son is respected because he grew up within the industry, but there is still more for me to do as a black woman in the house inspection field.
(TO BE) Do you think that you can have built such a successful business as an independent? In other words, what was it about franchising that led to your success?
(Folds) Franchising is a piece of cake for my part. I did not have to create a logo, provide you with colours, construct a website, create marketing materials, etc. I just had to concentrate on inspections and targeting my clients. Plus I even have a whole management team that I can call on for advice and guidance on any unique situations that inspections may bring up. I still talk to my Regional Director once a month about any issues I could have. He is at all times available if I want to pull him aside for my monthly call if I even have any concerns or issues. That in itself is priceless!
Business and Finance
The US dollar fell as voters headed to the polls
The US dollar dropped in value on November 5 as crowds of American voters went to the polls to forged their ballots.
The dollar even fell in betting markets like PredictIt and Polymarket indicated The probabilities of Trump winning the presidential election are increasing, Reuters reports. With Donald Trump returning to the White House with a Republican-led House and Senate, extreme currency movements ought to be expected.
Trump’s immigration and tariff policies are expected to fuel inflation, while tax cuts for the wealthy and deregulation could spur growth by pushing up longer-dated Treasury yields and pushing up the value of the dollar.
By contrast, a Democratic victory was expected to weaken the dollar as bets on Trump were withdrawn, and investors were concerned about the economic impact of upper taxes on the wealthy and stricter business regulations.
“We may be seeing some leveling off… my impression is that people are being cautious,” said Steve Englander, head of worldwide G10 FX research and macroeconomic strategy for North America at Standard Chartered Bank’s New York branch.
“Right now, the mood seems to be in favor of Trump,” Englander said. “On the other hand, for most of October and early November, Trump’s trading was characterized by a stronger dollar and higher yields.”
Globally, a Trump victory may lead to a weakening of the euro, Mexican peso and Chinese yuan, as these regions could face recent tariffs under his administration. Bitcoin rose 2.76% to $68,928, with Trump’s views seen as more favorable towards cryptocurrencies. Traders are closely watching the Federal Reserve’s two-day meeting that ends on Thursday, expecting the U.S. central bank to cut rates of interest by 25 basis points.
Elsewhere on Tuesday, the U.S. services sector rose to its highest level in greater than two years in October, with employment rebounding strongly. This suggests that the near halt in job growth last month was an aberration.
Business and Finance
First Black-owned gift wrapping brand sold at Lowe’s, Hallmark
Ardean Miller, pioneering entrepreneur Mah Melaninis breaking barriers because the founding father of the primary Black-owned gift wrapping brand, partnering with Hallmark and Lowe’s across the country. With a concentrate on cultural representation, she founded Mah Melanin to fill a niche available in the market for products that commemorate the wonder and variety of black culture.
“When I started Mah Melanin, I wanted to create something more than just beautiful gift packaging. I wanted to start a movement — a place where our stories are told, our beauty is celebrated, and our community is uplifted,” she says. “Partnering with these iconic retailers is a testament to the growing demand for products that reflect our experiences and heritage.”
Breaking down barriers and empowering communities
The partnership with Hallmark and Lowe’s represents a big step toward greater diversity and inclusion within the retail space, reflecting a broader cultural shift. This groundbreaking achievement highlights the growing recognition of the importance of culturally authentic products that encourage and empower.
Under her leadership, Mah Melanin has developed from a small start-up right into a nationally recognized brand. The company has gained endorsements from industry icons comparable to Teddy Riley, Master P and Denise Boutte, and has been noticed by major organizations including an NBA feature and a finalist on QVC’s “The Big Find.” These awards confirm the brand’s commitment to quality, creativity and resilience.
Inspiring the subsequent generation of Black entrepreneurs
He is devoted to not only the success of his brand, but in addition supporting the expansion of other Black entrepreneurs by offering mentorship, sharing resources and creating opportunities for collaboration. Through his efforts, he wants to construct a legacy that can encourage future generations to interrupt barriers and achieve greatness,” he adds.
Mah Melanin’s journey reflects a commitment to celebrating Black culture and amplifying Black and Brown voices through its products, making a profound impact available in the market and beyond.
Discover their products at MahMelanin.com and remember to follow the brand Facebook AND Instagram
Originally
Business and Finance
Jayson Tatum wants to invest in a potential WNBA team in St. Louis
The WNBA plans to add an expansion team to its current roster, and NBA champion Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics plans to grow to be an investor in bringing the team to his hometown of St. Louis.
According to , Tatum is connecting two billionaires who want to bring the league’s sixteenth team to Missouri City. The ownership group is headed by billionaires Richard Chaifetz and David Hoffman. Chaifetz’s previous investments include the Alpine F1 team, Major League Pickleball and the Drone Racing League. Hoffman is a developer and owner of the Florida Everblades, a minor league affiliate of the St. Louis Blues.
But despite interest in having a WNBA team in her city, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert says at the least 10 other teams will pose stiff competition.
“The good news is that we have a lot of demand from many cities,” Engelbert said before the WNBA Finals. “I might say about 10 or possibly even plus at this point because I believe the more people watch the WNBA and see what we’re developing here and see these players and the product on the court, the more persons are interested in having it in their cities “.
Tatum has informally agreed to invest in a potential WNBA team. He wants to present the group’s offer to other potential investors and the league itself behind the scenes.
The presentation shown to other potential investors outlines town’s basketball history, dating back to the times of the St. Louis Hawks, which won the NBA championship in 1958. The team can have a home at Chaifetz Arena, where the University of St. Louis is home. The 10,600-seat arena was named in honor of Chaifetz, who donated $12 million to his alma mater in 2007 just over 15 years ago in 2007.
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