Podcasts about Better Business Bureau

If you're company is a small or medium sized business, don't get comfortable about fraud – you're being targeted too.  Troy Baker is back to talk fraud and how the fraud prevention resources at the Better Business Bureau can help you protect your payments from fraudsters.Keep listening. Check out my website www.debrarrichardson.com if you need help implementing authentication techniques, internal controls, and best practices to prevent fraudulent payments, regulatory fines or bad vendor data. Check out the Vendor Process Training Center for 116+ hours of weekly live and on-demand training for the Vendor team. Links mentioned in the podcast + other helpful resources:   Better Business Bureau Links:  Main Webpage:  https://www.bbb.org Scam Tracker:  https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker Scam News/Tips:  https://www.bbb.org/all/scamtips Sign-Up for Scam Alerts: https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1900156/1902645/ Michigan Better Business Bureau:  https://www.bbb.org/miprograms Validate Charities:  https://www.give.org Customized Vendor Validations Session: https://debrarrichardson.com/vendor-validation-sessionVendor Process Training Center - https://training.debrarrichardson.comCustomized Fraud Training:  https://training.debrarrichardson.com/customized-fraud-training Free Live and On-Demand Webinars: https://training.debrarrichardson.com/webinarsVendor Master File Clean-Up:  https://www.debrarrichardson.com/cleanupYouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqeoffeQu3pSXMV8fUIGNiw More Podcasts/Blogs/Webinars www.debrarrichardson.comMore ideas?  Email me at debra@debrarrichardson.com Music Credit:  www.purple-planet.com

Bryan Barrett talks with James Price of the Better Business Bureau, who shares tips and advice on planning the perfect getaway or vacation.

Discover powerful strategies to maximize your rental property returns and minimize costly vacancies. Learn how top investors are transforming their approach to property management, from tenant retention techniques to smart staffing solutions. Key Insights: Master the art of keeping great tenants and reducing turnover Understand when to scale your property management approach Explore innovative investment opportunities beyond traditional real estate Market Trends Spotlight: Rental demand is on the rise Emerging investment options offer unique wealth-building potential Strategic diversification is key to long-term financial success Explore alternative investment opportunities like sustainable teak forestry - a generational wealth strategy that offers: Low entry point Long-term growth potential International diversification Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, these insights will help you make more informed, profitable real estate decisions. Resources: Learn more about the teak tree investment opportunity at Gremarketplace.com/teak Show Notes: GetRichEducation.com/555 For access to properties or free help with a GRE Investment Coach, start here: GREmarketplace.com GRE Free Investment Coaching: GREinvestmentcoach.com Get mortgage loans for investment property: RidgeLendingGroup.com or call 855-74-RIDGE  or e-mail: info@RidgeLendingGroup.com Invest with Freedom Family Investments.  You get paid first: Text FAMILY to 66866 Will you please leave a review for the show? I'd be grateful. Search “how to leave an Apple Podcasts review”  For advertising inquiries, visit: GetRichEducation.com/ad Best Financial Education: GetRichEducation.com Get our wealth-building newsletter free— text ‘GRE' to 66866 Our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/c/GetRichEducation Follow us on Instagram: @getricheducation Complete episode transcript:   Automatically Transcribed With Otter.ai    Keith Weinhold  0:01   Welcome to GRE. I'm your host. Keith Weinhold, learn how to reduce a giant operational expense that you'll have over time your tenant vacancy and turnover, including how many units you must own before you hire your own on site property manager as your employee. Whatever happened to agent commissions in light of last year's NAR settlement, then a timely update on teak tree investing today on Get Rich Education.   Mid South home buyers. I mean, they're total pros, with over two decades as the nation's highest rated turnkey provider. Their empathetic property managers use your ROI as their North Star. So it's no wonder that smart investors just keep lining up to get their completely renovated income properties like it's the newest iPhone. They're headquartered in Memphis and have globally attractive cash flows and A plus rating with the Better Business Bureau and now over 5000 houses renovated their zero markup on maintenance. Let that sink in, and they average a 98.9% occupancy rate, while their average renter stays more than three and a half years. Every home they offer has brand new components, a bumper to bumper, one year warranty, new 30 year roofs. And wait for it, a high quality renter. Remember that part and in an astounding price range, 100 to 180k I've personally toured their office and their properties in person in Memphis. Get to know Mid South. Enjoy cash flow from day one. Start yourself right now at mid southhomebuyers.com that's mid south homebuyers.com   You're listening to the show that has created more financial freedom than nearly any show in the world. This is get rich education.   Welcome to GRE from Manchester, New Hampshire to Manchester, England and across 188 nations worldwide, I'm Keith Weinhold, and you are back inside one of America's longest running and most listened to shows on real estate investing. This is get rich education. What's all that stuff really mean? I'm just another slack jawed and snaggletooth podcaster, a shaved mammal with a microphone. I'm joining you from here in London, England this week for the first time ever on the show. More on that later. Let's talk about reducing the biggest operational expense that you're ever going to have as a real estate investor, at least the one that you can exert a good measure of control over. That is reducing your tenant vacancy and turnover, that constant menace. Now, I suppose you might say that property tax is your biggest ongoing ops expense, but you've got less control over your property tax rate. So yeah, we're talking about increasing your net income by lowering your VIMTUM operating expenses. Vacancy is the V in that acronym. This is big because this can make or break your ability to have your property create positive cash flow and getting tenant turnover right both increases your income and reduces your expenses. It is springtime currently, and it's soon going to be summer, so it is the right time to talk about this. It's when there is more tenant turnover. The goal here is for you to really move the dial in increase the likelihood that your tenant is going to renew their lease. Now, sure if your tenant gets a new job out of town, they're going to move out. But if they're moving because of too many maintenance issues, well then that's something that you could have fixed. The average tenancy duration in the US over time is two to three years. And of course, that's going to be longer in single family rentals and shorter in apartments. And how long your tenant stays is driven by three factors, the price of your unit, the quality of your maintenance and the quality of your management. Let's say that your tenant moves out. To be conservative, that your vacancy period is two months between tenants. Okay, that's the turnover and the time to lease. It two months is a somewhat longish vacancy period. But come on, it happens sometimes, especially if you're going to make upgrades between tenancies and you're busy with other things in your life, if you have a move out every year at that rate, well, that is too often. That would amount. To a vacancy percentage of 14% you might think it's 17% but it isn't, because it's a 12 month vacancy plus two vacant months, all right, but if instead that tenant moves out every two years, that's just 8% vacancy, and every three years that's just 5% vacancy. Of course, if you keep your vacancy period to only one month rather than two, you can have all those numbers. You can really see how you are increasing your income by retaining the tenant. The most vital thing for you to keep in mind is that fast quality maintenance and good communication are by far the best forms of customer service that a property manager can provide, so prompt, quality maintenance. That's a retention strategy. Being a proactive helps. One strategy you can engage in is to reach out to the tenants two months before their lease is set to renew, and that's the time to give them the new lease price and ask them if they intend to stay. If they say, No, they're not, ask them why. And occasionally, you can sway them if there's been a misunderstanding in your relationship, for example, a lingering maintenance issue that hasn't been addressed, and perhaps they didn't bother to contact you about that, if nothing else, I think I mentioned this to you one time before offering a small reward, like a gift card helps. I mean, creating this sense of reciprocation is really one of the best retention tactics out there, even if the items being reciprocated aren't anywhere near equal value, like the value of a 12 month lease versus you giving them, say, a $50 gift card now, say you've tried those strategies, and none of that works, and your tenant does decide to leave, perhaps 45 days from now, but you know that you've got time in your life to turn over the unit now, and You know that you're going to be really busy with other things in 45 days. One thing that you can do then is shift your strategy to pay the tenant. Say you can pay them as little as 10 or 20 bucks a day to leave early. This way they'll vacate during a period where you've got the time to devote to the vacancy and the turnover and the showings to prospective new tenants, and that way, it's not going to linger vacant as long now, a technique like this is a little similar to an eviction, where if a tenant has violated their lease or becomes non paying, without you having to go through the length of Your court driven formal eviction process, you can pay them a lump sum to leave early. Hopefully that's not your situation, but that can come up. And I think you've heard of it before. This is known as the Cash for Keys strategy. That means to get a tenant that's made some violation against their lease, and you want to have them vacate the unit sooner. This means that you get the keys in your hand and the right to enter when you pay them to leave, rather than having to go through the not so fun eviction process and see a tenant wants to avoid a formal eviction as well, because that goes on their record, and then it can make it tough for that tenant to get rental housing elsewhere. But I dislike the Cash for Keys strategy in order to hold off from a formal eviction, because what that does is that rewards a person that violated a lease, although we know that that might also shorten your economic vacancy period, and it could actually be economically beneficial to you, Cash for Keys. It's just not ethical, though. I know it might be tempting for you, the landlord, the cash for key strategy. It rewards societally immoral behavior. Now, of course, you might be using a professional property manager that does all of this stuff for you, like I do today, but still, these are often the best practices for your manager. And I started out self managing, just like a lot of real estate investors do in the beginning, and that's where I learned strategies and techniques like this for reducing your tenant vacancy and turnover. Now, here's a really interesting question that you may not have had to ask yourself yet, but you may down the road, if you've grown your portfolio to a certain size and you're serious about reducing your vacancy and turnover expense, it might be time to ask yourself one big question, and that is for your management and maintenance. Should you use contractors, or should you start to hire your own employees? Now, if you have a small portfolio, it won't be enough work for you to keep an employee busy, so you should go with contract. Contractors. On the other hand, if you have an apartment complex with on site property management, I would definitely recommend having a make ready crew on site, because it's just so easy for them to get to and from a job site. Now, you should still maintain relationships with contractors as a backup, of course, and you should also have specialists like plumbers, electricians and HVAC people ready to call now, most investors are small and they use off site management, but if you grow big enough someday, or maybe it's two day, the important point about employees is that you really need to stay on them, because every extra hour costs you. You don't want anyone out there who's thinking that speed isn't essential, because they're like, ah, you know, I get paid by the hour. Contractors, on the other hand, they quote you or your manager a job up front. So while an extra day hurts because it's one more day you can't lease the unit, it hurts less than it does if you have your own employees. One problem with contractors is they often can't start right away, and this tends to be more true if you're self managing. See if you use a professional manager. They might have their own in house people so you can leverage their employees without having to manage employees yourself, even if your manager brings in an off site contractor, like an electrician or a plumber. Well, that contractor probably gets a lot of business from your property manager, and they have some sense of loyalty to your property manager, therefore, they're incentivized to show up on time faster than if you're trying to self manage, say, your small portfolio of five properties, and you or your tenant are the ones that call the electrician or the plumber. Well, those contractors are going to be less likely to prioritize you and your infrequent requests, and this is just another reason that I like to employ professional management and not self manage. Now, virtually no new real estate investor is going to hire their own employees, and most are never going to at all. All right, but how do you know? How would you know when it's time to hire your own property manager or your own contractor, and have them on your own payroll and you are their boss, if you've got under 20 to 30 units, all right, typically third party property management or self management with contractors, that's going to make more sense, because having a full time, dedicated employee, it's just not financially justifiable. Below 20 or 30 units, you're not going to be able to keep that employee busy. And I'm generally talking about if you have one apartment building here, or a bunch of single family rentals, only if they're in small, close proximity to each other. What about if you grow up to 30 to 60 units? All right now you're in a gray area. If the property is something that's pretty management intensive, like high turnover, or you own an older building, or you generate a lot of work orders, or you're in a challenging area. Well, at 30 to 60 units, you might justify a part time on site person. So how that could practically work in this 30 to 60 unit gray area, what you can do is have a resident manager that gets free rent, plus perhaps a small stipend from you. Okay, so that's a strategy that you can play in this gray area zone. That way they can be responsive to tenant requests, and you can keep your vacancy and turnover costs down. All right, how about when you're going even bigger and you reach 60 to 100 units. Now you're in the range where a full time on site manager or a maintenance person, starts to make financial and operational sense, because here it's 60 to 100 units. Your staffing model, it might be that you have one full time manager, they do the leasing, the tenant relations, in the admin stuff, and you'll also have a second person, a full time maintenance tech if they're needed, all right? And the final tier here, if you reach more than 100 units, oh, okay, now it is standard for you to have a full on site team. You could be in the hundreds of units. So we're talking about a property manager, a leasing agent, a maintenance lead, a groundskeeper and sometimes also a part time assistant manager. So that's it. That's the hierarchy of how, based on your portfolio size and where they're located, how you can serve tenants well and reduce your vacancy and turnover expense. Yes. All right now, what are some things that can shift those thresholds, those unit counts? Well, high rent or luxury buildings, they often need on site staff at a smaller unit count, very low rent or section eight properties, they may need more intensive oversight, buildings that have amenities, like some of these newer apartment buildings that have a pool and a gym, okay, that can trigger some more staffing needs. And if you own multiple properties that are nearby to each other, well, then you can share employees across those properties. And you've got to look at local labor costs in places like New York City, northeastern New Jersey, parts of New England, Miami or LA, those high cost places. Then breaking even on staffing. That probably takes a bigger property than those numbers that I talked about. But here, we tend to invest in those investor advantage areas, the inland northeast, the South, in the southeast, in the Midwest. Now, if you've got, say, even 50 smaller properties, but they're scattered all over the place, in multiple states, well then of course, you're not going to hire employees. A good general metric to leave you with here is that one on site employee for every 50 to 80 units that you own in the same area, that is common, that is a common industry practice in market rate multifamily apartments right now, these are pretty timeless strategies I've been talking about with you here.    As for what's happening in The market lately, I continue to slowly get more optimistic about the long beleaguered apartment market. A few weeks ago, I talked about how there's finally been greater apartment rent increases, although those rent increases are still historically low. What recently we learned that apartments are seeing a longer duration of tenancy and today, per real page, every single one of the 50 largest apartment markets has posted month over month occupancy gains, and then that's somewhat commensurate with what we're seeing on the one to four unit side, because the home ownership rate has fallen. It just fell from 65.7% down to 65.1 quarter over quarter. Now that doesn't sound like much, but that's actually a substantial drop in the home ownership rate in just one quarter. And fewer homeowners means more renters. So this basically means that the percent of Americans, renting has gone up because you just take the flip side of those numbers. So the rentership rate has essentially risen from 34.3 up to 34.9 in just one quarter. Something that completely makes sense, because we all know that home ownership affordability, especially for that first time, home buyer is lower, more renters. Is good for rental property owners. It's bringing more rental demand, more occupancy and more future pressure on rising rents. Now I want to follow up with you on a story from last year that made a lot of waves in the larger real estate world, but not so much for real estate investors. You surely remember this. That is the NAR settlement that a lot of people thought would result in lower real estate agent fees. Lowered commissions were coming. That's what everybody thought last year. Stories about that were all over the place that realtor fees are about to shrink. What's happened since then? Well, not much realtor fees, they still haven't fallen in any significant way, although the settlement was more than a year ago and this went into effect nine months ago. So to back up for a moment, in case you missed it, what happened is that a group of sellers accused the NAR, the National Association of Realtors, of inflating home costs by letting buyer side and seller side agents communicate about commission rates on the MLS home database, which only agents can see. And a jury agreed, so the NAR settled the lawsuit for over $400 million in damages, and it barred agents from sharing commission rates on those MLS databases. So that was a huge change that was expected to extinguish the globally high five to 6% realtor fee in the United States, because global averages are between one and 3% so as a result, the US real estate industry, they were bracing themselves for up to a 30% drop in the commissions that Americans pay annually in fees. But the new rules. Things have been nothing other than a big nothing burger. It only took a matter of weeks, really, for most agents to realize, you know, what did the agents do? They just simply moved their conversations off the NAR website and over to phone, text and email. That's it. Yes, that's all they did. So since that time, the average commission for buyers agents has barely budged. It ticked down less than 110 of 1% so for example, it ticked down less than 500 bucks on a 500k home that's per Redfin. So agents still expect sellers to pay five to 6% now I'm not against agents. Not only can an agent guide you through the process, what they can do is get you a higher sale price than they could have otherwise, because they really know how to market and advertise your property and reach a greater pool of buyers, but their commission rates have hardly budged. And of course, here at GRE marketplace, we typically use a direct model where agent compensation isn't priced into your properties anyway.    To review what you've learned so far today, being proactive can help reduce your tenant vacancy and turnover expense and increase your income. Prompt, quality maintenance, that is a retention strategy in itself, as can having one on site employee for every 50 to 80 apartment units. And one year later, changes at the NIR really haven't reduced aging commissions appreciably. I'm coming to you from London, England today, taking in all the top sites, Buckingham Palace and watching the changing of the guard over there, Big Ben a Thames river cruise and the London Bridge, which is actually called Tower Bridge. The real estate transaction that I'm currently involved in here is paying $550 a night to stay here at a nice hotel in the center of the city. It's right near the Thames, kind of a steep rate, and I sure didn't have to stay right in the city center, where everything is more pricey. But that's the experience that I want to have. Next week, I'll bring you the show from Edinburgh, Scotland, where I'll be paying even more for a well located hotel right on the Royal Mile, and I'll tell you how much more then I am here to boost their economies, I suppose more next, including a really timely update. I'm Keith Weinhold. You're listening to Episode 555, of get rich education.    The same place where I get my own mortgage loans is where you can get yours Ridge lending group NMLS, 42056, they provided our listeners with more loans than anyone because they specialize in income properties. They help you build a long term plan for growing your real estate empire with leverage. Start your pre qual and even chat with President Chaley Ridge personally while it's on your mind, start at Ridge lendinggroup.com. That's Ridge lendinggroup.com.    You know what's crazy? Your bank is getting rich off of you. The average savings account pays less than 1% it's like laughable. Meanwhile, if your money isn't making at least 4% you're losing to inflation. That's why I started putting my own money into the FFI liquidity fund. It's super simple. Your cash can pull in up to 8% returns and it compounds. It's not some high risk gamble like digital or AI stock trading. It's pretty low risk because they've got a 10 plus year track record of paying investors on time in full every time. I mean, I wouldn't be talking about it if I wasn't invested myself. You can invest as little as 25k and you keep earning until you decide you want your money back. No weird lockups or anything like that. So if you're like me and tired of your liquid funds just sitting there doing nothing. Check it out. Text family to 66866, to learn about freedom. Family investments, liquidity fund again. Text family to 66866.   Tom Wheelwright  24:21   this is Rich Dad advisor, Tom wheelwright. Listen to get rich education with Keith Weinhold, and don't quit your Daydream.   Keith Weinhold  24:37   Welcome back to Episode 555, of get rich Education. I'm your host, Keith Weinhold, with an episode number like 555, you would expect me to go deep with you on real estate pays five ways, but we did that five weeks ago on episode 550 with your audio masterclass right here on the show today, we're talking about something with less upside. Than say that or the inflation triple crown, and instead on reducing your downside, vacancy and turnover expense, next week here on the show, I expect to sit down with a guest that's a highly regarded financier and author of a fairly hot new finance book, Christopher Whelan, and next week's show could get really interesting, because I've heard Chris say something about how real estate prices could fall back to 2020 levels. In my opinion, that is so many levels of unlikely that happening is about as likely as your grocery bills falling back to 2020 levels. So we'll see it could turn into a debate next week with Christopher Whelan and I. He is a sharp, well informed guy that also used to work at the New York Fed. That's next week down the road, longtime and former co host of the real estate guys radio show, Russell gray will join us again here, and we'll see what he's been up to in his post real estate guys, radio life that's coming up in a few weeks. Lots of great future content here, monologs, yes, those slack jawed monologs For me, repeat guests and new guests joining in as well. Back to this week now, there's an intriguing and potentially lucrative investment that we've discussed on the show here before, and I do have a timely and crucial update about it. A little while back, I sat down with the teak operations principle when we were in New Orleans together. These are yes, those Panama teak tree plantations that so many of you have already invested in. Yes. So as it is here. I am an American in London today talking about teak trees in Panama and I interviewed our upcoming guest here when we were in New Orleans together, the teak investment has a long time horizon, because trees have to grow. There's also a low cost of entry and no loans available. This is a real estate investment. You can own the land with the title to it and the trees that grow on top of them. Historically, teak returns have been five and a half percent, which doesn't sound like much, but see it grows in board foot volume at the same time that the unit price grows. And if inflation runs high over the next 25 years, your return might be higher. But the reason that we're discussing this now is because the principal, Mike Cobb here meeting with me, he is going to mention a price, and this is key two weeks from today, on June 9, the price for the teak parcels increases substantially. I'll tell you about that shortly. So for GRE followers, you can get locked into the lower price for just two more weeks. Here's my chat from a little while back with the teak tree investment principle, and then I'll return to bring you more.    Hey, did you know that you can own a quarter acre parcel of a producing teak plantation, you own the title to the land, and you get the growth in the trees. On top of that, this is something that you can do as an investor. And teak trees are a valuable hardwood that you own, typically in Central America. So there's a very low cost of entry to this investment, and that's what attracts a lot of people to it. And I am with Mike Cobb, the CEO. He's also the author of the new book how to buy your home overseas and get it right the first time. But Mike, a lot of people are interested in the teak investment because it is so approachable. Tell us about it. Give us a general overview.   Mike Cobb  28:42   absolutely, you know, thanks for having me on. It's always nice to be with you. We're, we're having some fun here in New Orleans, which is terrific, you know, yeah, the teak plantation is something that I envisioned back in 1998 so what's that like 26 years ago? Right? And in 1999 we planted our very first 100 Acre teak plantation. Because what we thought about at the time, which has now proven true 25 years later, is that, you know, I was either going to need the money in 25 years and be really glad I did this, or I wasn't going to need the money in 25 years and I was going to be really glad I did this. You know what? I don't really need the money now, but I'm really glad I did this. And 25 years comes. And I think that's been really the challenge for a lot of people looking at teak. They're just like, ah, 25 years. It's too long, but 25 years comes. 25 years will come, and you can either have planted the trees and be ready to take this huge windfall of return, or you won't be getting a windfall return. So I think that's the challenge, the mental challenge, I think maybe an average investor has, but I know you work with superior investors because they're paying attention to what you're writing, they're watching your podcast, they're reading your newsletter. You have far superior investors than I would say, the average investor. So I think this is a great thing for folks to check out.   Keith Weinhold  30:00   All right, so you're talking about the investment timeline, from the time a tea tree seed is planted until the harvest time that can feel like quite a while. You have been doing this over 25 years, and that is key when you as an investor go offshore or go overseas to have trust in a stable company that's been around for a long time. That's why, really, you're one of the few people that I work with who are outside of the United States real estate like the teak trees.   Mike Cobb  30:25   Thank you. Yeah, we've been around for 31 years. I've been working in the region. 31 our development company is 28 years old. Our plantation is now 26 years old. 25 with the trees, but we bought the land 26 years ago. But the bottom line, you're right and and the other thing that we should care about. And you brought this up earlier, when we're kind of chatting, is country, what country are you planting trees in that you got to wait 25 years for them to mature and harvest? By the way, the Panama. By the way, Panama, and of all the countries in the region where I feel the most comfortable as an investor, Panama's yet, because Panama's got the canal. And I know people say, oh, yeah, that's right. It's a vital strategic US interest. It's a vital world interest. The Chinese care about it as much as we do. The Europeans care about it. Anybody who wants commerce to happen cares about that canal being open. And so you've got this country, Panama, that has the canal stable, economically stable, politically stable. And when starting to talk about 2550 7500, year time frames, because you own the land, you get the harvest in 25 years, you replant, and then your children get the next harvest, and your grandchildren get the next harvest. It is truly generational wealth. Stewardship   Keith Weinhold  31:41   Panama is a little bit like investing overseas with training wheels on their well developed, first Central American nation. They even use the United States dollars. They do is that familiar? Absolutely well. But as the investors thinking about investing in teak plantations, just tell us about the properties of teak wood, of all wood types. Why teak? Tell us about the value there.    Mike Cobb  32:00   Yeah, teak has been grown in plantations, starting with the British back about 400 years ago. And so you've got centuries of plantation growing of teak as a crop, right? And so you've got this incredible longevity of information and things like that. And I know some of the stats off the top of my head, since 1972 the average price of teak lumber has has risen about five and a half percent a year over a 52 year period. Talk about track record, centuries of growing as a crop, right? 52 years as a lumber commodity. Look, people been using it to make ships. Its hardness is its most valuable characteristic is an extremely hard wood. It's resistant to rot fungus, so it's used in outdoor furniture, for example, right? Some of the stuff on the Titanic they pulled up from the bottom of the ocean, you know, chairs made a teak, right? Teak. But ship builders fine furniture, outdoor furniture and and they're cutting teak down. This is so important, they are cutting teak down eight to 10 times faster than anybody in the world is replanting it. So just imagine what that does to supply and demand and prices based on just basic economics, right?   Keith Weinhold  33:13   Yeah, that is some scarcity. That is a really good point. Tell us about what you're surely interested in. What do the investor returns look like.   Mike Cobb  33:21   Yeah. So you know, to own one of these quarter acre parcels, by the way, you said it before you own the land, you get title to the land you own the trees. $6,880 that's your that's your entry. Gosh. So for less than $7,000 you own a quarter acre of teeth trees that in 25 years projected returns. We all projections right about $94,000 a little over $94,000 so 7000 turns into $90,000 over 25 years, harvest, plant the trees again, and in 25 years, your kids or your grandkids will get the next harvest, and so on and so on. It is a powerful generational wealth stewardship. In fact, right now we have what we call give the gift of teak because look, you know, you got kids, you got grandkids. What are you gonna get them? Right? I mean, they got everything they want, presumably, right? You buy them a teak parcel, right? Buy that kid, buy that grandkid, a teak parcel. What a cool idea. Oh my gosh, in 25 years, you might be gone, right, but they're gonna get this big windfall, and they're gonna thank grandma or grandpa, right for for thinking of them 25 years into the future?   Keith Weinhold  34:27   Yeah? Oh, I love that. And you're so proud about what you do. You regularly offer investor tour so that they come and see the teak. But maybe you know, for you, the investor, you're wondering, okay, if you're used to investing in us real estate, you might be making two leaps here. You'd be going from residential real estate to agricultural, and you'd also be investing in a nation outside your home country. And when it comes to those sort of questions, I think any savvy investor asks, okay, what are the risks involved with this investment? Can you tell us about that?   Mike Cobb  34:59   Yeah, sure. Look, you've got political risk, country risk, political risk, which, I think again, of all the countries in the region, Panama, dollar, economy, canal, safe, stable. So the political risk is minimal. It's there. It's real. You know, fire risk is an issue, right? Trees burn. The good thing about teak is that after about year three, they're up. And you keep them trimmed, trim all the low branches off. So fire risk really drops incredibly low after about year three or four. But ultimately, it's about professional management. We have a company called Heyo Forrestal that we hired 25 years ago, 26 years ago, actually, to help us find the land, do the analysis of the land, make sure it was good for teak. And when you hire professionals, you get professional results. I mean, we stayed with this company for 26 years now, and the guy that we met early on, a little forestry engineer, is now General Manager and partner in the business. So we've watched that business grow up alongside ours at the same time. Those relationships, you know, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers have a song you can't make old friends. So here we are with Jacobo and some of the Luis that we've worked with for, you know, 26 years, and the relationships matter, especially in that part of the world, but professionalism and professional management is the key, and you have that alongside the relationships. Both are important.   Keith Weinhold  36:20   yes. So we're talking about how the property manager is such an important part of your team, and you think about your single family homes or your apartment buildings. And Mike here is talking about the importance of professional management, because teak trees need a little management and pruning, and sometimes there are thinnings which can give you some income so that you don't have to wait 25 years. Correct another way in which you might not have to wait 25 years for the full harvest cycle is at times you can buy trees that are, say, already seven years old, so you can only be waiting 18 years, or that are teens, so you might only be waiting 10 years, or some things about that, those are some of the options. But Mike, before I ask you if you have any last word, if you want to learn more about this, get some information, learn more about it, and learn how to connect with Mike's team. He is one of our GRE marketplace providers, and he's the owner of that company. You can do that at gre marketplace.com/teak, any last thing someone should know about teak before they consider investing? Mike?    Mike Cobb  37:16   Yeah, well, two things you mentioned the tour. So we do run discovery tours. We have one coming up in January, end of January, two days, we go out to the plantation, the teenage teat plantation, by the way, oak, which is eight or nine more years to harvest. Then we're going to the sawmill, because all of our logs go through a sawmill to convert to lumber, which enhances the return to the investor.    Keith Weinhold  37:36   Do the teens sleep until noon? Or can we visit them   Mike Cobb  37:38   and then they're on their phones all day If we're gonna go visit them. We'll wake them up and, like, get on their phones. But here's, here's the last parting word. I think it's scary for a lot of people. It is scary. You're going overseas, you're outside of, you know, residential you're going into a new industry. You're going to a new country. The reason this works for so many people, over 1000 now, have done this, is it's such a small bite, $7,000 and if that's maybe one or 2% of your portfolio, what I hate to say, put it on the table and roll the dice, but you'll be happy you did. I'm happy I did. It's a small bite, but that international diversification is so important. And then you put it in something that's absolutely not correlated to the market. It's not correlated to us real estate. I mean, in 2008 to 2012 when real estate was dying in the US, our trees just kept growing. So non correlated, non US, right? And non residential. I think that's the reason you want to take a little tiny piece of your portfolio and put it overseas in something like teak.    Keith Weinhold  38:42   We know over the long term that it has grown in value 5.5% a year, but at the same time, it grows in volume, in the amount of board fees you're getting a crease, an increase in both unit value and volume. It's really growing a couple ways. At the same time, you've had over 1000 different individual investors invest in the teak now, several dozen, maybe even more than 100 of those have been you the get rich education follower. So again, thanks for joining me, Mike. If you want to learn more, start at gre marketplace.com/teak. I'm Keith Weinhold. I'll see you next time.    Yeah, good information from Mike there again for GRE followers, that 6880 price deadline is Monday, June 9, and then it goes to 8680, that is a 26% price increase, and this is because land and planting costs have skyrocketed. And you know, I have long wondered about when they were going to change that same lower price that they've had for a lot of years. The provider recently added a sawmill to convert logs to lumber, and that enhances investment returns. So when you inquire for more info, you can ask about that, and that could very well put them above the 94k per part. Possible projected payout. Teak, hardwood, it just has some amazing physical properties. It's not your run of the mill. Backyard. Maple, it is a real asset. Think of it as a forest that fights back against Fiat and the provider reputation and continuity are almost impeccable. They've even had the same forestry manager, yeah, sort of like a property manager for trees, because trees take things like prunings and thinnings, the same manager for all 26 years of the teak operation. In the future, I might join one of their teak investor tours in Panama, and if I do, I'll be sure to let you know so that we can meet up that might even be a GRE exclusive tour. What you really need to know now is that, again, the lower price is good until Monday, June 9, to get started or simply learn more, visit gre marketplace.com/teak, that's t, e, a, k, until next week, I'm your host. Keith Weinhold, don't quit your Daydream.   Unknown Speaker  41:10   Nothing on this show should be considered specific, personal or professional advice. Please consult an appropriate tax, legal, real estate, financial or business professional for individualized advice. Opinions of guests are their own. Information is not guaranteed. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. The host is operating on behalf of get rich Education LLC exclusively.   Keith Weinhold  41:34   You know, whenever you want the best written real estate and finance info, oh, geez, today's experience limits your free articles access and it's got pay walls and pop ups and push notifications and cookies disclaimers. It's not so great. So then it's vital to place nice, clean, free content into your hands that adds no hype value to your life. That's why this is the golden age of quality newsletters. And I write every word of ours myself. It's got a dash of humor, and it's to the point because even the word abbreviation is too long, my letter usually takes less than three minutes to read, and when you start the letter. You also get my one hour fast real estate video. Of course, it's all completely free. It's called the Don't quit your Daydream letter. It wires your mind for wealth, and it couldn't be easier for you to get it right now. Just text gre 266, 866, while it's on your mind, take a moment to do it right now. Text, GRE to 66866.   The preceding program was brought to you by your home for wealth, building, getricheducation.com  

Send us a textToday is the epic conclusion of our Fifty Shades of Grey miniseries fondly titled "Fifty Shades of May" series, and boyyy are we excited. Come on this first time journey with us as we do the ultimate book and movie ranking / showdown of the entire trilogy! We give our overall star and spice ratings of the Fifty Shades of Grey book trilogy by E. L. James, the movie trilogy, and even include our thoughts on the Fifty Shades parody book: Fifty Shames of Earl Grey. What did we love? (Veiny arms and grey sweatpants.

Did you know you can find lots of fraud prevention resources from the Better Business Bureau?  In this episode, Troy Baker from the Michigan Better Business Bureau talks about fraud, using the BBB for validations and what we both think is the best thing to do that will keep your company protected from fraud.   Keep listening. Check out my website www.debrarrichardson.com if you need help implementing authentication techniques, internal controls, and best practices to prevent fraudulent payments, regulatory fines or bad vendor data. Check out the Vendor Process Training Center for 116+ hours of weekly live and on-demand training for the Vendor team. Links mentioned in the podcast + other helpful resources:   Better Business Bureau Links:  Main Webpage:  https://www.bbb.org Scam Tracker:  https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker Scam News/Tips:  https://www.bbb.org/all/scamtips Sign-Up for Scam Alerts: https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1900156/1902645/ Michigan Better Business Bureau:  https://www.bbb.org/miprograms Validate Charities:  https://www.give.org Customized Vendor Validations Session: https://debrarrichardson.com/vendor-validation-sessionVendor Process Training Center - https://training.debrarrichardson.comCustomized Fraud Training:  https://training.debrarrichardson.com/customized-fraud-training Free Live and On-Demand Webinars: https://training.debrarrichardson.com/webinarsVendor Master File Clean-Up:  https://www.debrarrichardson.com/cleanupYouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqeoffeQu3pSXMV8fUIGNiw More Podcasts/Blogs/Webinars www.debrarrichardson.comMore ideas?  Email me at debra@debrarrichardson.com Music Credit:  www.purple-planet.com

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins WGN’s Bob Sirott to discuss scams that are being targeted toward veterans around Memorial Day. Steve shares some tips for college graduates on what to look out for as they enter the workforce. Steve also talks about fake going out of business sales that scammers are […]

Chris Holman welcomes Troy Baker, VP of Strategic Partnerships and Market Expansion, Better Business Bureau® of Michigan, Southfield, MI. Talk briefly about the merging of the BBBs of Eastern and Western Michigan? What inspired the creation of the BBB Trades Scholarship, and how does it align with BBB's broader mission? Can you walk us through the eligibility criteria and application process for this year's scholarship? How does the scholarship benefit both young workers and the BBB Accredited Businesses that employ them? What impact have you seen from last year's scholarship awards, and can you share any success stories? Why is investing in skilled trades so critical to Michigan's economy and workforce development right now? Troy Baker, is the person who created this scholarship he stepped up for this interview since it's something he has worked on from inception. Invest in Your Future — BBB® Trades Scholarship Now Accepting Applications MICHIGAN (May 2025) - The Better Business Bureau® of Michigan's Educational Foundation is now accepting applications for the first round of the 2025 BBB Trades Scholarship. BBB wants to support young adults who choose to start a career in the trades. The scholarship seeks to help ease some of the costs associated with trades jobs, such as tools, protective clothing, etc. The scholarship also supports BBB Accredited Businesses, giving them another tool to help recruit, train and retain their workers of the future. In 2024, BBB was able to award 9 young adults with $7,800 worth of tools and gear. 2025 BBB Trades Scholarship Winners The scholarship is available to people 20 years old or younger. They must be working at, or have accepted employment with, a BBB Accredited Business in the trades for 12 months or less (hired after April 2024). Employees must be working for a business located within the Better Business Bureau of Michigan's 80 County Service Area. Eligible Trades: Construction Trades (including plumbing, electrical, roofing, concrete etc.) Welding Landscaping Painting Heating and Cooling Auto Repair Machinery/Tool & Die Pest Control Tree Removal *Other trades will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval. Applications will be accepted from May 1 - June 9, 2025. More details on eligibility and how to apply are available at bbb.org/miawards. Hear from past winners on how this scholarship has helped them get ahead in their industries here. 2025 BBB Trades Scholarship Sponsors » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

When choosing a mortgage lender, it's important to carefully compare several key factors to ensure you get the best deal and the right fit for your financial situation. Here's who you might consider and how to evaluate them:1. Types of Lenders to ConsiderBanks: Traditional option; may offer relationship discounts if you have accounts there.Credit Unions: Often have lower rates and fees; membership may be required.Mortgage Brokers: Shop multiple lenders on your behalf but may charge a broker fee.Online Lenders: Often streamlined and convenient; compare their rates carefully.Non-bank lenders: Can be more flexible for unique financial situations.2. What to Look ForInterest Rates: Fixed or variable—get quotes from multiple sources to compare.Fees: Application, origination, underwriting, appraisal, and closing costs.Loan Types Offered: Conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, etc., based on your eligibility.Customer Service: Look for responsive, transparent, and helpful communication.Reputation: Read reviews and check ratings from the Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot.Preapproval Process: A good lender should make this easy and informative.3. Best PracticeGet at least 3 quotes from different lenders.Ask for a Loan Estimate from each so you can compare total costs side-by-side.Consider long-term value, not just the lowest monthly payment—compare APRs.tune in and learn https://www.ddamortgage.com/blogdidier malagies nmls#212566dda mortgage nmls#324329 Support the show

Bryan Barrett talks with James Price of the Better Business Bureau about the importance of supporting local small businesses and researching any business before you buy from t

Vincent Reinhart, chief economist and macro strategist at BNY Investments, says that Monday's temporary halt to the tariff battle between the United States and China significantly reduces the potential for a recession, but it doesn't create the clarity that investors and business leaders are seeking. He believes the U.S. will continue to deliver solid results long-term, but warns that the road to those long-term gains is likely to be bumpy, and even notes that "for now, cash looks pretty attractive." Larry Tentarelli, editor at Blue Chip Daily Trend Report, says that the market's gains Monday continue a trend that has been building since the market bottomed after "Liberation Day." He says the recent moves have crossed trend lines and moved the Nasdaq out of bear-market territory and the recent gains have more room to run. Plus, Paula Fleming, chief spokesman for the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont, talks about avoiding summer scams around roofing, home construction and more.

   The annual BBB Torch Awards for Business Ethics is accepting nominations now through June 30th.  You can nominate your own business or 501 (c) (3) charity by using the online form. After nominees are vetted a "prize patrol" will visit each of the winners in September with their award. Here's a link for the nomination form BBB TORCH AWARDS 

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to bring awareness to Mother’s Day and small business scams. He also shares details about the BBB’s Scam Survival Toolkit and why phishing emails could be difficult to spot.

We kicked off the program with four news stories we thought you'd like to know more about!Emily Sweeney, Cold Case Reporter for the Boston Globe, discussed the unsolved 1973 killings of Maureen Moynihan and her young daughter, Jennifer.Paula Fleming, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer and Chief Spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island & Vermont, checked in about the upcoming Real ID deadline and potential scams.What is the possible link between heart disease and household plastics? Dr. Leonardo Trasande, Professor of Pediatrics and Professor, Department of Population Health, at New York University Grossman School of Medicine explained.Nicole Narea, Senior Politics Writer at Vox, discussed President Trump's tariff shock fading on Wall Street.Listen to WBZ NewsRadio on the NEW iHeart Radio app and be sure to set WBZ NewsRadio as your #1 preset!

Visionary of The Year hopeful Nick Schultz is joined by Mike DiGiacomo of the Better Business Bureau at Kooper's North in Mays Chapel on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour to give Nestor the business and fun of fundraising for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's biggest soiree of the year and the events leading up to the big night in June. The post Visionary hopeful Nick Schultz and Mike DiGiacomo of BBB give Nestor the business of LLS fundraising and big events in May first appeared on Baltimore Positive WNST.

Bryan Barrett is joined by the Better Business Bureau's James Price. He gives tips about how to spot a fake review.

New BlazeTV show starting soon! Canada has voted liberal … again. Power outage hits Europe … what caused it? "Escalation" is the new "Gravitas." White House details who officials have been arresting for being in the country illegally. PETA is mad at baseball. "60 Minutes" is big mad at the show's owners. Introducing "The Cartwheel Galaxy." A Michigan congressman wants to impeach Donald Trump. His presentation is memorable. A former NFL coach delivers one of the most awkward interviews of all time. $25 for what?? One senator's strange message to Russia's president. Strategic oil reserve getting refilled. Vice President Vance's warning for Russia and Ukraine. Tariff policy changes. Why Keith hates the Better Business Bureau. 00:00 Pat Gray UNLEASHED 00:42 Welcome to the Family Nicole Shanahan 03:30 Canada Website Down 15:48 Word of the Day - "Escalation" 23:49 White House Displays Mugshots 25:37 White House Reports a Mass Deportation Mission 28:01 Tom Homan on Border Security 30:19 Fat Five 42:24 Cartwheel Galaxy 49:43 Giants Win 55:35 Shri Thanedar Files for Impeachment Against President Trump 1:05:46 Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame 1:08:01 Awkward Moment in Bill Belichick & Jordon Hudson CBS Interview 1:14:15 Eagles Visits the White House 1:17:48 Kamala Harris Charging $25 to Watch her Speech 1:22:07 John Kennedy on Russia/Ukraine War 1:25:51 JD Vance Gives Update on Russia/Ukraine War 1:33:59 Keith's Wedding DJ Incident Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Next month, everyone 18 and older will need a Real ID to board a domestic flight and access federal facilities. But if you are in a rush to get it done, don't get duped in the meantime. We spoke with Kristen Johnson of the Better Business Bureau serving Connecticut about what to know with getting Real ID and how to avoid scammers. Image Credit: Getty Images

An A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau reflects the highest levels of trust and customer satisfaction, which is just another reason why London : Los Angeles is the world's leading brand management agency. Go to https://www.thelolaagency.com/post/lo-la-receives-bbb-a-rating for more information. London : Los Angeles (LO:LA) City: El Segundo Address: 840 Apollo Street Website: https://www.thelolaagency.com

The Better Business Bureau advises Apple to curb its deceptive Apple Intelligence marketing. What is "slopsquatting"? It doesn't sound very appealing, but it is to cyber criminals. And we've got another reason why phishing scammers love Google services. Show Notes: Urgent: macOS Sequoia 15.4.1, iOS 18.4.1 address 2 zero-day vulnerabilities Josh: Here's why you should stay on the very latest Apple OS Technical analysis of CVE-2025-31201 Apple drops ‘available now' from Apple Intelligence page AI-hallucinated code dependencies become new supply chain risk Cookie-Bite attack PoC uses Chrome extension to steal session tokens OpenAI tells judge it would buy Chrome from Google Phishers abuse Google OAuth to spoof Google in DKIM replay attack Whisky development ends on macOS to help Wine flourish Is 2025 the year of Mac gaming? Top 5 reasons to be a Mac gamer Instagram Launches 'Edits' App to Replace CapCut Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the ultimate protection and utility suite for your Mac. Download a free trial now at intego.com, and use this link for a special discount when you're ready to buy.

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to talk about the increase in lawn, garden, and driveway scams, as well as what restaurant scalping is. He also shares details about Real ID scams and fake texts claiming to be from UPS.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre releases his party's costed platform.Cardinals from around the world arrive at the Vatican ahead of Pope Francis's funeral. Church masses take place around the globe to remember Pope Francis. Indigenous leaders hope next Pope continues reconciliation work. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to release his party's costed platform today. Liberal leader Mark Carney and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh both try to position themselves as the best leader to stand up to US president Donald Trump.Workers who were laid off by a former Better Business Bureau are now suing for severance.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre releases his party's costed platform. Cardinals from around the world arrive at the Vatican ahead of Pope Francis's funeral.  Church masses take place around the globe to remember Pope Francis.  Indigenous leaders hope next Pope continues reconciliation work.  Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to release his party's costed platform today. Liberal leader Mark Carney and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh both try to position themselves as the best leader to stand up to US president Donald Trump. Workers who were laid off by a former Better Business Bureau are now suing for severance.

   In this episode Kate Lybarger, the director and head of Payments Innovation at Discover Global Network, discusses why the financial services industry has not hacked financial wellness yet.  We cover what financial wellness means, the role of AI, and why it might make sense to separate advice from products.  This podcast was recorded on March 24th, 2025. Things may have changed by the time you hear it.   To keep up with the rapidly changing payments environment, register for the Innovative Payments Conference in Washington DC from April 29 through May 1.   You will learn about:  the future of banking as a service,  the unwinding of the Synapse bankruptcy with former FDIC chair Yelena McWilliams,  the future of regulation with the acting comptroller of the currency, Rodney Hood, and   a presentation on scams from the Better Business Bureau.  Listeners can get $25 off the price of registration when they use the code Podcast. Learn more and register at: Innovative Payments Conference.   

Tyler Kelley is the Co-founder and Chief Strategist of SLAM! Agency, a digital marketing firm dedicated to helping purpose-driven businesses create a lasting impact. He has led campaigns for national brands, spoken alongside industry leaders like Google and Facebook, and co-hosts Innovation City, a podcast recognized by Bloomberg for spotlighting urban innovators. An advocate for conscious business, Tyler actively mentors entrepreneurs, serves on local boards and contributes to the St. Louis business community through organizations like the Better Business Bureau and Entrepreneur's Organization. In this episode… Digital marketing is constantly shifting, making it challenging for businesses to make a meaningful impact. Economic downturns, shifting consumer behaviors, and the need to stand out in a crowded digital space create additional hurdles. How can businesses adapt and implement effective strategies that drive growth while staying true to their mission? Tyler Kelley, a digital marketing strategist and entrepreneur, shares his insights on overcoming these challenges by focusing on strategic digital marketing approaches. Tyler emphasizes the importance of adaptability, leveraging data to make informed marketing decisions, and understanding the evolving needs of consumers. He also discusses the struggle of stepping away from hands-on production while maintaining high-quality work and explains how purpose-driven businesses can thrive by staying agile and prioritizing long-term growth strategies. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Tyler Kelley, Co-founder and Chief Strategist at SLAM! Agency, about leveraging digital marketing for purpose-driven brands. Tyler shares insights on overcoming economic downturns, ensuring quality while stepping back from production, and making data-driven marketing decisions. He also discusses the importance of mentorship, the future of digital marketing, and key mistakes businesses should avoid.

In the second hour, Lisa Schiller from The Better Business Bureau joins us to talk about the latest scams out there, including phony debt collection and how you can avoid them and warn others. And for today's Audio Sorbet, we pay tribute to Wink Martindale, who passed away at the age of 91 and we talk about our favorite game shows and how they haven't really gone anywhere, you just have to look around for them. We're closing out the show with another installment of This Shouldn't Be A Thing - Governor Gunslinger Edition As always, thank you for listening, texting and calling, we couldn't do this without you! Don't forget to download the free Civic Media app and take us wherever you are in the world! Matenaer On Air is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 10 am - noon across the state. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! You can also rate us on your podcast distribution center of choice, they go a long way! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and YouTube to keep up with Jane and the show! Guest: Lisa Schiller

Bryan Barrett talks with James Price of the Better Business Bureau about a new study showing how AI tools and the dark web are fueling identity theft.

Scams are becoming more common and more expensive.Last year, more than 2.5 million Americans reported that they had been scammed. And that number has been increasing, along with the losses.   The amount of money lost to scammers in 2024 topped more than 12 billion dollars. That's up from about $2 billion in 2019, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Scammers have also gotten more sophisticated, increasingly impersonating government agencies and businesses to manipulate people out of their money. MPR News host Angela Davis revisits a conversation about the latest examples and trends in scams, how anyone could fall for them and how to protect yourself. Guests: Jacqueline Olson is the assistant commissioner of enforcement at the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Susan Adams Loyd is the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Serving Minnesota and North Dakota. Donna DiMenna was the target of a scam in 2023. She lives in the Twin Cities where she works as an organizational psychologist with expertise in executive development.   If you think you've been targeted by a scam, report it to your local law enforcement.Here are other resources for filing complaints and getting trusted advice on protecting yourself from scams: The Better Business Bureau is a nonprofit consumer organization that maintains a Scam Tracker database, which allows the public to report and look up scams in their geographic area. You can also call to report a suspected scam to the Better Business Bureau at 651-699-1111. The Minnesota Department of Commerce provides many consumer fraud resources and its service center addresses complaints about businesses regulated by the department, including banks, insurance and debt collectors. To file a complaint, call 651-539-1600. To report or get additional help with scams involving seniors, call the Commerce Senior Fraud Line at 952-237-7571.

In this episode of Smart Living, I sat down with longtime friend and former ABC15 investigative reporter Joe Ducey, who now works with the Better Business Bureau as the Associate VP of Investigative Outreach. He's the go-to guy for protecting yourself from scams—and trust me, the scams are getting sneakier.

Scammers are apparently impersonating road toll collection services in text message scam. According to the Better Business Bureau serving Connecticut, these fraudsters may even use AI technology to create more convincing fake websites and messages. Kristen Johnson of the BBB gave us tips to recognize the scam and avoid getting duped. For more information: Find and Report a Scam | Better Business Bureau Image Credit: Getty Images

Liz Finklea on the International Street Festival in Morgantown this weekendState Treasurer Larry Pack on Senate Bill 439 and WVABLE Laura Blankenship from the Better Business Bureau of Greater West Virginia on their Indentity Theft Prevention event in Morgantown 

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to talk about how to protect yourself from online banking risks and fake flyers going around in the Round Lake Beach area. He also shares details about a survey scam in the Deerfield school district and talking to kids about text scams.

The Better Business Bureau has long promised value for both businesses and consumers: for companies, a reputation boost and access to member benefits, and for the public, trustworthy information and a host of consumer-protection resources. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Megan MacBride, director of Marketing & Communications with the Better Business Bureau of Central New England, talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about all this and more, from how the BBB elevates area businesses through an exciting awards program to some of the most common scams currently tripping customers up, and how to avoid them. It's must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

We're diving into the nitty-gritty of the top bad contractor scams of 2025! Buckle up, because we're about to unveil the sneaky tactics that some less-than-reputable contractors use to pull a fast one on unsuspecting homeowners. From underbidding to massive deposits and change orders that seem to pop up out of nowhere, we're here to help you navigate through the minefield of home renovations. I mean, who wants to get stuck with a contractor who leaves you hanging after taking your cash, right? So grab your toolbox (or maybe just a snack), and let's get ready to arm ourselves with knowledge to ensure your next project goes off without a hitch!Navigating the wild world of home renovations can be a bit like trying to dance on a tightrope while juggling flaming swords—exciting but fraught with potential disaster! Eric G dives headfirst into the murky waters of contractor scams in 2025, sharing the top ten ways homeowners can protect themselves from unscrupulous tradespeople. Starting with the essential reminder to always hire licensed, bonded, and insured contractors, he emphasizes the importance of doing your homework to steer clear of the 5% of bad apples that spoil the bunch. He also warns against the pitfalls of relying on social media recommendations—because let's be honest, the only thing worse than a bad contractor might just be one who's recommended by that one friend who can't even hang a picture straight.Moving along, Eric pulls back the curtain on duct cleaning scams that prey on unsuspecting homeowners. He paints a vivid picture of these deceptive ads that lure folks in with promises of a clean home, only to deliver a box of dust bunnies and a hefty bill. If you're not careful, you might find yourself with a bill that's more shocking than discovering that your favorite takeout place has closed down! The key takeaway? Always verify credentials and seek out certified professionals who can actually back up their claims.As the conversation unfolds, Eric discusses the dangers of excessive deposits and unexpected price hikes. He recounts a cautionary tale about a homeowner caught in a web of lies, where a seemingly innocent remodeling job morphed into a financial nightmare. Eric's advice? Lock down a detailed contract that specifies every aspect of the job to avoid being blindsided by those sneaky change orders that can inflate costs faster than a hot air balloon at a county fair. So grab your notepad, folks—this episode is packed with wisdom that could save you from a renovation horror story!Takeaways: Always verify contractor licenses in your area to avoid being scammed. Beware of contractors who ask you to purchase materials; they should handle it all! Understand the details in your contract to prevent unexpected costs during the project. High-pressure sales tactics from contractors are a major red flag; take your time to decide. Be cautious of low bids; they often lead to costly change orders down the line. Don't rely on the Better Business Bureau for contractor credibility; do your own research. Links referenced in this episode:aroundthehouseonline.commonumentgrills.comaroundthehousonline.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Monument Grills NADCA John's Waterproofing To get your questions answered by Eric G give us a call in the studio at 833-239-4144 24/7 and Eric G will get back to you and answer your question and you might end up in a future episode of Around the House. Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear...

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to talk about scams ahead of concert and the start of baseball season, as well as what to know about the 23andMe bankruptcy. He also shares details about retirement savings scams, impersonators from the Social Security Administration, and fake CAPTCHA tests.

Jeff ponders why his tax dollars need to go to people who want to just eat chips & cookies while Barry Moore explains the finer points of the Better Business Bureau.

Carey Marin is a wife, mom of four, entrepreneur and open adoption advocate.Carey is a graduate of the University of North Texas where she received her bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism. She has worked with orphanages in Bolivia and Romania, and with women and children in Ecuador, Kenya and Turkey. She received the President's Volunteer Service Award, and founded Hearts Wide Open, an open adoption support group. She has also served with Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in foster care.Carey and her husband, Paul have four adopted children. She joined the Gift of Adoption Fund- Colorado Chapter Board in June of 2023, shortly after she and her family relocated to Denver from Dallas. Gift of Adoption is a national charity that provides grants of up to $15,000 to complete the adoptions of vulnerable children. Priority is placed on helping children facing what is possibly their only chance at adoption, including those at-risk of separation from siblings, entering foster care, aging-out of an orphanage, or with special needs.Gift of Adoption is the largest provider of adoption assistance grants on a nondiscriminatory basis (without regard to age, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or marital status) and grants are paid directly to adoption agencies and attorneys working on the child's behalf. Since inception in 1996, Gift of Adoption has awarded more than $14 million to give over 4,724 children permanent families and the chance to thrive. To date in Colorado, GOA has awarded $507,000 in grants to complete the adoptions of 155 children.Gift of Adoption is recognized by Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance.As President & CEO of Purpose Media Group, Carey specializes in crafting strategic communications that drive measurable results. From public relations and digital content marketing to message development and crisis communications, Carey helps businesses build trust, credibility and lasting connections with their audiences. She has helped clients garner national and international media attention from the LA Times to the Wall Street Journal and Good Housekeeping to TODAY Show.www.giftofadoption.orghttps://giftofadoption.org/joinourboard/giftofadoption.org/colorado/facebook.com/GiftofAdoptionColoradowww.purposemedia.biz***********************************************************Judy is the CEO & Founder of the Judy Carlson Financial Group. She helps her clients design, build, and implement fully integrated and coordinated financial plans from today through life expectancy and legacy.She is an Independent Fiduciary and Comprehensive Financial Planner who specializes in Wealth Decumulation Strategies. Judy is a CPA, Investment Advisor Representative, Life and Health Insurance Licensed, and Long-Term Care Certified.Judy's mission is to educate and empower her clients with an all-inclusive financial plan that encourages and motivates them to pursue their lifetime financial goals and dreams. Learn More: https://judycarlson.com/Investment Adviser Representative of and advisory services offered through Royal Fund Management, LLC, an SEC Registered Adviser.The Inspired Impact Podcasthttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/the-inspired-impact-podcast/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/the-inspired-impact-podcast-with-judy-carlson-interview-with-carey-marin-adoptive-mom-of-4-children-gift-of-adoption-fund-board-member

Steve Bernas, President & CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois, joins guest host Wendy Snyder, filling in for John Williams, to talk about the riskiest scams of the year including investment / cryptocurrency scams.

Steve Bernas, President & CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois, joins guest host Wendy Snyder, filling in for John Williams, to talk about the riskiest scams of the year including investment / cryptocurrency scams.

Steve Bernas, President & CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois, joins guest host Wendy Snyder, filling in for John Williams, to talk about the riskiest scams of the year including investment / cryptocurrency scams.

Guest: David McAdams Founder & CEO McAdams Group $240M AUM & Partner In a $3B FirmWebsite: https://www.mcadamsgroupllc.com/Bio:David McAdams is the Founder and President of McAdams Group, an asset and wealth management organization in Cordova, TN. For more than two decades, David has helped hard-working individuals and families in and around Memphis better preserve their retirement savings and increase their retirement income.David is an Investment Adviser Representative and licensed insurance professional specializing in retirement income strategies. He also works closely with estate planning attorneys in the area to establish effective investment and wealth management solutions that can help clients avoid unnecessary taxation and possible government intervention through probate.As an independent financial advisor, David has helped hundreds of clients implement income-generating strategies designed to help protect their savings from the threat of inflation, rising healthcare costs, and market risk.McAdams Group, LLC is currently rated by the Better Business Bureau as an accredited BBB business and is a member of the Memphis Regional Chamber of Commerce.Disclaimer:Investment Advisory Services offered through Sound Income Strategies, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisory Firm. McAdams Group, LLC and Sound Income Strategies, LLC are not associated entities. McAdams Group, LLC is a franchisee of the Retirement Income Source. The Retirement Income Source and Sound Income Strategies LLC are associated entities.www.sec.gov

DJ Sprague is a pioneer in Ecommerce reputation management, helping brands turn trust into a competitive advantage. As the CMO of Shopper Approved and co-author of Reputation King, he has spent decades refining strategies that boost online credibility, improve search rankings, and drive revenue growth.Before joining Shopper Approved, DJ built his career across marketing, advertising, sales, and PR, leading companies to exponential growth—including scaling revenue from $7M to $54M in just four years. With over 35 years of experience and nearly 70 professional certifications, he applies behavioral science principles and ethical influence strategies to help Ecommerce brands win more customers through trust.Today, DJ is on a mission to redefine reputation management for online sellers. Under his leadership, Shopper Approved has become a Google review partner and the world's first Diamond Cialdini Certified Marketing Agency, setting new standards in verified reviews, social proof, and search engine dominance. As the digital landscape evolves, DJ is proving that trust isn't just a nice-to-have—it's the foundation of ecommerce success.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:42] Intro[01:08] Displaying social proof to boost conversions[02:47] Dominating search results with positive reviews[03:45] Getting more credibility in Google Shopping[05:48] Why trust is the key to first-time buyers[09:25] The limits of review distribution[10:50] Balancing review collection across platforms[12:50] Common mistakes killing your online reputation[19:39] Real data on how reviews boost conversionsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeMore reviews, traffic, and conversions shopperapproved.com/YOUR REPUTATION. NEXT LEVEL reputationking.com/Follow DJ Sprague linkedin.com/in/duanespragueIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

HUGE SHOW: It has been a long week as Corey Feldman attempted to drag our good names through the mud last Saturday! Jim and Them are back to respond and everyone is excited! Disgusting Filth Pigs: Corey Feldman dubs us "disgusting filth pigs" and "inhuman" with crazy accusations that we were taking pictures of his girlfriend near his house and causing his divorce. Challenge: Jim puts a challenge out to Corey Feldman, to end this beef once and for all so we can officially enter the friendship arc. COREY FELDMAN!, SHOW STOPPER!, LET'S JUST TALK!, DON CHEADLE!, BOOGIE NIGHTS!, WOLFPAC!, DON'T TURN YOUR BACK ON THE WOLF PACK!, EROK!, NWO!, OBAMNA!, TTS!, EXCITED!, LONGEST WEEK!, EVIL!, SICK!, TWISTED!, SCUMBAGS!, WOLFPACK 2.1!, OGUS!, EDGING ALL WEEK!, OBAMNA!, WRESTLEMANIA!, FIRST SUPERCHAT NAME!, POWDERKEG!, FALLOUT!, ZEN FELDMAN!, VIDEO!, DONATIONS!, ACCUSATIONS!, INSTAGRAM LIVE!, SPEED ROUND!, NEW NAMES!, FINSTA!, EX-WIFE!, SUSANNAH SPAGUE!, CDOGG22!, PETTY!, COMPLIMENTS!, HACKING!, PARENTS!, SPRAGUE!, YEEHAW!, ALL CONNECTED!, HORUSEYEZEN!, BUT DADDY I LOVE HIM!, FAIREST PODCAST!, NOTHING BUT FAIR!, DOCUMENTARY!, STOLEN!, PUT UP A WEBSITE!, WILL STOP AT NOTHING!, SEEK ATTENTION!, DISGUSTING FILTH PIGS!, BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU!, HDM!, REFUND!, ORDERS!, WEB STORE!, HACKS!, DEBUNKED!, FBI!, POLICE!, NSA!, BELITTED!, AYO!, PAUSE!, MASE!, CAM'RON!, GOONIES!, SEAN ASTIN!, LETHAL WEAPON!, DANGEROUS!, WORMWOOD!, VITAMIN SHOPPE!, PODCASTS!, WARNING!, RPG!, SPELL!, POP CULTURE!, HALLUCINATION!, COCOBUNS!, THOUGHTS!, PRAYERS!, LEGISLATION!, KILL BILL!, NUMBERS DOWN!, LEGISLATION!, FELDMANUAL!, ADRIEN SKYE!, HAUNTED!, CAST OF CHARACTERS!  You can find the videos from this episode at our Discord RIGHT HERE!

Gold has experienced a major upwards repricing in recent years.It's up nearly $1,000/oz over the past two years.And in just the past year alone, it's up 35%, handily outperforming the S&P's return of just 13%.Some say gold is quite overbought after this big run. Others say it's just getting started, and that far higher prices lie ahead due to the ongoing loss of purchasing power of the US dollar and other world fiat currencies.Which is more likely?For a "boots on the ground" report on all things gold, we welcome Andy Schectman to the program for the first time. Andy is the CEO and co-founder of Miles Franklin -- a full-service precious metals broker with a mission to educate the masses on the benefits & principles of sound money and to deliver fair pricing. It has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.Andy reports that amidst the current wild action in the gold market, he's seeing some developments he's never witnessed before in his decades-long career.READ OUR FREE GUIDE TO BUYING GOLD & SILVER at https://thoughtfulmoney.com/gold

In this special live episode of Hacking Humans, recorded at ThreatLocker's Zero Trust World 2025 conference in Orlando, Florida, Dave Bittner is joined by T-Minus host Maria Varmazis. Together, they explore the latest in social engineering scams, phishing schemes, and cybercriminal exploits making headlines. Their guest, Seamus Lennon, ThreatLocker's VP of Operations for EMEA, shares insights on Zero Trust security and the evolving threat landscape. Maria's story this week follows the IRS warning about a fake “Self Employment Tax Credit” scam on social media, urging taxpayers to ignore misinformation and consult professionals. Dave's got the story of the Better Business Bureau's annual Scam Tracker report, revealing that online shopping scams continue to top the list for the fifth year, with phishing and employment scams remaining major threats, while fraudsters increasingly use AI and deepfake technology to deceive victims. Our catch of the day comes from Diesel in West Virginia, and features a scammer who tried to panic their target with a classic “We've frozen your account” scam—only to get hilariously mixed up with actual embryo freezing. Resources and links to stories: Better Business Bureau reveals top local scams of 2024 IRS warns taxpayers about misleading claims about non-existent “Self Employment Tax Credit;” promoters, social media peddling inaccurate eligibility suggestions BBB Scam Tracker Got a $1,400 rebate text from the IRS? It's a scam, Better Business Bureau warns. You can hear more from the T-Minus space daily show here. Have a Catch of the Day you'd like to share? Email it to us at hackinghumans@n2k.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special live episode of Hacking Humans, recorded at ThreatLocker's Zero Trust World 2025 conference in Orlando, Florida, Dave Bittner is joined by T-Minus host Maria Varmazis. Together, they explore the latest in social engineering scams, phishing schemes, and cybercriminal exploits making headlines. Their guest, Seamus Lennon, ThreatLocker's VP of Operations for EMEA, shares insights on Zero Trust security and the evolving threat landscape. Maria's story this week follows the IRS warning about a fake “Self Employment Tax Credit” scam on social media, urging taxpayers to ignore misinformation and consult professionals. Dave's got the story of the Better Business Bureau's annual Scam Tracker report, revealing that online shopping scams continue to top the list for the fifth year, with phishing and employment scams remaining major threats, while fraudsters increasingly use AI and deepfake technology to deceive victims. Our catch of the day comes from Diesel in West Virginia, and features a scammer who tried to panic their target with a classic “We've frozen your account” scam—only to get hilariously mixed up with actual embryo freezing. Resources and links to stories: Better Business Bureau reveals top local scams of 2024 IRS warns taxpayers about misleading claims about non-existent “Self Employment Tax Credit;” promoters, social media peddling inaccurate eligibility suggestions BBB Scam Tracker Got a $1,400 rebate text from the IRS? It's a scam, Better Business Bureau warns. You can hear more from the T-Minus space daily show here. Have a Catch of the Day you'd like to share? Email it to us at hackinghumans@n2k.com.

Behind that 70% off sign, there's a liquidation consultant trying to maximize retailer profits. Zachary Crockett seeks a deal. SOURCES:Bradley Snyder, executive managing director at Tiger Group.Zac Rogers, associate professor of supply chain management at Colorado State University RESOURCES:"What Went Wrong: The Demise of Toys R Us," by Angie Basiouny (Knowledge at Wharton, 2018)"Retail apocalypse 2024: All the once-popular stores and restaurants that shuttered locations this year," by Sarah Bregel (Forbes, 2024)"BBB Tip: Avoid bogus bargains at going out of business sales" by Better Business Bureau (2024)"There's a science and art to running a going-out-of-business sale. (And business is booming.)" by Courtney Reagan (CNBC, 2018) EXTRAS:"I don't wanna grow up: The first day of the end of our childhoods," by Mike Higdon (Reno Gazette-Journal, 2018)  

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michael Woodward. Mr. Woodward began his interest in real estate renovations as a youth, working with his grandfather, father, and great-uncle doing handyman and maintenance services. He also studied architectural design in high school, taking first place at county and state-level housing design competitions. After graduation, he enrolled in the architectural design program at Miami-Dade Community college. He also purchased his first property and renovated it himself at just 20 years old. He then took his aspiration to become an architect to Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Fl where he majored in Architecture and minored in African American Studies. After much consideration, the future graduate of Florida A&M University decided to change his major from architecture; though, he never lost his passion for the real estate profession. He eventually graduated with undergraduate degrees in History, Geography, and Secondary Education. He was able to complete the triple degree in 3.5 years. He also has a Masters Degree in Applied Social Science with a concentration in African American History and an Add-on in Educational Leadership. This was completed while engaging in an 18year career in the education-al system and investing in real estate. Mr. Woodward is currently pursuing his PhD in History and Humanities at Clark-Atlanta University. He has completed all of his coursework and his comprehensive exams. The dissertation is all that remains between now and graduation. Utilizing all of his prior knowledge and experience in real estate, Mr. Woodward was able to turn a hobby and part time residual income opportunity into an incorporated business. After 2 years of being incorporated, Michael decided to leave the education profession. Nine years later, Woodward Property Group (www.woodwardpropertygroup.com), a full service home improvement and property management company is still going strong. In addition to being a leader in the property management and renovation business, we are contractors for Lowes Stores under their kitchen a bathroom renovation program. We have 7 stores on the east side of Atlanta and we have an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau as well as multiple partnerships throughout the Atlanta Area. He is also the founder and CEO of Alpha Educational Consultants, Inc. (www.aecga.com a company that was started in graduate school as a tutoring company for K-12 students and college students. To-date it has expanded to assist individuals in all areas of real estate such as purchasing, renovation, cost calculations and profit maximization. Additionally, he is The Director of The LEAD Foundation (www.theleadfoundation.org), LEAD, standing for Leadership Education and Development is an organization designed to teach soft skills to middle and High school students such as leadership skills, interviewing skills, test taking skills, oratorical skills, etc. Under the foundation, students are able to learn financial planning, college preparation and selection, take college tours, and attend workshops on college campuses. Additionally, students earn college scholarships and laptop computers. #BEST #SHMS #STRAWSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michael Woodward. Mr. Woodward began his interest in real estate renovations as a youth, working with his grandfather, father, and great-uncle doing handyman and maintenance services. He also studied architectural design in high school, taking first place at county and state-level housing design competitions. After graduation, he enrolled in the architectural design program at Miami-Dade Community college. He also purchased his first property and renovated it himself at just 20 years old. He then took his aspiration to become an architect to Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Fl where he majored in Architecture and minored in African American Studies. After much consideration, the future graduate of Florida A&M University decided to change his major from architecture; though, he never lost his passion for the real estate profession. He eventually graduated with undergraduate degrees in History, Geography, and Secondary Education. He was able to complete the triple degree in 3.5 years. He also has a Masters Degree in Applied Social Science with a concentration in African American History and an Add-on in Educational Leadership. This was completed while engaging in an 18year career in the education-al system and investing in real estate. Mr. Woodward is currently pursuing his PhD in History and Humanities at Clark-Atlanta University. He has completed all of his coursework and his comprehensive exams. The dissertation is all that remains between now and graduation. Utilizing all of his prior knowledge and experience in real estate, Mr. Woodward was able to turn a hobby and part time residual income opportunity into an incorporated business. After 2 years of being incorporated, Michael decided to leave the education profession. Nine years later, Woodward Property Group (www.woodwardpropertygroup.com), a full service home improvement and property management company is still going strong. In addition to being a leader in the property management and renovation business, we are contractors for Lowes Stores under their kitchen a bathroom renovation program. We have 7 stores on the east side of Atlanta and we have an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau as well as multiple partnerships throughout the Atlanta Area. He is also the founder and CEO of Alpha Educational Consultants, Inc. (www.aecga.com a company that was started in graduate school as a tutoring company for K-12 students and college students. To-date it has expanded to assist individuals in all areas of real estate such as purchasing, renovation, cost calculations and profit maximization. Additionally, he is The Director of The LEAD Foundation (www.theleadfoundation.org), LEAD, standing for Leadership Education and Development is an organization designed to teach soft skills to middle and High school students such as leadership skills, interviewing skills, test taking skills, oratorical skills, etc. Under the foundation, students are able to learn financial planning, college preparation and selection, take college tours, and attend workshops on college campuses. Additionally, students earn college scholarships and laptop computers. #BEST #SHMS #STRAWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michael Woodward. Mr. Woodward began his interest in real estate renovations as a youth, working with his grandfather, father, and great-uncle doing handyman and maintenance services. He also studied architectural design in high school, taking first place at county and state-level housing design competitions. After graduation, he enrolled in the architectural design program at Miami-Dade Community college. He also purchased his first property and renovated it himself at just 20 years old. He then took his aspiration to become an architect to Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Fl where he majored in Architecture and minored in African American Studies. After much consideration, the future graduate of Florida A&M University decided to change his major from architecture; though, he never lost his passion for the real estate profession. He eventually graduated with undergraduate degrees in History, Geography, and Secondary Education. He was able to complete the triple degree in 3.5 years. He also has a Masters Degree in Applied Social Science with a concentration in African American History and an Add-on in Educational Leadership. This was completed while engaging in an 18year career in the education-al system and investing in real estate. Mr. Woodward is currently pursuing his PhD in History and Humanities at Clark-Atlanta University. He has completed all of his coursework and his comprehensive exams. The dissertation is all that remains between now and graduation. Utilizing all of his prior knowledge and experience in real estate, Mr. Woodward was able to turn a hobby and part time residual income opportunity into an incorporated business. After 2 years of being incorporated, Michael decided to leave the education profession. Nine years later, Woodward Property Group (www.woodwardpropertygroup.com), a full service home improvement and property management company is still going strong. In addition to being a leader in the property management and renovation business, we are contractors for Lowes Stores under their kitchen a bathroom renovation program. We have 7 stores on the east side of Atlanta and we have an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau as well as multiple partnerships throughout the Atlanta Area. He is also the founder and CEO of Alpha Educational Consultants, Inc. (www.aecga.com a company that was started in graduate school as a tutoring company for K-12 students and college students. To-date it has expanded to assist individuals in all areas of real estate such as purchasing, renovation, cost calculations and profit maximization. Additionally, he is The Director of The LEAD Foundation (www.theleadfoundation.org), LEAD, standing for Leadership Education and Development is an organization designed to teach soft skills to middle and High school students such as leadership skills, interviewing skills, test taking skills, oratorical skills, etc. Under the foundation, students are able to learn financial planning, college preparation and selection, take college tours, and attend workshops on college campuses. Additionally, students earn college scholarships and laptop computers. #AMI #STRAW #BEST #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.