Family Business: Started tax preparation as a mom-and-pop operation, now 1,000 virtual locations.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Mowbray and Cherina Rowand.

🎙️ Interview Summary: Mowbray & Cherina Rowand Purpose of the Interview

To showcase the entrepreneurial journey of Mowbray and Cherina Rowand, co-founders of The Rowand Group and One Stop Taxes, the largest Black-owned virtual tax preparation service in America. The interview highlights their business evolution, scaling strategies, community impact, and the creation of the Black Tax Festival.

🧭 Interview Outline 1. Background & Origins

Both from Memphis, Tennessee; met in high school.
Started tax preparation in 2010 as a mom-and-pop operation.
Transitioned from brick-and-mortar to virtual model by 2015.

2. Business Philosophy

Entrepreneurship is defined as service to others.
Mowbray is the visionary; Cherina is the implementer.
Emphasis on scaling with structure: legal, accounting, HR.

3. One Stop Taxes

Grew from a single office to over 1,000 virtual franchise locations.
Offers free training, no startup costs, and shared revenue model.
Built a platform allowing clients to submit documents and sign remotely.

4. Virtual Tax Model

Designed for convenience and accessibility.
Clients and tax preparers never need to meet in person.
Platform includes document upload, e-signature, and cloud storage.

5. Franchise & Training

Learning Management System (LMS) for onboarding.
Training includes tax prep, customer acquisition, and platform use.
Strategic partnerships with local businesses (e.g., dealerships, daycares).

6. Black Tax Festival

Annual event held in Atlanta (Oct 16–18).
Combines networking, education, and recognition.
Includes IRS updates, business workshops, and the Titan Awards.
Open to all entrepreneurs, not just tax professionals.

7. Expansion & Diversification

Own restaurants in Memphis and the Dominican Republic.
Franchised Fat Tuesday and Esco Restaurant (did \$1M in first 6 weeks).
Own a yacht for rental experiences in the DR.
Plans to develop a restaurant strip near FedExForum in Memphis.

💡 Key Takeaways

Vision + Execution = Growth: Their complementary roles fuel business success.
Virtual is Scalable: Transitioning to virtual allowed exponential growth.
Community Impact Matters: Black Tax Festival fosters education and recognition.
Diversification is Strategic: Restaurants and real estate expand their brand.
Mentorship & Learning: They study successful entrepreneurs like Tilman Fertitta.
Faith & Family Drive: Their journey is rooted in love, planning, and purpose.

🗣️ Notable Quotes

“Entrepreneurship means being a servant to other people.”
“The same thing that works at \$1M doesn’t work at \$15M.”
“We had to fire ourselves from some jobs and hire professionals.”
“We built a platform where you can do taxes from your couch.”
“We started before social media—we know belly-to-belly marketing.”
“Recognition matters—people don’t get it at home or work.”
“We’re trying to bridge the wealth gap through proper paperwork.”
“We bought a yacht in the Dominican Republic to rent for experiences.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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FULL SHOW_ Happy Thanksgiving, Strawberry Letter_ I Married A Groupie - 11.27.25

27 Nov 1h 32min

FULL SHOW: Thanksgiving With Cousin Benji, Strawberry Letter: We Got A Big Problem, Sis - 11.26.25

The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Wednesday, November 26th, 2025: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Nephew Tommy's Run That Prank Back - "Bring My Breast Back" | Ask The CLO | Butterball Thanksgiving Hotline | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Voicemail | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "Thanksgiving With Cousin Benji" | Strawberry Letter - "We Got A Big Problem, Sis" Parts 1-2 | Thanksgiving Hosting Mistakes | Thanksgiving Items You Can't Take On A Plane | Handyman Service | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 Nov 1h 30min

FULL SHOW: The Pastors, Sista O'Dell, Strawberry Letter: My Cousin Owns The Carwash - 11.24.25

24 Nov 1h 32min

FULL SHOW: Prepping For Thanksgiving, Strawberry Letter: My Marriage Or My Pleasure - 11.21.25

21 Nov 1h 32min

FULL SHOW: Off-Limits Thanksgiving Topics, Strawberry Letter: My Success Is Intimidating - 11.20.25

20 Nov 1h 32min

FULL SHOW: One Has To Go, Strawberry Letter: When I Look, I Find - 11.19.25

19 Nov 1h 32min

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18 Nov 1h 32min

Brand Building: In 2017 he founded Green Book Global, a travel review platform for Black travelers, partnered with Expedia.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lawrence Phillips. Purpose of the Interview To showcase Lawrence Phillips’ entrepreneurial journey from engineering to founding Green Book Global, a travel review platform for Black travelers. To highlight the significance of Black Ambition, an initiative by Pharrell Williams supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs. To inspire listeners about resilience, innovation, and the importance of culturally inclusive travel resources. Key Takeaways Background & Career Shift Phillips studied Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech and worked at Accenture in IT consulting for nearly a decade. Despite career success, he felt unfulfilled and decided to pursue his passion for travel, leading to the creation of Green Book Global. Travel Experience Traveled to 30+ countries across all seven continents, including Antarctica, in less than a year. Realized the need for a platform addressing “traveling while Black” concerns—safety, cultural acceptance, and inclusivity. Green Book Global Inspired by the historical Green Book (1936–1966), which guided Black travelers during segregation. Offers city-level Black-friendly scores, road trip planners, and Black-owned restaurant recommendations. Over 150,000 app downloads in 2025; partnered with Expedia; strong social media presence. Black Ambition Program Phillips applied three times before reaching semifinals, emphasizing persistence. Program provided funding opportunities and a transformative Evoke Wellness experience. His personal “why” statement:“I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” Impact & Vision Advocates systemic change by partnering with destinations to improve inclusivity. Highlights the economic power of Black travelers (over $140 billion annually). Encourages Black travelers to explore global opportunities beyond U.S. racial constraints. Notable Quotes “You can be successful and still not be happy.” — On leaving a lucrative career for passion. “I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” — His guiding principle. “There’s riches in niches.” — On unapologetically focusing on Black travelers. “Just because somebody said no doesn’t mean they said no to you—they said no at that time.” — On persistence in entrepreneurship. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 Nov 29min

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