In this episode of Earn Your Leisure, we sit down with April Showers to delve into the intricate world of licensing and brand partnerships. We discuss the business dynamics of the $98 billion licensing industry and how Kanye West leveraged his Yeezy brand to become a billionaire through a partnership with Adidas.  April shares the remarkable journey of Afro Unicorn, including its successful partnership with Walmart and the decision to turn down an animated TV show deal with Nickelodeon to retain IP control. Discover how Afro Unicorn generated $15 million last year and why April Showers stands as the only Black woman with a fully licensed character brand. Key insights include the advantages of a licensing business model, the significant financial impact Kanye West faced by relinquishing creative control of Yeezy, and the necessity of building every business with the intent to sell. April also reveals her experience suing a company for brand likeness infringement, the essential systems for creating a sellable business, and the inspiration behind Afro Unicorn, motivated by the legacy of Nipsey Hussle.  Join us as we explore the profound statement, "It’s never a lack of talent, but a lack of information," and why you should "never worry about the how." #EarnYourLeisure #AprilShowers #AfroUnicorn #Licensing #BusinessStrategy #KanyeWest #Yeezy #Walmart #Nickelodeon #Entrepreneurship #BrandPartnerships #NipseyHussle #BusinessInsights #BlackOwnedBusiness Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome back to another insightful clip of Market Mondays! In this clip, hosts Troy Millings, Ian Dunlap, and Rashad Bilal sit down with veteran real estate mogul Don Peebles to discuss the current state of the commercial real estate market and strategies to thrive during downturns. *Key Points Discussed:* 1. **Identifying Opportunities in Challenging Markets**: - Don Peebles shares crucial insights on how to identify lucrative opportunities in cities like Los Angeles and Detroit, even when the market appears to be struggling. - Understanding vacancy rates in office buildings, apartments, and hotels is essential for gauging market health. With office buildings struggling with high vacancy rates, converting them into apartments or hotels might be a viable option. - He explains why conversions are not beginner-friendly and emphasizes the importance of hiring experienced contractors, architects, and project managers who are well-versed in handling such projects. 2. **Steps for Securing Financing for Large-Scale Projects**: - Delving into the mechanics of financing skyscrapers and other massive real estate projects, Peebles breaks down the process of securing money from traditional banks and global institutional private equity funds. - He uses the example of Affirmation Tower in New York to illustrate how developers typically arrange for senior financing and equity, making the process understandable even for those new to real estate investment. 3. **Approaching Hospitality Development in the Caribbean**: - Peebles outlines the strategic approach required for developing hotels, especially in appealing but complex markets like the Caribbean. - From selecting the right brand and operator to managing the furnishing and interior design of the hotel, he provides a comprehensive roadmap for aspiring developers. 4. **Affirmation Tower Project**: - A sneak peek into the development plans for Affirmation Tower, which include residential rentals, a civil rights museum, luxury condos, and two hotels, showcasing the multifaceted nature of modern real estate projects. - Peebles draws parallels between such large buildings and neighborhoods, explaining how a mix of uses can drive the economics of the project. **Why You Should Watch**: This episode is packed with practical advice from Don Peebles, a seasoned real estate entrepreneur with years of experience in transforming ambitious projects into successful ventures. Whether you're a budding investor or an established developer, the strategies and insider tips shared in this episode will equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate and capitalize on the down commercial real estate markets effectively. **Don Peebles' Profile**: Don Peebles is a renowned real estate investor and developer with a diverse portfolio that spans residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors. As the CEO of The Peebles Corporation, one of the nation's largest privately held real estate investment and development companies, Peebles brings unparalleled expertise and insight into real estate dynamics. **Join the Conversation**: Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on the latest trends and investment strategies in the market. Share your thoughts in the comments section and let us know any questions you have about real estate investment. **Hashtags**: #MarketMondays #RealEstateInvestment #DonPeebles #CommercialRealEstate #RealEstateTips #InvestmentStrategies #AffirmationTower #HospitalityDevelopment #RealEstateInvesting #FinancialFreedom --- Tune in now to elevate your understanding and prepare to make informed and strategic real estate investments in today's market! [Subscribe to Market Mondays](https://www.youtube.com/channel/Marke...) [Follow us on Instagram](  / marketmondays  ) [Visit our Website](https://www.marketmondays.com) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy