Sam Sylk welcomes financial expert and community leader Larese Purnell of CLE Consulting Company and Real Black Friday to talk about his journey from working at 12 and initially pursuing pharmacy to falling in love with business, accounting, and finance. Larese shares how CLE Consulting has grown over a decade, employing nearly 20 people, and why partnership, industry involvement, and strong foundations matter for business survival. He breaks down common mistakes entrepreneurs make—moving too fast, lacking structure, not knowing numbers, and trying to wear every “hat”—and offers guidance on becoming bank/grant ready through credit, cash reserves, planning, and hiring experts. He reflects on lessons from COVID-related setbacks, the mission behind Real Black Friday, the importance of supporting Black businesses with grace, and the pride he finds in family, legacy, and service.

00:00 Mic Check and Setup

01:07 Podcast Intro and Guest Hype

02:25 Brotherhood and Discernment

03:21 Community Work and Giving Back

04:13 Who Is Maurice Parnell

04:55 Early Hustle and Values

06:44 From Pharmacy to Finance

08:11 A Decade of CLE Consulting

09:12 Keys to Business Longevity

11:16 Finding the Right Partner

14:38 Preparation Over Hype

16:31 Know Your Numbers and Build a Team

21:44 Lessons From COVID and Contingency Plans

24:06 Plan for Curveballs

24:31 Real Black Friday Origins

26:03 Childhood Businesses Saved Me

27:38 Why We Doubt Black Business

29:40 Give Feedback Not Dragging

31:30 Bank and Grant Ready Steps

33:48 Proudest Moments Family First

38:44 Losing My Mother Lessons

42:01 The Hidden Cost of Service

44:37 Support the Leaders Too

46:58 How to Follow and Wrap Up