The Journey to Franchise Ownership with Derek Lewis

Tonight on Market Mondays, we broke down the truth about the DeepSeek situation and shared our thoughts on the developments since last week. We also discussed six stocks that could be DeepSeek-proof for those concerned about a potential AI or chip sector crash. With Nvidia’s earnings on the horizon, we explored whether the company needs to blow out expectations to keep the stock market afloat.We also took a deep dive into Tempus as a long-term investment, especially now that Nancy Pelosi has revealed she’s trading it. The conversation then shifted to the impact of tariffs on the market, particularly semiconductor stocks, and which companies could benefit from these changes. As AI and tech continue to evolve, we discussed how we can better prepare our youth to compete in this rapidly changing space. Another key topic was the recent wave of hedge funds selling off stocks—what it means and how investors should respond. Additionally, we highlighted a few stocks we like under $100 and addressed the burning question: Should investors consider selling Nvidia?To close out the episode, we sat down with Timbaland for a powerful conversation about the state of music, AI’s growing influence in the industry, the importance of independence, and key lessons from some of the greatest artists of all time.#MarketMondays #DeepSeek #AIStocks #Nvidia #StockMarket #Investing #TechStocks #HedgeFunds #Timbaland #MusicIndustry #AI #FinanceSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marketmondays/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this insightful clip of Market Mondays, Derek Lewis joins hosts Troy Millings, Rashad Bilal, and Ian Dunlap to delve into his exciting journey of purchasing and scaling 10 franchises of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks. Derek shares his unique experiences from his extensive career at PepsiCo and how his interactions with prominent entrepreneurs Derek Hayes and Pinky Cole at an Entrepreneur Summit ignited his passion for this venture.Derek describes the initial steps of buying these franchises, reflecting on the importance of fostering relationships within the community and the unwavering support he received from Pepsi while bringing Hayes' vision to life. He emphasizes the significance of understanding the entrepreneurial dream, not just from a business perspective, but also in aligning with their mission to support and uplift the community - particularly focusing on Black-owned businesses post-COVID.The clip further explores Derek’s strategy to grow Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks across the nation. His approach combines his previous professional experiences, especially in sports marketing during his tenure at Pepsi, integrating these elements into his current entrepreneurial pursuits to build brand awareness and a loyal customer base.Additionally, Derek speaks passionately about the pivotal role mentorship and networking play in achieving business success. He outlines his goal to use his expertise in scaling operations efficiently and mentor younger entrepreneurs to help them navigate the challenges of the business world.The conversation later shifts to the impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on Derek’s career. As a proud graduate of Hampton University, Derek emphasizes the importance of HBCUs in shaping leaders and the value they bring to the professional world. He shares his endeavors in supporting HBCUs through recruitment, brand activations, and community engagement - ensuring that these institutions continue to thrive despite the challenges they face.This clip is not only a deep dive into the business strategies and commitments of a successful entrepreneur but also a testament to the power of community, mentorship, and the enduring legacy of HBCUs. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned businessperson, or someone interested in the growth of Black-owned businesses, this discussion offers a wealth of insights and inspiration.Join us for this compelling conversation with Derek Lewis as we explore the intricate process of franchise ownership, the importance of community support, and the ongoing impact of HBCUs.*#MarketMondays #DerekLewis #BigDavesCheesesteaks #Entrepreneurship #FranchiseBusiness #Mentorship #HBCUs #CommunitySupport #PepsiCo #ScalingBusiness #BlackOwnedBusiness*Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marketmondays/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this enlightening clip of Market Mondays, hosts Troy Millings, Rashad Bilal, and Ian Dunlap delve deep into Meta's groundbreaking $60 billion investment strategy, focusing on AI and infrastructure development. This significant move by Meta, led by Mark Zuckerberg, has led to a remarkable rally in the company's stock, reaching all-time highs—a turnaround that has stunned many in the financial world.*Key Highlights:*1. **Meta's Strategic Shift**:The conversation kicks off with Rashad discussing Meta's doubled capex spending and their shift from the Metaverse to building real physical infrastructure. As Ian elaborates, this is not just a pivot but a calculated move aimed at securing Meta's future in the tech space.2. **Leadership and Execution**:Ian emphasizes the critical role of leadership in Meta’s resurgence, likening Zuckerberg’s comeback to some of the greatest in corporate history. This includes not only strategic financial decisions but also a renewed focus on robust implementations that position Meta as a leading media company with unparalleled profit margins.3. **Comparative Analysis**:Troy provides a comparative look at the spending strategies of Meta versus its competitors in the Max 7 space, including Amazon and Microsoft. He explains how Meta’s in-house infrastructure allows them to spend less compared to Amazon's and Microsoft's colossal investments in capex, highlighting an interesting dichotomy in investment philosophies.4. **Impact of Deep Seek and Other Innovations**:The hosts discuss the influence of the "Deep Seek" project and other AI-related innovations on the market. They speculate on the future trajectory of these technologies, questioning their long-term efficiency and cost-effectiveness.5. **Global Perspectives and Trust Issues**:The discussion also extends to the global tech landscape, touching upon China’s tech market and the skepticism surrounding financial reports from Chinese companies. Ian and Troy bring attention to historical instances like Luckin Coffee's scandal to underscore the importance of cautious optimism.6. **Future Projections**:Wrapping up, the hosts look ahead at potential outcomes for Meta and the tech industry at large. They consider how Meta’s strategic investments could set a precedent for other tech giants and influence future spending in AI and infrastructure.**Join the Conversation**:This clip is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in the inner workings of major tech companies and investment strategies. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an investor, or just curious about the future of AI, this discussion provides a comprehensive overview of current trends and future possibilities.Don't miss out on this in-depth analysis that not only covers Meta’s strategic decisions but also offers a comparative lens on the broader tech industry. Like, share, and subscribe to Market Mondays for more engaging content and expert discussions.*#MarketMondays #MetaInvestment #AIFuture #TechStocks #MarkZuckerberg #AIInfrastructure #TechInvestments #FinancialStrategy #TechIndustryAnalysis*For the full transcript of the clip, please refer to the attached document.---Stay tuned for more groundbreaking discussions and expert insights on Market Mondays!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marketmondays/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Market Mondays, we tackled some of the most critical developments in the investment world. We began by exploring the launch of the Trump ETF, analyzing which powerhouse companies could dominate its portfolio and whether politically influenced funds should have a place in the market. The rise of Chinese AI giant DeepSeek, which has surpassed OpenAI’s ChatGPT on Apple’s platforms, was another hot topic as we examined its potential to dethrone OpenAI as the leader in artificial intelligence. We also discussed Mark Zuckerberg’s massive $60 billion commitment to Meta and what this means for investors and the future of the company.The recent tech crash created unique buying opportunities, and we broke down where savvy investors should focus their attention. Alphabet’s shares crossing the $200 milestone on a split-adjusted basis for the first time highlighted major growth drivers, while the historic low in the VIX signaled intriguing shifts in market volatility. We also looked at the latest AI rally, which appears to have left Apple behind, raising questions about whether the tech giant can catch up or if a new leader is emerging. Meanwhile, the rivalry between Elon Musk and Sam Altman took center stage as we debated its implications for AI innovation.Finally, we turned our attention to bearish sentiment on Nike despite its stock dropping to $70, discussing whether this presents a hidden opportunity or a long-term concern. We also explored whether DeepSeek’s AI model is legitimate and if NVIDIA could face a Cisco-like downfall post-dot-com bubble. Wrapping up the episode, we had a powerful conversation with Derek Lewis on the importance of DEI and leadership in today’s evolving business landscape.#MarketMondays #Investing #AI #DeepSeek #OpenAI #Meta #Zuckerberg #TrumpETF #StockMarket #Alphabet #NVIDIA #Nike #Leadership #DEI #TechCrash #Volatility #ElonMusk #SamAltman #Apple #InnovationSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marketmondays/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to another insightful clip from Market Mondays where Rashad Bilal and Ian Dunlap dive into the intriguing dynamics between top tech CEOs, Mark Zuckerberg and Tim Cook, and the ongoing debate surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.In this candid discussion, Rashad and Ian unravel:*Mark Zuckerberg's Strategic Moves:* Four years ago, Mark Zuckerberg made headlines when he kicked Donald Trump off Instagram. The conversation ignites again as Rashad speculates about Zuckerberg's recent comments on Joe Rogan's podcast. Is Zuckerberg subtly targeting Apple CEO Tim Cook with his remarks on the need for more masculinity in CEO roles? What do his actions and words signify in today's polarized tech landscape?*Tim Cook's Stand on DEI Programs:* Unlike his Fortune 10 counterparts, Tim Cook remains steadfast in supporting DEI initiatives. Ian and Rashad ponder why Cook hasn't followed the trend of dropping these programs and discuss Apple's unique positioning in the tech industry. They question whether there is a calculated reason behind Cook’s stance and how it aligns with Apple's market strategy.*The Larger Implications:* The hosts explore the underlying political and societal currents influencing these tech giants' decisions. As they delve into the “red shift” towards conservative values and traditional masculinity, they debate how these shifts impact not just corporate strategies but also societal norms and expectations.*Comparative Analysis:* With Meta facing direct competition from TikTok, Ian and Rashad discuss how Zuckerberg’s maneuvers might be influenced by a survival instinct. In contrast, Apple's dominance in hardware and its unique ecosystem place Tim Cook in a different strategic position, one where he can afford to uphold DEI values without immediate threat to the company’s core business.Join Rashad and Ian as they dissect these layered topics, providing nuanced insights into the intersection of technology, politics, culture, and corporate strategy. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, an investor, or someone intrigued by the broader socio-political trends shaping the business world, this clip offers valuable perspectives.*Stay Connected:*For more thought-provoking discussions and expert analysis, don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell. Share your thoughts in the comments below – we love to hear from you!*Hashtags:*#MarketMondays #MarkZuckerberg #TimCook #DEI #TechIndustry #PoliticalShifts #CorporateStrategy #DiversityEquityInclusion #Apple #Meta #JoeRogan #TechTalk---Don't miss out on our latest clips and episodes - stay tuned to Market Mondays for in-depth analysis and discussions on the trends shaping today's market!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marketmondays/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome back to another insightful clip of Market Mondays! In this engaging clip, Rashad Bilal, Ian Dunlap, and Troy Millings break down the stocks that are poised to benefit from Donald Trump's tenure in office. This detailed discussion covers several sectors and highlights key companies that investors should have on their radar.*Key Highlights:*💼 *Tech Giants and AI:*Ian Dunlap dives into how top tech companies like Meta, Google, Amazon, and Nvidia will thrive under Trump's administration. He also mentions the potential of OpenAI once it goes public, predicting a significant increase in valuation.🚘 *Elon Musk and Tesla:*Ian emphasizes the strategic genius of Elon Musk, particularly how Tesla continues to rise, thanks partly to the administration's policies. Musk's overarching plan to dominate multiple sectors through Tesla is noted as a crucial trend to watch.🔍 *Surveillance and Defense:*Troy Millings adds Palantir to the mix, identifying its pivotal role in surveillance and government contracts. Moreover, defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and RTX are spotlighted due to massive government spending on defense.💰 *Financial Sector:*Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan are endorsed by Troy Millings based on their performance and strategic positioning within the financial sector. These banks are primed for growth under the new administration's policies.🏗️ *Infrastructure Investment:*Troy also points out the vital role of infrastructure companies like Caterpillar, especially with upcoming building projects. He advises investors to focus on sectors receiving significant interest and funding from the administration, such as housing and construction.🔋 *Energy and Data:*Energy stocks like VRT and Vista are discussed in the context of powering the future, including the critical role of artificial intelligence and the necessary infrastructure to support it. The need for data centers and connectivity is further highlighted as a growth area.💬 *CEO Sentiment:*Throughout the clip, Ian and Troy note that many high-profile CEOs have been supportive of Trump publicly. This endorsement is seen as a strategic move to align with the administration, aiming to maximize business gains.If you're keen on understanding which stocks could potentially soar during Trump's time in office, this is a must-watch clip. Rashad, Ian, and Troy lay out a comprehensive strategy for investors, dissecting how different sectors and companies will be impacted.Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to Market Mondays for more insightful investment discussions and stock market analysis! Hit the bell icon to stay updated with our latest clips.*#MarketMondays #StocksToWatch #Trump #Investing #Finance #StockMarket #TechStocks #DefenseStocks #FinancialSector #InfrastructureStocks #AIInvesting #EnergyStocks #CEOTrends #ElonMusk #Tesla #InvestmentStrategies*Tune in and elevate your investment game!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marketmondays/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Market Mondays, we dive into some of the most pressing topics shaping the worlds of investing, technology, and politics. We start by discussing the controversial Trump Meme Coin—should people invest in it, even if they don’t align with his agenda? Next, we tackle the TikTok ban and reversal, as Apple and Google removed the app but later reinstated it. What does this mean for the platform’s future and its impact on investors? We also explore the presence of big tech CEOs at the inauguration, with the notable absence of Elon Musk, and analyze who stands to benefit most from this political alignment.An audience member asked about 2x leveraged ETFs as a long-term strategy for young investors, and we shared our thoughts on whether it’s a smart move. We also reviewed Barron’s stock picks of the year, diving into companies like Coupang, Affirm Holdings, J.M. Smucker, Philip Morris, and more, offering our insights on which ones might be worth considering. Special guest 19 Keys joined the conversation to discuss the TikTok ban reversal, Trump’s return to power, and how these events could shape the market.We also delved into the brewing tech wars, questioning whether Mark Zuckerberg is being used as a weapon to challenge Apple’s dominance. Finally, we circled back to Trump’s meme coin and what it means for investors. Don’t miss this episode filled with actionable insights and deep discussions on the intersection of business, technology, and politics.#MarketMondays #InvestingTips #TrumpMemeCoin #TikTokBan #BigTech #BarronsStockPicks #AppleVsMeta #19Keys #StockMarketInsights #YoungInvestors #ETFsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marketmondays/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this clip of Market Mondays, Rashad Bilal, Ian Dunlap, and Troy Millings delve into some fascinating and controversial geopolitical topics. The hosts kick things off with an intriguing examination of former President Donald Trump's interest in strategic territories like the Panama Canal and Greenland. Rashad provides a history lesson, detailing how the U.S. came to control the Panama Canal, underscoring the canal’s critical role in global trade. The conversation highlights the historical importance of waterways and how controlling them has always been paramount for the world's most powerful nations.Rashad emphasizes that Trump’s seemingly outlandish statements about taking over Greenland and Panama aren't random; they are rooted in strategic objectives centered on waterway control. The discussion moves to global warming and the emergence of new trade routes due to melting ice caps, revealing how these changes will influence future geopolitical maneuvers. Other key issues covered include the importance of controlling trade routes and how this correlates with saving costs on transportation via expedited routes.Troy adds to the dialogue by explaining how controlling these waterways can significantly benefit trade and the global economy, which is why countries like Russia, Canada, and China, apart from the U.S., are eyeing these regions. The conversation isn't just about land grabs; it's an economic and strategic game that has been played for centuries.Ian underlines how the U.S. has the highest levels of pollution among major countries, noting the genetic defects and cancer rates resulting from it. He discusses how having access to cleaner land and water could be especially beneficial for the nation's elite.The hosts also speculate on Trump's aggressive foreign policy proposals, debating which of these might actually materialize. Ian suggests that Greenland might be the most likely to see some form of deal due to its political openness to such conversations, while military action against Panama seems less feasible.The episode doesn’t shy away from discussing the racial and geopolitical implications of these moves. Rashad and the team point out the disparities in how Trump talks about Greenland versus Panama, hinting at deeper socio-political undertones.As the conversation progresses, they discuss how historical empires, including the U.S., Great Britain, and France, have grown through imperialism and territorial takeovers. They underline that America's territorial ambitions are often overlooked in discussions about global imperialism. Rashad recounts America's annexation of Hawaii, Alaska, and other territories, illustrating how these actions have shaped modern geopolitics.The show wraps up with thoughts on current events like wildfires in California and the role of prisoners in combating these blazes. This segues into the broader topic of America's "underbelly" – the undisclosed systems and structures that keep the country running, which are not publicly traded but wield immense influence.Join Rashad, Ian, and Troy on this thought-provoking episode as they dissect Trump’s plans, the history of imperialism, and how global warming is redrawing the map of geopolitical strategies.Don’t miss out on this insightful discussion that blends history, economics, and politics to provide a comprehensive understanding of current events and future possibilities.*Hashtags:*#MarketMondays #Geopolitics #Trump #PanamaCanal #Greenland #GlobalWarming #Waterways #Imperialism #EconomicStrategies #GlobalTrade #History #CurrentEventsTune in and subscribe to Market Mondays for more deep dives into the ever-evolving world of geopolitics and economics!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marketmondays/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome back to another thrilling clip of Market Mondays! In this clip, we dive deep into the tech industry's latest explosive commentary as Mark Zuckerberg delivers some bold critiques about Apple. 🌐🚀We start off with Ian Dunlap's intriguing question about former President Donald Trump suggesting Zuckerberg go on Joe Rogan's podcast to criticize Apple. What's behind this odd advice, and how might it play out in the tech landscape? Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal then bring us an exclusive clip featuring Zuckerberg's candid opinions about Apple's current state, innovation, and market strategies. According to Zuckerberg, Apple hasn't brought anything revolutionary to the table since the iPhone, launched by Steve Jobs over two decades ago. He points out that Apple's iPhone sales have plateaued and attributes their revenue growth to increased peripheral sales and the infamous 30% tax on developers.Rashad Bilal expands on these comments, noting the ongoing debate about Apple's innovation—or lack thereof—and its implications for Apple's stock. Troy Millings highlights a key aspect: Apple's dominance in the market despite what Zuckerberg claims. He emphasizes that although Apple might be struggling with innovation, their brand has an "ironclad" reputation. Ian Dunlap backs this up with some historical context, elaborating on the long-standing "tech war" between these companies.The clip reveals the complex dynamics between hardware and software in the tech sphere. Meta, formerly Facebook, has been making strides with its Oculus products but still faces stiff competition from Apple's entrenched ecosystem. While Apple has been successful with the iPhone and its peripherals, they haven't been pushing the envelope as much as some in the industry would like. Ian and Troy dive into the significance of innovation, the potential for new technologies like AI, and how these factors could affect the future performance of both Apple and Meta stocks.Wrapping things up, the hosts explore what this means for Apple's future, revealing that Tim Cook might have to consider stepping down if Apple fails to innovate in the coming years. Ian even predicts that by 2034, Cook could be out of his leadership role if Apple doesn't begin to lead in innovation once again. Troy's closing thoughts bring attention to market dynamics, emphasizing that while Apple remains a market leader, their complacency could hurt their bottom line.This clip is packed with insights, laughs, and some heavy-hitting predictions about the future of tech giants. Whether you're an avid Apple user, a pro-Meta enthusiast, or just someone interested in the ever-evolving tech landscape, this clip offers a thorough breakdown of what's currently shaking up Silicon Valley. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more updates and in-depth discussions on the latest market trends and financial insights. See you next Monday!#MarketMondays #MarkZuckerberg #Apple #Meta #TechNews #FinancialInsights #Innovation #StockMarket #TechGiants #DonaldTrump #JoeRogan #IanDunlap #RashadBilal #TroyMillings #TechWars #AI #FutureOfTech #TimCook #SiliconValleySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marketmondays/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Market Mondays, we explore Meta’s controversial decision to end Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, sparking debates about free speech and a perceived alignment with MAGA principles. Mark Zuckerberg’s critique of Apple’s “lack of innovation” is another hot topic—could it really lead to their downfall? We also analyze whether the top-performing stocks of 2024, like Palantir, Nvidia, and United Airlines, will maintain their momentum in 2025, and dive into Meta’s AI advancements, including plans to replace human coders with AI.We also address the recent market dip, questioning whether it’s just a correction or a reason for caution. Other topics include the potential of quantitative stocks, Jensen’s 20-year prediction for breakthroughs, and the growing interest in investing in water amidst rising scarcity. Additionally, we debate whether Carvana’s stock is worth shorting, given its current challenges.Finally, we’re joined by Sigma Scott, an Altadena resident whose home was tragically destroyed in the recent Los Angeles fires. Her powerful story of resilience highlights the human impact of these disasters and the importance of community support during times of crisis.Book link to receive 30 days free EYL University bonus: https://youdeservetoberichdeal.com/Go Fund Me for Sigma: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-sigma-and-dutch-rebuild-after-california-wildfire #MarketMondays #Meta #MarkZuckerberg #AI #Stocks #Apple #Investing #Carvana #WaterInvestment #QuantitativeStocks #LAfires #ResilienceSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marketmondays/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy