From the hardwood to the heart of Minneapolis, Rich Melzer’s journey is one of resilience and purpose. A former professional basketball player, Rich now serves as CEO of YouthLink, supporting young people experiencing homelessness.

In this episode, he shares the pivotal moments that shaped his life — from being expelled in high school to experiencing homelessness in college — and how those challenges now fuel his leadership. This conversation dives into accountability, empowerment, and how creating the right spaces can change the trajectory of a life.

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Kojo Boadi’s journey begins thousands of miles from the coastline he is now helping transform. Born and raised in Ghana, he came to the United States at nineteen with a purpose that, even then, felt bigger than simply earning a degree.

In this episode, Kojo shares how he’s working to reshape coastal communities in Ghana through bold, purpose-driven development. He pulls back the curtain on his flagship projects, including luxury hospitality and residential developments built on 300 acres of coastal land.

Kojo’s story is a reminder that meaningful development isn’t just about profit—it’s about building opportunity, strengthening communities, and daring to pursue ideas that can change an entire region.

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Jared Brewington doesn’t describe himself as a chef, but rather an inventor.

In this episode, Jared, founder of Official Fried Chicken, talks about turning curiosity into a nationally scalable business. From his early days in South Minneapolis to becoming a fan favorite at Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium, he shares how innovation, technology, and resilience shaped his entrepreneurial journey.

With nationwide franchising ahead, this conversation offers a powerful look at leadership, adaptability, and creating something built to last.

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