Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed, Itiona Scott. 

The conversation focused on her entrepreneurial journey, the development of the Essie Marie brand, its health-focused product line, the company's placement in Whole Foods, and her vision for nationwide growth.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview served several purposes:

• To highlight Itiona Scott's journey from therapist to entrepreneur.
• To increase awareness of heart disease and its impact on underserved communities.
• To showcase Essie Marie as a healthier, heart-conscious food brand.
• To inspire entrepreneurs, especially women and minority founders, to pursue purpose-driven businesses.
• To discuss strategies for building and scaling a consumer packaged goods brand.

Key Takeaways 1. Personal Tragedy Can Fuel Purpose

Scott transformed the loss of her mother into a mission to improve health outcomes through better nutrition and education.

2. Business and Social Impact Can Coexist

Essie Marie was built not only to generate revenue but also to address a public health issue affecting many families.

3. Healthy Food Doesn't Have to Sacrifice Flavor

The brand focuses on products that are flavorful while also being vegan, low-sodium, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

4. Differentiation Matters

Essie Marie has carved out a unique niche as a Black woman-owned heart-healthy dressing and marinade brand.

5. Persistence Leads to Growth Opportunities

Scott discussed the steps involved in getting her products into Whole Foods, demonstrating the importance of preparation, branding, and perseverance.

6. Legacy Is a Powerful Business Motivator

The company reflects Scott's commitment to honoring her mother's memory while helping others live healthier lives.

7. National Expansion Is Part of the Vision

Scott's long-term goal is to make heart-healthy products accessible to more consumers across the country.

Notable Quotes

"My mother's death became the motivation for the company."

"Essie Marie was created to impact the heart health epidemic within the women and minority communities."

"Itiona plans to take Essie Marie products national, to help as many people as possible fight against the silent killer, heart disease."

"This family recipe salad dressing is tasty, healthy and the perfect addition to any family gathering."

Executive Takeaway

Itiona Scott's interview is ultimately a story of turning pain into purpose. By combining her family's legacy, a commitment to healthier living, and entrepreneurial determination, she created a brand that seeks to make a meaningful difference in people's lives while building a successful business. The interview demonstrates how mission-driven companies can create both social impact and commercial success.

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed, Itiona Scott. 

The conversation focused on her entrepreneurial journey, the development of the Essie Marie brand, its health-focused product line, the company's placement in Whole Foods, and her vision for nationwide growth.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview served several purposes:

• To highlight Itiona Scott's journey from therapist to entrepreneur.
• To increase awareness of heart disease and its impact on underserved communities.
• To showcase Essie Marie as a healthier, heart-conscious food brand.
• To inspire entrepreneurs, especially women and minority founders, to pursue purpose-driven businesses.
• To discuss strategies for building and scaling a consumer packaged goods brand.

Key Takeaways 1. Personal Tragedy Can Fuel Purpose

Scott transformed the loss of her mother into a mission to improve health outcomes through better nutrition and education.

2. Business and Social Impact Can Coexist

Essie Marie was built not only to generate revenue but also to address a public health issue affecting many families.

3. Healthy Food Doesn't Have to Sacrifice Flavor

The brand focuses on products that are flavorful while also being vegan, low-sodium, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

4. Differentiation Matters

Essie Marie has carved out a unique niche as a Black woman-owned heart-healthy dressing and marinade brand.

5. Persistence Leads to Growth Opportunities

Scott discussed the steps involved in getting her products into Whole Foods, demonstrating the importance of preparation, branding, and perseverance.

6. Legacy Is a Powerful Business Motivator

The company reflects Scott's commitment to honoring her mother's memory while helping others live healthier lives.

7. National Expansion Is Part of the Vision

Scott's long-term goal is to make heart-healthy products accessible to more consumers across the country.

Notable Quotes

"My mother's death became the motivation for the company."

"Essie Marie was created to impact the heart health epidemic within the women and minority communities."

"Itiona plans to take Essie Marie products national, to help as many people as possible fight against the silent killer, heart disease."

"This family recipe salad dressing is tasty, healthy and the perfect addition to any family gathering."

Executive Takeaway

Itiona Scott's interview is ultimately a story of turning pain into purpose. By combining her family's legacy, a commitment to healthier living, and entrepreneurial determination, she created a brand that seeks to make a meaningful difference in people's lives while building a successful business. The interview demonstrates how mission-driven companies can create both social impact and commercial success.

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ryan Richmond.

🎙️ Interview Overview

Ryan Richmond (co‑owner of Popcorn Remix) appears with partner Greg Bowman on Rushion McDonald’s show, which focuses on entrepreneurship, financial growth, and personal success. [podtail.com]

The discussion centers on:

• Building a fast‑growing gourmet popcorn business
• The origin story and partnership dynamics
• Scaling into major venues and building multiple revenue streams
• Using business to uplift communities

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview is designed to do four main things:

1. Highlight the growth of Popcorn Remix

   • From a small boutique shop to placements in major venues like arenas and convention centers [omny.fm]

2. Showcase Black entrepreneurship and partnership success

   • Demonstrates how two founders created a niche in a competitive food category [omny.fm]

3. Promote their fundraising platform (WePowerFundraisers)

   • A model allowing organizations to earn up to 50% from sales while products are shipped directly to supporters [omny.fm]

4. Inspire entrepreneurs and listeners

   • Reinforces McDonald’s mission: helping people “start writing your own success story” [moneymakin...ations.com]

💡 Key Takeaways 1. Partnership is the foundation of growth

• Richmond and Bowman built their business on trust, complementary skills, and shared vision.
• One plays visionary, the other executes—creating balance.

👉 Insight: Successful ventures often depend more on alignment than capital.

2. Hustle can outweigh lack of resources

• Ryan Richmond entered the business without significant capital but brought drive and execution energy.

👉 Insight: Early-stage businesses are often fueled more by effort and persistence than funding.

3. Differentiation wins markets

• Popcorn Remix created nontraditional flavors (crab legs, banana pudding, etc.) to stand out. [omny.fm]
• Even product mechanics (like kernel type) were intentionally different.

👉 Insight: Competing in crowded markets requires bold innovation—not incremental change.

4. Branding and storytelling matter

• The name “Remix” reflects creativity, cultural relevance, and reinvention.
• Their origin story (inspiration from a life moment and discovery) reinforces brand authenticity. [wepowerfun...aisers.com]

👉 Insight: Strong brands connect emotionally, not just commercially.

5. Multiple revenue streams accelerate growth

• Beyond retail, they expanded into:
  • Large venues and event partnerships
  • Fundraising platforms
  • Online ordering

👉 Insight: Scaling requires diversification beyond a single sales channel.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ryan Richmond.

🎙️ Interview Overview

Ryan Richmond (co‑owner of Popcorn Remix) appears with partner Greg Bowman on Rushion McDonald’s show, which focuses on entrepreneurship, financial growth, and personal success. [podtail.com]

The discussion centers on:

• Building a fast‑growing gourmet popcorn business
• The origin story and partnership dynamics
• Scaling into major venues and building multiple revenue streams
• Using business to uplift communities

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview is designed to do four main things:

1. Highlight the growth of Popcorn Remix

   • From a small boutique shop to placements in major venues like arenas and convention centers [omny.fm]

2. Showcase Black entrepreneurship and partnership success

   • Demonstrates how two founders created a niche in a competitive food category [omny.fm]

3. Promote their fundraising platform (WePowerFundraisers)

   • A model allowing organizations to earn up to 50% from sales while products are shipped directly to supporters [omny.fm]

4. Inspire entrepreneurs and listeners

   • Reinforces McDonald’s mission: helping people “start writing your own success story” [moneymakin...ations.com]

💡 Key Takeaways 1. Partnership is the foundation of growth

• Richmond and Bowman built their business on trust, complementary skills, and shared vision.
• One plays visionary, the other executes—creating balance.

👉 Insight: Successful ventures often depend more on alignment than capital.

2. Hustle can outweigh lack of resources

• Ryan Richmond entered the business without significant capital but brought drive and execution energy.

👉 Insight: Early-stage businesses are often fueled more by effort and persistence than funding.

3. Differentiation wins markets

• Popcorn Remix created nontraditional flavors (crab legs, banana pudding, etc.) to stand out. [omny.fm]
• Even product mechanics (like kernel type) were intentionally different.

👉 Insight: Competing in crowded markets requires bold innovation—not incremental change.

4. Branding and storytelling matter

• The name “Remix” reflects creativity, cultural relevance, and reinvention.
• Their origin story (inspiration from a life moment and discovery) reinforces brand authenticity. [wepowerfun...aisers.com]

👉 Insight: Strong brands connect emotionally, not just commercially.

5. Multiple revenue streams accelerate growth

• Beyond retail, they expanded into:
  • Large venues and event partnerships
  • Fundraising platforms
  • Online ordering

👉 Insight: Scaling requires diversification beyond a single sales channel.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ryan Richmond.

🎙️ Interview Overview

Ryan Richmond (co‑owner of Popcorn Remix) appears with partner Greg Bowman on Rushion McDonald’s show, which focuses on entrepreneurship, financial growth, and personal success. [podtail.com]

The discussion centers on:

• Building a fast‑growing gourmet popcorn business
• The origin story and partnership dynamics
• Scaling into major venues and building multiple revenue streams
• Using business to uplift communities

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview is designed to do four main things:

1. Highlight the growth of Popcorn Remix

   • From a small boutique shop to placements in major venues like arenas and convention centers [omny.fm]

2. Showcase Black entrepreneurship and partnership success

   • Demonstrates how two founders created a niche in a competitive food category [omny.fm]

3. Promote their fundraising platform (WePowerFundraisers)

   • A model allowing organizations to earn up to 50% from sales while products are shipped directly to supporters [omny.fm]

4. Inspire entrepreneurs and listeners

   • Reinforces McDonald’s mission: helping people “start writing your own success story” [moneymakin...ations.com]

💡 Key Takeaways 1. Partnership is the foundation of growth

• Richmond and Bowman built their business on trust, complementary skills, and shared vision.
• One plays visionary, the other executes—creating balance.

👉 Insight: Successful ventures often depend more on alignment than capital.

2. Hustle can outweigh lack of resources

• Ryan Richmond entered the business without significant capital but brought drive and execution energy.

👉 Insight: Early-stage businesses are often fueled more by effort and persistence than funding.

3. Differentiation wins markets

• Popcorn Remix created nontraditional flavors (crab legs, banana pudding, etc.) to stand out. [omny.fm]
• Even product mechanics (like kernel type) were intentionally different.

👉 Insight: Competing in crowded markets requires bold innovation—not incremental change.

4. Branding and storytelling matter

• The name “Remix” reflects creativity, cultural relevance, and reinvention.
• Their origin story (inspiration from a life moment and discovery) reinforces brand authenticity. [wepowerfun...aisers.com]

👉 Insight: Strong brands connect emotionally, not just commercially.

5. Multiple revenue streams accelerate growth

• Beyond retail, they expanded into:
  • Large venues and event partnerships
  • Fundraising platforms
  • Online ordering

👉 Insight: Scaling requires diversification beyond a single sales channel.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Telisha Roberts.  

Guest: Dr. Telisha Roberts, Founder and President of Creative Intentions
Host: Rushion McDonald
Topic: Career development, leadership growth, entrepreneurship, workforce readiness, and navigating today's changing job market. 

Purpose of the Interview

The purpose of the conversation was to help students, early-career professionals, corporate employees, and aspiring entrepreneurs understand how to successfully navigate career transitions and professional growth. Dr. Roberts shared insights from her 26-year corporate career and explained how Creative Intentions helps individuals bridge the gap between potential and achievement. 

The interview focused on preparing people for workplace success, leadership roles, entrepreneurship, and adapting to economic uncertainty, layoffs, and artificial intelligence-driven workforce changes. [

Key Takeaways 1. Success Requires More Than Opportunity

Dr. Roberts emphasized that securing a job, internship, or promotion is only the beginning. What determines long-term success is how effectively individuals navigate and perform once they enter those opportunities. [

Takeaway: Getting the opportunity and succeeding in it are two different challenges.

2. Always Have a Plan

One of the strongest themes throughout the interview was intentional planning.

Roberts shared that before leaving her 26-year corporate career, she spent roughly a year preparing and developing a plan to ensure a successful transition. She encourages others to proactively prepare for career changes instead of reacting after a crisis occurs. [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]

Takeaway: Faith, passion, and ambition should always be supported by a structured plan.

3. Career Development Is a Lifelong Process

Creative Intentions supports:

• College juniors and seniors
• Early-career professionals
• Managers and executives
• Entrepreneurs
• Small business owners

Roberts believes individuals need guidance at every stage of professional growth. 

Takeaway: Professional development does not stop after graduation.

4. Hard Work Alone Does Not Guarantee Promotion

One of the most discussed topics in the interview was the misconception that simply working hard will automatically lead to advancement.

Roberts explained that employees must learn how to communicate their value, connect their accomplishments to organizational goals, and demonstrate strategic impact. 

Takeaway: Visibility, communication, and strategic alignment are as important as effort.

5. Tell Your Own Story

According to Roberts, many talented professionals fail to advance because they expect others to recognize their contributions automatically.

She stresses that employees must be capable of:

• Articulating their value
• Demonstrating impact
• Understandin

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed LaVashia Davis.

Guest: LaVashia Davis, Founder of Ell Wess Advisors (boutique family office and wealth management firm)
Host: Rushion McDonald
Topic: Building multigenerational wealth, family wealth planning, asset protection, and creating lasting legacies. 

Purpose of the Interview

The interview focuses on helping first-generation wealth builders and entrepreneurs understand that wealth creation is about more than investments. Davis explains how families can organize, protect, grow, and transfer wealth across generations by treating their family finances as a structured enterprise rather than simply accumulating money.

A central theme is that many successful individuals earn substantial incomes but lack a blueprint for preserving and transferring wealth. Davis advocates for intentional planning, legal structures, family involvement, and asset protection to create lasting legacies. 

Key Takeaways 1. Wealth Requires a Blueprint

Davis explains that creating a legacy does not happen automatically. Families need a deliberate plan, legal structures, and defined roles if they want wealth to survive beyond one generation. [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt]

Takeaway: Making money and building wealth are not the same. Wealth requires systems and succession planning.

2. Family Should Be Treated as an Asset

One of Davis's strongest messages is that family members can play meaningful roles in wealth-building efforts.

She argues that when people think about legacy, they often overlook the importance of human relationships and family participation. Wealth-transfer strategies frequently require successors, trustees, managers, and beneficiaries. Many of those roles can be filled by family members. [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt]

Takeaway: Family can be a strategic asset when properly organized and aligned.

3. Not Every Family Member Contributes Equally

Davis acknowledges that some family members may behave more like liabilities than assets.

Using a balance-sheet analogy, she explains that every family includes both contributors and individuals who may create financial burdens. The key is identifying those dynamics without allowing them to derail long-term wealth planning. [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt]

Takeaway: Successful family wealth planning requires honest assessment of family dynamics.

4. Wealth Management Is More Than Investments

Davis differentiates her firm's approach from traditional investment-focused advisory services.

Her firm begins with:

• Family and wealth governance
• Legal structures
• Estate planning
• Tax planning
• Business succession planning
• Preparing future generations to inherit wealth

Investments are addressed after these foundational elements are in place.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Telisha Roberts.  

Guest: Dr. Telisha Roberts, Founder and President of Creative Intentions
Host: Rushion McDonald
Topic: Career development, leadership growth, entrepreneurship, workforce readiness, and navigating today's changing job market. 

Purpose of the Interview

The purpose of the conversation was to help students, early-career professionals, corporate employees, and aspiring entrepreneurs understand how to successfully navigate career transitions and professional growth. Dr. Roberts shared insights from her 26-year corporate career and explained how Creative Intentions helps individuals bridge the gap between potential and achievement. 

The interview focused on preparing people for workplace success, leadership roles, entrepreneurship, and adapting to economic uncertainty, layoffs, and artificial intelligence-driven workforce changes. [

Key Takeaways 1. Success Requires More Than Opportunity

Dr. Roberts emphasized that securing a job, internship, or promotion is only the beginning. What determines long-term success is how effectively individuals navigate and perform once they enter those opportunities. [

Takeaway: Getting the opportunity and succeeding in it are two different challenges.

2. Always Have a Plan

One of the strongest themes throughout the interview was intentional planning.

Roberts shared that before leaving her 26-year corporate career, she spent roughly a year preparing and developing a plan to ensure a successful transition. She encourages others to proactively prepare for career changes instead of reacting after a crisis occurs. [Dr. Telish...(Podcast) | Txt]

Takeaway: Faith, passion, and ambition should always be supported by a structured plan.

3. Career Development Is a Lifelong Process

Creative Intentions supports:

• College juniors and seniors
• Early-career professionals
• Managers and executives
• Entrepreneurs
• Small business owners

Roberts believes individuals need guidance at every stage of professional growth. 

Takeaway: Professional development does not stop after graduation.

4. Hard Work Alone Does Not Guarantee Promotion

One of the most discussed topics in the interview was the misconception that simply working hard will automatically lead to advancement.

Roberts explained that employees must learn how to communicate their value, connect their accomplishments to organizational goals, and demonstrate strategic impact. 

Takeaway: Visibility, communication, and strategic alignment are as important as effort.

5. Tell Your Own Story

According to Roberts, many talented professionals fail to advance because they expect others to recognize their contributions automatically.

She stresses that employees must be capable of:

• Articulating their value
• Demonstrating impact
• Understandin

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed LaVashia Davis.

Guest: LaVashia Davis, Founder of Ell Wess Advisors (boutique family office and wealth management firm)
Host: Rushion McDonald
Topic: Building multigenerational wealth, family wealth planning, asset protection, and creating lasting legacies. 

Purpose of the Interview

The interview focuses on helping first-generation wealth builders and entrepreneurs understand that wealth creation is about more than investments. Davis explains how families can organize, protect, grow, and transfer wealth across generations by treating their family finances as a structured enterprise rather than simply accumulating money.

A central theme is that many successful individuals earn substantial incomes but lack a blueprint for preserving and transferring wealth. Davis advocates for intentional planning, legal structures, family involvement, and asset protection to create lasting legacies. 

Key Takeaways 1. Wealth Requires a Blueprint

Davis explains that creating a legacy does not happen automatically. Families need a deliberate plan, legal structures, and defined roles if they want wealth to survive beyond one generation. [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt]

Takeaway: Making money and building wealth are not the same. Wealth requires systems and succession planning.

2. Family Should Be Treated as an Asset

One of Davis's strongest messages is that family members can play meaningful roles in wealth-building efforts.

She argues that when people think about legacy, they often overlook the importance of human relationships and family participation. Wealth-transfer strategies frequently require successors, trustees, managers, and beneficiaries. Many of those roles can be filled by family members. [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt]

Takeaway: Family can be a strategic asset when properly organized and aligned.

3. Not Every Family Member Contributes Equally

Davis acknowledges that some family members may behave more like liabilities than assets.

Using a balance-sheet analogy, she explains that every family includes both contributors and individuals who may create financial burdens. The key is identifying those dynamics without allowing them to derail long-term wealth planning. [Lavashia D...(Podcast) | Txt]

Takeaway: Successful family wealth planning requires honest assessment of family dynamics.

4. Wealth Management Is More Than Investments

Davis differentiates her firm's approach from traditional investment-focused advisory services.

Her firm begins with:

• Family and wealth governance
• Legal structures
• Estate planning
• Tax planning
• Business succession planning
• Preparing future generations to inherit wealth

Investments are addressed after these foundational elements are in place.