Ryan McEvoy, owner of Jeff’s Bagel Run locations in Wake Forest and Rolesville (with a Raleigh shop opening near Glen Lake), shares how his experience helping build the uBreakiFix franchise led him into the bagel business and helps fund his nonprofit, 127 Haven. He explains 127 Haven’s James 1:27-inspired model in Uganda: rescuing orphaned children from the streets and raising them in permanent family homes with Ugandan parents and legal guardianship rather than operating an orphanage. Ryan recounts how relationships through African Children’s Choir connected him to Lynette, the home’s mother, and shares stories of rescued children now thriving. He discusses navigating local culture, government support, and ways to donate via 127haven.com, noting funds go directly to the family’s monthly needs.

00:00 Meet the Bagel Founder

02:08 Who is Jeff

02:57 From Phone Repairs to Franchises

04:21 Why Bagels in Raleigh

05:18 Business Skills That Transfer

06:21 Favorite Bagel Orders

06:55 What Is 127 Haven

08:14 Building Families Not Orphanages

09:27 Why Uganda and Lynette

11:42 A Miracle Before the Trip

13:48 Growing the Home Model

16:17 Navigating Red Tape Abroad

17:28 Staying Humble and Safe

18:54 Why Uganda Matters

19:50 Making a Difference Starts Small

21:22 Ways to Get Involved

22:04 Gladys and the First Kids

24:41 Rethinking Orphanages as Family

28:25 Legacy and Ripple Effect

30:24 What's Next for Jeff's Bagel Run

31:36 How to Support 127 Haven

33:51 Closing Thanks and Bagel Banter

Join us as we dive into a conversation with Jody Donaldson, owner of Alloy Personal Training and host of The Progress Zone podcast. Discover the key to sustainable growth in fitness and life, as Jody shares his journey from a real estate business owner to a fitness entrepreneur, author, and podcast host. Learn about the importance of consistency, the mindset needed for long-term success, and how small, daily actions lead to significant progress. This episode is packed with insights on entrepreneurship, fitness, personal growth, and practical steps to unlock your full potential.

00:00 Meet Jody Donaldson

02:20 Many Hats and Origins

03:05 Why Fitness Franchise

04:09 Progress Zone Explained

06:13 Passion Into Business

07:09 Consistency Over Perfection

08:44 Common Progress Pitfalls

09:39 Alloy Training Model

13:06 Longevity Strength Focus

16:39 Motivation Versus Habits

18:00 Podcast Guests and Topics

20:04 Book Blueprint and First Step

22:45 Advice for Young Adults

26:04 Where to Find Jody

26:37 Final Thanks and Wrap

Melissa interviews Mandy Becker, owner of Swagger Boutique, a women’s style destination in Wake County with locations in Raleigh and Cary. Becker shares how a beloved South Georgia gift shop inspired her, how she earned an engineering degree at Georgia Tech, opened Swagger as a gift store in 2002, and expanded into clothing in 2011 after customer requests. She explains what boutique ownership is really like, including unexpected friendships and learning business without formal classes, with support from her husband. Becker breaks down how and where she shops markets (Atlanta for gifts; Dallas and Vegas for clothing), how delivery timing affects buying, and how she forecasts trends while selecting for Swagger’s broad age range. She highlights upcoming trends like butter yellow, chocolate brown, polka dots, stripes, zebra, scarves, brooches, chunky jewelry, and outerwear, plus how social media and live selling shape the business.

00:00 Meet Mandy and Swagger

02:17 Origins and Early Inspiration

03:41 Engineer to Gift Shop Owner

04:29 Pivot to Clothing Boutique

05:40 Retail Realities and Relationships

07:34 How Fashion Markets Work

10:45 Trend Forecasting and Customer Fit

16:22 Spring Summer Trend Report

18:45 Easy Closet Refresh Tips

20:07 Color Analysis and Teen Feedback

22:03 Passing Down the Boutique

22:43 Who Picks Trend Colors

24:04 Fall Outerwear Forecast

25:21 Swagger Vibe in 3 Words

26:20 Confidence and Body Positivity

27:08 Social Media and Live Shopping

32:15 Five-Year Vision for Swagger

33:37 Lightning Round Favorites

35:52 Where to Shop and Follow

37:24 Final Thanks and Wrap Up