“The customer is always right” is a myth, says Minuteman Press Uptown owner Frank Brown. On this episode of Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real, Brown and consumer Tina Schlief join host Tracey Williams-Dillard for a candid conversation about customer service, communication and why Black-owned businesses need to stop offering discounts on request.
Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real
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Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real: Building Black Economic Power One Dollar at a Time
On this episode of Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real, MSR Publisher Tracey Williams-Dillard sits down with leaders from the Association for Black Economic Power to discuss financial literacy, economic ownership and building generational wealth in Black Twin Cities communities.
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African-American Leadership Forum Leaders Join Tracy’s Keepin’ It Real to Talk Black Futures, Community Power, and How to Get Involved
African American Leadership Forum Tracy Keepin It Real podcast highlights leadership, policy and community solutions in Minnesota.
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Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real: Women’s Health, Access and Community Care with Dr. Rahshana Price-Isuk
The Tracey’s Keepin It Real podcast explores women’s health, access to care and community wellness in Minneapolis.
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Librarians, Literature & Black History Month
Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real features Twin Cities librarians discussing Black literature, community storytelling, and a Black History Month library read-in.
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Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real Spotlights New Girl Scouts River Valleys CEO Marisa C. Williams
Marisa C. Williams joins Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real to discuss leadership, service, and her vision as CEO of Girl Scouts River Valleys.
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Equity and Legacy During Minnesota’s 40th MLK Holiday Anniversary
Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real marks Minnesota’s 40th MLK holiday anniversary with a conversation on equity, legacy, and collective responsibility featuring Ashley Oolman.
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Capital Is Not the Problem. Access Is.
Episode 8 of Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real Podcast focuses on access to capital, helping entrepreneurs understand funding readiness, financial documentation, and alternative pathways to grow their businesses.
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You Built It. Now Can You Let It Grow?
Episode 7 of Tracey’s Keepin’ it Real with Business breaks down how entrepreneurs can shift from survival mode to sustainable growth by changing how they think, lead, and build teams.
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The Cost of the Grind: When Entrepreneurship Breaks Your Health
Episode 6 of Tracey’s Keepin’ it Real with Business tackles burnout head on. Tracey Williams Dillard, Octavia “Tav” Treadway, and Tommy McNeal break down how exhaustion, anxiety, and unhealthy work habits are hurting entrepreneurs and why modeling wellness is essential for leadership and growth.
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Strength & Strategy Series – Episode 5: Networking and Mentorship Podcast
In Episode 5 of the Strength and Strategy Series, Tracey’s Keepin’ it Real with Business focuses on networking and mentorship as non-negotiables for long term success. Tracey, Octavia “Tav” Treadway, and Tommy McNeal talk about stepping into Black chambers, community cooperatives, incubators, and peer circles that are built to help you level up. If you have ever felt like you are building your business alone, this episode offers clear steps to move from isolated to supported.
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Visibility and the Power of Being Seen
Episode 4 of the Strength & Strategy Series digs into visibility and the power of being seen. Tracey, with cohosts Octavia Treadway and Tommy McNeal, discusses how small businesses can build brand awareness, strengthen their digital presence, and use tools like social media, SEO, and MSR Media support to get noticed and remembered.
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Strength & Strategy Series – Episode 3: Customer Service & Professionalism
Episode 3 of Tracey’s Strength & Strategy Series explores why customer service and professionalism are essential for long-term business success. Joined by Tommy McNeal and Octavia Treadway, Tracey breaks down how consistency, communication, and accountability shape trust and customer relationships.
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Strength & Strategy Series Episode 2: Business Planning and Strategy
Episode 2 of the Strength and Strategy Series explores how strong leadership, efficient operations, and solid infrastructure help entrepreneurs move from ideas to real growth. Tracey talks with Octavia “Tav” Treadway and Tommy McNeal about building systems, strengthening teams, and creating a reliable foundation for long-term success.
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Strength & Strategy Series Episode 1: Business Planning and Strategy
Episode 1 of the Strength & Strategy Series with business planning, cash flow, and pricing
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Strength & Strategy with Tav Treadway and Tommy McNeal
Tav Treadway and Tommy McNeal join Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real Podcast to share powerful strategies for purpose-driven leadership, entrepreneurship, and building lasting impact in our communities.
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MSR Hosts Powerful Panel on 5-Year Anniversary of George Floyd’s Murder
On the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder hosted a powerful panel at UROC in North Minneapolis, bringing together local leaders, advocates, and families impacted by police violence for an honest and urgent conversation.
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Planting Seeds of Purpose with Gardener Candace Yates
In this episode of Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real, Tracey Williams-Dillard chats with gardener Candace Yates about the healing, community-building, and joy that come from cultivating your own green space—no matter where you live.
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De’Vonna Pittman on purpose, beauty and building bold brands
In the latest episode of Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real, Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO and Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, welcomes a dynamic voice in Minnesota’s business and beauty scene—De’Vonna Pittman, founder and CEO of Nature’s Syrup. Pittman is not only a beauty industry trailblazer, but a community builder, published author, and public servant whose passion for […]
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Part 4 – Unlocking the Path to Homeownership
Unlocking the Path to Homeownership: A New Episode of Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real podcast returns with a powerful episode dedicated to helping Minnesotans achieve sustainable homeownership. Sponsored by the Minnesota Homeownership Center, this discussion provides invaluable insights for first-time and first-generation homebuyers. Sponsored by the Minnesota Homeownership Center The Minnesota Homeownership […]