NJCS 05: Philadelphia Entrepreneurs Share Their Journey from the Streets to Successful Businesses
Breaking the Chain: Building Wealth Through Doing Good
What happens when two dynamic entrepreneurs combine community leadership with financial literacy for kids—and aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo?
In this energizing episode, P. Michael and Lenny the Boss, co-founders of the Real Estate & Financial Literacy Academy for Kids, share their mission to empower the next generation through goal-setting, entrepreneurship, and real-world education—all through the lens of a barber chair.
You’ll hear how their backgrounds shaped their bold approach to teaching, what inspired them to blend financial literacy with cultural storytelling, and why they believe the education system needs a serious update (or at least a makeover).
Expect thought-provoking takes on creating generational wealth, designing a life with intention, and reaching underserved communities—plus wild tales from their travels to Africa and what a single pair of clippers taught them about access and opportunity.
From founding a kids' academy to building out their brand and inspiring grown folks along the way, this episode is all about purpose, passion, and doing it your own way.
Key Topics Covered
00:00 The vision: Teaching kids smart goals through barbering and business
03:10 Financial literacy at any age: Why they start young
06:45 "The system isn’t broken, it’s outdated": Rewriting the education script
09:22 Designing your life: Goal setting as a life skill
14:18 Real Ones Don’t Shrink in Rooms: Showing up in power
17:32 Reaching underserved communities—and what Africa taught them
22:10 Starting the academy: Kids, clippers, and purpose
27:40 Entrepreneurship in action: Teaching from lived experience
30:15 Big vision: Expanding access beyond borders
34:50 Investing in legacy: Wealth, mindset, and culture
38:18 Advice for creatives and educators building a mission-first brand
49:24 Lessons learned about creating and leveraging content
01:01:43 Funny classroom moments and student engagement
01:14:21 Support and recognition from the community
01:26:34 Lighthearted discussion on shaving heads
01:38:35 Closing thoughts and key takeaways
Ready to be inspired, entertained, and pick up tactical tips? Jump in—this episode is for wedding industry creatives, marketers, and anyone who loves a smart business (and content!) comeback story.
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About the Show and Our Expert Guests:
NJ Content Studio
For start-ups, creators, entrepreneurs, and business owners looking to grow your business and amplify your voice, NJ Content Studio exists for you. With hosts John Bertino and Steven Picanza!
P. Michael & Lenny the Boss
Founders of the Real Estate & Financial Literacy Academy for Kids
Two powerhouse entrepreneurs, educators, and community leaders on a mission to transform how kids learn about money, business, and life design, P. Michael and Lenny the Boss are co-founders of a youth-focused academy that teaches financial literacy through creative avenues, like barbershop entrepreneurship, they’re changing the game for underserved communities.
P. Michael brings raw authenticity and lived experience, sharing what it means to overcome struggle and build generational wealth from the ground up. Lenny the Boss, known for his high-energy delivery and vision-driven mindset, helps people of all ages set intentional goals and build a life by design, not default.
Together, they blend cultural insight, practical tools, and motivational fire to educate and inspire. Whether speaking in schools, leading workshops, or traveling abroad to connect with global communities, their mission is clear: empower the next generation to own their future.
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