23 minute read
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
If you own rental property, you are going to want to get this book so you can triple your monthly income. by Bryce Miller
BOOK REVIEW
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here are very few occasions where you can take an opportunity that you already own and repurpose it into something much greater. As we all seek ways to create additional income, without having to do additional work, The Blueprint, written by Joshua Jackson, offers a straightforward way to accomplish this goal. Jackson, born and raised in Cleveland, decided to take his own apartment and experiment with it. Jackson placed ads on short-term rental apps (STR) to see if he could increase his income. What he found was quite more than additional cash, Jackson has authored a book about his experiences and will soon hit the lecture market to teach others how to do the same thing. In The Blueprint, Jackson does more than help would-be renters make more money, Jackson prepares his readers mentally for the journey to discover financial freedom. “As the author of this book, it is my goal to direct your hopes and/or ambitions towards greatness.” Jackson writes. “Just as farmers water seeds to produce crops, it is my desire to water your aspirations to soon produce the best short-term rental host in the world.”
Jackson is speaking from experience. After receiving his communication degree from The University of Akron, Jackson went full time and has four rentals on STR apps producing enough income to support himself with no other job. Jackson is not by himself, the STR business is exploding with Airbnb leading the way. Airbnb is currently worth over 150 billion with over 150 million worldwide users. In 2007, two down-andout young men used their San Francisco apartment as a bed and breakfast to fulfill rent obligations. There discovery paved the way for millions to use non-hotels to quickly stay all over the world. Jackson lays the entire process out for you if the decide to ven-
ture into the STR world. Based on your desired location and quality of the rental you pick will determine your start-up costs. The best way to get started is to turn any properties that you currently own into an STR.
The best part about venturing into this business is the increasing and steady demand for short-term housing. People are constantly traveling, and businesses are starting to rely on this business for employees that need housing while visiting and working at remote sites.
The pandemic briefly reduced the business segment, but it is expected to return to and surpass those levels this year. So, the market is perfect for those that might want to try this business. If you are hesitant to try this business, The Blueprint eliminates fear by detailing every aspect of the business, even the negative side of the business. The book is a quick read for anyone that does not have a lot of time lengthy, complicated engagements that will take years to see results. For anyone interested in getting the book, can reach Joshua at 216-2063824 or try Joshua@heartoheart.community. ●
Every generation is blessed to experience a once-in-a-lifetime leader who can create superpower buzz and influence the masses to effect change. If we are lucky, Justin Bibb will make the City of Cleveland feel just like Metropolis.
No one is saying anything openly, but everyone can sense it. Something is going on in Cleveland, Ohio and it feels good. For the first time in years everything is going according to plan. The city has never seen more promise that it does right now. We have always enjoyed our elected officials, but sometimes they did not seem like a total fit. Today, with the election of Justin Bibb, Cleveland seems poised to explode in growth and popularity.
After starting his term in January, Bibb has already been on
TV and throughout social media more than in the 20 years that Frank Jackson served. Could it be because Bibb was born in the social media era? The Trinity High School graduate is only 34 years of age. This means that he understands how to use all the platforms available to him to communicate his agenda. This winter saw Bibb address the need for better snow removal. He appeared on Nick Cannon’s talk show to salute a fellow Clevelander. He has used Cleveland’s social media account to update the residents on numerous occasions. And lastly, when Bibb announced that the city would not extend the cities bar hours for All-Star Weekend, no one seemed to mind. Bibb is truly running the city, naming key players to his cabinet and changing the way we see our community leaders. “As you know, the theme of our campaign was ‘Cleveland can’t wait.’ The voters gave us a clear mandate on November 2nd to make change. Every day that I am in office is one less day I have to impact that change.” Bibb said.
Written by BRAD BOWLING
Brad Bowling is the President of CODE Media Group, LLC. Bowling has his BA in mass media communication and an MBA in marketing. He contributes articles to the magazine continuing his love for writing.
Mayor Justin Bibb.
And he is not playing. Bibb makes quick decisions. He is filling his administration with quality hires empowered with the ability to improve the city. Bibb also is attacking the cities remaining unvaccinated with encouragement to get the shot and free the city from worry. Currently only 46 percent is vaccinated, and Bibb wants to change that. Bibb is thinking about Cleveland in a way no other mayor has, by addressing the unseen issues of Cleveland. “We have a plan of address the development of the Westside market. We are going to address the lead paint crisis plaguing too many Cleveland homes. And finally, we reversed the prior administrations policy on the diversion program where you no longer need to have prosecutor approval help people who have mental health issues. They no longer will end up in jail, we will help them get the support they need.” Bibb commented.
Bibb is working to bringing people back to the city. The way the city is performing and living in a post-COVID society where people can work from home, which means move to Cleveland.
“The remote workforce is changing the way people live. They want walkable places to live, affordability, safe environments, and reduced impact from the weather. This makes Cleveland and outstanding place to live and work.” Bibb continued, “We have to go on the offensive, my role as the mayor of Cleveland is to get on a plane, attract businesses here, and then support them by creating and maintaining great communities.” The way things are going Bibb is getting help. The city offers Lake Erie, amazing restaurants and nightlife, the cost of living is fair, and traffic is limited to very few instances of congestion. With all three major sports team in Cleveland and the second largest theater district, the city is never dull on things to do. “We also are going to make sure that it is easy to do business in Cleveland by offering easier permit processes, helping companies relocate here and thrive in and around the city.” Bibb said.
Cleveland could be considered, by some, two different cities. The Westside of Cleveland looks and functions very differently
Blacks used to have national leaders like W.E.B. Du Bois, Malcolm X, and Rep. John Lewis.
From left to right, Mayor Justin Bibb and Congresswoman, Shontel Brown.
than the Eastside. Bibb, being from the Eastside understands that he needs to be the mayor of all of Cleveland. “What’s good for Mt. Pleasant is also good for Westpark. The working mom on the Westside wants the same thing as the teacher living on the Eastside.” Bibb continued. “They want safe streets, they want constitutionally appropriate policing, they want excellent quality jobs, excellent quality schools, access to good public transit, a good park to go to on the
weekends, and good sports teams to follow.” In 2021 the entire country saw crime increase. In addition to that cities across the country, including Cleveland are starting to address how Black people are policed and treated. The voters of Cleveland passed Issue 24 which gives oversite to the cities police department. Issue twenty-four allows for:
• The creation of the Community Police Commission to— together with the Civilian Police Review Board—oversee police conduct investigations and discipline, report and advise about police-community relations, and oversee
police training and recruitment. • Requirements that the commission be demographically representative of the city; and • Changes to membership qualifications and requirements for the Civilian Police Review Board to include attorneys with experience defending victims of police brutality, give the mayor instead of the police chief the authority to remove board members, and require the board's budget to
equal at least 1% of the police department's budget. “I had a chance to speak to Tamir Rice’s mother after becoming mayor, and I also had a chance to speak with our leaders in the police department. We all understand the importance of Issue 24 and what it can do to help the city bring on a new chapter in how we look at our police officers, and what we can expect from them going forward.” Bibb commented When speaking with Bibb, one understands how the former co-chair of Teach for America approaches his job. Bibb speaks with conviction and confidence. His answers seem to be well
thought and planned every single time he is peppered with questions. While is physically thin, his presence fills the room like a superhero ready to save the city. If Bibb’s tenure as mayor goes like his first one hundred days is going, the residents of Cleveland can expect more impressive things from the city and what it has to offer. The momentum is real and the feeling that we all have is safe, for now. If Bibb gets his way, this feeling is going to be here for as long as possible. ●
CODE M Magazine President, Brad Bowling interviewing Mayor Justin
MENTORING THAT MATTERS
Young Black men are finding first and second chances when they enter College Now’s Mentoring Program. Those chances are paying huge dividends for the program and the people it serves. by David Christel
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onsidering the uphill battle many young Black youth are saddled with, the move from high school to college can be daunting, off-putting, and dispiriting. Everything seems to be coming at them from increased school demands to more intense classroom requirements to all the pressures layered on by family and society. Added to that is the transition into early adulthood, navigating evolving relationships during this transitioning period, and keeping in mind that the seeming purpose of a college education is to land a good job in one’s chosen major. All of that can deter many a student from following their dreams and aspirations. Enter — the mentor.
In the past, mentoring has most often been considered a part of the corporate world. More recently, though, programs are investing in high school students by offering mentoring programs to help them traverse the complicated, often confusing, and more academically challenging college terrain. One such program is the College Now Mentoring Program in Cleveland. The program’s mission is to “… increase postsecondary educational attainment through college and career access advising, financial aid counseling, and scholarship and retention services.” Their data shows that students graduate college at a 70 percent rate, as opposed to the national average for their peer group of 42 percent. The program’s website states: “Over the last 10 years, the College Now Mentoring Program has connected thousands of local students and volunteer mentors, all committed to the individual success of students, as well as the success of our region. We are proud to partner with Say Yes to Education by providing mentors for Say Yes scholarship recipients. Together, we can change the narrative for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio!”
Two members of the College Now program are Herbert Kwofie and Martin Cole. Martin has been a mentor for Herbert for four years, but the two of them met through another Cleveland-based nonprofit three years prior. “When we first met, I looked up to him like a big brother,” Herbert explained. “I still look at him as a big brother, but I feel
The training program from College Now allows Black men to accomplish their goals.
The students of College Now enjoying spending quality time together.
we’ve transitioned over the seven years we’ve known each other to more of a friendship. I know I can confide in Martin if there’s anything going on in my personal or professional life. He’s always there for me.”
Martin concurs. “Our relationship has been fantastic and really blossomed. When I found out he wanted to go to Miami University, my alma mater, I definitely wanted to help him through the ins and outs of university life. It was going to be a very different world than what he’d known growing up.” What also intrigued Martin was that Herbert, whose parents wanted him to become a doctor, was far more interested in finance, policy, and public health. It just so happens that Martin is an entrepreneur. His major in college had been finance, with a minor in entrepreneurship. Needless to say, Herbert’s parents, though disappointed, see that he will be much happier following his dream. “Martin was very helpful in terms of helping me make that hard decision to not become a doctor. I’ve come to realize that I need to live my life for me, not my parents or anyone else. And I’d rather be happy than hate my career or my job in the future. I think my parents have
begun to realize that this is my passion — though they’re always gonna have that wish that I was a medical doctor, but that’s okay,” he said, with a smile. “And here I am today, about to start my career in the business world. It’s going to go well!” Martin also benefitted from the mentoring program. By providing support and guidance, Martin found himself refocusing on his own self-worth and value. “Herbert’s je ne sais quoi kind of rubbed off on me. I’ve become more determined, more communicative, and have really zeroed in on what I want out of life.”
Herbert and Martin have found that being a mentor and mentee is a gift and inspiration that works in both directions. As they look toward the future, they are certain that they’ve established a life-long friendship built on mutual respect, support, and professional interests.
Looking forward to his graduation in May, Herbert has these closing words to share: “College Now is an amazing program. This definitely helped me out throughout my four years of college, and I would recommend it to any student in Cleveland or wherever they’re at and to get involved. Even if you think you can’t learn anything from a mentor or you feel like you know it all. I believe it’s a great opportunity for any student that’s going to assuredly progress them in the future.”
To learn more about College Now, visit: College Now | Become a Mentor
The programs from College Now are having a real impact on the community.
LIFE
DATING THE MODERN
Dating for Black men and women between the ages of 40 to 55 struggle to find an emotional, financial, and physical connection with each other causing confusion, reluctance, and a lack of effort as a result. by Brad Bowling
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or many Black people over the age 40 love seems to be an elusive thing. Those recovering from a divorce or long-term relationship do not want to make the same mistake twice, so the process to choose a new romantic partner can be critical. CODE M took some time to ask several Black men and women about their dating experiences and the conversation covered everything from time commitments to availability. The bottom line: there is a disconnect between the sexes that must be addressed. Here are the answers to the questions that were asked from both parties.
IS IT HARD TO FIND LOVE?
Most of the Black men interviewed answered yes to this question. Many felt like they meet enough women, but they struggle to develop enough interest from the women they speak with to have it develop into a relationship. “It seems like the women that I meet are very professional. They are high achieving in their careers, but they bring that same critical thinking into the relationship, and it doesn’t work for me.” Jason from Cleveland said.
The men felt like the professional women they have met were too serious and did not allow themselves to have fun. The feeling was across the board for the men interviewed. For Black women, the answer to this question was quite different. They felt like it was not hard to find love, they just do not want to waste their time on relationships that will not lead to marriage. “I like to date with intent,” Tanya from Shaker said. “I do not want to put time and energy into a relationship that is not going to end in a long-term relationship. I am not looking to get married soon, but the intent to achieve
MODERN BLACK WOMAN
that needs to be there.”
DOES YOUR IMCOME IMPACT WHO YOU MEET?
Men are overly sensitive when it comes to income and how much they, and the women they date, make. This age-old problem needs to be eliminated from the dating conversation because women have jobs, own homes and are leading in several sectors of professional positions. “I personally do not have a problem if my lady makes more than me, but I do expect to lead the relationship.” Chris from Mentor said. “I hate to sound traditional but it’s how I was raised.
The women questioned had a much different answer. “Income for me is not a problem. Most of the men that I meet have a problem with what I make. And I am not going to apologize for living well or having wonderful things.” Crystal said. “Intimidation does not work for me, so ultimately the man I meet will have to be OK with what I make.”
The question of income hinders many individuals from finding the right person. Whether they are afraid of it or not, it can create a barrier to finding the right person. Black women are on the move. They are advancing is scores of fields and getting degrees at a much faster rate than their counterparts. According to Forbes, women have been earning more college degrees than men since the 1980s and now, for the
Black women come in many wonderful shapes and colors which men find incredibly attractive.
first time, there are more college-educated women in the workforce than college-educated men. Black women have also attained more education, and this has resulted in big gains in job growth for this population. According to a new study from Pew Research, which analyzed data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women twenty-five and older now make up 50.2% of the collegeeducated work force. That is up about 11% since the year 2000.
Employment rates for minority women have also seen significant increases. The percentage of employed Hispanic women between the ages of 25 and . increased by 2.2% since 2007. That is the biggest increase in employment of any working group in that timeframe. Black women came in second, with their employment jumping 1.6% over the same period. The New York Times attributes these increases in workforce participation in part to the uptick in Hispanic women enrolling in college (the share of Hispanic women pursuing a degree increased to 41% from 36% from 2010 to 2016) and to decreases in fertility rates for Hispanic and Black women.
HOW MANY RED FLAGS DO YOU HAVE?
The men questioned laughed at this question, but they eventually agreed that they have dozens of red flags. Red Flags are warning signs that creep up when meeting someone. As people age their red flags tend to increase due to a desire to not make the same mistakes that they did in the past. John, from Cleveland offered his opinion. “My red flags change from time to time because I am still trying to figure out what I want. I just want someone who loves me like I am willing to love them. I am not that complicated.” The complex process of merging to adult lives can be about the most awkward thing couples can do, but it can be done. There are scores of people who have met someone on a dating app and got married in less than a year. Not everyone is that lucky, but it is proof that is can be done. “My red flags are men that play games.” Brandi said. “The men that I meet seem to only want to date a little. When I see that he is doing a lot of texting and no phone calls or communication, it lets me know that he is not serious. And I want serious.”
All the women polled agreed that men seem to want to
Both Black men and woman want to be in a healthy relationship. casually date, without a real commitment to the relationship. Because increased men take on this trait, women sometimes can be reluctant to engage in any man. The result of these questions only created more questions. Both men and women want to date but struggle to find the right guidance to do so. Both agreed that a dating summit needs to take place where they can engage in real dialogue and find the underlying cause of the problem. Until then, both sexes will have to find a way to meet, date and court each other effectively. ●
A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER
The All-Star Weekend held in Cleveland last month gave the citizens of the city a chance to come out and enjoy the festivities like never before.
everything they could to enjoy all things basketball and party like never before. Arnold Hines Events did not disappoint by hosting three parties over the weekend at Nuevo, the Mexican Taco Restaurant, located on East 9th Street, in downtown Cleveland.
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ow can we, as Clevelanders, effectively sum up what was one of the most memorable weekends in Cleveland’s history. The events held all around the city during the All-Star Weekend gave everyone something to enjoy. The Pandemic’s two-year jail sentence kept most people at home looking out the window waiting for a reason to risk their lives. Each night was themed something new to enjoy. The first night hosted the National Association of Black Journalist Organization for any members of the press who came into town to cover the weekend.
Saturday was Gumbo Night, where attendees could enjoy the foods of New Orleans and party to live percussionists partner with DJ styled music.
Sunday ended the weekend with a watch party for the All-Star Game and dancing after. Enjoy some of the photos that were taken over the three-day events held and get ready for more events coming soon. ●
THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT
A MAN IN A BOWTIE
There are many levels of dress for the man of measure. For those that understand how to wear a bowtie, the options are limitless and powerful.
Written by LARON HARLEM
A wardrobe shopper, stylist and accessories designer who specializes in dapper looks that truly appeal to the most discerning eye. mailto:styledbydecarlo@gmail.com, https://www.styledbydecarlo.com/
It's OK to mix color and patterns...The black and white bowtie is a jump off from the blue suit...
Brad is sporting a green white and black multi pattern tie set that commands attention with the white suit....
Dale Cordice
At 11 years old Dale is wearing a tailored blazer with a custom bowtie set made just for his suit.
Use Purple to add royalty to any ensemble.. The custom made lapel flower is a great addition... The bowtie used to be considered attire the very best occasions. But today men are discovering different ways to incorporate the bowtie into everyday use. Whether there is a business meeting or night on the town, bowties spice up any wardrobe. With so many people working from home, the chance to go out and enjoy dinner also means getting a chance to dress up. As society gets back to normal what men wear shouldn’t. The bowtie represents a departure from the norm and deserves to be explored if you plan to venture out post-covid.
