The Color of Money | Transformative Conversations for Wealth Building

100. Montaz McCray’s Next Chapter: Leverage, Law School, and Long-Term Wealth

Montaz McCray returns to The Color of Money with new milestones and hard-won perspective. Since first joining us as a rookie standout, Montaz has expanded his real estate portfolio, finished his first year of law school (ranking second in his class), and shifted from solo hustler to team builder—all while staying rooted in his Baltimore upbringing.In this episode, we dig into Montaz’s disciplined approach to wealth building, his strategy of living below his means, and the decision to pursue law not just for credentials but to serve clients better in a changing industry. He opens up about battling limiting beliefs, navigating the realities behind social media “success,” the power of mentorship, and why authentic representation matters. If you want to know what it takes to build real, lasting wealth—and a legacy that gives back—don’t miss this conversation.Resources:Learn more at The Color of MoneyFollow Montaz on Instagram: @montaz.mauriceConnect with Montaz on LinkedInBecome a real estate agent HEREConnect with Our HostsEmerick Peace:Instagram: @theemerickpeaceFacebook: facebook.com/emerickpeaceDaniel Dixon:Instagram: @dixonsolditFacebook: facebook.com/realdanieldixonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dixonsolditYouTube: @dixongroupcompaniesJulia Lashay:Instagram: @iamjulialashayFacebook: facebook.com/growwithjuliaLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/julialashay/YouTube: @JuliaLashayBo MenkitiInstagram: @bomenkitiFacebook: facebook.com/obiora.menkitiLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bomenkiti/Produced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

99. Lead Yourself First: How Chike Aguh Champions Growth and Greatness

In this episode of The Color of Money, Chike Aguh—senior advisor, Fulbright Scholar, and former Chief Innovation Officer at the U.S. Department of Labor—joins us to break down what real leadership looks like in today’s fast-changing world. Chike shares how his immigrant family’s journey, commitment to lifelong learning, and willingness to step up—imperfectly—have shaped his path to national influence.We explore why leadership always starts with leading yourself, the power of building skills and character over credentials, and why adaptability is the true key to opportunity. Chike offers practical advice on finding proximity to great leaders, building relationships, and remembering that the distance between you and those you admire is often smaller than you think.Tune in for inspiration, actionable wisdom, and a fresh perspective on growing your impact—wherever you are on your journey.Resources:Learn more at The Color of MoneyRead Good to Great by Jim CollinsRead How to Make a Few Billion Dollars by Brad JacobsRead The Experimentation Machine by Jeff BussgangBecome a real estate agent HEREConnect with Our HostsEmerick Peace:Instagram: @theemerickpeaceFacebook: facebook.com/emerickpeaceDaniel Dixon:Instagram: @dixonsolditFacebook: facebook.com/realdanieldixonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dixonsolditYouTube: @dixongroupcompaniesJulia Lashay:Instagram: @iamjulialashayFacebook: facebook.com/growwithjuliaLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/julialashay/YouTube: @JuliaLashayBo MenkitiInstagram: @bomenkitiFacebook: facebook.com/obiora.menkitiLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bomenkiti/Produced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not  Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

98. From Oil Rigs to Investing: How Michael Merideth Scaled with Purpose

What does it take to grow from a Craigslist rental to a $100 million real estate portfolio—and still stay true to your values?In this episode, we sit down with Michael Merideth, co-founder and CEO of VPG Enterprises in New Orleans. A former petroleum engineer and minor league baseball player, Michael’s journey into real estate began with a bold leap—and a belief that his community deserved better. With fraternity brothers turned co-founders, he bootstrapped VPG from envelope-stuffing side hustle to one of the nation’s fastest-growing real estate firms.We explore the mechanics behind that rise: creative financing, vertical integration, and building trust in a historically insular market. Michael shares the power of partnerships, how to spot a real opportunity, and what it means to do deals that make a difference. He also opens up about today’s headwinds facing Black-owned businesses, and how he's evolving while staying rooted in mission.Whether you're building your first fourplex or scaling to institutional capital, this episode is a masterclass in grit, vision, and legacy.Resources:Learn more at The Color of MoneyVPG Enterprises: vpgenterprise.comRead: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert KiyosakiBecome a real estate agent HEREConnect with Our HostsEmerick Peace:Instagram: @theemerickpeaceFacebook: facebook.com/emerickpeaceDaniel Dixon:Instagram: @dixonsolditFacebook: facebook.com/realdanieldixonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dixonsolditYouTube: @dixongroupcompaniesJulia Lashay:Instagram: @iamjulialashayFacebook: facebook.com/growwithjuliaLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/julialashay/YouTube: @JuliaLashayBo MenkitiInstagram: @bomenkitiFacebook: facebook.com/obiora.menkitiLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bomenkiti/Produced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not  Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

97. Disciplined by Design: Kito Smith’s Real Estate Formula

What does it really take to build a thriving business and lasting wealth—on your own terms? We sit down with Kito Smith, a standout in the San Antonio real estate scene, to explore what it means to build wealth—and a business—by design. Kito’s unwavering commitment to his “why” has shaped his approach to real estate, leadership, and life, driving his success as both a top-producing agent and a mentor within his community.In this conversation, we dive into the discipline behind Kito’s daily routines, from his 600+ days alcohol-free to his structured approach to time management and delegation. We unpack how embracing health, therapy, and self-care has transformed not only his business but also his mindset. Kito shares creative strategies for building community and promoting homeownership, including unique events like “Ribs and Tips” that bring real estate education directly to the people.Through mentorship, purposeful action, and a commitment to giving back, Kito shows how self-confidence and clarity of purpose can lead to both personal and professional freedom. This episode is a practical guide to living—and building wealth—with intention.Resources:Learn more at The Color of MoneyRead The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin HardyRead You Owe You by Eric ThomasBecome a real estate agent HEREConnect with Our HostsEmerick Peace:Instagram: @theemerickpeaceFacebook: facebook.com/emerickpeaceDaniel Dixon:Instagram: @dixonsolditFacebook: facebook.com/realdanieldixonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dixonsolditYouTube: @dixongroupcompaniesJulia Lashay:Instagram: @iamjulialashayFacebook: facebook.com/growwithjuliaLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/julialashay/YouTube: @JuliaLashayBo MenkitiInstagram: @bomenkitiFacebook: facebook.com/obiora.menkitiLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bomenkiti/Produced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not  Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.

96. Money, Mentorship, and the New Age of College Sports

From protecting Austin’s live music scene to launching the University of Texas’s largest NIL fund, Nick Shuley’s career has always centered on impact—and on people.In this episode, we sit down with Nick to unpack how he found himself at the forefront of the NIL movement, fighting to ensure college athletes weren’t just paid, but supported. He shares how he navigated the chaotic rollout of NIL legislation, why he made it a point to sit down with every athlete he worked with, and the financial and emotional lessons these young adults need long before they ever go pro.We also explore the parallels between sudden NIL windfalls and the experience of first-year entrepreneurs, the disproportionate impact on Black athletes, and what Nick wishes every donor and student-athlete would consider before signing a deal. He and Daniel also dive into the origin of the Third and Longhorn podcast—a platform that’s helped athletes tell their stories, grow their brands, and in one case, even find a new home for a food truck.Whether you care about sports, social equity, or just love a good underdog story, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and heart.Resources:Learn more at The Color of MoneyFollow Nick Shuley on Instagram: @nickshuleyConnect with Nick Shuley on LinkedInBecome a real estate agent HEREConnect with Our HostsEmerick Peace:Instagram: @theemerickpeaceFacebook: facebook.com/emerickpeaceDaniel Dixon:Instagram: @dixonsolditFacebook: facebook.com/realdanieldixonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dixonsolditYouTube: @dixongroupcompaniesJulia Lashay:Instagram: @iamjulialashayFacebook: facebook.com/growwithjuliaLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/julialashay/YouTube: @JuliaLashayBo MenkitiInstagram: @bomenkitiFacebook: facebook.com/obiora.menkitiLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bomenkiti/Produced by NOVAThis podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not  Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty, or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.