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Unlock your business POTENTIAL.

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Unlock your business POTENTIAL.

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ABOUT THE EVENT!

Think Co. Office 1315 Walnut St. FL 2 Philadelphia, PA 19107 


june 10

2023

saturday

11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. est.

The Scaling of your Business with Rebuildtheblock Corp. event provides networking opportunities and resources to Black entrepreneurs interested in expanding their business ventures while learning the foundational elements of scaling within a new digital age.

WE WANT TO SEE YOU THERE!!

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Networking is a crucial element for business growth and expansion, as building strong relationships with industry peers, suppliers, partners, and customers enables gaining new insights, accessing new markets, and creating business opportunities through involvement in industry associations, attendance at conferences and trade shows, and active participation in online forums.

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2

THREE WAYS 

networking

STRATEGIZE

To scale your business, develop a growth strategy that identifies expansion opportunities, outlines necessary steps, conducts market research, and ensures feasibility, sustainability, and alignment with business goals.

To scale your business, consider investing in technology, whether through upgrading existing systems or introducing new technologies, such as implementing a cloud-based platform or integrating machine learning and automation tools, to improve productivity, efficiency, customer experience, streamline processes, and reduce costs.

Investing in Technology

YOUR BUSINESS

TO SCALE

Nathan W. McCann

Vice President, Certified Sr. Business Consultant, JP MORGAN CHASE

Travon Duncan

 Offensive Security Engineer

Adassa Phillips

Content Creator & Influencer, DASSAEATS

connect with our speakers 

Sherman Washington

CFO, cgm philly

ANTHONY CARPENTER

VP Business Services,
 sECURITYPLUS fcu

Paul Farrell

Revenue Marketing SPECIALIST, sECURITYPLUS fcu

James Burks

Chief Operations Officer (COO), cgm philly

Fatou B. Barry

Creator, PR Girl Manifesto

ZE CLARK

Co FOUNDER, REBUILDTHEBLOCK CORP.

themes

Enhance your skills and take your business to the next level with our comprehensive business workshops. Gain insights from industry leaders and learn practical strategies to improve your business operations. Don't miss out on this opportunity to invest in your professional development and achieve lasting success.

USING CONTENT TO SCALE YOUR BUSINESS

SCALING YOUR BUSINESS

NETWORKING SESSION

PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS IN THE CYBERAGE

EVENT schedule

11:00 AM

arrival and registration

11:30 AM

Welcome and Introductions

11:40 AM

SCALING YOUR BUSINESS

Sherman Washington, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (CFO)

Sherman is a co-founder of Common Ground Management (CGM), a management consulting firm, located here, in Philadelphia. He is a highly regarded professional with a valuable depth of experience in strategic planning, entrepreneurial success and business consulting. His area of focus encompasses accuracy and integrity of accounting transactions, accounts receivable and payable, record keeping and financial reporting. While mastering the spectrum of accounting responsibilities for CGM’s finances, Sherman ensures the commitment to the community in which he lives and serves as the focus of his work. 
 
Sherman has a strong commitment to educating the youth of the community on topics that range from the importance of decision making, finances, and healthy eating options. An understanding and appreciation of balancing precise business acumen with sustaining the local values has been a differentiating factor for Sherman’s success. 
 
Sherman earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Sociology from Saint Joseph’s University; and currently resides in Philadelphia with his wife and son. 

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Born and raised in Philadelphia, James (known to many as Jimmy) Burks serves as co-founder of Common Ground Management (CGM). Jimmy serves in the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this role, his areas of focus include the execution of administrative and operational projects, and supporting the growth and development of new and current staff. Jimmy enjoys bringing ideas and visions to life, putting systems and processes into place. For approximately 10 years, Jimmy served various roles in the civil service and non-profit sectors in the areas of homelessness and workforce development, being employed by the City of Philadelphia and Episcopal Community Services. Jimmy holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Temple University’s College of Public Health and a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Saint Joseph’s University.

He currently serves as a board member for local non-profit organizations, The Athletic Club of Fairhill and The Monkey & The Elephant, as well as a committee member for Together for West Philadelphia (TfWP). Jimmy currently resides in West Philadelphia with his wife, April and their son, James. 

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James Burks, Chief Operations Officer (COO)

paul farrell, revenue marketing specialist

Paul Farrell is a seasoned marketing and business development expert who has consistently achieved impressive revenue results, surpassing the milestone of $100M. His true passion lies in collaborating with creative agencies to craft customized omni-channel marketing campaigns that cater to both new and existing members. Paul excels in utilizing various advertising channels, such as paid search, display, and video ads, to develop targeted strategies that meet the unique needs and preferences of the target audience.

Beyond campaign creation, Paul plays a crucial role in measuring campaign performance and identifying opportunities to enhance product positioning, ultimately driving higher adoption rates. He actively collaborates with the Retail, Business, and Mortgage teams to develop impactful business-to-business strategies that generate increased leads and revenue.
As a credit union leader, Paul is driven by a strong desire to positively impact the lives of members. He thrives in collaborative environments and continuously seeks innovative approaches to outperform competitors and achieve organizational goals. His exceptional work ethic, character, and value-add to any team were recognized when he was selected as an Emerging Leader finalist in the MD|DC area. Paul is honored to have the opportunity to make a difference and contribute to the success of his organization.

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ANTHONY CARPENTER, VP OF BUSINESS SERVICES

Anthony Carpenter is the VP of Business Services at Securityplus Federal Credit Union and holds a prominent position on the Senior Leadership Team. He is a proud graduate of Morgan State University, having obtained a B.S. Degree in Business Administration. Anthony's career in the banking industry spans several notable financial institutions, starting with FNB's Management Trainee Program, which paved the way for his rapid progression into management roles within the organization. He successfully managed multiple FNB locations before transitioning into business banking as a Relationship Manager.

Throughout his career, Anthony has held key positions in renowned financial institutions, including Columbia Bank as a Commercial Manager, PNC Bank as a Relationship Manager, and Suntrust Bank as a VP of Business Banking. At Suntrust Bank, he oversaw a substantial business portfolio comprising the top clients across six branches. Anthony's responsibilities encompassed providing lending options, depository products, and services, and delivering comprehensive business solutions. He also acted as a liaison with partners to offer Treasury Management Services, Merchant Services, Cash Management, Payroll Services, and more.
Anthony's journey led him to Securityplus Federal Credit Union, where he undertook the pivotal role of creating and leading an entire department. With his expertise and the support of esteemed colleagues, he successfully established a full-service department that caters to the diverse needs of the credit union's business clients. Anthony has been a valuable asset to Securityplus for over seven and a half years, demonstrating his commitment to excellence and driving the growth of the organization's business services.

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Nathan W. McCann, Vice President, Certified Senior Business Consultant

Nathan has twenty five years of experience in banking, lending, community development, government banking, relationship management and leadership experience. Strong aptitude in evaluating financial situations involving credit, and matching the right credit program to minimize risk for both business and the client. Possesses mastery of the financial markets, and knowledge of financial statements and spreadsheets. Nathan earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration from Rowan University. Nathan began his Banking career at a large National Bank in their retail-banking network, where he has held many positions and titles. Nathan also worked for a 100 million dollar CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution). The CDFI was dedicated to serving distressed neighborhoods in revitalization and economic growth. Focusing on helping startup businesses to well mature businesses develop the skills to help them achieve growth and build wealth. Nathan is dedicated to the Mission of serving people and helping businesses be more profitable.   

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12:00 PM

BREak

12:15 PM

PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS

Travon Duncan, Offensive Security Engineer

Travon Duncan is a highly skilled and experienced cyber security professional with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in offensive security operations. With over 5 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, he has established himself as a leading expert in the field of cybersecurity. Travon's experience and expertise have made him a valuable asset in the cybersecurity industry. He is well-known for his ability to identify vulnerabilities in information systems and develop effective strategies to protect against cyber attacks.

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zelnetta clark, founder of rtb

Ze Clark is a dynamic professional with a strong drive for strategic communication, philanthropy, and Cyber Security. With a keen passion for empowering the Black community, Ms. Clark is the Co-founder of RebuildTheBlock, a non-profit organization dedicated to redistributing wealth and knowledge, making a positive impact by bridging the gap and providing support to underserved communities. 

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12:35 PM

break

12:50 PM

content creation 

Adassa Phillips,  Content Creator & Influencer, DASSAEATS

Adassa Phillips is a content creator, food influencer, and travel enthusiast. She utilizes her DassEats platform to showcase small and Black owned- businesses as well as local events, restaurants, and experiences in the DMV (DC, MD, VA) area. She highlights food, travel, and lifestyle experiences with her audience through impact and authenticity. Adassa also built her brand Queen Smoothie to promote wellness and her own smoothie recipe e-book for Smoothie Bae, LLC. She's from Prince George's County, MD and will work as a graduate marriage and family therapist outside of her content creation work, as a recent Master's graduate. Adassa also loves working out, hiking, and days at the beach. 

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Fatou B. Barry,  CREATOR,  PR Girl Manifesto

 Fatou B. Barry is a strategist, equity advocate, and community builder who has been involved in communications and brand development for nearly a decade. She excels at supporting mission-consistent brands in creating a better future through impactful storytelling, strategic messaging, and communication design. Her expertise has been sought after by global brands such as GoPuff, Samsung, and WeWork, among others.

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1:10 PM

BREAK

1:25 PM

rtb intro & More

1:35 PM

NETWORKING SESSION

1:50 PM

CLOSING REMARKS

DIRECTIONS

GET 

11:00 a.m. to 2:00 P.M. EST

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Think Co. Office 1315 Walnut St. FL 2 Philadelphia, PA 19107 


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