Money has not changed me. When I look at money, each dollar represents an option of something I could not do yesterday.

My grandma used to make syrup for us because we couldn't afford it and I just played around with her recipe. I made strawberry syrup and that didn't really work out but I made strawberry-vanilla and that sold. Then I just went out and took marketing classes, went to seminars, learned about marketing a product and striking deals. It ended up taking orders of $1.5 million.

You know, you don't have to have money to be a successful businessperson. You don't need a college degree. You just need a lot of common sense backed up by a willingness to work hard.

Always define your area of excellence. Establish the area where you will be the best.

It is not possible to erase racism just because African-Americans have reached a level of financial success and crossover appeal.

We have to find areas in our lives that we feel most uncomfortable about and want to change. I decided to push myself because it allowed me to give back. I have a scholarship program. When I found out the average age of a homeless person is 9½ years old, I said there must be something that I can do. Now, I am the spokesman for the National Coalition for the Homeless.

Money has not changed me. When I look at money, each dollar represents an option of something I could not do yesterday.