Raising Social Capital- Building Wealth Through Relationships & Networking

Let's take a look at the year 2024 and reflect. There have been many world events both good and bad in our society from the Olympics to world wars. Reflecting on 2024 we must focus on building strong relationships with our community and network. For this final article of 2024, I wanted to reflect on how critically important it is for us as everyday consumers to support each other on our goals in life. This includes networking, investing, and building social capital, hence the article's title.

Networking and building social capital are extremely important in modern-day society. Building a strong network around can help you reach your goals in life. This can include finding your next job, starting a business, or investing in the next big idea. As 2025 roles in I want everyone to go out and network on LinkedIn with people they have connections with and just say hello.

Start the conversation with people in your network you will be surprised how much people can help you in your network. People are looking to help you and support you, however you must take the first step. Below in this article, I have added some amazing brands in the consumer packaged goods industry to this final newsletter of 2024. These brands have not only amazing products but are all unique in their sector.

You can shop their products using the link under each biography on the brand. Do not just buy their products tag them on social media to spread awareness to more people. Let's build social capital for one another.

These brands have been added to my newsletter all from networking here on LinkedIn. Keith Kohler finance expert and financing guru has also been added to the newsletter. Keith helps small to large businesses find affordable, and efficient financing for their businesses. So, I know what people are saying at this point now what is social capital? Well, let's look at the definition in the picture below from Investopedia.

As you can see in the picture above this is why social capital is very critical for your success in life and business. Social capital allows people like myself and others to build wealth through connections not only on LinkedIn but also on society as a whole. Take a look at Elon Musk, Daymond John, Michael Jordan, Donald Trump, and Junior Bridgeman. All of these individuals have been able to build extreme wealth through their networks. Daymond partnered with LL Cool J in the late 80s and early 90s to promote FUBU which became a very successful fashion company crossing 1 billion in sales.

Michael Jordan has to be on the list he has leveraged his Jumpman brand with Nike and collegiate schools making him one of the highest-paid athletes of all time. In addition, to those powerful individuals, I had to add Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Both have leveraged their networks and connections to make changes in their respective industry from EVs to real estate both individuals know what it takes to build connections and wealth with people all over the world.

Last but not least is Junior Bridgeman he is someone most people do not know, however they should. Junior Bridgeman started playing in the NBA in the early to late 70s for the Milwaukee Bucks. After learning the Wendy's business model Bridgeman worked tirelessly to build his franchise portfolio over the next few decades.

Over the next few decades, Bridgeman would go on to own over 400 Wendy's franchise locations becoming one of the wealthiest NBA players of all time. Now, Junior Bridgeman is a bottler for Coke and has leveraged his connections and now has a stake in the Bucks basketball franchise after playing for them in the 70s. These stories should inspire you to chase after your dreams and leverage your network so you can build wealth not just financially but socially.

Below we have some amazing brands that you should follow on social media and support by buying their products. Also, I have finance expert Keith Kohler who can help you finance your dream business and build that next multi-million to billion-dollar company you have been dreaming about. Small businesses are the backbone of America not only for creating jobs but also for economic development. We must support everyone every chance we get. I wish everyone a happy holidays and hope you find this article inspirational.

"Keith is a fiancing guru that has helped me find lenders for financing business acquisition deals"- Mario West

I earned my MBA in Finance from the Wharton School and a MA in Brazilian/Latin American Studies from the Lauder Institute of the University of Pennsylvania, and also received my Bachelor’s in Foreign Service cum laude from Georgetown University.

Now, more than ever, having a solid handle on your business’s financial foothold, opportunity for growth, and ability to remain stable is everything. You need strategic analysis, critical decision-making tools and insights, and an advocate who can help guide you through the complexities of both financing and the finance function in your business without making it all feel complicated.

That’s what I bring to the table. I draw not only from financial and deal-making expertise but on a wide spectrum of operational roles across multiple industries from food and beverage and CPG, to entertainment, technology, media, and manufacturing.

CPG Financing Month is a series of 13 conversations, 12 throughout February, and 1 kickoff event on January 15th, designed specifically to help CPG founders and the larger CPG community gain a greater and more in-depth understanding of financing.

Now in its second?year, this year's theme?is "How..." ?

We'll examine?underwriting, processes, and stories from various financing providers?and founders. ?

The goal is simple: ?to help you get the right financing?at the right time.

Check out the schedule and you can register?here -- registration is FREE:

https://events.ringcentral.com/events/cpg-financing-month-2025/registration

When Dr. Shica got her first Easy-Bake Oven, she knew she loved to bake. Growing up in South Carolina, she baked with her grandma and learned that the best desserts come from using the best ingredients. When Dr. Shica founded her bakery, she committed to using only high-quality, premium ingredients to create her gourmet signature desserts.

From a small town in the South to Southern California, Dr. Shica now delivers her Southern-style treats to Hollywood executives and actors. Garnering praise from renowned chefs, producers, and on-air personalities, her rich and fudgy "Almost Famous Brownies" has created quite a stir - several producers even have a standing weekly order.

Dr. Shica knew she needed to expand her baked goods to meet the growing demand for vegan treats. She developed a line of mouth-watering, plant-based desserts that satisfy those sweet cravings and allow her customers to maintain their vegan lifestyles. https://drshicasbakery.com/pages/about-us

Originally from the vibrant city of Mumbai, India, I've spent the last 17 years embracing life in the Midwest.

My journey as a fitness and health enthusiast has fueled my passion for discovering diverse foods and spices and understanding their natural healing properties. To deepen my expertise, I completed a nutrition program affiliated with Harvard Medical School.?

Countless superfoods around the world remain unknown to many, and my mission is to create a global platform to bring these natural treasures to everyone. Walking through grocery stores filled with packaged snacks and foods with unpronounceable ingredients reinforces my belief that food should be simple and natural. We truly are what we eat, and my goal is to offer foods that are both delicious and healthy.

https://www.gaurimw.com/products

PUR Spices is a globally inspired specialty sauce and spice company that makes products?free of top allergens, additives,?and chemical preservatives in Cleveland, OH.??Our mission is to create exceptional experiences enhancing everyday foods by introducing people to bold flavors they can feel confident using. Food is a source of connection, and we are honored to be at the table. PUR Spices is a WBENC and Ohio Proud member.

From Sonya:?I’m incredibly proud of our brand and what we represent. I truly believe food is a powerful source of connection, and I love being able to engage with our customers—answering questions, sharing recipes, and offering support to families with allergies. There’s nothing like walking into a store and seeing our products on the shelf or hearing from friends who enjoy cooking with our spices. Knowing we’re bringing joy to kitchens and creating special moments is the most rewarding part of this journey. https://www.purspices.com/

Our mission at Satya is to inspire creativity in the kitchen regardless of the cuisine. We provide premium versatile Indian-inspired spice blends that simplify the cooking process and add a delightful twist to any dish. We strive to make every meal an adventure, empowering home cooks and chefs to explore and experiment with flavors beyond borders. For more information head to www.satyablends.com?

A classic New Yorker, Dixie Jackson tried boiled peanuts for the first time as an adult during a visit to the South and knew she had to take this amazing snack to the entire country. She recently launched a new CPG brand, Dixie Grace's Boiled Peanuts:?https://dixiegracesboiledpeanuts.com/?

Boiled peanuts, an iconic, protein-rich snack popular in the South delivers layered flavor with just four simple ingredients: peanuts, salt, water, and lemon. Vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and keto-friendly, they're a crave-able, unexpected delight that shocks the senses. This plant-based protein created by a Black Female Founder is the ultimate clean protein snack and a great source of magnesium, Fiber, and Vitamin E. As a new player in the specialty food industry, Dixie Grace's Boiled Peanuts is poised to become a leader in healthy snacking.

KYVAN Foods is a destination for unique, great-tasting food products with a mission to grow our business the old-fashioned way with honesty, integrity, and hard work. We strive to serve our consumers by carefully creating high-quality food products to nourish the body and soul. KYVAN Foods is a nationally certified minority-owned business that practices deep respect for the environment and embraces diversity. Our motto is "One taste and you will appreciate the Goodness!

Husband-and-wife duo Reggie and Sheila Kelly started KYVAN Foods. Like any great parent, we want to leave a great legacy to our two children, Kyla and Kavan, who make up KYVAN. Our KYVAN Salsa is sold in select Target stores and on the Target website. ?https://kyvan82.com/

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Born in Cypress Hall, a small town high atop the Red Hills of Kingston, Jamaica, Kamaal Jarrett, the Founder of Hillside Harvest, was taught to appreciate the simple things in life. Later, when his parents decided where in the United States to establish roots, they settled in Milton, Massachusetts, a small town between Boston and the Great Blue Hill mountain range.

Growing-up, Kamaal showed an inherent love for food; watching endless hours of PBS cooking shows and spending the summer hours with his Aunt Elaine in her Egleston Square bakery and Caribbean restaurant. https://hillsidesauce.com/

I have managed 6 to 7-figure brands, including well-known brands like Willix Worx, Burlingham, Arcridge, and Theraplex. I have also worked with many CPG brands,?including West Food Brands.?

My expertise extends across comprehensive Amazon Account Management services, from PPC campaign optimization and keyword research to account health tracking and inventory forecasting.?

I am highly skilled at enhancing product listings to boost conversion rates and consistently apply cutting-edge strategies to drive growth for Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brands.?

My approach is rooted in data-driven decision-making, allowing clients to achieve significant results and maximize sales potential in competitive markets.

If you have children, it's never too early to teach them financial literacy. Mario West's children's activity book for ages 8 and up can be ordered on Amazon using the link below. Don't forget to like and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

If you want to consult one-on-one with Mario West about your business idea or be featured in our next newsletter, email [email protected] today to get started. Are you ready to elevate your brand's products or services worldwide?

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