Motivation: His story is one of resilience, hard work, and a commitment to excellence.
Strawberry Letter
iHeartPodcasts
4.5 • 1.7K Ratings
🗓️ 27 February 2025
⏱️ 30 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Derrick "D" Hayes.
The man behind Big Dave's Cheesesteaks. Born and raised in a tough neighborhood in West Philadelphia, Derrick didn't let his circumstances define him. He started small, launching Big Dave's Cheesesteaks out of a tiny gas station, but his vision was anything but small. Now, Big Dave's is an Atlanta institution, serving up some of the best cheesesteaks in the country. Celebrities, athletes, and everyday food lovers flock to his restaurants for a taste of his signature flavors. But Derrick's success isn't just about business it's about community. During the pandemic, he stepped up, giving back by providing meals to those in need. His story is one of resilience, hard work, and a commitment to excellence. Tune in as we break down how he turned a humble start into a thriving empire.
#STRAW
#BEST
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Hey everybody, what's up? This is Questlove, and every year we do special programming in February for Black History Month. |
| 0:07.1 | Now, it's specially important this year as we gear up for some new conversations, so the team and I compiled some clips from the show that are worth revisiting. |
| 0:15.4 | In part one of the celebration of Black History Month, we're listening back to moments with Chris Rock, |
| 0:26.7 | Salon, Prodigy, Benvereen, Jennifer Lewis, Angela Rye, and Gina Yashiree. |
| 0:33.6 | Listen to Questlove Supreme on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. |
| 0:38.9 | Hi, I'm Roshan McDonnell. I host the weekly Money Making Conversation Masterclass show. The interviews and information that this show provides are for everyone. It's time to |
| 0:43.6 | stop reading other people's success stories and start living your own. If you want to be a guest |
| 0:48.6 | on my show, please visit our website, Moneymaking Conversations.com, and click the be a guest button. |
| 0:55.7 | Press submit, and the information will come directly to me. |
| 0:58.9 | Now, let's get this show started. |
| 1:01.0 | Welcome to Money Making Conversation Masterclass. |
| 1:03.3 | I am your host, Rishon MacDonald. |
| 1:05.3 | I recognize that we all have different definitions of success. |
| 1:08.2 | For you, it may be the size of your paycheck. |
| 1:10.4 | Mine is inspiring |
| 1:11.2 | people to accomplish their goals and live their very best life. It's time to stop reading other |
| 1:16.0 | people's success stories and really start writing your home. People always talk about your |
| 1:20.0 | purpose or gift. If you have a gift, lead with your gift and don't let your friends, family, |
| 1:24.6 | or co-worker stop you from planning or living your dreams. |
| 1:29.8 | My guest today is Derek D. Hayes. |
| 1:33.0 | He was recently featured on the cover of Essence magazine. |
| 1:40.9 | His vision for his restaurant, Big Dave's Cheesecake, Beginning in 2014, as he aimed to merge his passion for community, food, and business. |
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