Rebuild and Rise Show

How I Built This: The Real Story Behind Micah Abigail LLC

In this episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with host Darrin Harvey as a featured guest on Financial State of Minds to pull back the curtain on my entire journey—from a volleyball player in the Junior Olympics and a competitive bodybuilder in Colorado, to moving across the country to New York City and eventually founding Micah Abigail LLC. Being interviewed on the show gave me a chance to open up about the real story behind the business milestones. I’m sharing my deepest personal battles, including my upcoming seven-year sobriety milestone from alcohol, and how surviving that struggle gave me the empathy and drive to build a world-class, human-first company. During our conversation, Darrin dives deep into my transition from a corporate nine-to-five job into full-time entrepreneurship. I share the raw, unglamorous reality of my first year as a founder—why I chose to work completely pro bono for a full twelve months to protect my clients, and what it was like working on a tiny laptop until my hands literally locked up with carpal tunnel while delivering stacks of certified mail. Whether you are just starting your credit journey or gearing up for a major mortgage milestone, I want to show you what it truly takes to run toward entrepreneurship, build a rock-solid financial foundation, and transform your challenges into a powerful testimony. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to keep going and rise again. 📍 Visit: Financial State of Minds on YouTube or Follow Darrin Harvey on Instagram: @financialstateofminds 📍 Connect with me: @micahabigailllc | @rebuildandrisepodcast | @fitcreditdoctor 🎧 Listen now on: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio 📆 New episodes every Wednesday at 5:00 AM EST 🌐 Visit: micahabigail.com

From Personal Credit to Business Capital: How to Actually Become Bankable

In this episode of Rebuild and Rise, I sit down with SBA expert and Lendstra founder Sterling Birdsong to uncover the business funding strategies most entrepreneurs never hear about—and how to avoid the financial traps that destroy countless startups before they ever get a real chance to grow. With over a decade of banking experience, Sterling breaks down what it really takes to secure funding, whether you’re buying real estate, acquiring a business, or scaling your operations. We dive deep into why SBA loans are often the gold standard for deals under $5 million and how they compare to high-interest alternatives like MCAs and equipment loans. Sterling shares the exact credit score range lenders want to see, how your personal finances impact approval and interest rates, and the biggest mistakes business owners make that instantly hurt their chances of getting funded. Throughout our conversation, Sterling walks us through the full SBA process—from the first discovery call to getting approved in as little as 60 to 90 days. He explains the differences between SBA 7A and 504 programs, why strong financials and clean bookkeeping matter more than most people realize, and why integrity and long-term strategy should always outweigh chasing quick money. This episode is packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs who are tired of feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or confused about business financing. Whether you’re preparing for your first SBA application or trying to strengthen your financial foundation for future growth, this conversation will help you understand how to position yourself for success and approach lenders with confidence. If you’re serious about building a sustainable business, securing the best possible funding terms, and learning the long game of entrepreneurship, this is an episode you do not want to miss.  Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to keep going and rise again.  Visit: Lendstra.com or Follow Sterling Birdsong on Instagram: @sterling.sba to learn more and connect with him directly.  Connect with me: @micahabigailllc | @rebuildandrisepodcast | @fitcreditdoctor   Listen now on: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio   New episodes every Wednesday at 5:00 AM EST  Visit: micahabigail.com [http://micahabigail.com/]

Why Training Your Salespeople Like an Elite Athlete Is the Difference Between Scaling and Failing

In this episode of Rebuild and Rise, I sit down with Michelle Elise, a powerhouse sales trainer who has built a multi-million dollar sales operation. Together, we break down the #1 habit that separates average performers from elite closers: consistent, intentional daily practice. If you’re a CEO, team leader, or salesperson tired of chasing lukewarm leads or managing untrained teams, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth. Michelle showed me how just 15–30 minutes of daily training can completely transform a team in 90 days or less. Not through scripts—but through mastering relationships, sharpening communication, and building real confidence. Michelle breaks down how understanding your client’s real needs, asking better questions, and leading with integrity creates trust that lasts far beyond the close. She also dismantles the myth that “sales is sleazy,” replacing it with a model rooted in connection, purpose, and long-term retention. This episode isn’t just about closing more deals—it’s about becoming a better leader, building a stronger culture, and creating a team that operates at a higher standard every single day. If you’re serious about scaling your business and elevating your team, this is the blueprint. I walked away seeing training differently—and you will too. Michelle Elise, founder of EBA Hiring, is one of the most respected voices in sales and leadership today. Her approach to building relationship-driven, high-performance teams is redefining what sustainable success looks like. Don’t let another deal slip through the cracks. Master daily reinforcement—and turn your team into your greatest asset. Ready to go from good to elite? This is where it starts. Follow Michelle Elise on Instagram: @shewill.info [http://shewill.info/]  Or Connect with Michelle at: ebastart.info [http://ebastart.info/]  Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs a fresh perspective on money and purpose!   Streaming now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts  New episodes drop every Wednesday @ 5:00 AM EST ---------------------------------------------- Here’s how you can reach us:  Website: micahabigail.com [http://micahabigail.com/]  Instagram: @fitcreditdoctor

Your Rent Is Now Building Your Mortgage Score — Here’s What Nobody’s Telling You

In this episode, I break down a major transformation happening in how lenders evaluate borrowers. New credit scoring models like VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T are changing the game. VantageScore 4.0 now factors in non-traditional trade lines like rent and utilities when available — giving more data points that can impact your credit profile. This isn’t just theory — it’s already rolling out, and it’s opening doors for millions of Americans who were previously overlooked. The approval from the Federal Housing Finance Agency signals a move toward a more inclusive and accurate way of measuring creditworthiness. And here’s the truth most people aren’t talking about: This isn’t just an opportunity — it’s a shift you need to understand if you don’t want to fall behind. Because while the system is becoming more inclusive, it’s also becoming more advanced. These new models use machine learning to analyze patterns, trends, and behaviors — not just snapshots. That means lenders are getting a forward-looking view of your financial habits. If you know how to position yourself, this could mean better loan options, lower interest rates, and a faster path to homeownership. If you don’t? You risk overpaying, missing out, or staying stuck while others move ahead. That’s why I’m breaking it all down — what’s changing, why it matters, and how you can take advantage of it starting now. This is more than just a credit update. It’s a window of opportunity to finally have your financial behavior work for you instead of against you. If you’re serious about owning a home, building wealth, and staying ahead of the curve — this is something you can’t afford to ignore. Hit play, and let’s step into this new era of mortgage approval together. If this episode opened your eyes to what’s changing in the credit and mortgage world, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with someone who’s been renting, rebuilding, or trying to break into homeownership — this could be the insight that changes their path. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss what’s coming next — because as these new scoring models roll out, the people who stay informed will have the advantage. 📍 Follow me on Instagram: @micahabigailllc & @fitcreditdoctor for real-time strategies, updates, and guidance on positioning yourself in this new credit landscape. 📌 Streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio 📅 New episodes drop every Wednesday at 5:00 AM EST — stay ready so you don’t fall behind. The system is evolving… make sure you are too.

Don't Lower the Bar — Raise the Room (The lesson nobody teaches about hiring, standards, and serving from strength)

Most of my journey as an entrepreneur and leader, I struggled with trusting my gut—until I started seeing the real cost of ignoring it. Toxic culture, bad hires, and moments of self-doubt nearly derailed everything I was building. In this episode, I open up about how I learned to turn pain into purpose. I talk about what it really means to hold unwavering standards, trust my intuition, and fiercely protect the culture I’m responsible for. I’ve realized my standards aren’t walls—they’re filters. They help me let the right people in and keep the wrong ones out. Because one wrong hire or one compromised decision can set me back months, even years—unless I’m willing to say no at the right time. I also share the moments where I almost compromised—times when toxic environments, shaky confidence, and the wrong advice nearly cost me everything. I break down the difference between feedback and criticism, and how I’ve used self-reflection, faith, and a kingdom mindset to turn setbacks into setups for my next breakthrough. This isn’t just theory—it’s the real frameworks I use for hiring, building culture, and staying aligned, so I can protect both my business and my peace of mind. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: every wound, every mistake, every painful season has a purpose. It’s all part of shaping a life of meaning and influence. My breakthrough started when I chose to trust my gut, hold my standards, and allow God to use my pain for His glory. And maybe yours is just one honest decision away.  If this hits you, drop a  in the comments and tell me—what’s one standard you’re no longer willing to lower?    And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone.  Follow me on Instagram: @micahabigailllc, @rebuildandrisepodcast & @fitcreditdoctor for more financial tips, mindset and encouragement.   Streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio  New episode drops every Wednesday @ 5:00 AM EST