From a single ice cart to becoming the largest mobile Italian Ice brand on the East Coast, Lou Torres shares the real story behind CocoCrissi Tropical Icees.

In this episode, we dive into:

• How CocoCrissi started from the ground up

• The challenges of scaling a food business

• Building a brand rooted in community and purpose

• Hiring, leadership, and mentoring young entrepreneurs

• What it really takes to turn a simple idea into a regional business

This conversation is about hustle, strategy, and impact—not just selling Italian Ice, but building something that lasts. If you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or someone trying to turn an idea into income, this episode is for you.

IG - @cococrissi

Website- https://cococrissi.com

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In this episode, we break down the wild barbershop incident where a customer pulled a gun on a barber, the controversy surrounding Donald Trump calling Somali immigrants “garbage,” and the massive fraud scandal shaking Minnesota’s social-service system. We also dive into the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses and building economic power in our communities. This is real talk, real stories, and real solutions. Tap in for an honest conversation that connects the streets, politics, and the culture.

https://impelforwardmerch.com/

Music by: contact.drozart@gmail.com

In this episode of the Impel Forward Podcast, we dive into some of the biggest and most controversial issues shaping America right now. We break down the recent ICE raids in North Carolina , the alarming rise of prostate cancer among black men, the national debate over reparations , the shocking developments in the Epstein files, and the viral rise of the Quarter Zip movement.

https://impelforwardmerch.com/

Music by: contact.drozart@gmail.com

In this episode of the Impel Forward Podcast, we talk about the government shutdown, Durham’s local leadership victory with Mayor Leonardo Williams, and the $44 million Hayti community redevelopment project. We close the show with a raw conversation on what racism really means in today’s systems — from politics to economics to everyday life. This episode is about leadership, accountability, and rebuilding power in our communities. If you believe in moving forward, this conversation is for you.

https://impelforwardmerch.com/

Music by: contact.drozart@gmail.com

In this episode of the Impel Forward Podcast, I sit down with some fellow barbers that turned their hustle into a career. This conversation tells the journey from bootleg barbers to professional careers. The lessons they learned along the way and how they have grown. We talk about how we got started cutting hair, the struggles of running a barbershop, the business of barbering, client relationships entrepreneurship, and staying motivated through it all. If you’re a barber, entrepreneur, or dream chaser, this episode will inspire you to move forward, build your craft, and create something lasting.

Music by: contact.drozart@gmail.com

https://impelforwardmerch.com/

I talked with Juan DiGiulio about the grit, grind, and purpose behind Succotash Southern and Creole Kitchen. From personal loss to powerful lessons , it's a story about resilience , culture and chasing your dream no matter the odds.

Music by: contact.drozart@gmail.com

https://impelforwardmerch.com/

In this episode, I sit down with Bessie Elmore, founder of Straight Talk Support Group, to talk about purpose, redemption, and second chances. She shares how her pain turned into purpose and how she’s helping others rebuild after incarceration. This one’s about faith, resilience, and pushing forward no matter what.

Music by: contact.drozart@gmail.com

https://impelforwardmerch.com/

In this episode I sat down with Evan Morgenstein - CEO of CelebExperts and Renegade Talent Management - to talk about his journey from getting fired early in his career to representing Olympic champions, NBA stars, and today's top influencers.Evan shares lessons on resilience , building powerful relationships , and how micro-influencers are shaping the future of marketing. This conversation is full of raw insight and business wisdom.

Music by: contact.drozart@gmail.com

https://impelforwardmerch.com/