Author: Henry Murphy

I came to the end of yet another year and had no idea where the money went. I said to myself, “Henry, you have a financial literacy problem.” I had another problem, though—I didn’t really know where to go to get the answers I needed.

As I continue learning and putting things in place, I feel it’s mandatory to share this information. Honestly, I would be happy if just one person would take it and do something with it.

I often think about that $10,000 I had sitting in storage, realizing that I knew I shouldn’t spend it but didn’t know what to do with it. This blog is pinned with the hope that someone will use this information to set themselves up to be millionaires—not only from their business but through their investments.

1. Roth IRA

A Roth IRA is a great way to make your money grow tax-free. When you put money into this account, you pay taxes up front, but once you retire, you can take out your funds tax-free. I remember how I used to let money sit without understanding its potential. A Roth IRA ensures that your money is working for you in the long run.

    •    Where to Obtain:

    •    Vanguard: Known for low-cost options.

    •    Fidelity: Offers flexibility and extensive investment choices.

2. Solo 401(k)

If you’re self-employed, the Solo 401(k) is a must. It allows you to contribute a substantial amount each year and provides tax deductions, which was something I didn’t even realize could benefit me as a business owner. What’s even better is that you can borrow from the plan before retirement—tax and penalty-free.

    •    Where to Obtain:

    •    Charles Schwab: Offers flexibility and easy setup for self-employed individuals.

    •    E*TRADE: Known for their comprehensive Solo 401(k) options.

3. Self-Directed IRA

This one blew my mind when I first learned about it. With a self-directed IRA, you have the ability to invest outside of stocks—you can buy real estate, businesses, or other assets. This is a great way to diversify your investments beyond traditional methods.

    •    Where to Obtain:

    •    Equity Trust: Great for investing in non-traditional assets.

    •    Entrust Group: Provides support for real estate and business investments.

4. Traditional Brokerage Account

A brokerage account allows you to invest freely, though it doesn’t offer tax benefits. This type of account gives you the flexibility to buy stocks, bonds, and other securities and borrow against your account if needed. It’s a great option if you want access to liquidity and the ability to manage your investments in real time.

    •    Where to Obtain:

    •    Charles Schwab: Provides a wide variety of investment options.

    •    Fidelity: A well-rounded choice for anyone wanting a comprehensive investment platform.

5. Health Savings Account (HSA)

The HSA is a game-changer for medical expenses. It offers triple tax benefits—tax deductions when you put money in, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses. It’s like a secret weapon in your financial toolkit.

    •    Where to Obtain:

    •    Lively: A great choice for low-fee HSAs.

    •    HealthEquity: Offers various investment options for your health savings.

As I reflect on that time when I didn’t know what to do with my money, I realize that setting up these accounts would have been a game-changer. By taking the steps to create these systems, we can make our money work for us and future-proof our wealth. Take action today, and let your business and investments work in tandem to secure your financial freedom.

God Bless the Entrepreneur.

It’s been a mental battle, pushing through doubt, but I can hear the SPIRIT OF GOD saying, “NEVER FORGET.” As soon as those words came to mind, I started reflecting on every city and state where I personally sold Unapologetic® Apparel.

There’s a book I love called The Gap and the Gain, and when I read this book, it was right on time for me as an entrepreneur. The “Gain” is having a positive attitude towards where you’re going, not measuring yourself against an ideal, but reflecting on where you’ve come from. This is exactly how I feel as I think about the relaunch. I can look back and see how far I’ve come and how much God has allowed me to accomplish with His grace.

We often find ourselves in the “gap” when we start thinking negatively and forget that we actually have something to stand on. You may not look back and see the same accomplishments that I have, but the fact remains, you’ve achieved something, no matter how small it may seem to you. And that’s progress. Never forget that progress.

With all that in mind, I began to reflect on every city and state where I’ve sold Unapologetic® Apparel:

Manhattan, NY

Brooklyn, NY

Los Angeles, CA

Oakland, CA

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Anaheim, CA

Houston, TX

Dallas, TX

San Antonio, TX

Austin, TX

New Orleans, LA

Clinton, MS

Montgomery, AL

St. Louis, MO

Kansas City, MO

South Bend, IN

Sioux Falls, SD

Chicago, IL

Cincinnati, OH

Cleveland, OH

Memphis, TN

Chattanooga, TN

Atlanta, GA

Savannah, GA

Augusta, GA

Jacksonville, FL

Tampa, FL

Orlando, FL

Fort Myers, FL

Tallahassee, FL

Miami, FL

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Columbia, SC

Charleston, SC

Myrtle Beach, SC

Charlotte, NC

Raleigh, NC

Durham, NC

Fayetteville, NC

Richmond, VA

Washington, DC

Philadelphia, PA

Boston, MA

Louisville, KY

Grand Rapids, MI

Minneapolis, MN

Colorado Springs, CO

I’m sure I missed a few cities, but in a span of about six years, God allowed all of this to happen. It still blows my mind.

As we prepare for the relaunch of Unapologetic® in Spring 2025, I am praying the same thing for everyone who reads this: that whatever plans you have, you submit them to God and that He goes before you.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

There’s a time for everything, and when it’s time to work, then let’s work. I believe in doing. I believe everything is in the doing, actually, but make sure that you’re taking time to think. There will be things that we have to figure out along the way, and some of that doesn’t happen until you start moving.

I think a lot about the small things now, and maybe it’s because I’m starting over. I kinda like starting over because I get to bring all of my past knowledge—the things I did right and the things I did wrong—but I get to focus more on the details. I get to focus more on cost of sales, how much I’m paying for things, and how much I’m supposed to charge. You need to know whether you are dealing with a wholesaler or a manufacturer. No matter which way you go, know what type of material you’re dealing with. Understand the weight because that plays a role in how much you charge for shipping. All of this counts, and none of this can be left out.

I also take a deep dive into the customer journey: What is the first, second, third, fourth, fifth thing that I want them to know? And how do I communicate to them without selling when it comes to email flow? How do I think about the graphic design process and the marketing process at the same time? And we live in a digital world now that loves seeing behind the scenes, so how do I capture all of these processes at the same time? I think so much more about the details than I ever have.

I’m a brand owner, and I love what I do. I love merchandising, but it doesn’t matter what business you’re in. Make sure that you’re focusing on the details because they are important. The more you pay attention to them and put a system in place as you grow, you will have difficulties still, but it will be a lot easier to tighten it up.

In every step of building a business, the details are what truly matter. Starting over brings a unique opportunity to refine each process, from cost analysis to customer engagement, with a new level of precision and care. Focus on these details now, and as your business grows, the foundation you build will make it easier to adapt and improve.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

If you’ve read any of my blogs, you know that I believe in living a life submitted to God. But within that, I feel that we’re each unique and called to live authentically. I look forward, envision the future, and look back thinking, “I did it my way.” Wasn’t that Frank Sinatra? Oh yeah, he said it well, and I can connect with that sentiment.

This thought came up during a little pillow talk with my wife. We were discussing the idea of “looking good, riding good, smelling good” and, yes, “living good.” But to me, it has to be on my own terms. Here’s the thing—being true to yourself and doing what you love is where that sense of “good living” comes from. If you’re passionate about something, then do it. If not, it’s time to pivot. Maybe college isn’t for you, or perhaps a corporate job feels like it’s not the right fit. So don’t force it.

And while you’re on this journey, do your best to live beneath your means. Especially when you’re still figuring out where you want to go and what you want to do in life, it’s important to stay grounded financially. I know people who work jobs they don’t enjoy because it provides for their family—and that’s honorable. But don’t get caught up in doing that your whole life.

Life isn’t about following someone else’s idea of success. It’s about being you despite the culture and the pressure to do what’s expected. Live the way God has called you to live, stay true to your values, and create your own path.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

I had a conversation with my friend Jay Harris the other night. We catch up about every six weeks, and I’ve known Jay for well over a decade now. He’s one of those people I can be fully honest with—a solid brother. That night, our conversation was different. I was so full of faith, speaking with this boldness that only comes when you know God is right there with you. I could feel His presence, and it was like I was standing on solid ground, knowing He had me.

But the next morning? It felt like I was fighting for my life, as if that faith-filled moment the night before had vanished into thin air. I was doubting everything. How could I go from such confidence to feeling so defeated? That’s the roller coaster, isn’t it?

Here’s the truth: doubt is the enemy of faith. It creeps in, making us question what we know in our hearts to be true. But faith? Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. It’s the rock we stand on when everything else feels shaky. And in those moments of doubt, that’s when we need to dig our heels in, hold tight, and trust God’s word over our feelings.

Some days, I can look back and see the purpose in past seasons; I feel grounded. But then there are days when I question everything—past, present, and future. If you’ve been there, I understand. We’re in this together. When doubt tries to shake you, stand firm in your faith, grounded in the truth God has already spoken into your life.

Let’s remember that while the roller coaster may take us up and down, faith keeps us anchored.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

 Pulse check! We just wrapped up an incredible session at The Ground Up Academy, and it was one for the books. I wanted to take a moment to reflect and share where the students are on their entrepreneurial journeys. Every student is at a different place, but the energy today was undeniable. The session was far more engaging than I expected, and I loved every minute of it.

You may have heard me talk about systems before. I think part of the reason I didn’t like systems in the past was because I wasn’t a big fan of structure—probably because I wasn’t the biggest fan of school. But stay with me for a second. As I started climbing the ranks into upper management, I began to see how important systems and structure are. Here’s the thing, though they’re much easier to appreciate when you’re doing something you love or even just like.

When I worked at Checkers, I ran a pretty good restaurant. We would consistently go back and forth between being number one and number two in the company—not just in sales but across the board. But you know what I hated? The checklist. I thought it was monotonous. I figured my routine had me covered. But the truth is, it didn’t. No matter how good you are, you’ll always miss something without a checklist.

Fast forward to today, running my own business and teaching students in The Ground Up Academy, I stress the importance of having a checklist and using it consistently. It’s not just about going through the motions—it’s about understanding why each step matters. There are certain things that must be in order for everything to work like you want it to.

Every time you step onto an airplane, you don’t realize that the pilot has just gone through a checklist. How do you safely get to your vacation spot, visit family, or travel for business? That checklist plays a huge role in making it happen.

If you’re already big on checklists, keep it up. I applaud you for it. But if you’re not, start today. It could change everything for you. It brings structure to your business and ensures that the people who come after you are set up for success. The ultimate goal is to build a business that can run without you, and that level of detail is critical to making it happen.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

I have a friend who’s a master at email communication. His copywriting skills are incredible, and what I admire most about him is his dedication to improving. He’s always sharpening his craft—listening to people better than him, getting coached, and attending masterminds. He’s constantly leveling up.

Now, because I own an apparel company called Unapologetic and run a few other businesses, I know I have to at least be familiar with the administrative process—enough to pass it off to someone else one day. Recently, I struggled with writing an email flow for my business, but I finally got it done. When I saw the finished product, I was so happy. Was it perfect? No. But it was exactly what I needed it to be, and I was proud of myself for getting it done.

There’s something empowering about pushing through tasks that don’t come naturally.

I used to have an administrative assistant in the Philippines, but we lost touch—she went back to school for nursing. I really needed her during this time because, after writing the email flow, I had to send it out through Mailchimp. Now, I know I can figure it out if I have to, but let me be honest: I didn’t want to. I wanted to pass it off so badly that I half-joked about hopping on a plane to the Philippines to find her. Drastic? Sure. But that’s how much I didn’t want to deal with Mailchimp.

Before I started writing this blog, I opened the Mailchimp app and felt a sense of dread. I thought to myself, I’m really going to have to figure this out. And the truth is, there are times in entrepreneurship when you have to step up to the plate, knock one out of the park for yourself, and get the job done.

Do I plan to keep doing this? No. But I had to convince myself that it’s valuable to at least know how to do it. I realized that this isn’t just about completing a task—it’s about building a process. I have a sizable email list, and part of the process involves cleaning it up, identifying who’s active, and preparing for the future. By doing this myself, I’m creating a guide for whoever I bring on next, whether it’s Pam (if she comes back) or a new administrative assistant. And if there’s something I didn’t do right, they can educate me.

Here’s the takeaway: There will always be tasks we don’t like to do—especially admin tasks. I’ll be the first to admit that admin work isn’t my thing. I firmly believe in having “aces in their places,” letting people excel in what they’re good at. But sometimes, as the business owner, you have to step in.

It’s your business. Sometimes, you have to work in the business instead of onthe business, and that’s okay. In certain seasons, you just have to do what needs to be done.

God Bless The Entrepreneur

When I first woke up this morning, I was meditating on a podcast that I listened to last night from Tim Ross and Dr. Anita Phillips. It was so good. I had just brewed some tea that helps me fall asleep while listening, and although I was fading, I was holding on because I wanted to finish this podcast. It was so profound.

As I was thinking about all the nuggets I got from it, I was still lying in bed with my wife, and I was so excited. I know I was excited because she said, “You know you’re loud, right?” As soon as I got done, though, it felt like these negative thoughts started to hang glide off a cliff. And it seemed like those negative thoughts were gliding into more negative thoughts and even more negative thoughts until the expression started to show on my face. What is happening? What is going on?

It really showed me how fast the mind moves and how everything can change in an instant. You’ve got to have control over your thoughts.

Two scriptures come to me in these moments: 2 Corinthians 10:5, where we’re reminded to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ, and Romans 12:2, where we’re called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. I’m going to think on these scriptures and get myself back aligned so that I can finish my day strong.

This may be you today, and this blog is right on time for you, or maybe it’ll be you another day, and my hope is that you remember this when it happens.

So, if you find yourself feeling like your thoughts are spiraling out of control—like they’re hang gliding off a cliff with no direction—remember that you don’t have to let them. God’s word gives us the power to take every thought captive and bring it into alignment with His truth. Whether it’s 2 Corinthians 10:5, reminding us to make our thoughts obedient to Christ, or Romans 12:2, encouraging us to renew our minds, we have the tools to shift our thinking. Take a moment, meditate on these scriptures, and ground yourself in what’s true.

Remember, you have the authority to steer your thoughts in the right direction, just like a hang glider needs the pilot to take control. Stay strong, stay focused, and finish your day with peace.

God Bless The Entrepreneur.

It was about 4 AM early Friday morning, and I woke from my sleep. A few negative things weighed on my mind, and I wanted to pray and get them out of my heart. As I started to do that, I found myself talking to God more freely than I ever had before.

I might’ve talked for an entire hour. When I was done, I told God, “OK, I’m gonna listen now to see what You speak to my heart,” and then I immediately started talking again! I laughed at myself because it took a long time for me to get to this space—where I could just freely talk to God, where I was submitting my will every day, being totally honest.

Talking to God is like being off the record. Off the record is when a conversation is private, confidential, and not meant to be shared with others. It’s raw and unfiltered. In the same way, prayer isn’t always the formal kind we pray in church or in front of people. It’s an intimate conversation, just between you and God. There’s no pretending, no putting on a show. It’s where you pour out your heart, submit your will, and seek Him in truth. I want to encourage you to start living a life where you talk with God off the record—just you and Him, building a relationship that’s rooted in pure honesty and intimacy.

If you haven’t been reading my blogs for a while, then you know that I have some eye issues. After that time with God, I wrote down the title Off the Record, but I promise you, it looked like Morse code! I could hardly decipher it, and if the Lord hadn’t brought it back to my remembrance, you wouldn’t be reading this right now.

At the end of the day, it’s not about saying the right words or presenting ourselves a certain way. It’s about being real with God. There’s a beauty in being vulnerable, in speaking freely and truthfully, knowing that no one else needs to hear it but Him.

God Bless The Entrepreneur