Today we’d like to introduce you to Rushion McDonald.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
Rushion McDonald is a Renaissance Man. Armed with a degree in Mathematics and a minor in Sociology. In 1986 Rushion left IBM after being named Showtime’s Funniest Comic in Texas for three consecutive years to pursue. Steve Harvey was one of his featured opening acts. He has become a two-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning Executive Producer, three-time NAACP Image award winner, has been inducted into the Personal Managers Hall of Fame, received The Living Legends Entrepreneur Award, a GOLD Reggie Award for local and regional marketing excellence for an Air National Guard marketing campaign (2020) and, most recently, is the recipient of the 2022 President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He is a social media influencer with 866K Facebook Followers, 46K Instagram Followers, 9.5K Twitter Followers, 11K LinkedIn Followers, and 46.8K TikTok Followers.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
In 1990 Rushion McDonald arrived in Hollywood as a successful comic to only spend 30 days in Cedar Sinai hospital, due to a collapsed lung. One week after major lung surgery he was backstage pursuing his dream. He became a successful sitcom writer when Steve Harvey gave him his first break on his ABC sitcom Me and the Boys. Then followed Robert Townsend’s The Parenthood, “The Jamie Foxx Show,” “The Parkers,” and “Sister, Sister.” He built the Steve Harvey media empire and was Steve’s business manager from 2000-2016. Rushion co-created, and Executive Produced the nationally syndicated “Steve Harvey Morning Show”; co-created and launched “The Steve Harvey Talk Show” in 2012, and negotiated three #1, New York Times bestsellers for HarperCollins Publishers. He was also a Consulting Producer on the rebooted and highly rated, syndicated game show “Family Feud.” His success was dampened by a 2015 Thyroid Cancer diagnosis, but he is fully recovered and maintains annual check-ups.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
In 2014, Rushion McDonald founded 3815 Media, Inc., a full-service marketing and media production company that markets and creates content for television, radio, streaming services, colleges, universities, companies, and corporations. Services include branding strategies, HBCU marketing, military recruitment campaigns, virtual and live event production, graphic design, social media management, website design, video and audio production, trade show production, media buying on all platforms, and talent management. 3815 Media Inc also produces HBCU College Day events on HBCU campuses to recruit and encourage high school students to attend HBCUs. Rushion currently hosts Money Making Conversations Master Class, the #1 syndicated weekend show on Black radio. He interviews celebrities, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders on their secrets to success. Money Making Conversations Master Class encourages listeners to “lead with your gifts and never use age as an excuse
when planning your goals.”
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
Don’t let your age be an excuse and stop you from pursuing your dream!
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
I recognize that we all have different definitions of success. For you, it may be the size of your paycheck. Mine is inspiring someone to accomplish their goals and live their very best life. It’s time to stop reading other people’s success stories and start writing your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gifts, and don’t your friends, family or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dreams.
What’s next for you?
Rushion continues to manage Jeff Jenkins, who stars in Nat Geo’s new series “Never Say Never with Jeff Jenkins”, and Executive Chef Liz Rogers, founder of the Creamalicious ice cream brand and the #1 African American distributor of ice cream in the world. Rushion is also the business manager of ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, Executive Produces his K[no]w Mercy podcast and oversees the marketing and release of his highly anticipated Simon and Schuster book, “Straight Shooter.”
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
People can learn more about me at my websites, Rushionmcdonald.com, and my company website, 3815media.com. Email me at Marissa@3815media.com