Team
Paul Wolbert, Founder and Board Chair
Growing up in the heart of the Midwest, Paul was always driven by a profound sense of social responsibility. The eldest son of a police chief, he grew up with a strong connection to his community that has only deepened with time. Over his expansive career, Paul has been a pioneer in the fusion of business and social responsibility. He has established innovative, ongoing non-profit initiatives for the franchise industry and led the Board of a private high school which was transformed under his leadership. Professionally, Paul has been blessed with incredible business experience. His career embodies a lifelong commitment to assisting others in building successful ventures. Looking forward, Paul is eager to leverage his expertise and resources to empower aspiring leaders who lack financial means, ensuring that opportunities for success are accessible to all.
Paul received his B.S. in Accounting from Marquette University, and has been a Certified Franchise Executive with the International Franchise Association (IFA).
George Thomas, Founder and Board Treasurer
George was born and raised in Harlem, New York. He remembers winters without heat and summers without air conditioning. He lived on a seventh floor walk up because the elevator never worked. As a young adult, George exhibited leadership and vision beyond his years when he led a non-profit program that brought kids from Harlem out to the New York countryside to see life beyond the projects. It was a meaningful and impactful experience for him, and inspired him to blaze his own trail outside the city. George chose a career in environmental services, where he quickly rose up the ranks. He has led several departments over the years , in many different settings and revenue levels. He is looking forward to his next chapter where he can help others create their own path that leads to financial security and career success.
George received his MBA from the University of Phoenix and his B.A in Political Science from Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina where he graduated cum laude. He is a member of the APPA, IEHA, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and the Who’s Who of American Executives.
Debbie Blacher, Founder and Board Secretary
When George Floyd was killed and Black Lives Matter protests inflamed our nation, Debbie was angered and disturbed by the deeply rooted inequities that were manifesting at that time. In her quest for understanding, she discovered a pivotal book called “The Color of Money” by Mehrsa Baradaran, which explores the structural barriers that have separated generations of black Americans from wealth building opportunities. Learning about 40 acres and a mule, the Freedman's Savings Bank, and the discriminatory practice of redlining set Debbie on a new life direction. Not one to look back, she was inspired to make a change. Debbie believes leadership ability has nothing to do with skin color or zip code. She sees inclusive business as a powerful and real world solution to the wealth gap. Debbie is most looking forward to nurturing others along their personal path to financial freedom.
Debbie holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Florida , an M.S. in Human Resources Management from Purdue University, and a Certificate in Organizational Development from Georgetown University.