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From East St. Louis to Multi-State Business Leadership

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From East St. Louis to Multi-State Business Leadership

Frederick Cortez Lee Jr is an American entrepreneur and founder of Debt Elimination Group, Inc., a company he launched in 1998 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. His career has been shaped by a clear focus on helping families improve their financial position through education rather than traditional sales tactics.

Lee began building his business with a simple idea. Teach people how to become debt free faster. Over time, that idea turned into a scalable model. The company expanded from its early base in Georgia to more than 32 states, driven almost entirely by word of mouth.

Between 2005 and 2007, Debt Elimination Group funded over $1.3 billion in loan volume in just 30 months. During that same period, the company supported more than 3,400 clients, with no reported foreclosures or defaults. This track record helped establish Lee as a disciplined operator in a complex industry.

He is also known for building high-performing teams. Under his leadership, dozens of team members reached strong income milestones, reflecting his focus on opportunity and development. His philosophy centres on effort, mindset, and consistency rather than background or formal education.

Lee’s approach is rooted in values. He prioritises integrity, service to military and underserved communities, and a belief that anyone can succeed with the right drive. Over time, he shifted the business into a boutique financial services marketing firm, adapting to changes in the industry.

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Today, he is recognised for combining practical strategy with a people-first leadership style.

Interview: Frederick Cortez Lee Jr on Building a Business Through Education and Resilience

Frederick Cortez Lee Jr has built a career around solving real problems for real people. From his early days in Fayetteville to scaling a multi-state operation, his story reflects persistence, discipline, and a strong belief in doing things the right way. In this conversation, he shares insights from his journey.

Q: Let’s start at the beginning. What led you to start Debt Elimination Group in 1998?

I saw a major problem in my community. Families were struggling with debt and did not have a clear path forward. I believed there was a better way. Instead of selling products, I wanted to teach concepts. That was the foundation. If people understood the strategy, they could change their situation.

Q: You built the company without traditional advertising. How did that work?

We focused on results and relationships. When you help someone solve a real problem, they tell others. That is how we grew. We started in Georgia and expanded into over 32 states through referrals alone. It created a strong sense of trust in what we were doing.

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Q: The period from 2005 to 2007 stands out. What was happening during those years?

That was a defining time. In about 30 months, we funded over $1.3 billion in loan volume and helped more than 3,400 clients. What I am most proud of is that none of those clients went into foreclosure or default. That told me the system we built was working.

Q: You also developed a high-performing team. What was your approach to leadership?

I believed in giving people a real opportunity. It did not matter where they came from or their education. If they had the will to win, they could succeed. We had team members earning at all levels, from $50,000 to over $1 million. That came from training, structure, and belief.

Q: You faced challenges early on. How did you navigate them?

I lacked experience in several areas, including finance, marketing, and technology. But I leaned on what my father taught me. Be honest. Work hard. Do right by people. Those principles helped me push through obstacles and stay focused.

Q: Your background includes growing up in East St. Louis. How did that shape your mindset?

I was told many times that people like me do not win in business. That you are not smart enough or do not have the right background. I used that as motivation. I focused on doing the right things consistently. Over time, the results spoke for themselves.

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Q: What role did mentorship and influence play in your journey?

A big role. My father was a major influence. I also looked up to leaders like Sandy Weill and Jamie Dimon. Motivational figures like Les Brown helped shape my mindset. And I had strong support from people around me who believed in the vision.

Q: How did you manage growth as the business expanded?

We relied on structure and measurement. I used KPI trackers to stay on top of performance. We focused on finding the right people and building a niche in the market. It was about being disciplined and consistent.

Q: What keeps you motivated today?

Seeing others succeed. When people around you reach their goals, it means the system works. That is what I look back on the most. It is not just about personal success. It is about what you help others achieve.

Q: How would you describe your leadership style now?

I see myself as a servant leader. You put your team and the families you serve first. If you stay focused on that, the business will take care of itself. I also try to stay humble. That is important no matter how far you go.

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Healthcare Stocks Can Benefit From AI, Too. But That Isn’t the Reason to Buy Them.

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Healthcare Stocks Can Benefit From AI, Too. But That Isn’t the Reason to Buy Them.

Healthcare Stocks Can Benefit From AI, Too. But That Isn’t the Reason to Buy Them.

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What Will SpaceX’s IPO Mean for Your Index Funds?

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What Will SpaceX’s IPO Mean for Your Index Funds?

What Will SpaceX’s IPO Mean for Your Index Funds?

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Target recalls popular baby wipes after FDA finds potentially harmful bacteria

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Target recalls popular baby wipes after FDA finds potentially harmful bacteria

Target is recalling several Up & Up baby wipes products sold nationwide after testing identified potentially dangerous bacteria that could cause serious infections, particularly in infants and young children.

According to a recall notice posted Friday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Target is voluntarily recalling certain lots of Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes and Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes following customer complaints about product discoloration.

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FDA testing identified the presence of Burkholderia cepacia complex and Burkholderia gladioli in samples of the affected wipes.

Health officials warned that products contaminated with the bacteria could lead to serious and potentially life-threatening infections. The wipes are primarily used on newborns, infants and young children, a group considered particularly vulnerable because of their developing immune systems.

TARGET TO CUT PRICES ON 3,000 ITEMS AS INFLATION REMAINS ABOVE FED TARGET

Target fragrance free baby wipes

Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes sold at Target stores nationwide are included in a voluntary recall announced June 2026. (FDA / Unknown)

The FDA said healthy individuals who use the contaminated wipes on skin with minor cuts or abrasions may develop localized infections. However, infections in immunocompromised individuals, newborns and infants could spread into the bloodstream and potentially cause sepsis or pneumonia.

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The recalled wipes were manufactured by supplier Sapro Temizlik Urunleri and sold at Target stores nationwide as well as through Target.com.

Target and the manufacturer have received a number of consumer complaints and adverse event reports alleging product discoloration and symptoms including skin irritation, eye irritation and infections that may be linked to use of the wipes. The reports remain under investigation.

A representative for Target did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.

TARGET SET TO OPEN ITS 2,000TH STORE, PLANS TO OPEN HUNDREDS MORE IN NEXT DECADE

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Cucumber scented baby wipes from Target

A three-pack of Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes is shown. Target is recalling certain baby wipes products after FDA testing identified potentially harmful bacteria in product samples. (FDA / Unknown)

The recall affects multiple sizes of Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes, including 20-count, 72-count, 216-count, 800-count and 1,200-count packages, as well as Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes sold in 72-count, 216-count and 800-count packages.

Consumers are being urged to stop using the recalled wipes immediately and return them to any Target store for a full refund.

Target said customers seeking additional information can contact Target Guest Relations at 1-800-440-0680.

The recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and Target said it is continuing to investigate the matter in coordination with the manufacturer.

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Ticker Security Last Change Change %
TGT TARGET CORP. 122.57 -1.28 -1.03%

According to the FDA, the affected Up & Up Fragrance Free Baby Wipes were manufactured between Nov. 7, 2025, and May 5, 2026, and carry expiration dates ranging from May 10, 2028, through Nov. 5, 2028.

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The recalled Up & Up Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes were manufactured between Dec. 29 and Dec. 30, 2025, and carry expiration dates ranging from June 29, 2028, through June 30, 2028.

A complete list of affected UPCs, manufacturing codes and package sizes is available in the FDA recall notice.

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Senseonics Holdings, Inc. (SENS) Shareholder/Analyst Call Transcript

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OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Tim Goodnow
President, CEO & Director

Thanks for joining us. And as we update you folks on the Senseonics story, it’s a pretty exciting time for us. As many of you know, for those that were able to join us a year ago, we had a partnership with the PHC Corporation for the commercial activities. We’ve transitioned that since we last spoke. And it’s a pretty exciting time for us as we’ve been able to leverage that experience and that capability significantly with our strategic investment into the commercial organization. And frankly, we’re very excited with the commercial results that we’re now getting.

So obviously, the control of our destiny is very, very important, because it gives us the ability to pivot and move quick, make adjustments, expand those areas that make the most sense and frankly, leverage the internal capability. But we’ve been able to do that because, although we did the transition, we’ve essentially brought the entire Ascensia commercial organization over under Brian’s leadership, and that really has made a seamless process that we’ve been very excited to be able to execute against.

We also made the decision as part of that transition in the last year that the primary issue for growth with Eversense in a highly competitive market, but a very attractive market really had to

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STK: Still Has Room To Run But Isn’t As Attractive (NYSE:STK)

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A10 Networks Q1 Preview: Not A 'Buy' Before Earnings, Not Ideal For Any Option Play (ATEN)

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Financial analyst by day and a seasoned investor by passion, I’ve been involved in the world of investing for over 15 years and honed my skills in analyzing lucrative opportunities within the market.I specialize in uncovering high quality dividend stocks and other assets that offer potential for long term-growth that pack a serious punch for bill-paying potential. I use myself as an example that with a solid base of classic dividend growth stocks, sprinkling in some Business Development Companies, REITs, and Closed End Funds can be a highly efficient way to boost your investment income while still capturing a total return that follows traditional index funds. I created a hybrid system between growth and income and manage to still capture a total return that is on par with the S&P.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of STK either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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My Bullish Call On Bank Of America Aligns With Its Seeking Alpha Quant Rating (NYSE:BAC)

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My Bullish Call On Bank Of America Aligns With Its Seeking Alpha Quant Rating (NYSE:BAC)

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As an individual investor nearing retirement I am trying to build my financial assets in order to have a fulfilling retirement. I am interested in trading both long and short; or at least using inverse ETFs, to take advantage of market declines. Having long term and short term trading strategies, proper execution of my trading plan, and absolute investing results are my goals. I see my articles as a way to keep me focused on developing winning trades. I also expect to learn much from the feedback that is provided in the comments section.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a purchase of the stock, or the purchase of call options or similar derivatives in BAC over the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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Kraft Heinz: There Are Better Options On The Table

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Kraft Heinz: There Are Better Options On The Table

Kraft Heinz: There Are Better Options On The Table

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Rolls-Royce: The Strong Forward Trajectory (OTCMKTS:RYCEY)

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Rolls-Royce: The Strong Forward Trajectory (OTCMKTS:RYCEY)

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Luke Pomichter is a defense and national security professional with over a decade of experience spanning intelligence operations, cyber threat intelligence, and security engineering across the defense industrial base. He holds a PhD examining investment decision behavior through a behavioral finance and is a Stanford LEAD Candidate. His research interests sit at the intersection of national security and capital markets — areas where domain expertise is rare among financial professionals and informational edge is highest. He writes on aerospace, defense, and emerging technology equities as a natural extension of his professional background and ongoing graduate work. He is pursuing the CAIA designation and holds the CISSP and multiple GIAC certifications. The author publishes independently. Views expressed are his own and do not represent any employer or affiliated institution.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of RYCEY either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it. I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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Nebius Is Priced For Flawless Delivery

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Nebius Is Priced For Flawless Delivery

Nebius Is Priced For Flawless Delivery

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Soccer-Iraq World Cup striker Hussein questioned for hours at Chicago airport, source says

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Soccer-Iraq World Cup striker Hussein questioned for hours at Chicago airport, source says


Soccer-Iraq World Cup striker Hussein questioned for hours at Chicago airport, source says

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