LaRese Purnell has 18 years of experience in business management, taxation and finance. He is the current co-owner of Black Box Fix Restaurant located in Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio and the Managing Partner of CLE Consulting Firm, an Accounting, Tax and Payroll services company located in downtown Cleveland. He is a strong innovative financial and strategic leader with instinct and intellect, a formidable combination in the business world. He has served in executive positions, within leading businesses and financial departments within multi-million dollar for profit and non-profit corporations. LaRese received his MBA in Finance from the University of Toledo. He is currently pursuing his Master’s in Accountancy in Corporate Taxation from John Carroll University, with an expected completion date of Spring 2024. LaRese is committed to the community and its residents, so he serves on the following Board of Directors, he is currently the Chair Elect of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, The Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital, Vice Chair for Cleveland Public Library Foundation, is the current Chairman of the BOD for Step Forward Today (formerly CEOGC), recently named the Co-Chair of the National Board of the Economic Empowerment Program of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc and a board member of Business Volunteers Unlimited (BVU). He is also a proud member of 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He's the author of Financial Foundations, Building Financial Freedom One Tool at a Time, where he uses everyday language to address the most fundamental questions people have about money. He has traveled to over 35-40+ cities nationally to teach financial literacy at various conventions, seminars, colleges and universities and various other events. He is also the founder and visionary behind The Real Black Friday that is responsible for helping to bring awareness and providing access to black owned businesses throughout Northeastern Ohio. He has been featured in various local and national publications and has appeared on multiple radio and television programs discussing various Financial matters. In 2023, he has been named as the National Ambassador for Our Money Matters, an organization that is focused on creating wealth for students at HBCU's across America and working with organizations and non-profits nationally to decrease the wealth gap in the black community. He was named as one of Cleveland Magazines Most Interesting People, Smart Business 50 and Crain's 40/40 and many other recognitions. Outside of work, LaRese stays busy spending time with his wife Rashaunda, son (Gaven) and (Mace) and daughter (Gabbi), serving the community, playing sports and traveling.