Most people leave the military with a thank you and a handshake. Aristole left with a million dollars. On this episode on Butternomics hosted by Brandon Butler, we sit down with Aristole Investments, the Atlanta-raised financial educator who went from cutting hair in the barracks to teaching thousands of soldiers how to build wealth through the stock market. At 18, he joined the Army with no plan B. By 24, he walked out a millionaire. Now he's building an 8-figure legacy center in East Point and dropping gems on how Atlanta can own its own economic power. We talked about: • How he saved $100/week and turned it into six figures • Why he only buys stocks when the market crashes 20% • The real reason Atlanta doesn't have black-owned luxury hotels • Why your second income should ALWAYS go to investing • What rich people know about dips that you don't • His plan to privately tutor Atlanta's kids for free and more! This isn't your typical investing conversation. This is about Cleveland Avenue to legacy wealth. About using every dollar with purpose. About building what Atlanta is missing. If you're tired of watching other people win in your city, this episode will change how you see money, investing, and what's possible when you move with discipline.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with the one and only Nitti Beatz, a foundational figure in Atlanta's music scene. Nitti takes us back to his roots, from his gospel radio upbringing with his mother to learning seven instruments by ear. He recounts the early days of Atlanta hip-hop, being inspired by local legends like Mr. Cool, and his big break producing tracks for 8-Ball. Nitti pulls back the curtain on the creation of the multi-platinum hit "It's Goin' Down" for Young Joc, sharing the creative process and the lessons learned about the industry. This conversation is packed with insights on the importance of music quality, branding, mentorship from figures like Jermaine Dupri and Diddy, and his passion for developing the next generation of artists.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with the one and only Nitti Beatz, a foundational figure in Atlanta's music scene. Nitti takes us back to his roots, from his gospel radio upbringing with his mother to learning seven instruments by ear. He recounts the early days of Atlanta hip-hop, being inspired by local legends like Mr. Cool, and his big break producing tracks for 8-Ball. Nitti pulls back the curtain on the creation of the multi-platinum hit "It's Goin' Down" for Young Joc, sharing the creative process and the lessons learned about the industry. This conversation is packed with insights on the importance of music quality, branding, mentorship from figures like Jermaine Dupri and Diddy, and his passion for developing the next generation of artists.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, dives into the franchise hustle with Randy Hazelton, CEO of H&H Hospitality. Randy reveals how he went from flipping real estate to running Shake Shacks, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Sweetwater Brewhouses in major airports. He breaks down the difference between building concepts from scratch versus leveraging franchises, and why the latter can be a shortcut to success. This conversation is packed with insights on funding, private equity, and the overlooked opportunities in boring businesses.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Kelvin Collins, Vice President of Economic Development at the Atlanta BeltLine, to explore how the BeltLine has become more than a trail. Collins breaks down how it’s connecting 45 neighborhoods, sparking billions in investment, and creating opportunities for small businesses, artists, and everyday Atlantans. From affordable shipping container storefronts to preparing entrepreneurs for global events like the World Cup, this episode highlights the BeltLine as both Atlanta’s front porch and its billion-dollar future.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Michael Barclay II, Chief Events and Experience Officer at Sundial Media, to break down the massive machine behind Essence Fest, AfroPunk, and BeautyCon. Barclay shares how Essence Fest became more than concerts, growing into a conference, marketplace, and cultural touchstone driving over $350 million in economic impact for New Orleans. He also opens up about his journey from Def Jam college rep to leading some of the biggest cultural festivals in the world. Listeners will learn the truth about what it costs to stage massive events, how brands and partners really work behind the scenes, and why patience and community-building are non-negotiable for long-term success.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Terri Lee, President and CEO of Atlanta Housing, to explore what the future of affordable housing looks like in one of America’s fastest-growing cities. They discuss the challenges of rising rents, the opportunities in public-private partnerships, and how housing serves as the foundation for thriving communities. Terri shares her vision for equity, innovation, and sustainability in building homes that truly open doors for Atlanta families.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, dives into the story of how Black Spades turned a classic card game into a thriving culture brand. From learning manufacturing lessons in Shenzhen to testing product demand through Kickstarter, this episode shows what it takes to build a business rooted in authenticity. Mackey breaks down the power of sampling before scaling, the grind of overseas trips, and why cultural trust beats big budgets every time.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with Brandon Chubb, former NFL player and founder of Do Not Disturb Wellness. Chubb breaks down how he’s taking pro-athlete-level recovery practices like sauna, cold plunge, and massage and making them accessible to the public. The conversation dives into the business model behind wellness memberships, the cultural shift toward recovery as lifestyle, and why Atlanta is the perfect home for this new wave of wellness.

On this episode of Butternomics, our host, Brandon Butler, sits down with DJ, producer, and cultural curator Jeremy Avalon to explore how parties can become platforms. Jeremy shares the story behind The Groove, the R&B experience that has lasted nearly a decade, and why building community around music is just as important as the music itself. From filling cultural gaps in Atlanta to securing sponsorships and turning nightlife into a business, Jeremy breaks down what it takes to transform creativity into sustainability.