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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Disrupting the $139B Credit Industry: Devon Shigaki Rewires Trust with Blockchain
Devon Shigaki, founder of FreshCredit, joins host Karla Jo Helms on Disruption Interruption to discuss how decentralizing credit reporting through blockchain technology can democratize access to credit, combat identity theft, and reshape trust in financial systems. Shigaki's solutions promise transparency, inclusivity, and a seismic shift in the $19 trillion financial ecosystem. TAMPA BAY, Fla., June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Credit systems are reaching a breaking point. According to a recent report by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), identity theft complaints have surged over 1.1 million—a 9.5% increase from last year—costing Americans an estimated $12.7 billion. (1,2) To make matters worse, 44% of surveyed Americans discovered errors in their credit reports, leading to financial setbacks and unjust consequences. (3) This week on Disruption Interruption, host Karla Jo Helms (KJ) welcomes Devin Shigaki, founder of FreshCredit, to shed light on a groundbreaking solution to these systemic issues. "Trust in centralized credit systems is broken—they control our opportunities," Shigaki explains. "By leveraging blockchain technology, we can rebuild trust and create a more equitable financial future for millions." Cracks in the Traditional Credit System The current centralized model of credit reporting has long been plagued by inefficiencies, inaccuracies, and biases. These systems have not only undermined trust but also excluded billions from economic participation. "Credit isn't just about money; it's about dignity, mobility, and connection," Shigaki argues. Yet, credit bureaus charge consumers and lenders for data riddled with errors, often manipulating profit models that benefit from breach incidents without addressing their root causes. Additionally, the rise in identity theft highlights the vulnerabilities of these outdated systems. Shigaki's own experience with identity theft, which consumed 18 months of his life, fueled his mission to overhaul credit reporting globally. "We pay for home insurance, car insurance, even pet insurance," Shigaki notes, "but what about protecting the one thing that dictates all of those rates? Our credit data." FreshCredit: A Future Built on Trust, Inclusion, and Innovation FreshCredit uses blockchain's immutable ledger to pioneer a hybrid credit reporting system. Instead of depending on centralized repositories vulnerable to breaches, it empowers individuals to manage their own encrypted credit data through a secure smartphone app. "Our app allows users to securely store verify and share their credit reports directly, eliminating middlemen," explains Shigaki. "By democratizing access, we're not just modernizing credit—we're restoring trust, dignity and inclusion." His solution also shifts the industry's profit model: offering unlimited free credit reports and only charging after a transaction occurs—unlike current systems built on recurring, report-based fees. With the credit reporting industry valued at $139 billion, and acting as a chokepoint in a $19 trillion global economy, the stakes are massive. "Fixing it," Shigaki notes, "can unlock real economic mobility—and meaningful change." Links Disrupting the Broken Credit System: Blockchain, AI, and Verified Trust, with Devon Shigaki LinkedIn: Company LinkedIn: Disruption Interruption is the podcast where you will hear from today's biggest Industry Disruptors. Learn what motivated them to bring about innovation and how they overcame opposition to adoption. Disruption Interruption can be listened to in Apple's App Store and Spotify. About Disruption InterruptionTM Disruption is happening on an unprecedented scale, impacting all manner of industries— MedTech, Finance, IT, eCommerce, shipping, logistics, and more—and COVID has moved their timelines up a full decade or more. But WHO are these disruptors and when did they say, "THAT'S IT! I'VE HAD IT!"? Time to Disrupt and Interrupt with host Karla Jo "KJ" Helms, veteran communications disruptor. KJ interviews badasses who are disrupting their industries and altering economic networks that have become antiquated with an establishment resistant to progress. She delves into uncovering secrets from industry rebels and quiet revolutionaries that uncover common traits—and not-so-common—that are changing our economic markets… and lives. Visit the world's key pioneers that persist to success, despite arrows in their backs at About Devon Shigaki Devon Shigaki is the founder of FreshCredit®, a financial technology company reshaping how trust is built, measured, and scaled in digital systems. With a background at the intersection of computational neuroscience, behavioral economics, and emerging technologies, Devon is pioneering solutions that give individuals ownership of their credit and identity—challenging centralized models that have historically excluded millions from economic opportunity. At the core of his work is the DOCAS framework, a neuroscience-based model that maps trust behaviors to brain chemistry—specifically dopamine, oxytocin, cortisol, adrenaline, and serotonin. This model helps explain why trust fails in both human relationships and digital infrastructures, and how systems can be rebuilt to restore it. Devon applies these insights to technologies like AI, blockchain, and verified identity tools to create transparent, decentralized platforms that prioritize people over institutions. Through FreshCredit® and The FreshCredit Org, Devon is leading the charge to disrupt legacy credit reporting systems and design a future where financial dignity is not just accessible—but standard. Whether engineering new infrastructure or mentoring others on trust-centered design, Devon's work aims to transform trust from a buzzword into a measurable, actionable force for equity. About Karla Jo Helms Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR® Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™. Karla Jo learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line — and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen, or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumnus of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators, and the media to help restore companies of goodwill into the good graces of public opinion — Karla Jo operates on the ethic of getting it right the first time, not relying on second chances and doing what it takes to excel. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way, and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception. References 1. Luthi, Ben. "U.S. Fraud and Identity Theft Losses Topped $12.7 Billion in 2024." Experian, 30 May 2025, 2. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission. "New FTC Data Show a Big Jump in Reported Losses to Fraud to $12.5 Billion in 2024." Federal Trade Commission, 10 Mar. 2025, 3. Reynolds, Ryan. "Almost Half of Participants in Credit Checkup Study Find Errors on Credit Reports; More than a Quarter Find Serious Mistakes - CR Advocacy." CR Advocacy, 30 Apr. 2024, Media Inquiries: Karla Jo Helms JOTO PR™ 727-777-4629 Media Contact Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR™, 727-777-4629, khelms@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Disruption Interruption
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Disrupting the $139B Credit Industry: Devon Shigaki Rewires Trust with Blockchain
Devon Shigaki, founder of FreshCredit, joins host Karla Jo Helms on Disruption Interruption to discuss how decentralizing credit reporting through blockchain technology can democratize access to credit, combat identity theft, and reshape trust in financial systems. Shigaki's solutions promise transparency, inclusivity, and a seismic shift in the $19 trillion financial ecosystem. TAMPA BAY, Fla., June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Credit systems are reaching a breaking point. According to a recent report by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), identity theft complaints have surged over 1.1 million—a 9.5% increase from last year—costing Americans an estimated $12.7 billion. (1,2) To make matters worse, 44% of surveyed Americans discovered errors in their credit reports, leading to financial setbacks and unjust consequences. (3) This week on Disruption Interruption, host Karla Jo Helms (KJ) welcomes Devin Shigaki, founder of FreshCredit, to shed light on a groundbreaking solution to these systemic issues. "Trust in centralized credit systems is broken—they control our opportunities," Shigaki explains. "By leveraging blockchain technology, we can rebuild trust and create a more equitable financial future for millions." Cracks in the Traditional Credit System The current centralized model of credit reporting has long been plagued by inefficiencies, inaccuracies, and biases. These systems have not only undermined trust but also excluded billions from economic participation. "Credit isn't just about money; it's about dignity, mobility, and connection," Shigaki argues. Yet, credit bureaus charge consumers and lenders for data riddled with errors, often manipulating profit models that benefit from breach incidents without addressing their root causes. Additionally, the rise in identity theft highlights the vulnerabilities of these outdated systems. Shigaki's own experience with identity theft, which consumed 18 months of his life, fueled his mission to overhaul credit reporting globally. "We pay for home insurance, car insurance, even pet insurance," Shigaki notes, "but what about protecting the one thing that dictates all of those rates? Our credit data." FreshCredit: A Future Built on Trust, Inclusion, and Innovation FreshCredit uses blockchain's immutable ledger to pioneer a hybrid credit reporting system. Instead of depending on centralized repositories vulnerable to breaches, it empowers individuals to manage their own encrypted credit data through a secure smartphone app. "Our app allows users to securely store verify and share their credit reports directly, eliminating middlemen," explains Shigaki. "By democratizing access, we're not just modernizing credit—we're restoring trust, dignity and inclusion." His solution also shifts the industry's profit model: offering unlimited free credit reports and only charging after a transaction occurs—unlike current systems built on recurring, report-based fees. With the credit reporting industry valued at $139 billion, and acting as a chokepoint in a $19 trillion global economy, the stakes are massive. "Fixing it," Shigaki notes, "can unlock real economic mobility—and meaningful change." Links Disrupting the Broken Credit System: Blockchain, AI, and Verified Trust, with Devon Shigaki LinkedIn: Company LinkedIn: Disruption Interruption is the podcast where you will hear from today's biggest Industry Disruptors. Learn what motivated them to bring about innovation and how they overcame opposition to adoption. Disruption Interruption can be listened to in Apple's App Store and Spotify. About Disruption InterruptionTM Disruption is happening on an unprecedented scale, impacting all manner of industries— MedTech, Finance, IT, eCommerce, shipping, logistics, and more—and COVID has moved their timelines up a full decade or more. But WHO are these disruptors and when did they say, "THAT'S IT! I'VE HAD IT!"? Time to Disrupt and Interrupt with host Karla Jo "KJ" Helms, veteran communications disruptor. KJ interviews badasses who are disrupting their industries and altering economic networks that have become antiquated with an establishment resistant to progress. She delves into uncovering secrets from industry rebels and quiet revolutionaries that uncover common traits—and not-so-common—that are changing our economic markets… and lives. Visit the world's key pioneers that persist to success, despite arrows in their backs at About Devon Shigaki Devon Shigaki is the founder of FreshCredit®, a financial technology company reshaping how trust is built, measured, and scaled in digital systems. With a background at the intersection of computational neuroscience, behavioral economics, and emerging technologies, Devon is pioneering solutions that give individuals ownership of their credit and identity—challenging centralized models that have historically excluded millions from economic opportunity. At the core of his work is the DOCAS framework, a neuroscience-based model that maps trust behaviors to brain chemistry—specifically dopamine, oxytocin, cortisol, adrenaline, and serotonin. This model helps explain why trust fails in both human relationships and digital infrastructures, and how systems can be rebuilt to restore it. Devon applies these insights to technologies like AI, blockchain, and verified identity tools to create transparent, decentralized platforms that prioritize people over institutions. Through FreshCredit® and The FreshCredit Org, Devon is leading the charge to disrupt legacy credit reporting systems and design a future where financial dignity is not just accessible—but standard. Whether engineering new infrastructure or mentoring others on trust-centered design, Devon's work aims to transform trust from a buzzword into a measurable, actionable force for equity. About Karla Jo Helms Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR® Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™. Karla Jo learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line — and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen, or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumnus of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators, and the media to help restore companies of goodwill into the good graces of public opinion — Karla Jo operates on the ethic of getting it right the first time, not relying on second chances and doing what it takes to excel. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way, and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception. References 1. Luthi, Ben. "U.S. Fraud and Identity Theft Losses Topped $12.7 Billion in 2024." Experian, 30 May 2025, 2. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission. "New FTC Data Show a Big Jump in Reported Losses to Fraud to $12.5 Billion in 2024." Federal Trade Commission, 10 Mar. 2025, 3. Reynolds, Ryan. "Almost Half of Participants in Credit Checkup Study Find Errors on Credit Reports; More than a Quarter Find Serious Mistakes - CR Advocacy." CR Advocacy, 30 Apr. 2024, Media Inquiries: Karla Jo Helms JOTO PR™ 727-777-4629 Media Contact Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR™, 727-777-4629, khelms@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Disruption Interruption Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Fischer & Wieser Unveils Bold New Everyday and Seasonal Flavors for 2025
Fischer & Wieser, the beloved Texas Hill Country brand known for its bold, handcrafted flavors, is launching an expanded lineup of jams and sauces for 2025. The new collection includes everyday favorites like Hot Peach & Honey Sauce and Garlic & Onion Jam, as well as limited-edition seasonal preserves such as Bourbon Cranberry and Toasted Cinnamon Pear. FREDERICKSBURG, Texas, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Fischer & Wieser, renowned for delivering bold, handcrafted flavor straight from the heart of the Texas Hill Country, is proud to announce an exciting expansion of its jams and sauces. Building on a legacy of culinary creativity and small-batch craftsmanship, the brand is introducing innovative new everyday offerings and seasonal specialties that push the boundaries of traditional recipes. "Our passion has always been about creating unique flavors that surprise and delight," said Case D. Fischer, CEO and President of Fischer & Wieser. "This new lineup brings together the best ingredients with fresh, inventive ideas, offering our customers even more ways to experience the joy of great food with their friends and family." New Fischer & Wieser Sauces Hot Peach & Honey Sauce 14.75oz – A vibrant blend of jalapeño peppers, ripe peaches, and locally sourced sweet Texas honey, delivering the perfect balance of sweet heat. Maple Chipotle BBQ Sauce 11oz – Featuring Vermont maple syrup, smoky chipotle peppers, and vine-ripened tomatoes for a rich, bold flavor experience. New Fischer & Wieser Jams Garlic & Onion Jam 10.9oz – A savory farmstead classic, expertly blending roasted garlic and sweet caramelized onions. Peach & Bacon Jam 10.9oz– Juicy peaches meet savory bacon in a jam that's perfect for breakfast, burgers, and beyond. Seasonal Limited-Edition Preserves Cinnamon Orange Tomato Preserves 7.75oz – A warm, spiced preserve where vine-ripened tomatoes are combined with oranges and a touch of cinnamon for a unique, comforting spread. Bourbon Cranberry Preserves 7.75oz – Tart cranberries and smooth Kentucky bourbon combine to create a rich, spirited preserve perfect for holiday gatherings. Orange Apricot Marmalade 7.75oz – A sunny blend of zesty Seville orange peels and sweet apricots, this marmalade brings a bright, citrus-forward flavor to breakfast and baking. Toasted Cinnamon Pear Preserves 7.75oz – Ripe, juicy pears infused with warm toasted cinnamon, offering a cozy, aromatic preserve ideal for fall and winter occasions. These limited-edition offerings celebrate the seasons with rich, unexpected flavor combinations crafted to elevate any table. As Fischer & Wieser continues to innovate and honor its culinary roots, these new products are poised to further the brand's reputation for bringing extraordinary flavor to everyday meals. All new 2025 F&W products will be available immediately to wholesale customers through and company representatives. For consumers, the new everyday F&W sauces and jams are currently available for sale at specialty stores, and company-owned retail stores. The F&W Seasonal Limited-Edition Preserves will be available after August 1st. For more information about Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods, visit Jordan Lee Phone: 727-977-8887 Email: Instagram: @fischerandwieser Facebook: @fischerandwieser Media Contact Jordan Lee, Fischer & Wieser, 7279778887, View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Fischer & Wieser
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Largest SkillsUSA National Conference in History Showcases America's Future Skilled Workforce
Students, Teachers and Industry Converge in Atlanta June 23-27 to Spotlight the Enduring Value of Skills LEESBURG, Va., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The largest gathering of America's future skilled workforce will convene in Atlanta, June 23-27, at SkillsUSA's National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC). More than 18,000 attendees — including middle school, high school and college/postsecondary students, teachers, school administrators and business partners — will celebrate the accomplishments of the top career and technical education (CTE) students in the U.S. while showcasing the value of career-ready skills in solving the nation's workforce development challenges. The SkillsUSA conference is a recognized CTE hotspot and workforce development destination event. This huge, multi-faceted conference features the SkillsUSA Championships, where more than 6,800 students — each a state champion — will compete for national gold, silver and bronze medals in 114 hands-on workforce development competitions, from construction and transportation to extemporaneous speaking, welding and everything in between. The event occupies over 1.79 million square feet (31 football fields or 41 acres) of space at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC). Happening simultaneously with the SkillsUSA Championships will be SkillsUSA TECHPSO, one of the nation's largest technical education expositions. TECHSPO will feature more than 200 exhibitors from education and industry eager to meet the next generation of skilled professionals and career-ready leaders. Rounding out the event are professional development workshops for students and teachers, two general sessions and a community service project that benefits Atlanta children. The event will also celebrate the highest membership numbers in SkillsUSA's 60-year history: more than 443,000 student and teacher members from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. "Our organization is growing and so is our conference," said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. "As a talent pipeline and vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA is proud to gather our future leaders in the great city of Atlanta as we positively influence a generation of students who will make a difference in their communities, the nation and the world. This event is much more than a conference or convention — it is a workforce development event where America's future skilled workforce can connect directly with their future employers. It's a place for our members and supporters to show the nation that skilled career pathways are more valuable and in demand now than ever before and that these careers provide amazing opportunities for personal and professional success." On Tuesday, June 24 SkillsUSA members and supporters will gather in State Farm Arena for the largest and most exciting event of the week, the Opening Session. Our keynote speaker is Mike Rowe, best known as "the dirtiest man on TV" from the iconic series Dirty Jobs. He is an Emmy Award-winning host, narrator, bestselling author and producer who has turned storytelling into a platform of purpose — sharing the journeys of everyday people who've built meaningful careers through skill, determination and old-fashioned work ethic. Rowe's message resonates deeply with the values of leadership, dedication and practical skills that SkillsUSA embodies. The SkillsUSA conference will be led by students like National High School President Kallie Allen of Massachusetts, who says, "Attending the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference is honestly one of the best experiences I've had in high school. I get to meet leaders in industry, learn about careers I didn't even know existed, and connect with students from all over the country who are just as passionate about their futures as I am. Being involved with SkillsUSA and attending this national event really expands my horizons and opens my eyes to what's possible for my future." Aerotek — a leading workplace solutions provider in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance — is the presenting sponsor of the 2025 conference, and hundreds of other industry representatives from American companies will be on site to support the competitions and other events all week. Students and teachers will converge in Atlanta ready to grow, learn and lead, and the SkillsUSA has announced that Atlanta is our conference home through 2033. One-day guest passes are available to the public. Visit for options and pricing and to learn more about the event or to follow the conference coverage. About SkillsUSA SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA represents more than 440,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent 130 in-demand occupational areas, from 3-D animation to welding. A vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA has served over 15 million members since its founding in 1965. Learn more at and follow us on Facebook ( Instagram ( and LinkedIn ( Media Contact Clare Briner, SkillsUSA, 703-737-0625, cbriner@ Facebook View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SkillsUSA Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Joan Schwartz releases 'Divine Healing: Ancient Secrets of Our Ancestors'
New book bridges science and spirituality with the Integrated Healing Dynamics Method for self-guided mind-body-spirit healing RIVERTON, Utah, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- First-time author Joan Schwartz marks her entry into publishing with the release of "Divine Healing: Ancient Secrets of Our Ancestors" (published by Balboa Press). Blending ancient spiritual insight with contemporary scientific understanding, this book introduces the Integrated Healing Dynamics (IHD) Method — a holistic, accessible healing framework designed to awaken the innate power within every individual. Rooted in a vision that first appeared to her in 1988, Schwartz says the inspiration for "Divine Healing" came through higher guidance. "I had a revelation and saw the book from beginning to end," she recalls. "Later, I was given direction to write a healing book so that if people couldn't get a session or help from me, they could heal themselves." "Divine Healing: Ancient Secrets of Our Ancestors" is a complete healer's resource that empowers readers with the knowledge and techniques to realign their energy, awaken their body's natural healing systems, and cultivate peace, joy, and self-love. The IHD Method taught in the book is the culmination of a lifetime of spiritual dialogue and deep intuitive knowing. Through its simple, step-by-step exercises and guiding principles, readers are invited to remove the "mask" that blocks them from their true essence — and step into their divine right to healing. "Healing is not just about the body; it is about the mind and spirit too," the author reminds. From relieving physical pain to addressing emotional wounds and spiritual imbalances, "Divine Healing: Ancient Secrets of Our Ancestors" offers a practical roadmap to transformation. To get a copy and learn more, visit "Divine Healing: Ancient Secrets of Our Ancestors" By Joan Schwartz Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 836 pages | ISBN 9798765255186 Softcover | 6 x 9in | 836 pages | ISBN 9798765255162 E-Book | 836 pages | ISBN 9798765255179 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author Joan Schwartz is a seasoned hypnotherapist and integrative healer with decades of experience in energy work, clinical hypnotherapy, and alternative healing. Her journey began in childhood with a deep sensitivity to unseen energies and was shaped by transformative life events, including a pivotal car accident in 1965 and a near-fatal brain hemorrhage. With a Ph.D. in Alternative Healing, Clinical Hypnotherapy and Philosophy, Schwartz blends science and spirituality to empower others in unlocking their healing potential. She is passionate about helping individuals live peaceful, fulfilling lives through self-discovery and holistic healing practices. Balboa Press, a division of Hay House, Inc. – a leading provider in publishing products that specialize in self-help and the mind, body, and spirit genres. Through an alliance with the worldwide self-publishing leader Author Solutions, LLC, authors benefit from the leadership of Hay House Publishing and the speed-to-market advantages of the self-publishing model. For more information, visit To start publishing your book with Balboa Press, call 844-682-1282 today. Media Contact Marketing Services, BalboaPress, 844-682-1282, pressreleases@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE BalboaPress
