Dr. Gregory A. Thomas is an award-winning economist, serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and former mayor of Heath, Texas-the youngest and first African American to hold that office. A graduate of the Wharton School and Southern Methodist University, he holds advanced degrees in business, theology, political science, and economics. Known for his bold voice and unapologetic clarity, Dr. Thomas has led multimillion-dollar companies, served in both the public and private sectors, and built financial education programs for underserved communities-including within the U.S. prison system, where he continues to teach today. As the founder of Carbonado Capital Investments and COO of multiple ventures, he's never been content with just theory. His life's work has been about creating impact-on balance sheets, policy tables, and lives. In The Big Beautiful Breakdown, Dr. Thomas delivers a piercing, nonpartisan look at the real cost of modern legislation. With a Texan's grit and an economist's eye, he reminds readers of the most basic truth in politics: when the powerful win, somebody else pays.