From Prison to CEO — 10 Success Stories of Former Inmates Building Thriving Businesses
Life is full of second chances, and these ten remarkable individuals prove that past mistakes don’t define one’s future.
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Their stories are a proof to the power of redemption and the incredible impact of giving people the opportunity to start anew. From fitness empires to innovative tech solutions, these former inmates are now thriving business leaders, making a positive difference in their communities and beyond.
1. Catherine Hoke
Founder:Engaged in securities fraud; founded Defy Ventures, a nonprofit that helps formerly incarcerated individuals start their own businesses.
Business:
Defy Ventures is an innovative program founded by Catherine Hoke that recognizes and nurtures the untapped potential of people who have been in prison. The organization offers thorough training, mentorship, and support to help these individuals start, launch, and grow their own businesses.
This not only aids in reducing recidivism but also contributes to breaking the cycle of crime by providing real economic opportunities. Defy Ventures equips participants with the necessary skills not just in business, but also in personal development, helping them to integrate effectively into society and foster a sense of community and contribution.
As of recent estimates, Defy Ventures has raised millions in funding and has helped launch over 150 businesses, though exact turnover figures are typically not disclosed for non-profits.
Website:
Defy Ventures, Inc.
2. Coss Marte
Founder:Coss Marte. Coss was imprisoned for running a multi-million dollar drug operation in New York City. During his time in prison, he developed a fitness routine that became the foundation for his business.
Business:
CONBODY is a unique fitness initiative founded by Coss Marte that turns the rigorous and resourceful workout routines developed in prison into a dynamic fitness program. This program is distinctive because it employs formerly incarcerated individuals as instructors, integrating tough, bodyweight exercises that Marte himself used to lose 70 pounds in six months during his incarceration.
The mission of CONBODY extends beyond fitness; it aims to break down the stigmas associated with former inmates and facilitate their reintegration into society by providing them with employment opportunities.
Website:
CONBODY
3. Josh Nowack
Founder:Convicted of felony fraud by embezzlement; founded Breaking Free Industries.
Business:
Breaking Free Industries, founded by Josh Nowack, is an innovative enterprise that focuses on creating employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. The company primarily engages in printing T-shirts and other merchandise, serving as a platform for those returning from prison to rebuild their lives and careers.
Nowack's business not only provides essential job skills but also aims to offer a supportive community, helping to integrate these individuals back into society and reduce recidivism.
Website:
Breaking Free Industries
4. Drew Fox
Founder:Drew Fox. Drew had legal troubles in his youth related to drug offenses but turned his life around by focusing on brewing.
Business:
18th Street Brewery is a well-known craft brewery in Indiana, producing a variety of beers. The company has expanded to multiple locations and reportedly generates several million dollars in annual revenue, reflecting its popularity and success in the craft beer market.
Website:
18th Street
5. Marcus Bullock
Founder:Marcus Bullock. Marcus served time in prison for a carjacking he committed as a teenager. His experiences inspired him to create a way for families to stay connected with incarcerated loved ones.
Business:
Flikshop is a service that allows people to send postcards to prisoners through an app. The company has sent over half a million postcards and generates annual revenues in the mid-six figures, with continued growth as more users adopt the service.
Website:
https://www.flikshop.com/
6. Shon Hopwood
Founder:Committed bank robberies; founded AppealTech, a company that assists attorneys with the preparation of appellate briefs.
Business:
After serving almost 11 years in prison, Shon turned his life around dramatically. During his incarceration, he developed a keen interest in the law, which led him to start working on legal briefs for other inmates. His notable success in this unlikely role garnered attention from legal scholars and the media alike.
Website:
AppealTech
7. Kenyatta Leal
Founder:Incarcerated for drugs and robbery; co-founded Code.7370, a coding program for inmates.
Business:
Code.7370, co-founded by Kenyatta Leal, is a groundbreaking initiative within San Quentin State Prison that teaches incarcerated individuals how to code. This program equips participants with highly marketable skills, preparing them for technology jobs upon their release.
Through a partnership with The Last Mile, Code.7370 addresses the challenges of reentry by providing both professional training and economic opportunities, significantly reducing the chances of recidivism and helping individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
Using this experience, he later co-founded AppealTech, which specializes in supporting attorneys with the complexities of preparing appellate briefs.
Website:
Code.7370
8. Bernie Glassman
Founder:Bernie had minor legal issues in his youth but later became a Zen Buddhist teacher and social entrepreneur.
Business:
Greyston Bakery, founded by Bernie Glassman, is renowned for its socially responsible business model. Located in Yonkers, New York, the bakery provides employment opportunities to individuals who are often deemed unemployable, such as the homeless, ex-convicts, and recovering addicts.
This initiative not only produces delicious baked goods but also plays a crucial role in community building and social rehabilitation. Greyston operates under an "Open Hiring" model, which skips traditional employment barriers such as interviews and background checks, focusing instead on the potential and readiness of individuals to work.
Website:
Eat Brownies. Change Lives. — Greyston Bakery
9. Dave Dahl
Founder:Dave spent 15 years in prison for various offenses including burglary and drug-related crimes. After his release, he turned his life around by joining his family’s bakery business.
Business:
Dave's Killer Bread, co-founded by Dave Dahl, has become a prominent brand known for its organic, whole grain breads. This business not only provides high-quality products but also stands out for its commitment to social justice issues, particularly the employment of ex-convicts.
The company was sold for $275 million in 2015 and continues to grow, with annual revenues exceeding $100 million.
Website:
Dave’s Killer Bread (daveskillerbread.com)
10. Larry Jay Levine
Founder:Convicted of securities fraud, narcotics trafficking, obstruction of justice, and possession of weapons
Business:
Wall Street Prison Consultants, founded by Larry Jay Levine, offers a unique service by providing legal advice and guidance to inmates and their families, helping them navigate the complexities of the prison system.
Levine, drawing on his own experiences from a 10-year federal prison sentence, created this consultancy to assist others in understanding their rights, the legal system, and how to prepare for life during and after incarceration.
Website:
Wall Street Prison Consultants