[Applause] [Music] In 2011, I had an idea for a business, so I sketched it on a napkin. My idea was to start a company and hire felons. Why.Because no one else would. So, I took a social problem and started a business to solve it. This all came about because of my own personal recovery story, which is not unique.It was filled with guilt and shame and remorse on repeat, and I drank every single day. So on December 13th, 1997, I crashed into rehab. Before that, I had it all.I had been working at a big investm ...

Recidivism & Re-entry Challenges - The industry acknowledges the high recidivism rate, with 70% of individuals returning to prison within 3 years of release [5][6] - Lack of opportunities, including employment and housing discrimination due to criminal records, contributes to re-entry difficulties [2][3] - The industry recognizes the sense of hopelessness and anxiety experienced by formerly incarcerated individuals due to societal expectations and internal struggles [4][5] Importance of Opportunity & Support - Meaningful opportunities are crucial for successful re-entry and reducing recidivism [6] - Fair opportunities should not be based on chance or luck but should be actively created by communities [24][25] - Community support, including employment and housing, plays a vital role in the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals [23][25] Overcoming Barriers & Individual Impact - Individuals can overcome barriers with the help of educators, employers, and landlords who are willing to offer opportunities [7][12][18] - The value of a second chance is highlighted through examples of individuals who provided support and believed in the speaker's potential [15][17][20] - Small acts of kindness and acceptance can significantly impact the trajectory of formerly incarcerated individuals and reduce recidivism [25][26]