Escape The Odds

Escape The Odds

By Aaron SmithBusinessEntrepreneurship
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Escape The Odds episodes

  • Season 2, Episode 8, Sean Hosman, “former inmate cracks code with data to reduce recidivism”
    Watch full interview @ Escapingtheodds.com Sean Hosman is the CEO of Vant4ge point, a data analytics company in the criminal justice space. Sean is an attorney and criminal justice expert with more than 20 years experience. However his lived experience as an inmate himself is what helps him lead an organization dedicated to really helping inmates while incarcerated and upon their release. His non profit arm of Vantage Point, Persevere teaches inmates become software developers and provide real jobs in tech after their release. His story is really inspiring and speaks to a changed mindset. Follow Sean and his companies at Vant4ge.com and Perseverance.org
    31 min
  • SPEAKING LIFE EP 2 SEASON 1DAVID GATHERS
    David Gathers is an amazing guy who continues to Escape the Odds. After spending 15 years in a gang infested Maximum security Prison in Illinois, he found his voice, In this episode, he speaks on his experience in the criminal justice system and his successful life as a Motivational Speaker. This is an inspiring story packed with how to tips on becoming a highly successful Speaker.
    34 min
  • Untapped Talent, Special Episode, Jeffrey Korzenik
    (Full video www.Escapingtheodds.com) We decided to celebrate Second Chance Month by taking a look at extraordinary people who are helping changing the narrative as it relates to justice involved individuals. Jeff Korzenik is the Chief Investment Strategist for a National Bank. However, as he worked along side executives, the topic of labor shortages was becoming a common topic. Jeff begin to explore the idea of what the labor markets would look like if employers adopted a more inclusive policy on hiring people with criminal records. His initial thought spawned into a book, entitled “Untapped Talent”. We discussed the book and how society will benefit by tapping into this pool of overlooked talent. Learn more about Jeffrey and his journey to where most employers dare to go at www.JeffKorzenik.com
    23 min
  • Myron Pierce- The Urban Business Incubator, season 3 episode 11
    Myron Pierce has always been an entrepreneur. Growing up in North Omaha was plagued with violence and dysfunction. Unfortunately he became a product of his environment and spent 8 years incarcerated. But during that time away he had a mindset shift. Upon his release he began his legitimate hustle. Fast forward 10 years, Myron was able to help transform the entrepreneurial land scape in Inner city Omaha with his SHIFT business incubator. His incubator has spawned over 30 businesses and over $1 million in revenue collectively. @myronpierce Instagram
    22 min
  • BONUS EPISODE. A LIFE SENTENCE IS A DEATH SENTENCE IN THE FEDS. episode 13
    We are sadden by Deans passing. We hope his words resonates and live on.Dean Dipierro was serving 20 years in federal prison when he decided to take the law into his own hands. He seen not only the injustice within his own case but of countless others doing time around him. This particular case that you all will hear is a sensitive one and Dean could have been killed for helping this guy.This is a chapter 2 from his debut book, "Against the Odds in Life & Law".
    15 min
  • Urban Farming In The Concrete Jungle,David Edwards. Season 3. Ep 9
    David Edwards story is an absolute comeback story. Growing up in Chicago south side and north side. He was always an entrepreneur owning a salon/barber shop. His life took a drastic turn when he was arrested for 2 homicides at his place of business. Eventually serving 10 years in Illinois State prison. David returned to the streets with a plan to stay on the right path. A trip to New Mexico would help change the trajectory of his life.A meeting with a gentleman who legally grew marijuana and  veggies/fruits allowed him to see the opportunity to learn about urban agriculture.
    He came back to Chicago with a plan to build out an urban farming location. Smooth & Social root cafe was born.
    The new found business is a mixture of urban farming, cafe and veggie/fruit distributor. David’s business has caught the attention of local and National media. He’s now serving a different kind of “Green” and is having a positive  impact on the community. I highly encourage a visit to the store in Chicago at 1517 west warren Blvd . @smoothandsocialroots Instagram.
    21 min
  • Moving Weight,Lou Centeno, season 3 ep 8
    Luis Centeno known as Lou the trainer spent 8 years in federal prison for drug distribution. Growing up in a gang infested South Side of Chicago options were limited. His involvement with gangs and street level hustling led to  multiple arrest but nothing to the magnitude of his federal indictment. Luis explained how he would go in between Worlds of a street hustler and construction worker when things got “hot” in the neighborhood. Eventually, his hustling landed him in a federal prison in Ohio were he began to focus on his life after prison. Exercise  was a part of every day life for Luis but he Never  imagined it would lead to 2 popular gyms in Chicago.
    His Fit Result brand has garnered local and national attention for its community involvement and client satisfaction. Luis goal is to expand the brand through franchise opportunities and providing second chances to ex offenders.
    Luis can be reached at @louthetrainer, fit_results_chicago.
    23 min
  • Moving Weight

    Lu is Centeno known as Lou the trainer ,spent 8 years in federal prison for drug distribution. Growing up in a gang infested neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, his  options were limited. His involvement with gangs and street level hustling led to  multiple arrest but nothing to the magnitude of his federal indictment. Luis explained how he would go in between Worlds of a street hustler and construction worker when things got “hot” in the neighborhood. Eventually, his hustling landed him in a federal prison in Ohio were he began to focus on his life after prison. Exercise  was a part of every day life for Luis but he Never  imagined it would lead to 2 popular gyms in Chicago.

    His Fit Result brand has garnered local and national attention for its community involvement and client satisfaction. Luis goal is to expand the brand through franchise opportunities and providing second chances to ex offenders.

    Luis can be reached at @louthetrainer, fit_results_chicago.

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    23 min
  • MOVIN' ON UP, Deshawn Nelson. Episode 7 ,season 3
    Deshawn Nelson wasn’t going to be a product of his environment. Despite growing up on the tough streets of the West side of Chicago, he has started a successful moving company, Nelson Movers. At one point is Deshaun’s life ,he was moving in the wrong direction which led to time in prison for Gun possession.  After his release, he started Nelson Movers after a prompt from a child hood friend. (All employees are formerly incarcerated) He currently has 2 trucks and has been featured on ABC news and countless media outlets. The recipient of “leadership Award”.
    Nelson Movers are “Movin’ on up” with the goal of acquiring 10 trucks and 20 movers within 5 years.
    @Deshawn4100 Instagram
    Mrnelsonmovers.org
    20 min
  • LIFE THROUGH THE LENS. Dre Rodriguez. Episode 6, season 3
    Dre Rodriguez was raised in the Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, a predominantly hispanic community. After spending  a decade in federal prison for drug trafficking , he vowed to never return. Upon his release, Dre wanted to give back to the same community he was once apart of destroying.
    After spending time as a director of an Outreach non profit ,focusing on youth development he started offering the young men the opportunity to shoot music videos to keep them out of trouble. This is where LUV City media was started. Currently Dre is living out his passion of running a digital media company and giving access to inner city youth. His 1st short film is currently available entitled “Cap and Gown”.
    Dre also renovates properties and is a licensed Realtor in the Chicagoland area.
    @luvcitymedia Instagram. LUVCITY.ORG
    19 min

About Escape The Odds

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Escaping the Odds highlights individuals who were impacted by the criminal justice system and who are now entrepreneurs and business leaders.