In this episode of the Nightmare Success in and Out podcast, Brent Cassity interviews Jeff Martinovich, CEO of a Wealth Management Company, who shares his experience of going through a trial and being sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. He rejected 3 different plea deals standing up for what he believed to be the truth. He lost everything: his career, reputation, family, homes, assets, and liberty. Jeff served our country in the first Gulf War. He grew a wealth management company from zero to a multi-billion dollar company that faced regulatory scrutiny and allegations following the 2008 financial crisis. The process took several years, during which time Jeff shares his pain of seeing so many people affected in the company he loved. Despite the challenges, Jeff remained hopeful and believed in his ability to win at trial. In this conversation, Jeff Martinovich shares his experience navigating the white-collar criminal justice system, including his trial and sentencing. He discusses the challenges he faced in court, and the manipulation of evidence. Jeff taught himself federal criminal law while in prison and twice reversed the trial courts decisions on appeal. He also became a valuable resource to other inmates with their motions for appeal. Jeff emphasizes the importance of resilience, perseverance, and having a plan to make forward progress. He also highlights the support he received from his wife and friends, and the opportunities that came his way after his release. Jeff is now using his brilliant brain to help other companies grow. Jeff's story serves as a reminder to never give up and to keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity. A positive mindset is everything. Be sure to pick up Jeff's new book, "When not if." HIs book is a CEO's survival and revival against what he was constantly told were impossible odds providing an inspiring success playbook we all can use when our black swan event knocks on your front door. Show sponsors: White Collar Support Group prisonist.org and Autoplaza Direct.

How do you escape the odds from a bad neighborhood and a long prison sentence? Aaron Smith runs the organization Escape the Odds and he is teaching people a new hustle to escape. The news media has recognized his good work. In this episode of the Nightmare Success podcast, host Brent Cassity interviews Aaron Smith, a former drug dealer who spent 12 years in prison. Aaron grew up in a tough neighborhood in Chicago and got involved in the drug business at a young age while going to college getting a business degree. However, while in prison, he made a mindset shift and focused on personal growth and education. He used his time to prepare for a better future and became an inspiration to others in prison. Aaron's story highlights the importance of resilience, determination, and the power of second chances. Aaron Smith shares his journey of incarceration, preparation for release, and the challenges of reintegration. He emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and creating opportunities for second chances. Aaron's work with Escape the Odds aims to bridge the gap between corporate America and the impacted community. Aaron is the owner of U-Turn Trucking Company that employs justice impacted people. He highlights the need for reentry programs and the impact of going inside institutions to inspire and educate. Aaron's biggest takeaway is to never sell yourself short and to add value to yourself.

In this episode, Brent Cassity interviews Bill Baroni, a former politician who survived the nightmare National Media story of the Bridgegate scandal and served time in federal prison. His case went all the way to the United States Supreme Court, and he won. Bill was appointed by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie as Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The national story originated with lane closures on the George Washington Bridge. They discuss Bill's background in politics, his journey through the criminal justice system, and his advocacy for the justice-impacted community. Bill shares his experiences of going to prison, the importance of humility and letting go of control, and the support he received from the White Collar Support Group. The episode highlights the challenges and strategies for overcoming adversity and finding support in difficult times. In this conversation, Bill Baroni shares his unusual journey of getting released. Bill also discusses his current work as a Law Professor at Seton Hall University Law School and the significance of teaching prison law. Bill is a two-time recipient of the "Professor of the Year" award. He is passionate about being able to teach prison law to help future lawyers and policymakers understand the criminal justice system more comprehensively. He emphasizes the need to help others and make a positive impact in their lives. Bill is the Cofounder of the Prison Visitation Fund and is a leader in the area of health and fighting obesity. After losing 130 pounds he coauthored Fat Kid Got Fit, and So Can You. Nightmare Success is sponsored by the White-Collar Support Group prisonist.org. Start Here. Autoplaza Direct your personal car concierge autoplazadirect.com.