Ryan Stewman emerged from prison to build multi-million dollar businesses. How did he do it? He lived a life of discipline and integrity. His work ethic reflected a commitment to be the best in the world at what he does. On today’s Earning Freedom podcast, we learn from a true mastermind of overcoming struggle and adversity. Ryan reveals techniques he used to become the Hardcore Closer.
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Ryan Stewman made bad decisions as a young man. He went to prison on two separate occasions. While inside, however, Ryan developed his skillset and prepared himself to emerge successfully. Exceptional communication skills resulted in Ryan becoming a leader in every venture he pursued. He became a leader working in carwashes, in mortgage banking, in sales, and in real estate. Today is an entrepreneur, earning millions through training and technology programs he offers. If you’re interested in sales, check out TheHardcoreCloser.com or like his Facebook page.
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Jeff Smith's Episode on Earning Freedom
Today's episode features Jeff Smith, a former senator from the state of Missouri's legislature. He talks about decisions that led him to prison and about his initial adjustment. While working in a food warehouse the federal prison camp in Manchester, Kentucky, Jeff took steps to document his journey. After overcoming some challenges upon release to enter the job market, Jeff persuaded a university to hire him. He now teaches students about government and the prison system. He also published a book with St. Martin's Press that is called Mr. Smith Goes to Prison.
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Dr. Jeffrey Perrotte Describes Transformation in Prison
Yesterday's podcast introduced listeners to Jeffrey Perrotte. In the early 1990s he was a promising businessman. Then, a decision to drive after drinking derailed his life. He collided with a vehicle that Jilly Rizzo was driving, and Jilly died in the crash. As a consequence of Frank Sinatra's fame and influence, authorities escalated charges against Jeffrey. He went to prison with a life sentence. Rather than sinking into depression, Jeffrey chose to make the best possible use of his time. He educated himself, earning an undergraduate degree, a master's degree, and a doctoral degree. In today's episode Dr. Perrotte describes how he uses his education to contribute to the making of a better society.
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Drunk Driving Leads to Murder Conviction
Today's Earning Freedom Podcast features Jeff Perrotte. As a young man, Jeff succeeded in business. He became so successful that he believed laws of drinking and driving didn't apply to him. After being convicted of one drunk-driving offense, he repeated his behavior. Unfortunately, while driving under the influence, his car collided with a car driving by Jilly Rizzo, one of Frank Sinatra's best friends. The high level of publicity associated with the case influenced Jeff's prosecution. He tells his story on the Earning Freedom podcast today.
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While browsing through iTunes I saw four new reviews of the Earning Freedom podcast. Really great to see that students from Dr. Nancy Lewis’ class at the State University of New York are using the Earning Freedom podcast as a resource. I read reviews from Kim G, Danitza Mendez, and from Natalie Solano. JR also left a review. JR asked whether I thought whether we should require formerly incarcerated individuals to share their stories with others who were going through the system. In today’s podcast, I responded, letting JR know that I thought people were most effective when they were authentic. If we required people to spread a message, we may find that many people less than truthful.
I hope that more innovative educators will follow Dr. Lewis’ example and use the Earning Freedom podcast as a tool to help more people understand prisons, the people they hold, and strategies to improve outcomes of our nation’s prison system.
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Thanks to Professor Nancy Lewis of SUNY Potsdam, criminal justice are being assigned work from the Earning Freedom podcast. The students will learn from people who've gone through the criminal justice system. I'm hopeful that they'll leave reviews of the podcasts on iTunes. If they have questions, I'll respond directly.
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On August 12, 2013, I concluded 26 years in prison. Two years later, I controlled assets worth more than $1,000,000. How did that happen? Today's podcast announces a new book that I'm going to begin writing. The book describes the specific path that I took. It also will show how others can employ these strategies to lift themselves from struggle to prosperity.
Paul Wright, founder of Prison Legal News, inspired me to write the book. We were having dinner one night in Sacramento. Both of us were in Sacramento to contribute to a judicial seminar in the fall of 2015. He suggested that I purchase an advertisement in Prison Legal News for books that I've written. After talking more about his readership, I concluded that in addition to offering books I've written about mastering the prison system, I should write a book about success after release.
Today's podcast outlines the book. I purchased the ad space and now I'm going to write the book. Those who would like a copy may read updates through my website at MichaelSantos.com
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Today I interviewed to extraordinarily successful entrepreneurs who overcame struggle. Chris Wheeler and Matt Winters didn’t have much of a formal education. Problems with substance abuse led them into other challenges, including time in institutions. Despite those setbacks, they put their heads together to build a Savage Eliquid, a vape company that generates more than $2 million in revenues.
How did they do it?
Turns out that building a successful business requires the same type of principled, deliberate decisions that we teach in the Earning Freedom mastermind course. Chris and Matt tell us that if they can do it, anyone can do it.
If you’d like to learn more from Chris and Matt, contact them at SavageEliquid.com
When I emerged from prison after 26 years, I wanted to build a career around my journey. Michael Port, author of numerous books helped me. While running in the early morning, I listened to an audio version of his mega bestseller Book Yourself Solid. His books offered actionable guidance that I appreciated. With an aim of sharing his wisdom with the Earning Freedom audience, I reached out and invited him to spend 30 minutes with us. I’m grateful to Michael for agreeing to his wisdom with our listeners.
Michael’s books include: Book Yourself Solid, Beyond Booked Solid, The Big Manifesto, and Steal the Show. He also hosts the popular podcast Steal the Show and, together with his wife Amy, founded Heroic Public Speaking. Together, Michael and Amy use Heroic Public Speaking as a resource to help people develop and master the art of public speaking. At MichaelPort.com, they offer an abundance of free content that anyone can use.
In my research to prepare for the podcast today, I found many strategies that we teach through the Earning Freedom Mastermind Course. Our listeners in prison receive the gift of listening to Michael Port directly through today’s podcast. To the extent that they incorporate his actionable strategies that include:
They will find opportunities to advance their prospects for success. Since people in prison will face challenges when it comes to navigating their way back into society and into the job market, they can learn a great deal from Michael’s books.
I purchased five copies of Steal The Show because that book will help listeners prepare for success. I’ll send one of those books to each listener who writes a review of today’s podcast on Apple’s iTunes. Send me a copy of your review, along with your mailing address, and I’ll send a book.
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Today I spoke with renowned film producer and TED talk leader Louis Schwartzberg and film producer Lara Everly. They lead a number of entities that inspire people to appreciate the beauty in our world. Their work has reached tens of millions of people around the world. Some of their businesses include BlackLight Films, Moving Art, and Gratitude Revealed.
Through Gratitude Revealed, they produce short films that help people grasp strategies to grow through struggle. Lara Everly produced the short film called Creativity. It's one of 16 short films they use to teach others how they can live lives of gratitude. They partner with leading entertainment companies, including Oprah's OWN network and Disney to spread a positive message.
Lara directed the movie Creativity to help women who were int transition after serving decades in prison. I'm hoping their work will show more people who live in struggle that they they tap into the power within to build lives of meaning and relevance. For those who'd like to see their work, I encourage you to visit the following website:
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Many people who contact my partner Justin Paperny and me mistakenly believe that we’re defense attorneys. We’re not. Instead, we provide guidance to help people who anticipate that they may spend time in prison.
We launched Etika Connect as a service for defendants who visit our various websites. When we feature a defense attorney, we’re validating that attorney. We’re also giving our listeners an opportunity to learn more about the attorney’s expertise and honesty.
Today we feature David Rosenfield, a partner at the distinguished firm Herrick Feinstein.
From our conversation today, I learned that David attended undergraduate school at Ohio State University. He advanced to The University of Pennsylvania to earn his law degree. After graduating from Penn in 1982, David began his career working in government. He has worked as a Staff Attorney in the Division of Enforcement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Further, prior to becoming a defense attorney, David earned numerous awards for his work as a prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney’s office.
From our conversation today, listeners will learn about David’s commitment to honesty. He advises our listeners to communicate openly and honestly with the defense counsel they choose. The defendant can then work closely with the lawyer to choose the best possible scenario given an individual’s particular circumstances. David and I spoke about the influence cooperation can have on the eventual outcome of a case. For those who are convicted, David spoke about the importance of preparing for the presentence investigation, the sentencing hearing, and the journey through prison.
A lawyer like David has the knowledge and experience to help defendants understand all options ahead. That’s why we’re proud to introduce him to our listeners through the Earning Freedom podcast.
If you’re facing a criminal charge, take advantage of the invaluable guidance that David Rosenfield offered.
You may contact David at the following numbers:
Phone: 212-592-1513
Email: drosenfield@herrick.com
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Martin McNair is a mastermind for a lot of reasons. I admire him because he trained his mind to overcome struggle. As a young man, Martin struggled with addiction and a criminal mentality. Authorities sent him to prison when he was in his mid 20s. Rather than allowing the prison to define him, Martin took fate into his own hands. He educated himself. He disciplined himself. He created a plan to ensure that when he returned to society he would return strong, with his dignity intact.
The first of Martin’s plan was to remain sober. Then, he focused on earning a sustainable income. He cleaned for a living. Then he launched a series of business that brought more financial stability. For the past several years, however, Martin has been living as the change that he wants to see in the world. By building the nonprofit “Mi Casa Su Casa,” he helps people who’ve served multiple decades in prison. Martin and his team providing housing and wrap-around services that include anger management, substance abuse, and job training.
He’s an impressive guy, showing that anyone can overcome struggle. They simply must have a plan, and follow the path of masterminds.
At Martin’s facility, he advocates for leadership, which his team defines as follows:
Those who would like to connect with Martin can reach him through the organization at the following addresses:
Mi Casa Su Casa
411 Millington Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21223
Phone: 443-219-7855
m.mcnair@mycasaliving.org
Corporate Leader Advises Prisoners
Dave Carey talks with the Earning Freedom audience about what it takes to succeed after a prison term. He joined I2 Technologies during its startup phase, as employee number 12. With his leadership, the company grew from a pre-revenue stage to a multi-billion dollar company that operated in 26 different companies. Since the company grew to employ thousands of people, he offers considerable insight. People who listen to today's podcast will learn valuable lessons about how they can advance from struggle to prosperity. The Earning Freedom network will continue searching for corporate leaders who will advise prisoners on steps they can take to prepare for success. One unified message we hear is that it's never too early and never too late to sow seeds for a brighter future.
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The Last Mile Founder: Chris Redlitz
Chris Redlitz cofounded The Last Mile, one of the most successful prisoner reentry programs in the United States. Chris isn't a traditional prison reformer. He and his wife, Beverly Parenti, are venture capitalists from the San Francisco Bay area. They provide funding and other resources to growing technology companies. While visiting the famous San Quentin state prison in California, the men he met inspired him. Some were serving life sentences. In their stories, Chris and Beverly saw hope. They recognized that anyone had the capacity to change, and they wanted "to be the change they wanted to see in the world" by helping those people in prison prepare for success, in prison and beyond.
They volunteered to lead The Last Mile, a program that would teach business and computer skills to prisoners. Since founding the program in 2011, they've mentored and taught hundreds of people in prison. Those people now earn high incomes in the technology sector and they help influence perceptions of other people in prison.
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Jesse Gessin: Federal Public Defender
Jesse Gessin is a master of navigating federal prosecutions. He spoke with the Earning Freedom audience today about his experience. Jesse began his career as a federal public defender in the Virgin Islands. After a high level of success, he transitioned to the federal public defender's office in Orange County, California. Those who listen to Earning Freedom know that I'm a huge fan of federal public defenders. They devote their careers to helping people who lack resources navigate their way through federal prosecutions. Jesse spoke with us today about trial, about the sentencing process, about post conviction proceedings, and about preparing for early termination from Supervised Release.
Carl Pollard is the founder of Freedom Solutions Associates. He wasn’t always a business professional. Bad decisions he made as a younger man led him to a high-security penitentiary with a lengthy prison sentence to serve. While inside, however, Carl chose to begin preparing himself for success. He read books. He interacted with business professionals. He educated himself on steps that he could take to build a more sustainable life as a contributing citizen. In today’s podcast, Carl tells us about his transformation and the role that leaders like Graham Smith @DefyVentures had on influencing his success.
www.freedomsolutionsassociates.com
@fsa_solutions
@DefyVentures
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Earning Freedom Mastermind: 10 Actualization
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Earning Freedom Mastermind: 9 Appreciation
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Lamont Carey grew up in an impoverished, crime-infested area of Washington DC. By the time he was 11 years old, he was heavily involved in drug dealing. Then he became involved in protecting his criminal enterprises with firearms. He served his sentence inside of the DC criminal justice system, eventually transferring into high-security prisons in the federal system. While confined in the high-security penitentiary in Allenwood, Lamont made a decision to transform his life. He participated in classes and programs. After earning his GED, Lamont enrolled in business courses in college--learning that he already understood principles of marketing, customer service, and product management. Lamont simply had to transform his skills to build legitimate enterprises rather than criminal enterprises. That mind shift allowed Lamont to return to society successfully, leading several enterprises that have allowed him to become a role model for anyone who wants to overcome struggle and live successfully.
Contact Lamont through his websites that include:
Follow him on Twitter: @ContactVisits and @LamontCarey
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Author Thearthur Duncan: Felon Attorney
Thearthur Duncan had a difficult childhood. While growing up, he associated with people engaged in a criminal lifestyle. They influenced him to begin selling drugs. For 15 years he lived has a criminal. Authorities arrested Thearthur when he was approaching his early 30s. During the time he served in the Allenwood prison, Thearthur had the discipline to stay away from criminal influences and focus on getting out. Upon his release, he made a decision to reject the criminal lifestyle. After enrolling in a community college, Thearthur chose to pursue his dream of becoming an attorney. He completed his undergraduate degree, then law school, then passed the New York state bar, then persuaded the committee that he was worthy to serve as an attorney. Now he represents the city in lawsuits brought against the municipal agencies. He is a role model for anyone going through the prison system. It’s never too late and it’s never too early to begin preparing for success.
Check out his newest book: Felon Attorney
Visit his website FelonAttorney.com
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Leadership Lessons from Coach Miguel
Miguel de Jesus teaches strategies leaders can use to achieve higher levels of performance. I met “Coach Miguel” while attending a conference in San Diego. During our conversation I learned that he built a career that advanced him to the highest levels of corporate America. He developed large teams, coordinating them to work together toward a unified vision. Now he uses all of the experiences won over decades in business to help small, medium, and large businesses grow.
During our podcast episode today, Miguel spoke about the importance of developing the right mindset, the right skillset, and the right toolsets. In so doing, individuals can grow to achieve their highest potential in business and in life. He authored the book Let Your Emotional Intelligence do the Talking. Download a copy for free from Miguel’s website at CoachMiguel.com.
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Electrical Engineer Goes to Prison
James contacted the Earning Freedom podcast after seeing an article in the media that quote our show. When he told me that authorities convicted him for misprision of a felony, I asked him to explain. While in his role of working as an engineer for a utility company, authorities accused him of knowing about an ongoing criminal enterprise. His superiors manipulated bills that resulted in customers overpaying. After a guilty plea, a judge sentenced James to serve a prison term. While in prison, while in the halfway house, and while on supervised release, James kept his focus. Rather than allowing his criminal conviction to derail his life, James chose to rebuild. During the 20 years that have passed since his conviction, he has lived a full life. His story should give hope to people who experience the criminal justice system. There’s a way through the storm and into calmer seas.
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Earning Freedom Mastermind: 8 Achievement
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Earning Freedom Mastermind: 7 Awareness
Overcoming struggle isn't easy. But if we follow the path of masterminds, we realize that we have the power within to triumph. Many masterminds taught lessons that empowered me through 26 years in prison. Those who listen to the Earning Freedom podcast will find these episodes on the Earning Freedom Mastermind course as being beneficial.
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