What do you do if no one wants to work with you following a prison sentence? Start a business and give yourself the work. And while that might sound intimidating, all it takes is a willingness to solve problems and say “yes.”
Jay Dan Gumm is an ex-convict turned businessman and host of the Background Check podcast. He founded his organization, Forgiven Felons, to give people who are frequently defined by their past a bright, purposeful future.
On this episode of ConvictEd Life, Zach and Travis jam with Jay Dan on how a man goes from sitting in prison himself to starting a business that helps other felons turn their life around and stay free, navigating the small but important details that come with starting a real business, saying “yes” even when you’re not ready, and making your background your biggest advantage - not your greatest weakness. Listen in for a zoomed-in look at what getting up on your feet looks like in real life.
What You’ll Learn:
- How Forgiven Felons helps men transition, financially and mentally, from prison to the outside world and on toward their goals
- What Jay Dan learned from his first customers about pricing for, and insisting on, the value of his work
- Why it (literally) pays to know the nitpicky ins and outs of tax deductions, business bank accounts, and other financial stuff related to your new business
- And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“Your background should not hold you back, and it should pay you back. No matter what you've been through… no matter what you've done in the past, as long as you have the right mindset and your heart’s right, moving forward, your background shouldn't hold you back. And if it does, you're talking to the wrong people.”
- Jay Dan Gumm
Connect with Jay Dan:
Background Check Podcast (Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!)
How to Get Involved:
Zach Babcock and Travis Richey are on a mission to turn their combined passion for prison reform into a show that provides all the information, encouragement, and access to resources that those in (or out) of the prison system need to take their lives to the next level of success and satisfaction.
You can get in touch with the guys at [email protected], and you can find more information, plus the ConvictEd Life newsletter, on ConvictEdLife.com (be sure to check out the Resources tab).
Check out Zach on Instagram here and through Underdog Empowerment, and visit Travis on Instagram here and at AccomplishEd Ventures.
And if you liked this episode and want to keep up with future episodes, head over to Apple Podcasts and subscribe - don’t forget to drop a like, rating, and review while you’re at it!