In this first part of Matt Levenhagen’s conversation with Malcolm Reid Sr., we explore an extraordinary journey from the streets of Baltimore to prison, and ultimately to a life dedicated to helping others build better businesses. It’s the story of how adversity shaped the builder behind the business.

From dropping out of school and serving time in prison to discovering unexpected lessons in sales, leadership and human behavior, Malcolm shares how accountability, resilience and an unwavering desire to help others transformed the direction of his life. Every chapter, even the painful ones, became preparation for what came next.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your past limits your future, this conversation offers a different perspective. Malcolm’s story is a powerful reminder that while our experiences shape us, they don’t have to define us. Some of the strongest builders are the ones who first rebuilt themselves.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience is often forged long before success becomes visible.
• Your past explains you, but it doesn’t define where you can go.
• Every experience, even painful ones, can become part of your builder toolkit.
• Great businesses are built by solving one problem after another.
• Authentic relationships consistently outperform manipulation and sales tactics.
• Helping others succeed is one of the most meaningful ways to build a lasting legacy.

Tune in for a story of resilience, redemption and discovering the builder that was there all along.