Build Your Profile

When I began serving my 45-year sentence in federal prison back in 1987, I didn’t know how long it would take me to return to society. But I made a commitment. I was going to prepare, every single day, for success. And I was going to do it whether anyone noticed or not.

That’s the same message I’m sending to you today.

If you’ve learned that you’re the target of a criminal investigation, or if you’re at any stage in the justice system—from pretrial to post-sentencing—then today is the day to start building your pathway home. But don’t just focus on getting out. Focus on building a life—a meaningful, successful, values-based life—on the other side of this journey.

That’s why we built Prison Professors Talent.

The Power of Documentation

On PrisonProfessors.org, everything we offer is free. That includes access to a growing platform called Prison Professors Talent, a tool that lets justice-impacted people build a body of work—biographies, journals, book reports, release plans, and testimonials—to demonstrate why they are worthy candidates for a second chance.

It’s not just about early release. It’s about building credibility. It’s about creating evidence that shows you are more than your conviction—that you are someone preparing to return with dignity, with a plan, and with purpose.

You don’t need permission. You don’t need money. You just need commitment.

And you can start now.

Why It Matters

We’ve already seen this platform change lives.

My friend Justin Norcott, currently in a halfway house, has published over 100 journal entries, numerous book reports, a comprehensive release plan, and more. And the result? He’s built a record that reflects a man focused on growth, leadership, and contribution. He’s creating new opportunities for himself—and so can you.

Then there’s Celeste, whose presence on the platform helped amplify her story. She received clemency from the President of the United States. That didn’t happen by accident. It happened because she documented her transformation and we had a way to show her value to stakeholders.

When I was incarcerated, I built my pathway brick by brick—through mentors, universities, business leaders, and thousands of hours of writing and reading. The people who believed in me only did so because I gave them something to believe in.

That’s what I’m offering you now: a tool to do the same.

What You Can Build

When you create your profile on Prison Professors Talent, here’s what you’ll have the chance to build:

• Biography: Tell your story—your full story. Not just what brought you to the system, but who you are and who you strive to become.
  
  
• Journal Entries: Chronicle your thoughts, lessons, and experiences. Show your evolution in real time.
  
  
• Book Reports: Learn from others. Read and reflect. Then write what you’ve learned.
  
  
• Release Plans: Chart a future. Create a strategy that shows the steps you’re taking to return successfully.
  
  
• Testimonials: Invite others—friends, mentors, or educators—to vouch for your growth.
  
  
• Tribes & Leaderboards: Join a community. Get on the leaderboard. Compete for positive progress.
  
  

Right now, we have:

• 1,465 profiles
  
  
• 429 biographies
  
  
• 6,000 journal entries
  
  
• 1,000 book reports
  
  

But those numbers must grow—and they will, because of people like you.

My Commitment to You

Here’s what I promise:

1. I will never ask you to do anything I didn’t do.
   
   
2. I will never lie to you.
   
   
3. I will never charge a penny for the content on PrisonProfessors.org.
   
   

Everything is free because access to knowledge and hope should never be behind a paywall. Not when we’re trying to transform lives and rebuild futures.

I was fortunate to build income streams while I was still inside. I met the love of my life in prison, and we nurtured that relationship for 10 years behind walls before I came home. We’ve now been married for 22 years—and I love her more today than ever. That happened because I built a life, not just a sentence.

And if I could do it—under the weight of a 45-year sentence—then I know you can do it too.

Takeaway Questions

If you’re ready to get started, take some time to reflect on these questions:

1. What steps have you already taken to prepare for your success upon release?


2. How are you documenting your growth and transformation?


3. What message does your current digital footprint send to employers, judges, or community members?


4. Who are the mentors or role models you can learn from?


5. Are you willing to invest in yourself daily, even if no one is watching—yet?

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