When I speak with people who are going through a crisis in the criminal justice system, I remind them of a simple truth: it’s never too early, and it’s never too late, to start building a better outcome.
I recently had the privilege of speaking with Joseph Lowman, a man who began applying these principles from the very first day he entered custody. His story reinforces everything I’ve tried to teach through Prison Professors—that success doesn’t begin at release. It begins the moment a person decides to take ownership of the path ahead.
The Decision to Change Starts Immediately
Joseph told me that when he was arrested in 2022, he felt overwhelmed. Like many people entering the system for the first time, he didn’t know what to expect. But instead of allowing fear to control him, he made a decision.
He would use his time to prepare.
While sitting in a county jail, he received access to a tablet. Instead of using it for distraction, he searched for resources that could help him understand what lay ahead. That search led him to the Success After Prison podcast.
From that moment forward, he committed himself to a new way of thinking.
He began setting goals.
He defined what success meant to him.
He looked for ways to build a support network.
Most importantly, he started acting with intention in every interaction.
That mindset reflects the same strategy we teach every day—success is not something that happens by chance. It is the result of deliberate decisions, repeated consistently over time.
Building the Right Environment Inside Prison
When Joseph transferred to federal prison, he understood that his environment would influence his future.
On his first day, he made a commitment. He would avoid negativity. He would not associate with people who were focused on drugs, gangs, or hopeless thinking. Instead, he would seek out people who wanted to grow.
That decision led him to a man named Robert Casillas, who had already been exposed to our course materials.
Together, they built a small community focused on personal development.
They read.
They discussed ideas.
They challenged each other to think differently.
Later, Joseph passed those same materials to another individual, continuing the cycle of growth.
This is what I mean when I talk about building a “tribe.” None of us succeed alone. We grow stronger when we surround ourselves with people who are committed to improvement.
Preparing Before Release Creates Momentum After Release
One of the most powerful lessons Joseph demonstrated is this:
Preparation inside leads to acceleration outside.
While still incarcerated, he studied business, corporate structure, tax law, and sales. He read books, took notes, and developed a plan. He didn’t wait until release to begin.
So when he came home, he didn’t start from zero.
He already had:
A business concept
An operating plan
Notes from meetings he hadn’t even held yet
A clear understanding of the steps required
Within weeks of release, he:
Formed a company
Secured partners and investors
Registered with the government
Positioned himself to begin bidding on contracts
That level of progress doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because of preparation.
Our entire mission at Prison Professors is built on this principle—people who prepare effectively can create opportunities that others overlook.
Documenting the Journey Builds Leverage
Another lesson Joseph embraced is the importance of documentation.
He began building a profile.
He wrote his biography.
He created journal entries and book reports.
At first glance, this may seem like a simple exercise. But in reality, it is one of the most powerful tools a person can use.
Documentation creates:
A record of growth
Evidence of discipline
Proof of preparation
That record becomes an asset.
It can influence:
Employers
Investors
Probation officers
Judges
Anyone evaluating readiness for opportunity
When I served my sentence, I documented everything. That record opened doors for me. Today, we provide tools so others can do the same—free of charge, for anyone willing to do the work.
Living as the CEO of Your Life
During our conversation, I reminded Joseph of something I believe deeply:
You are the CEO of your life.
No matter where you are—county jail, federal prison, home confinement, or supervised release—you still have the power to make decisions.
Those decisions shape your future.
Joseph didn’t wait for permission. He didn’t wait for better circumstances. He acted with intention, even in confinement.
That’s what separates people who struggle after release from those who succeed.
One group waits.
The other prepares.
The Path Forward
Joseph has only been home for a short time, yet he has already taken meaningful steps toward building a new life.
His story is not unique because of luck. It is powerful because of discipline.
Every person in prison faces the same reality. When they return home, one of five outcomes is likely:
Unemployment
Underemployment
Homelessness
Continued involvement with the justice system
Or success
The difference comes down to preparation.
That is why we continue building resources, publishing lessons, and encouraging people to document their journey. We want to show that transformation is possible—and that it begins with action.
Reflection
If you began documenting your daily actions today, what would your record show about the life you are preparing to build tomorrow?