Lee Nobmann

In 2005, authorities transferred me from the federal prison in Florence, Colorado, to the prison camp in Lompoc, California. Florence had been my first experience in a prison camp, and I had made the most of my time there. Still, the transfer to Lompoc opened doors I could never have imagined. Shortly after arriving, I met Lee Nobmann, a man who would become a lifelong friend, advisor, and business partner.

I remember our first meeting vividly. By the time Lee arrived at Lompoc, I had been there for several months. Even in the casual environment of a prison camp, he exuded success. Lee looked to be in his mid-50s—about a decade older than I was at the time—but he carried himself with the confidence and composure of someone accustomed to leadership. Something about his presence hinted at a lifetime of accomplishment, and I felt drawn to introduce myself.

The Lompoc camp had a picturesque setting, with eucalyptus trees and neatly tended gardens that created an atmosphere unlike any prison I had experienced. One afternoon, I saw Lee sitting at a picnic table in the garden, reading Cathedral by Ken Follett. I had read the book before and admired it deeply. It tells the story of people who dedicate their lives to building something magnificent, something greater than themselves—a cathedral. The narrative resonated with me, as I had come to see my own life’s work as a process of laying bricks for a better future.

Lee may have preferred solitude, but I couldn’t resist starting a conversation. I introduced myself and shared my admiration for the book he was reading. That exchange was the beginning of an inseparable friendship. Despite his commanding presence, Lee was remarkably humble. Over time, he opened up about his life and achievements. He had built Golden State Lumber, a company employing more than 500 people and dominating the lumber market in Northern California. He was the first friend I made who had achieved billionaire status.

When Lee learned about my story—how I was using my time in prison to write books, build a foundation for a better future, and support my wife, Carole—he immediately became a supporter. St. Martin’s Press was about to release my first commercial book, Inside: Life Behind Bars in America. Lee ordered 500 copies to give as Christmas gifts to every one of his employees at Golden State Lumber. It was an extraordinary gesture of belief and generosity, and one that advanced my career significantly, leading to multiple printings and more media coverage of my work.

Lee didn’t stop there. He introduced his family to Carole and me during visits, making us feel like extended members of his family. What could have been just another visiting room became a place of connection, almost like a picnic. When he learned that Carole was pursuing a nursing degree, he offered financial sponsorship to support her education. Additionally, he provided resources to help me distribute books to schools, jails, and prisons, sharing strategies for personal development with people who needed them most.

Lee didn’t only offer financial support, he became an active mentor. He offered me a job and a place to live as I prepared for my release. When I told him about my goal to invest in real estate, he extended favorable financial terms, enabling me to purchase single-family homes and lay the foundation for my career. Over my first decade in society, Lee extended several million dollars in financial terms that helped me build a pathway to success.

Lee’s friendship reinforced a lesson I had embraced early in my prison term: the importance of preparation and personal development. If I hadn’t invested in myself—building knowledge, discipline, and a clear vision for my future—I would not have attracted a leader like Lee Nobmann into my life. His belief translated into measurable opportunities that changed the course of my life.

When I shared my dream of dedicating my career to teaching lessons I learned about overcoming adversity and creating opportunity, Lee supported without hesitation. Thanks to his friendship, guidance, and generosity, Carole and I are now able to reach millions through our nonprofit, Prison Professors.

Lee’s belief in me became the catalyst for the impact I’m able to make today. I’ll always attribute a significant part of my success to his trust, friendship, and mentorship.

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