Prison Professors

Abstract

This lesson highlights resilience, strategic thinking, and resourcefulness by exploring the story of John, a man I regard as a true master. John exemplifies the art of turning challenges into opportunities, offering a powerful model for building a successful life through self-directed growth. By listening to our interview and working through the lesson plan, participants gain insights into the importance of cultivating a strong work ethic, seeking mentorship, and making decisive choices. His story fortifies the concepts we teach in our various courses, particularly the Straight-A Guide. John's example demonstrates how anyone can navigate crises and transform them into pathways for new opportunities.

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Detailed Narrative

John’s life story is a testament to the power of resilience and resourcefulness. He grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana, on the west side of Indianapolis. It was not an easy childhood, as his family reared him in a mobile home park, without much in the say of financial resources. He had to begin shouldering adult responsibilities far earlier than most, due to his father's struggles with mental health. His dad had to battle many complications, including paranoid schizophrenia, also known has a personality disorder.

As a result of the family's financial struggles, John and his siblings had to step up to contribute income. For that reason, he learned from an early age that survival depended on hard work and self-reliance.

By the time he was 14, John was getting up early and laboring in the farming community. He earned an average monthly income of $500, or $6,000 per year, doing any job he could find, including farm work, stacking sod, and taking on fast-food jobs. Reflecting on that time, John described learning the value of being self-directed: “Nobody’s coming to help. Get out and do something.” This early lesson guided the trajectory of his life and became the foundation of his entrepreneurial success.

The lessons we can learn from John's story would apply to anyone who wants to transform their circumstances, including those in prison. While people in prison may not have the opportunity to earn money or engage in external work, the principle of being self-directed can still be a powerful guiding force. Had I still been incarcerated, I would have been inspired by his story. His story shows how a person can dedicate time to developing skills, cultivating knowledge, and building discipline—all of which will prepare them for a successful future. Whether it’s through reading, learning a trade, honing communication abilities, or focusing on self-improvement, the effort to “get out and do something” starts internally.

This message is echoed by countless successful individuals like John, who understand that success begins with taking control of your mindset and making the most of the resources and opportunities available, no matter how limited. By investing in themselves, individuals can lay the foundation for a brighter, more self-empowered future, just as John did.

John’s resilience and determination to excel at whatever he undertook made him stand out. Whether it was stacking sod in the blistering Indiana summers or cooking for the evening rush at a fast-food restaurant, John held himself to the highest standard. “I wanted to be the best at what I did,” he explained. That deep sense of accountability didn’t just benefit his employers—it helped John develop skills, confidence, and reputation for being reliable.

As we reflect on John's story, we are reminded of the power of a strong work ethic and determination. It is through these qualities that individuals can achieve success and stand out in any industry or field. John's mindset of always striving to be the best has not only benefited himself, but also those around him.

We can all learn from John's example and strive for excellence in everything we do. This may require hard work, sacrifice, and willingness to constantly improve, but the rewards are worth it, because they can change our lives. By holding ourselves accountable and setting high standards for ourselves, we can gain valuable skills, build confidence, and establish a reputation for being reliable and competent. Those new skills help us develop confidence, and also put us on the pathway for new opportunities.

While navigating job after job—sometimes stacking sod, sometimes working as a preacher or at UPS—John realized he needed to break free from the "mad cycle" of constantly starting fresh every six months. By his mid-twenties, he determined he needed stability and direction. This internal commitment marked the turning point in John’s life. “Whatever comes next,” he decided, “I’m going to do it for two years.”

At UPS, John found himself immersed in the fast-paced environment of package delivery and logistics. The days were long and physically demanding, filled with the hustle of sorting boxes, meeting tight schedules, and navigating routes. Despite the steady paycheck, he struggled to find meaning in the repetitive nature of the work. It was during his time at UPS that John was faced with an interview for a supervisor role—an opportunity that could have set him on a more stable career path within the company. When asked about his long-term plans, however, he didn't respond well. Now, he realizes that although he responded honestly, it didn't lead to the result he wanted: "I'm just here to make money, not for the long haul." His answer cost him the position and left him questioning what he wanted out of his professional life.

This pivotal moment became a profound lesson for John, shaping his perspective on the value of communication and alignment in the professional world. He learned that honesty, while vital, must be paired with thoughtfulness and strategic framing to express one’s ambitions effectively. By reflecting on his response, John recognized the importance of tailoring his answers to demonstrate commitment, adaptability, and vision—qualities that resonate with employers. This experience taught him that the way he articulates his goals can significantly influence how opportunities align with his future. It wasn’t just about what he said; it was about how it reflected his readiness to grow and contribute meaningfully.

Besides his work in the fields, and at UPS, John also worked as a preacher, a role that brought him closer to the spiritual side of his identity. Standing at the pulpit, he found a temporary sense of purpose in guiding congregations and delivering messages of hope and inspiration. The work was anything but easy, requiring vulnerability, courage, and deep connection to both his faith and the people he served. Yet, there was lingering restlessness within him. The job felt fulfilling, as he got to serve his community, and sometimes paid more than he'd ever earned previously. But those paychecks depended on the size of the congregation, and their ability to support the ministry. After giving his two years to the position, he realized he needed to find a path that could sustain him, both financially and emotionally, for years to come.

One of John’s pivotal career experiences was his partnership with a seasoned drywall contractor named Joe. Joe not only taught John the technical skills of the trade, but also shared invaluable lessons about running a business. “Joe wasn’t just teaching me how to drywall—he taught me how to think like an entrepreneur,” John recalled.

John quickly learned that by investing in the right tools, he could become more efficient and give a higher quality of work. Joe emphasized that every skilled tradesmen should view their tools as extensions of themselves, reflecting their commitment to excellence. John took this lesson to heart, understanding that a well-maintained, reliable set of tools could mean the difference between an average job and exceptional craftsmanship. By investing in high-quality equipment, he not only improved the precision of his work, but also gained the trust and respect of Joe, who felt proud that John had begun to understand more about the trade.

“Investing in the right tools showed that I was serious about developing my skills in the trade.” This philosophy became a guiding principle for John, shaping the way he approached every task and set the foundation for his professional integrity.

When Joe encouraged John to start finding his own clients, John hesitated, but ultimately took the leap. With nothing but a Honda Accord and a relentless work ethic, John began taking on drywall jobs. His commitment to quality set him apart. "I worked fast, made sure the job was done right, and left the site spotless,” John said. Before long, word of his reliability spread, and his business began to grow.

John’s early efforts in entrepreneurship were shaped by lessons in accountability, resourcefulness, and strategic decision-making. Besides buying the right tools, John started reinvesting his earnings into better equipment, and more equipment.

John's philosophy on hiring help is deeply rooted in his own experiences of hard work and perseverance. He believes in offering opportunities to individuals with a strong work ethic and willingness to learn, much like he once was. "Everyone needs a place to start," John said, emphasizing the importance of guidance during those early stages. When it comes to training, he is meticulous and hands-on, ensuring his team understands not only the technical skills, but also the value of integrity and customer satisfaction.

Furthermore, John invested in his team’s success. He took pride in equipping his workers with the right resources, often providing new hires with high-quality tools to help them excel. Through his commitment to serving others, John cultivated a team that shared his vision for quality and professionalism, fostering an environment of growth both for individuals and the business as a whole. Word spread, seeing that he was willing to work hard and get the job done on time, which led to the growth of his business. Despite each job only bringing in a few thousands of dollars, he continued to grow, producing revenues of more than $1 million per year with just a three-person team, and then growing further to reach a peak of more than $4 million per year.

However, John learned that the drive for success must be balanced with self-care and sustainability. Running a remodeling company that generated millions of dollars in revenue could be overwhelming, bring massive administrative costs and stress from having to manage cash flow. Although he had to pay his workers every week, and his suppliers every month, sometimes the customers would be late in paying his company. That meant he had to borrow funds to bridge the gap, and borrowing funds came with additional costs, including interest expenses, and accounting costs. It became troublesome.

John's expertise at reinventing himself helped him pivot. Instead of fighting the battle to overcome all the challenges that come with running a larger company, John opted to downsize. He also shifted focus, transitioning from focusing on drywall installations to installing doors and windows. He never thought he'd be building a business installing doors and windows, but he leveraged all that he learned throughout his career. That means he relies on the self-directed work ethic he began developing since childhood, the communication skills he developed as a preacher, and the training skills he developed by running a company. That transition has led to a more manageable and lucrative business model. “I’m freer and earning more now than ever before,” he shared. For John, it's not only about the money. He also got to train his son, and they can work together, side by side, in the business, which brings him enormous satisfaction.

John firmly believes in the motto, "If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life," and his story is a testament to its truth. For him, building a business that combines his passions, talents, and sense of purpose has transformed work into a source of joy and fulfillment, rather than a routine burden. Every project he undertakes, every customer he serves, and every moment spent mentoring his son feels less like labor and more like living out his calling. This perspective fuels his drive and keeps him motivated, even during challenges, as his efforts are deeply connected to what he loves most—helping others and creating a legacy for his family.

John’s story exemplifies the critical components that we offer in our introductory courses, especially the Straight-A Guide. That course emphasizes the importance of defining success, and then taking consistent, goal-oriented action steps. It urges people to move forward with the right attitude, acting every day toward the success they want to build, and be accountable by measuring progress. John trained a lifetime to work toward being the best in the world at anything he does. This is why we're proud to include his lesson in our MasterClass series.

The lesson?

John showed that driving a semi-truck full of sod at 14 or running a business as an adult should develop a God-given ability to adapt, learn, and take ownership of the path we're on. It can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

The lesson John shared closely mirrors the principles found in the Parable of the Talents, a story told by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. In this parable, a master entrusts his servants with varying talents—one with five, another with two, and the last with one—according to their abilities. The first two servants invest and multiply what they’ve been given, doubling their master's wealth. However, the third servant buries his talent in the ground, producing nothing. Upon the master’s return, the first two servants are rewarded and praised for their diligence and initiative, while the third servant faces rebuke for his inaction.

As I listened to John’s story, I was reminded that God has blessed each of us with unique abilities and opportunities, and we are called to develop them. Working hard, adapting, and taking ownership of our growth aligns with the master’s approval in the parable. When we invest in ourselves and use what we are given, we not only honor the gifts God provides, but also position ourselves to receive greater blessings. The message is clear—God rewards those who cultivate their talents with faithfulness and effort, turning small opportunities into extraordinary outcomes.

Vocabulary Development

Resilience – The capacity to recover quickly from setbacks or adversity.
Accountability – Accepting responsibility for your actions and decisions.
Entrepreneurship – The act of starting and running a business.
Mentorship – Guidance provided by a more experienced person.
Sustainability – The ability to maintain a process or activity over the long term.
Resourcefulness – The ability to solve problems and adapt using what you have.
Adaptability – The skill of adjusting to changes or new challenges effectively.
Reliability – Consistently meeting expectations or fulfilling obligations.
Strategic – Deliberate and calculated planning to achieve goals.
Authenticity – Being genuine and true to one’s values and character.

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Self-Directed Reflection Questions

How can you define success on your own terms while considering your unique strengths and resources?
What small actions can you take daily to move closer to your long-term goals?
How can cultivating resilience help you overcome challenges in your current situation?
Why is authenticity important in building trust with others, both professionally and personally?
What strategies can you implement to stay accountable for your progress?
Reflect on a significant challenge you’ve faced. How did you overcome it, and what did you learn?
Who could serve as a mentor in your life, and how might they guide you toward success?
How can you identify opportunities to grow, even in the face of adversity?
How does resourcefulness play a role in achieving success despite limited resources?
How can you use the lessons from this narrative to create meaningful and sustainable growth in your own life?

Recommended Books

"The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries

Learn how to test ideas and iterate quickly, just as John adapted his business strategy to build success over time. "Success is not delivering a feature; success is learning how to solve the customer’s problem.”

"Grit" by Angela Duckworth

This book emphasizes perseverance, a theme central to John’s story. "Grit is about working on something you care about so much that you're willing to stay loyal to it."

"Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill

Hill’s teachings on harnessing the power of mindset closely align with John’s determination and resourcefulness. "Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve."

Recap of Straight-A Guide Lessons

Define Success – John’s life demonstrates how defining success provides clarity.
Set Goals – Incremental goals (like committing to stay in one role for two years) drive progress.
Attitude – John’s unwavering dedication showcases the importance of a positive mindset.
Aspire – Incrementally moving toward bigger aspirations helped John succeed.
Take Action – Every stage of John’s story is rooted in consistent, purposeful action.
Accountability – From tracking finances to meeting responsibilities, accountability steered John’s growth.
Awareness – John capitalized on opportunities by identifying gaps in the market and leveraging his skills.
Authenticity – His integrity and work ethic earned him trust and repeat business.
Achievement – John celebrated achievements while remaining focused on long-term goals.
Appreciation – Gratitude and humility defined John’s approach to work and life.

Sample Response

Question: How can you use resilience to turn obstacles into opportunities?

Response: (Below is a sample response, to give you an idea of what to write. I wrote a response as if I were still in prison, sharing what I would've learned from listening to John's interview and working through his lesson. Use this sample as a prompt to help you write responses to all the questions in this lesson.)

Resilience helps turn obstacles into opportunities by teaching you how to adapt and find strength in tough situations. If I had listened to this lesson's audio and worked through the plan at the start of my sentence, I would have learned to view my circumstances differently. Instead of seeing prison as just an obstacle, I could have seen it as a chance to grow, reflect, and rebuild. I would have realized that resilience isn't about ignoring struggle—it's about facing it, learning from it, and using it to become stronger.

For me, resilience could have meant taking time to educate myself, build discipline, and prepare for a better future, rather than feeling stuck in my mistakes. It would have been a reminder that every challenge I face has the potential to shape me into someone stronger and more capable.

So, I urge you to embrace resilience in your own life. When faced with adversity, remember that it is not a sign of weakness, but an opportunity for growth. Take the time to reflect on what can be learned from the experience, and use it as fuel to become even more resilient.

Just like a muscle needs resistance to grow stronger, our resilience also strengthens through facing challenges. So don't shy away from difficult situations, instead see them as opportunities for personal growth. And when you face struggle, remember that you have the power to choose how you respond – will you let it defeat you or will you use it to become even stronger?

I believe we are all capable of learning and growing, even in the most challenging circumstances. I learned invaluable lessons from John that completely changed my perspective. He taught me how to make the most of every day, regardless of the situation. By focusing on productive work, such as developing content for Prison Professors Talent, I was able to create something meaningful—an asset that not only helped me stay motivated, but also built support for my journey. Through this work, I envisioned opportunities to connect with people like Joe, someone who could guide me and maybe even help me launch a business after my release, in the same way that Joe helped John build a drywall business. These lessons showed me the power of perseverance and the importance of using time wisely to lay the foundation for a better future.

Challenge

Build Your Personal Profile

Use your answers to the self-directed questions to build and update your profile on Prison Professors Talent. Show how your ongoing efforts, education, and reflections make you a compelling candidate for freedom and success.

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MasterClass wtih John