While Trent Griffin-Braaf is living a life of success and personal accomplishments today, his success story has certainly come with its own share of adversity. Before Griffin-Braaf started his own company, Tech Valley Shuttle, which earned him the 2023 SBA Small Businessperson of the Year award in New York, he served a 12-year prison sentence. It's during those years of incarceration, however, that Griffin-Braaf chose to make positive changes, dedicating his life to five pillars: spiritual relationship, mental and physical well-being, continued education, developing a passion for reading, and workforce development.

Now, he uses his experience to guide justice-involved individuals on a path to success, and that's just the message he delivered to residents during his recent visit to CoreCivic's Saguaro Correctional Center in Eloy, Arizona.

"I like to think of myself as a hope dealer, I understand the importance of going back and letting people know what's possible. If you have hope, you have something you're striving for, and you know it's possible for you," said Griffin-Braaf.

More than 100 residents at Saguaro registered for Griffin-Braaf's coaching session, where he shared with residents some best practices in business and workforce development skills, as well as how to maximize their time and focus on personal growth.

"I really like to focus on personal development," said Griffin-Braaf. "The more development and the more you work on yourself, that's the best return on investment you will ever get."

Along with his business, Griffin-Braaf developed a program designed to empower both returning citizens and underemployed individuals in the community. He also works with leaders throughout the business community, encouraging them to consider job candidates who bring hard work and dedication to the table, such as formerly incarcerated individuals.

Griffin-Braaf hopes his story serves as an inspiration to others and illustrates the potential for transformation and success.

"I get just as much out of visiting facilities that residents do," he said. "I walk away inspired, I walk away motivated, and I walk away with charge."