San Quentin held its own version of Shark Tank, the popular reality show where contestants pitch business plans, in May. The biggest difference? The aspiring entrepreneurs were pitching their ideas from behind bars. Five prisoners unveiled their plans to a cheering audience of venture capitalists, dignitaries and fellow San Quentin prisoners.
“This is an opportunity for these men to demonstrate their ability to help our economy grow, and show that the glass is not half empty, it is half full,” said Dave Dahl, an Oregon ex-convict and owner of Dave’s Killer Bread.
The Last Mile is a program established by volunteers Kathleen Jackson, Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti. The curriculum prepares prisoners for eventual employment in Silicon Valley by teaching them how to engage in social media and other new technologies. The men develop their own business plans by the end of the nine-month program, and venture capitalists are invited into the prison to network and assess the feasibility of the ideas.
Also attending the demonstration were California’s first lady, Anne Gust Brown, and CDCR Secretary Matthew Cate. The event was a first for any California prison.
Cate said The Last Mile is an example of a program that can reduce recidivism and create a safer public.
“I’m so proud of The Last Mile students,” said Parenti. “It is truly an honor to work with them. Their dedication and willingness to learn is impressive. I wish everyone could see the transformation that I’ve seen.”
The first presenter was Tulio Cardozo, a former San Quentin prisoner. He connected with Redlitz and Parenti in January, and has been working with the group ever since. “Getting out of prison was a test of will and focus,” said Cardozo. The difficulties he encountered finding employment with a criminal history gave him the idea for a business called Collaborative Benefit, which builds relationships between inmates and the business community.
James “JC” Cavitt pitched his idea for Mobile Cuts. Cavitt sees the need to accommodate the fast-paced life — and thin wallets — of young men who want to look good. Cavitt’s idea for Mobile Cuts incorporates a multitude of advanced technologies into buses to bring grooming services to the people.
James Houston’s business, TeenTechHub, is designed to provide an after-school program to nurture at-risk young men and women. Houston has already connected with outside groups like TeensInTech and Hackstar Academy; TeenTechHub is set to launch in 2013.
E. ‘Phil’ Phillps wants to allow musicians world-wide to collaborate without all the red tape now associated with producing music. Phillips describes Phixx the Mixx as the Facebook of musicians.
David Monroe Jr, created Custom My Clothing. Monroe envisions using the Internet to design and create individual styles of clothing. He says personalized clothing is a $23 billion industry that can be used to address youth unemployment.
Chrisfino Kenyatta Leal’s idea, Coach Potato, builds upon the massive interactions between fantasy football players. His mobile application will allow football fans to try to pick the most successful plays during live games to win prizes.
Anne Gust Brown said she was impressed by the organization of the event and thought that the business plans were intelligently presented.
“Working side by side, we can work at creating a safe community,” said Jackson.
The music was provided by Neu Dae, consisting of lead singers Richard Napolean Brown and Darryl Buckhana, Darryl Farris on bass, and Wilbert Rogers on keyboard and vocals.
