Prison Professors

1. Abstract

Ryan's inspiring story, highlighting how discipline, self-reliance, and a never-quit attitude transformed him from a homeless teen into the CEO of a $200 million enterprise. Students will learn practical strategies to apply the Straight-A Guide principles—starting with defining success and taking action—to overcome challenges, build credibility, and unlock opportunities. Through Ryan’s experiences, students will be guided to reflect on their own potential and take proactive steps toward creating a prosperous future.

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2. Detailed Narrative

At age 16, Ryan was thrust into adulthood with no safety net. Following a disagreement with his parents, he found himself homeless, living in a single-wide trailer with his friend’s family and sleeping on the couch. Despite having limited resources, Ryan cultivated resilience and a vision for what he could achieve. He began with unskilled labor, cleaning job sites for custom home builders. These seemingly small opportunities were the seed of an extraordinary transformation. Within two decades, Ryan built one of Arizona’s largest custom home building companies, generating $200 million in annual revenue.

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From Challenges to Action

When Ryan first started, he faced overwhelming odds. Dropping out of school halfway through his sophomore year, he knew the traditional path wasn’t an option. Instead of giving up, he defined a clear objective—purchasing a $4,000 truck—and devised a plan to achieve it. By working long hours (even walking to job sites before securing transportation), living frugally, and returning borrowed tools to fund his payments, Ryan took control of his circumstances.

“Everyone told me I’d be nothing my whole life, but I wanted to prove that anything is possible if you work hard,” Ryan shared during the interview. His actions reflected the Straight-A Guide’s focus on clearly defined goals and relentless pursuit of action.

Ryan’s story is a powerful example of the importance of investing in yourself to create opportunities where none seemed to exist. By prioritizing personal growth and believing in his own potential, Ryan was able to transform his circumstances through deliberate, thoughtful actions. He didn’t just dream about a better future—he took steps to build it. Every hour he worked, every dollar he saved, and every tool he returned represented an investment in his own capabilities and future success.

This principle of self-investment is universal. When you commit to improving yourself—whether through education, skill-building, or disciplined habits—you unlock doors that may have previously seemed forever closed. Ryan’s decision to invest in himself wasn’t easy, but it reinforced an undeniable truth: by cultivating resilience and discipline today, you expand your capacity to seize opportunities tomorrow. His achievement emphasizes that the path to a brighter future begins with the steps you choose to take right now.

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The Power of Starting Small

Ryan’s first steps on construction sites—cleaning debris and sweeping floors—required no specialized skills. Yet, his authenticity and work ethic stood out. Contractors noticed his dedication, trusting him with more responsibilities, such as trim carpentry, which required attention to detail and craftsmanship. This role taught him technical skills like cutting precise angles and using specialized tools. It also taught him an invaluable lesson: never underestimate the power of relationships.

“I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to advance if I had refused to clean job sites,” Ryan explained. His humility and ability to build trust opened doors for higher-paid tasks, eventually leading him to create his own trim crews and hire employees older than himself.

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Scaling Through Systems

Once Ryan acquired a pickup truck, he gained mobility—no longer limited by biking to job sites. It was a game-changer. Soon after, he began investing in tools and learning advanced craftsmanship. He said, “I studied books and practiced at night, comparing my work to what I saw on job sites.” This DIY approach showcased self-reliance and commitment to self-directed learning.

Within a few months, Ryan transitioned from entry-level labor to running his own small team. Applying accountability metrics, he tracked how much revenue he generated per project and measured how quickly his team could complete tasks to improve profitability. Using simple math, he aligned his strategy with opportunity-cost principles, drastically reducing job turnarounds.

“When we were able to complete a house in one day versus four, the profits began adding up,” Ryan said. Building systems allowed him to pivot his focus from hands-on labor to business development, securing larger contracts and managing skilled professionals.

Ryan’s growth was rooted in his relentless pursuit of self-directed learning, a mindset that transformed his career and the lives of those he employed. By investing in his personal development, he constantly sought out knowledge, refined his skills, and embraced opportunities to learn alongside the very professionals he hired. This approach not only allowed him to improve his own expertise but also fostered a collaborative environment where everyone on his team could grow together.

By applying what he learned, Ryan wasn’t just expanding his business—he was creating meaningful jobs for others. Skilled workers who joined his team found themselves part of a system that valued efficiency, innovation, and continuous improvement. This strategy marked his shift from simply having a job to building a thriving business. Ryan’s focus on learning and leading by example became the foundation for true growth, enabling him to scale his operations, reach new markets, and handle increasingly ambitious projects.

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Navigating Challenges

Every growth phase came with obstacles. During the 2008 housing crisis, Ryan rapidly adapted, shifting from new builds to remodeling and restoration after realizing that demand for large-scale projects had declined. “You can’t control a recession, but you can control how you respond,” Ryan said. This awareness helped him capitalize on market needs by expanding into insurance restoration—repairing homes damaged by disasters.

Through remarkable pragmatism, Ryan identified the importance of building credibility with insurance companies, wide-scale contractors, and wealthy investors. He took on projects for minimal profit initially, knowing these relationships would become long-term assets. By 2015, Ryan expanded into buying properties, creating subdivisions, and building high-end homes.

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Living in Gratitude

Despite his success, Ryan remains humble. He attributes much of his growth to his belief in God, hard work, and generosity from mentors along the way. Giving back is a central pillar of his life. “You’ve got to appreciate every blessing and use it to help others,” he said, reflecting the Straight-A Guide’s principles of appreciation and authenticity.

His willingness to mentor others shows his lasting commitment to lifting up those in similar positions—whether they’re starting with nothing or facing significant challenges like incarceration. His story speaks volumes about what’s possible with grit, humility, and vision.

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Key Takeaway

Ryan’s success didn’t come from luck but from hard work, adaptability, and a disciplined approach to climbing out of adversity. For students, his story proves that self-directed actions, combined with earning credibility and trusting the process, can lead to greatness, no matter your starting point.

For individuals currently in prison, Ryan’s story provides both hope and evidence that change is always possible, regardless of where you start. While not everyone may share Ryan’s exact background or challenges, his life illustrates that transformation begins with a mindset shift. By choosing to focus on self-improvement, education, and building credibility, incarcerated individuals can take steps toward a brighter future.

Ryan's emphasis on discipline and adaptability highlights the importance of turning even the smallest opportunities into progress. Furthermore, his commitment to serving others underscores that redemption isn’t just about personal success but about using your story and growth to inspire and uplift those around you. Whether it’s learning new skills, pursuing education, or mentoring peers, the trajectory of one’s life can always change with purpose and perseverance. Ryan proves it’s never too late to rebuild and leave a positive impact on the world.

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3. Vocabulary Development

Resilience – The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
Pragmatism – A practical and realistic approach to solving problems.
Opportunity Cost – The potential benefits lost when choosing one alternative over another.
Credibility – The quality of being trustworthy and reliable.
Accountability – Ownership for one's decisions and actions.
Craftsmanship – Skill in a particular craft or trade.
Facade – An outward appearance that may disguise a different reality.
Mentorship – Guidance provided by an experienced individual.
Authenticity – Being true to yourself and consistent in your principles.
Scalability – The ability to grow and handle increased workload efficiently.

4. Self-Directed Reflection Questions

What are your long-term aspirations, and how can you break them into smaller, achievable goals?
How can you build credibility with others through discipline and reliability?
What practical steps can you take daily to increase self-reliance and learn new skills?
Think about a setback you’ve faced. How can you reframe it as an opportunity to grow?
How can you apply the concept of opportunity cost to your time and resources?
What tools or resources are you currently lacking, and how can you create a plan to acquire them?
How do gratitude and humility play a role in your personal and professional growth?
How can you actively develop relationships to create opportunities for mentorship?
Reflect on the importance of starting small. How can doing entry-level tasks teach you valuable lessons?
How can you document your progress (e.g., skills, achievements) to showcase your self-directed work?

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5. Recommended Books

1. Grit by Angela Duckworth

Duckworth emphasizes the power of passion and perseverance, perfectly reflecting Ryan’s story of overcoming adversity by staying committed to long-term goals. “Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals.”

2. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

This book focuses on iterative growth—taking risks, learning from mistakes, and scaling intelligently, much like Ryan’s approach to building his business incrementally. “The only way to win is to learn faster than anyone else.”

3. The Fifteen Commitments of Conscious Leadership by Jim Dethmer

Dethmer’s concepts on authenticity and leadership align with Ryan’s self-discipline and honesty in building trust with clients and partners. “Commitment to authenticity keeps us aligned with our true purpose.”

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6. Recap of Straight-A Guide Lessons

Define Success – Ryan knew he wanted to achieve financial stability and grow from laborer to business owner.
Set Clear Goals – From saving $4,000 for his first truck to scaling his crews, Ryan made tangible goals.
Attitude – He approached every task, big or small, with discipline and humility.
Aspiration – Ryan aspired to rise above adversity, using failure as a stepping stone for learning.
Action – Walking miles to job sites, budgeting frugally, and self-teaching carpentry set his pathway to success.
Accountability – Ryan tracked his time, expenses, and crew efficiency meticulously.
Awareness – Recognizing opportunities during a recession led to diversifying into restoration.
Authenticity – Building lasting relationships helped establish credibility and trust.
Achievement – Celebrating small wins, such as paying off his truck, fueled his motivation.
Appreciation – Ryan credits his success to gratitude for early opportunities and divine blessings.

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7. Sample Response

Below I write a few sample responses. Each course participant should write as much or as little as necessary. Your goal is to work toward showing your commitment to self-directed learning. Regardless of where authorities keep you, you can always work to develop skills that will make you more valuable in the marketplace.

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Reflection Question 3

"How can an attitude of gratitude shape your perception of challenges?"

Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering a mindset of abundance even in the face of adversity. Ryan's story illustrates this beautifully—he viewed every hardship as an opportunity for growth, often reflecting on the blessings that arose indirectly from difficult moments. For instance, when finances were tight, instead of dwelling on the scarcity, Ryan expressed gratitude for lessons learned in financial discipline and resourcefulness. This approach not only helped him persevere but also created a positive ripple effect, enabling him to lead with optimism and inspire others around him. Gratitude, when practiced daily, becomes a powerful tool for reframing challenges as stepping stones toward success.

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Reflection Question 4

"How can you reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth?"

Reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth begins with shifting perspective. Rather than viewing failure as a stopping point, it becomes a chance to learn, adapt, and improve. For Ryan, this mindset was crucial when navigating the economic downturn. While others saw the recession as an insurmountable obstacle, Ryan recognized it as a unique opportunity to pivot into restoration work—an industry with consistent demand. He transformed the challenge into a strategic move that diversified his skills and expanded his business portfolio. By analyzing setbacks and identifying lessons within them, Ryan demonstrated that even the most daunting circumstances could lead to unexpected progress when approached with resilience and creativity.

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Reflection Question 5

"How can you apply the concept of opportunity cost to your time and resources?"

Understanding opportunity cost requires evaluating how we allocate our time and resources and identifying what we might sacrifice by choosing one option over another. Ryan exemplified this by prioritizing investments that supported long-term growth, such as purchasing his first truck instead of spending on short-term comforts. This decision, though initially difficult, enabled him to take on more projects and build stability for his business. Opportunity cost isn’t about regret; rather, it’s about making intentional choices that align with your goals and values. By consistently weighing options and focusing on those with the most significant long-term benefit, you can maximize your potential and ensure that each step contributes to your success.

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8. Challenge

Students are challenged to develop their profile on Prison Professors Talent. Each response should showcase specific actions they are taking to build accountability, document skills, and prove their readiness for reintegration. Reflect on Ryan’s story—how he started with limited resources but created something extraordinary through discipline, learning, and grit. Use this framework to tell your story. The more effectively you build your profile, the more powerful of an asset you will build to assist your transition into society, and to self-advocate for higher levels of liberty.

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From Cleanup Crew to $200 Million Builder_MasterClass with Ryan