It was the biggest mistake of this life.
1/ Marcus Bullock went to prison in the mid-90s at the age of 15.
Today, he's the CEO of Flikshop -- the "Instagram for the Incarcerated", an alternative to the outrageously expensive phone call system.
This is a truly inspirational founder story 👇👇
It was the biggest mistake of this life.
In the aftermath, nearly every state passed new laws that made it easier for courts to try youth as adults.
With onerous prison phone charges ($18 / 15 mins), Bullock's mother kept in touch with him by sending a photo or letter every day.
"She saved me," he says of his mom's efforts.
For the right to operate these phones lines, prisons effectively pay kickbacks to state and local government. The highest kickbacks win bids, which drive up costs.
He eventually found a job in painting. He learned everything he could and launched his own contracting business, reaching 7 figures with projects like BWI Airport.
"He was rapping about how to be a successful businessman with a nontraditional path. He didn’t go to college but became a multimillionaire. Jay-Z gave me permission to believe that I could be a successful entrepreneur.”
The process is done through the click of an app and only costs $0.99 (vs. pricey phone system).
Over the years, Bullock visited countless prisons administrators and wardens and pitched Flikshop: by facilitating comms with loved ones, his startup could improve mental wellbeing and reduce recidivism.
NGOs and corporations can use Flikshop to communicate information to inmates (e.g., job opps and criminal justice reform).
A big enterprise biz can keep the regular Flikshop affordable for families.
https://t.co/ANq8H2vHh0
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