1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:26,000 Music 2 00:00:26,000 --> 00:00:28,000 We are the voice of trucking. 3 00:00:28,000 --> 00:00:31,000 Music 4 00:00:31,000 --> 00:00:35,000 Welcome to Key Up New York, the Trucking Association of New York's podcast. 5 00:00:35,000 --> 00:00:38,000 My name is Kendra Hems. I'm president with the Trucking Association. 6 00:00:38,000 --> 00:00:41,000 And today I am joined by Trent Griffin-Brough. 7 00:00:41,000 --> 00:00:46,000 Trent is the founder and CEO of Tech Valley Shuttle and GBListics. 8 00:00:46,000 --> 00:00:48,000 And thank you so much for joining us today. 9 00:00:48,000 --> 00:00:50,000 Thank you guys for having me. Happy to be here. 10 00:00:50,000 --> 00:00:52,000 Great. Well, happy New Year. Happy holidays. 11 00:00:52,000 --> 00:00:53,000 Yes, happy New Year. 12 00:00:53,000 --> 00:00:55,000 Jumping right into 2024. 13 00:00:55,000 --> 00:00:57,000 Ground rolling. Hit the ground rolling. 14 00:00:57,000 --> 00:00:59,000 That's right. 15 00:00:59,000 --> 00:01:05,000 So before we get started, and we always like to start out just with a nice breaker question. 16 00:01:05,000 --> 00:01:09,000 So we're going to do this before we even talk about what we're talking about today. 17 00:01:09,000 --> 00:01:10,000 Love it. 18 00:01:10,000 --> 00:01:17,000 So if you had a time machine, would you go back in time or into the future and why? 19 00:01:17,000 --> 00:01:24,000 Well, if I had a time machine, I'm going back to the future because I know what's coming ahead. 20 00:01:24,000 --> 00:01:31,000 And I'm investing in some stuff that would set me in my family up for generations to come. 21 00:01:31,000 --> 00:01:35,000 So I don't know how far back. I wouldn't go too far back. 22 00:01:35,000 --> 00:01:44,000 Maybe back to like the 2000, the Y2K era and, you know, make some really solid investments based upon what I know today. 23 00:01:44,000 --> 00:01:50,000 Maybe even treat it a little bit like back to the future, make a couple of sports bets that you know, definitely going to land, you know. 24 00:01:50,000 --> 00:01:53,000 So I would definitely utilize it that way. 25 00:01:53,000 --> 00:01:56,000 That's awesome. That's a great answer. 26 00:01:56,000 --> 00:02:00,000 Well, you're joining us today because we're talking about our Jailster Jobs program. 27 00:02:00,000 --> 00:02:08,000 You and I first met back in 2022. I had to look because I'm like, I know it was a while ago, but I couldn't remember specifically when it was. 28 00:02:08,000 --> 00:02:11,000 And it was actually a little further back than I initially thought. 29 00:02:11,000 --> 00:02:14,000 I was just thinking that when you said it, like, man, so two years ago. 30 00:02:14,000 --> 00:02:17,000 Yeah, I think it was like the spring of 2022. 31 00:02:17,000 --> 00:02:25,000 And it was to talk about kind of the infancy of our Jailster Jobs program here at the association. 32 00:02:25,000 --> 00:02:29,000 And we were talking about the potential of working together at that time. 33 00:02:29,000 --> 00:02:40,000 And one of the reasons why I was reaching out to you was actually through mutual acquaintance when I acquaintance, when I had been speaking about this program, they say, oh, you need to talk to Trent, 34 00:02:40,000 --> 00:02:42,000 which prompted me to do that. 35 00:02:42,000 --> 00:02:50,000 But, you know, before we kind of get into all of that, I want to talk a little bit about you and kind of your pathway to where you are today. 36 00:02:50,000 --> 00:02:52,000 You've been incredibly successful in your career. 37 00:02:52,000 --> 00:02:56,000 A lot of it by focusing on team development and leadership. 38 00:02:56,000 --> 00:03:05,000 That has led to numerous awards and accolades of which I'm going to name a few of them just because I think it's so impressive to me. 39 00:03:05,000 --> 00:03:12,000 You were the first black-owned business to be named one of the best places to work by the Albany Business Review. 40 00:03:12,000 --> 00:03:17,000 You were honored by Forbes as one of the next 1000 entrepreneurs, which is really cool. 41 00:03:17,000 --> 00:03:23,000 You've been recognized by the New York Times, Bloomberg Business Week and Bloomberg Radio for your achievements. 42 00:03:23,000 --> 00:03:30,000 And then just recently in 23, you were recognized by the Small Business Administration as the small business person of the year. 43 00:03:30,000 --> 00:03:31,000 Congratulations. 44 00:03:31,000 --> 00:03:32,000 That is awesome. 45 00:03:32,000 --> 00:03:34,000 And that's just a few of them. 46 00:03:34,000 --> 00:03:36,000 There's a lot more. 47 00:03:36,000 --> 00:03:38,000 And it's so impressive just to hear that. 48 00:03:38,000 --> 00:03:44,000 But I think what's more impressive is that your pathway to your success is very different than most. 49 00:03:44,000 --> 00:03:52,000 So why don't we talk a little bit first about your background and then I think segue's really well into this Jailster Jobs program and our partnership. 50 00:03:52,000 --> 00:03:54,000 Love it. Love it. 51 00:03:54,000 --> 00:03:59,000 Man, well first off, sometimes hearing that stuff is always humbler. 52 00:03:59,000 --> 00:04:01,000 I say that just to hear that stuff. 53 00:04:01,000 --> 00:04:05,000 Actually, for me, it sometimes makes me feel uncomfortable. 54 00:04:05,000 --> 00:04:06,000 I don't know why. 55 00:04:06,000 --> 00:04:08,000 I just don't know why, but it really does. 56 00:04:08,000 --> 00:04:16,000 But it's all things that I'm very, very proud of, especially like you were saying, just coming from my past. 57 00:04:16,000 --> 00:04:22,000 And so my makeup is I was someone originally born in New York City, the Bronx. 58 00:04:22,000 --> 00:04:25,000 My father passed away when I was really young. 59 00:04:25,000 --> 00:04:26,000 Eight years old. 60 00:04:26,000 --> 00:04:30,000 It was a week before my birthday, my ninth birthday. 61 00:04:30,000 --> 00:04:36,000 At about the time I was nine, well, soon after that we moved back up state, me and my mother. 62 00:04:36,000 --> 00:04:40,000 Both of my parents had some addiction issues. 63 00:04:40,000 --> 00:04:43,000 I live with my grandparents for some time. 64 00:04:43,000 --> 00:04:46,000 Barely graduated school. 65 00:04:46,000 --> 00:04:52,000 Basketball is honestly what got me through all of those rough periods. 66 00:04:52,000 --> 00:04:55,000 And still to this day, basketball is a passion of mine. 67 00:04:55,000 --> 00:05:00,000 If you ask my kids, they'll say, if you ask them, what's daddy watching? 68 00:05:00,000 --> 00:05:03,000 I guarantee you they're going to say, if it's not basketball, he's not watching TV. 69 00:05:03,000 --> 00:05:05,000 So it's still a passion. 70 00:05:05,000 --> 00:05:06,000 So who's your team? 71 00:05:06,000 --> 00:05:07,000 Who's your team? 72 00:05:07,000 --> 00:05:08,000 So I don't have a team. 73 00:05:08,000 --> 00:05:11,000 I'm like the new age guys who just kind of skip around. 74 00:05:11,000 --> 00:05:13,000 I follow players more than teams. 75 00:05:13,000 --> 00:05:19,000 And I guess my age, seeing LeBron's whole career in real time. 76 00:05:19,000 --> 00:05:21,000 I'm definitely a LeBron guy. 77 00:05:21,000 --> 00:05:23,000 But I do like the new guys. 78 00:05:23,000 --> 00:05:25,000 I like John Moran. 79 00:05:25,000 --> 00:05:26,000 I think he's amazing to watch. 80 00:05:26,000 --> 00:05:27,000 He's a lot of fun. 81 00:05:27,000 --> 00:05:30,000 Just got to stay out of trouble or he'll be on the jail to jobs. 82 00:05:30,000 --> 00:05:32,000 Part of our campaign. 83 00:05:32,000 --> 00:05:35,000 If he doesn't get it together. 84 00:05:35,000 --> 00:05:37,000 But definitely a lot of young talent. 85 00:05:37,000 --> 00:05:39,000 Yeah, absolutely. 86 00:05:39,000 --> 00:05:41,000 And so, you know, I played a lot of basketball. 87 00:05:41,000 --> 00:05:44,000 That's literally what got me through high school. 88 00:05:44,000 --> 00:05:47,000 I passed by the skin of my teeth. 89 00:05:47,000 --> 00:05:50,000 And it really came down to basketball. 90 00:05:50,000 --> 00:05:55,000 It kept me honest during the season, which was just enough to get me by. 91 00:05:55,000 --> 00:05:59,000 Went to SUNY Morrisville for a semester. 92 00:05:59,000 --> 00:06:01,000 Failed out right away. 93 00:06:01,000 --> 00:06:06,000 I was just, I had a terrible mindset at a young age. 94 00:06:06,000 --> 00:06:10,000 And I think I was also just trying to really find myself. 95 00:06:10,000 --> 00:06:13,000 I think there was an emptiness there without my father. 96 00:06:13,000 --> 00:06:18,000 And being at that time, I thought my father was an only kid. 97 00:06:18,000 --> 00:06:23,000 And I thought basically the legacy ended when he and my grandmother passed away. 98 00:06:23,000 --> 00:06:28,000 And so I think there was a void there, which over the years I've been able to help fill. 99 00:06:28,000 --> 00:06:30,000 My wife did a good job of that. 100 00:06:30,000 --> 00:06:36,000 But I think I was really trying to find myself and trying to find myself like most kids. 101 00:06:36,000 --> 00:06:39,000 I made some really bad decisions. 102 00:06:39,000 --> 00:06:45,000 And I think, you know, that's what led to my incarceration as a teenager. 103 00:06:45,000 --> 00:06:47,000 Yeah. 104 00:06:47,000 --> 00:06:49,000 And I don't think that's unusual, right? 105 00:06:49,000 --> 00:06:52,000 Given what we see so often. 106 00:06:52,000 --> 00:06:56,000 But what I think is unusual is what you did when you came out. 107 00:06:56,000 --> 00:06:58,000 And I shouldn't say unusual. 108 00:06:58,000 --> 00:07:04,000 I think just maybe not as common, you know, as unfortunately we would like it to be for a number of different issues, 109 00:07:04,000 --> 00:07:07,000 which is somewhat what leads to the Jailster Jobs program. 110 00:07:07,000 --> 00:07:09,000 So why don't we talk a little bit about that? 111 00:07:09,000 --> 00:07:13,000 Like once you were released, kind of what your pathway was to where you are today. 112 00:07:13,000 --> 00:07:21,000 So upon release, so now I'm 23, I was given a 12 year prison sentence of the 12 years. 113 00:07:21,000 --> 00:07:28,000 I was fortunate enough that it was during a time where they were doing drug reform, drug sentencing reform. 114 00:07:28,000 --> 00:07:35,000 And so because of that, I ended up doing about three and a half years while incarcerated. 115 00:07:35,000 --> 00:07:43,000 I did, I was in green correctional facility for a big portion of that, which will circle around and it all makes sense. 116 00:07:43,000 --> 00:07:48,000 And while I was in green, though, I actually took college courses at Merris College. 117 00:07:48,000 --> 00:07:54,000 And for any listeners out there in New York State Merris College is a really good college. 118 00:07:54,000 --> 00:08:00,000 And I remember the professor came into the class and the professor pulled me to the side and was just like, hey Trent, 119 00:08:00,000 --> 00:08:03,000 I just want to share with you, you had the highest grades. 120 00:08:03,000 --> 00:08:05,000 And I was like, oh, that's awesome. 121 00:08:05,000 --> 00:08:08,000 And then he was like, no, no, no, you had the highest grades. 122 00:08:08,000 --> 00:08:13,000 I mean, for anyone incarcerated as well as my students on the campus. 123 00:08:13,000 --> 00:08:15,000 And that was kind of my moment. 124 00:08:15,000 --> 00:08:17,000 Like you just said like, wow. 125 00:08:17,000 --> 00:08:22,000 And I was like, man, I guess my teachers were right when they said if I applied myself, I was smart, you know. 126 00:08:22,000 --> 00:08:28,000 And so, so from that moment on, it just became a mindset for me that I wanted to just continue to learn, 127 00:08:28,000 --> 00:08:30,000 learn as much as I could be a forever learner. 128 00:08:30,000 --> 00:08:37,000 It was also in that moment that I knew, and it's not just this moment, this plays a part of it. 129 00:08:37,000 --> 00:08:39,000 But that was a very critical moment. 130 00:08:39,000 --> 00:08:44,000 Another very critical moment was me losing my grandmother while I was incarcerated. 131 00:08:44,000 --> 00:08:50,000 And so, unfortunately, I had to go to her funeral like chained and shackled and it was just a terrible experience. 132 00:08:50,000 --> 00:08:55,000 But my grandmother, I was, I love my grandmother. 133 00:08:55,000 --> 00:09:03,000 Like she was special and in the last conversation I had with her before she passed, she said, you know, I'm a die. 134 00:09:03,000 --> 00:09:06,000 She was like actually probably tonight. 135 00:09:06,000 --> 00:09:08,000 Like that's how just transparent she was. 136 00:09:08,000 --> 00:09:10,000 And she did pass away that night. 137 00:09:10,000 --> 00:09:15,000 But she made me promise that I would do something with myself. 138 00:09:15,000 --> 00:09:21,000 She told me before we got off the phone how much she believed in me, how much she knew I could turn this around. 139 00:09:21,000 --> 00:09:27,000 It was that moment was a very special moment for me. 140 00:09:27,000 --> 00:09:32,000 It hurt really bad that I had to show up to her funeral like that. 141 00:09:32,000 --> 00:09:37,000 But it was a promise that I made to her and I made to myself in that moment. 142 00:09:37,000 --> 00:09:40,000 And you could burn that with the college. 143 00:09:40,000 --> 00:09:44,000 That moment when it got the aha moment, like all of these things started to happen. 144 00:09:44,000 --> 00:09:48,000 And it was just for me, I said, I just don't want to do this again. 145 00:09:48,000 --> 00:09:50,000 That's what I don't want to do. 146 00:09:50,000 --> 00:09:55,000 And so those things really led to me to when I came out, I said, I got to get it together. 147 00:09:55,000 --> 00:10:00,000 It's really hard when you come out of prison or jail for anyone who hasn't ever been there. 148 00:10:00,000 --> 00:10:02,000 It's a reset. 149 00:10:02,000 --> 00:10:04,000 You literally have to reset your whole life. 150 00:10:04,000 --> 00:10:07,000 So it really doesn't matter what you were doing before that. 151 00:10:07,000 --> 00:10:09,000 Your world continued. 152 00:10:09,000 --> 00:10:12,000 And so here I am three and a half years later. 153 00:10:12,000 --> 00:10:14,000 Most of my friends now have gone to college. 154 00:10:14,000 --> 00:10:19,000 They moved out of the area somewhere in their career paths. 155 00:10:19,000 --> 00:10:22,000 And I was just like trying to figure it out. 156 00:10:22,000 --> 00:10:26,000 And so me trying to figure it out, I worked temp agency jobs for about a year. 157 00:10:26,000 --> 00:10:31,000 My parole officer at the time wouldn't let me drive because of the nature of the crime. 158 00:10:31,000 --> 00:10:40,000 And my big break came in the form of a year later, I got offered a part-time job to clean toilets at a Marriott. 159 00:10:40,000 --> 00:10:49,000 And I took that little opportunity, understanding that in life opportunities come and go. 160 00:10:49,000 --> 00:10:53,000 And sometimes we miss them and sometimes we don't even identify them as an opportunity. 161 00:10:53,000 --> 00:10:57,000 And in that moment, I knew that one, I needed to keep a job. 162 00:10:57,000 --> 00:10:58,000 I wanted a full-time job. 163 00:10:58,000 --> 00:11:00,000 And I thought it could be an opportunity. 164 00:11:00,000 --> 00:11:09,000 And unbeknownst to me, I didn't know within five years, six years, I would go from cleaning toilets at a Marriott to become a general manager. 165 00:11:09,000 --> 00:11:11,000 That was just a lot of hard work. 166 00:11:11,000 --> 00:11:16,000 My wife working with me, being determined, you know, being appreciative. 167 00:11:16,000 --> 00:11:21,000 I remember the first time I got put on salary for the first time, I was making $42,000 a year. 168 00:11:21,000 --> 00:11:24,000 Like I had a 401k. 169 00:11:24,000 --> 00:11:27,000 So, you know, just being very appreciative of where I came from. 170 00:11:27,000 --> 00:11:30,000 But that inspired me to want to keep going. 171 00:11:30,000 --> 00:11:36,000 And even in that moment, unbeknownst to me, I was inspiring people in my network. 172 00:11:36,000 --> 00:11:41,000 And before I left here, I was talking to a member of the team, Darnell, who's now our sales leader. 173 00:11:41,000 --> 00:11:49,000 And I had a meeting before I introduced him to somebody I was meeting with from forward, forward us. 174 00:11:49,000 --> 00:11:52,000 Mark Zuckerberg's reform company, they were just over there. 175 00:11:52,000 --> 00:12:02,000 And Darnell was sharing how, and I forgot this, he said, he remembered when he came into the hotel, I gave him the same spew because he was formerly incarcerated. 176 00:12:02,000 --> 00:12:06,000 And I said, bro, stick with it. I was cleaning toilets 18 months ago. 177 00:12:06,000 --> 00:12:11,000 Now I'm the front desk manager. I'm going to be running this place one day and you can do the same. 178 00:12:11,000 --> 00:12:15,000 And, you know, he just like, it gave me goosebumps him sharing that story. 179 00:12:15,000 --> 00:12:19,000 But, you know, I think it's just been in my blood. It's been a passion. 180 00:12:19,000 --> 00:12:21,000 And so took that opportunity, grew it. 181 00:12:21,000 --> 00:12:27,000 Now transition went to a different hotel for a big family and connected to Melozies. 182 00:12:27,000 --> 00:12:31,000 Shout out to John Melozies, Bobby Melozies, Christine Melozies and the whole family. 183 00:12:31,000 --> 00:12:36,000 They were wonderful people. And they gave me the opportunity to run their hotel. 184 00:12:36,000 --> 00:12:40,000 I did that for two years. I think I left them in a really good situation. 185 00:12:40,000 --> 00:12:43,000 I hope they would agree. 186 00:12:43,000 --> 00:12:59,000 And then from there, the opportunity to create Tech Valley Shuttle, it was in a way we, being in that network, Christine's husband actually owned the land in which they were going to be building the casino. 187 00:12:59,000 --> 00:13:07,000 So I was just privy to stuff that probably most people might not have been or they might have just weren't connected to the individuals. 188 00:13:07,000 --> 00:13:17,000 And understanding that I started to really tune in at the, we used to have hospitality board meetings armed with the different hotel leaderships. 189 00:13:17,000 --> 00:13:25,000 And I just really started to listen in to discover, connected to how we all complained about transportation, the taxis, this was before rideshare. 190 00:13:25,000 --> 00:13:31,000 And so I'm sitting here one day thinking, and I'm just like, man, I really want to do something for myself. 191 00:13:31,000 --> 00:13:37,000 I've had a lot of success in building people up. I just need a product that or service that I could offer. 192 00:13:37,000 --> 00:13:42,000 And it came in the form of a shuttle service and six hotels, six or eight. 193 00:13:42,000 --> 00:13:48,000 I can't remember exactly, but I think it was, I think it was six leaders said they would use us as connectivity. 194 00:13:48,000 --> 00:13:50,000 And that's literally all I needed. 195 00:13:50,000 --> 00:13:56,000 And I went to work and just started building my business plan. I could tell you what kind of car I wanted. 196 00:13:56,000 --> 00:13:59,000 Like I just visualized everything so clearly. 197 00:13:59,000 --> 00:14:05,000 And, um, and voila, you fast forward to the accolades that you spoke of earlier. 198 00:14:05,000 --> 00:14:09,000 Yeah, it is incredible. And you not only have Tech Valley shuttle, but also now GB logistics. 199 00:14:09,000 --> 00:14:14,000 So you're on both the transit side of transportation, but also the freight side. 200 00:14:14,000 --> 00:14:15,000 Correct. And so really neat. 201 00:14:15,000 --> 00:14:21,000 And GB logistics came about during the pandemic actually, when we lost all our business at Tech Valley. 202 00:14:21,000 --> 00:14:28,000 Just a quick funny story because it's, it just shows people how sometimes you could be your own worst enemy. 203 00:14:28,000 --> 00:14:35,000 But I would say probably in like 2000 and 21, no, COVID happened in 2019. 204 00:14:35,000 --> 00:14:38,000 So I would say in 2020, they shut everything down. 205 00:14:38,000 --> 00:14:42,000 So 2019, maybe 2018, I received an email from Amazon. 206 00:14:42,000 --> 00:14:45,000 We're looking for partners in your area. Would you be interested? 207 00:14:45,000 --> 00:14:49,000 And I was like, uh, we're doing really good, but I'm not going to say no. 208 00:14:49,000 --> 00:15:03,000 So I, I apply. Um, but I mean, it was the worst application you can ever imagine to the point where here I am telling Amazon and the application, Google me, Google Tech Valley shuttle. 209 00:15:03,000 --> 00:15:07,000 If you want more information is so we know that didn't work out well. 210 00:15:07,000 --> 00:15:20,000 So then in the midst of COVID, or I get an email March, I mean, maybe April when everything had just shut down and it was, Hey, are you, you know, the year or two went by now and you're, you're eligible to partner with us. 211 00:15:20,000 --> 00:15:21,000 Do you have any interest? 212 00:15:21,000 --> 00:15:23,000 So this time, you know, I really sat down. 213 00:15:23,000 --> 00:15:25,000 I gave that application my all. 214 00:15:25,000 --> 00:15:38,000 And, uh, lo and behold, I ended up starting a partnership with Amazon doing some of their last mile deliveries for oversized vehicles. So that's how I got into 16 foot trucks, 26 foot trucks, et cetera. 215 00:15:38,000 --> 00:15:39,000 Yeah. 216 00:15:39,000 --> 00:15:45,000 Which I think is it adds to kind of where we're segueing now, um, because you understand transportation. 217 00:15:45,000 --> 00:15:46,000 Great. 218 00:15:46,000 --> 00:15:48,000 So where we are today. 219 00:15:48,000 --> 00:16:09,000 Um, and you know, and I love your story because one of the pieces that we're going to start to segue into is it's not just about you, um, kind of making the best of the worst situation and really building yourself and becoming successful, but it was also all the people that you brought with you and the folks that you continue to work with and build up using your own experience and helping them. 220 00:16:09,000 --> 00:16:12,000 And that's what we're trying to do with the Jailster jobs program. 221 00:16:12,000 --> 00:16:13,000 Yes. 222 00:16:13,000 --> 00:16:16,000 Um, so getting back to that. 223 00:16:16,000 --> 00:16:30,000 Where we're at today is, um, as I mentioned in, in 22, Governor Huckle included the CDL specifically in her Jails to Jobs program initiative. And that is really what launched everything. 224 00:16:30,000 --> 00:16:45,000 Um, so we at the organization worked really closely with Department of Corrections to help them with the, um, kind of the, the, the cooperation with DMV to make sure that individuals that were going through their CDL program. 225 00:16:45,000 --> 00:17:01,000 Were getting their physicals. They had their permits. Um, they were able to complete the classroom portion of the entry level driver training program. So as these folks are being released, they were trying to reduce as many part in the pun roadblocks as possible. 226 00:17:01,000 --> 00:17:08,000 Um, but one of the things that we figured out pretty early on is we were going to have some challenges. So at TANI. 227 00:17:08,000 --> 00:17:17,000 We help with, um, trying to match individuals that are being released from the program with our members for additional training and job opportunities. 228 00:17:17,000 --> 00:17:20,000 But we're finding transportation is a huge issue. 229 00:17:20,000 --> 00:17:26,000 Um, we're finding, uh, working with them to help continue their soft skills training is an issue. 230 00:17:26,000 --> 00:17:35,000 And then the other piece is the employers and making sure that they understand that it's unique, um, to hire individuals that have been incarcerated. 231 00:17:35,000 --> 00:17:42,000 And there's certain things they need to be aware of. Um, and that's what our partnership is with you. Um, is to bring that stuff to the table. 232 00:17:42,000 --> 00:17:56,000 So I'm going to talk a little bit about that and kind of what your experience has been. I think one of the big pieces too that I would like you to touch on is, um, you know, folks might be a little hesitant to hire somebody that has been incarcerated. 233 00:17:56,000 --> 00:18:08,000 Um, but I know even through your personal experience with the individuals that you hire and even stories we've heard from other organizations and states that have programs similar to this, that they're incredibly successful. 234 00:18:08,000 --> 00:18:09,000 Yeah. 235 00:18:09,000 --> 00:18:15,000 So the most loyal people you can ever, ever hire or associate yourself with, but I'm sorry. 236 00:18:15,000 --> 00:18:25,000 No, that's fine. Um, but so yeah, so let's, let's kind of talk a little bit about that. Just, you know, and, and we're still struggling a little bit on the transportation. 237 00:18:25,000 --> 00:18:32,000 I think that's a piece that we really need to figure out going forward. Um, but I think those are the things that we didn't know. 238 00:18:32,000 --> 00:18:33,000 Correct. 239 00:18:33,000 --> 00:18:36,000 You know, we're still learning as we're, as we're building the program out, but. 240 00:18:36,000 --> 00:18:46,000 Well, you know what, it's funny you say that because transportation, if you look at even though I was looking at the, the, the capital regions workforce report. 241 00:18:46,000 --> 00:18:56,000 Um, I, I, last week, I think I was reading it in 30% of the issues that individuals were surveyed with was transportation at the issue. 242 00:18:56,000 --> 00:19:04,000 So it's not just in this industry and it's honestly some of the biggest reasons tech Valley shuttle we pivoted from being an employer. 243 00:19:04,000 --> 00:19:06,000 I mean, a hotel based transportation company. 244 00:19:06,000 --> 00:19:13,000 And we started to really focus on our driven to work or commuter benefit program, which, you know, really became the catalyst of who we are. 245 00:19:13,000 --> 00:19:20,000 Um, but it was because every single employer we talked to, they always brought up transportation and daycare. 246 00:19:20,000 --> 00:19:24,000 Fortunately, we can't help you with daycare, but we can help you out with transportation. 247 00:19:24,000 --> 00:19:25,000 So it's a common thing. 248 00:19:25,000 --> 00:19:33,000 And then to your point, um, I'm one, I would like to give the governor and her team kudos on rolling out the Jota jobs initiative. 249 00:19:33,000 --> 00:19:36,000 Um, it's a, it's a great initiative. 250 00:19:36,000 --> 00:19:38,000 It's a great, it's a great thought process. 251 00:19:38,000 --> 00:19:46,000 Um, couple of things, if, if she's listening or someone on her team is listening, a couple of suggestions I would, I just would want to throw in. 252 00:19:46,000 --> 00:20:02,000 I think for docs, one thing that we can do better as a state is I know for years they would send people, the average person who's incarcerated tends to get sent over 100 miles away from where the place of crime or incident took place. 253 00:20:02,000 --> 00:20:08,000 Um, so that means you have people in Buffalo being shipped past Syracuse, people in New York being shipped past Albany, et cetera, et cetera. 254 00:20:08,000 --> 00:20:15,000 And so that being said, there's a lot of opportunities through the jail to jobs where we're focusing on in the capital region. 255 00:20:15,000 --> 00:20:20,000 We have certain things come in when Buffalo has certain things Syracuse has certain things. 256 00:20:20,000 --> 00:20:31,000 One thing I think that as a state, we could do a lot better and is getting away from that model of shipping people so far away from where they from the place of crime and actually get them closer to where they're going to be released. 257 00:20:31,000 --> 00:20:42,000 Because now we could focus on trainings that will be beneficial for them upon release instead of the person who's focusing on trainings that will be beneficial in the capital region, but they're going back to Brooklyn. 258 00:20:42,000 --> 00:20:45,000 So it doesn't help them in any way, shape or form. 259 00:20:45,000 --> 00:20:51,000 So that would just be a little suggestion out there if you are listening, but I definitely want to give you great kudos to you and your team on this. 260 00:20:51,000 --> 00:20:53,000 And if you are listening, we really appreciate that. 261 00:20:53,000 --> 00:20:55,000 You're a need. 262 00:20:55,000 --> 00:21:09,000 But then also, so the jail to jobs initiative, I was intrigued by especially when they started, especially with the CDL program, just naturally being in transportation and being someone who was formerly incarcerated. 263 00:21:09,000 --> 00:21:11,000 I love the initiative. 264 00:21:11,000 --> 00:21:14,000 And I agree with you all the things you said. 265 00:21:14,000 --> 00:21:25,000 The one thing that jumped out to me right away was we're doing trainings for individuals when they're released, which is amazing. 266 00:21:25,000 --> 00:21:27,000 But what about the employers to your point. 267 00:21:27,000 --> 00:21:29,000 And so there's always two sides to a coin. 268 00:21:29,000 --> 00:21:31,000 And so I go back in the green. 269 00:21:31,000 --> 00:21:33,000 That's why I said it would make sense eventually. 270 00:21:33,000 --> 00:21:36,000 Now I'm able to go back to green every once a week. 271 00:21:36,000 --> 00:21:44,000 And I host my training the roadmap to a success curriculum with individuals who are being released within six months. 272 00:21:44,000 --> 00:21:57,000 I go over everything that prepares someone to be successful in the workplace with the premise being coming in at an entry level position and working your way up C suite, just like I did through that hotel experience. 273 00:21:57,000 --> 00:22:03,000 I think it's important that one to level set individuals like we said it's a reset when you go in there. 274 00:22:03,000 --> 00:22:09,000 And upon release odds are you have to prove yourself in some way shape or form to your employer. 275 00:22:09,000 --> 00:22:14,000 If you were going back to school, whatever it may be, but for an employer, I'm going to ask for the employers. 276 00:22:14,000 --> 00:22:16,000 You have to prove your worth and your value. 277 00:22:16,000 --> 00:22:20,000 You're not just odds are you're not going to be released and then be hired as a CEO. 278 00:22:20,000 --> 00:22:21,000 Like it's probably not going to happen. 279 00:22:21,000 --> 00:22:30,000 But odds are you could come in and work for a company at an entry level rate or entry level position and then work your way up and eventually one day be that CEO. 280 00:22:30,000 --> 00:22:32,000 And so that's what my curriculum is all about. 281 00:22:32,000 --> 00:22:40,000 And so we start with from day one, we everything we do, we parallel, we bring it right back to how the business community utilizes it. 282 00:22:40,000 --> 00:22:44,000 But we also put in systems that could be beneficial for individuals. 283 00:22:44,000 --> 00:22:48,000 So from day one, I come in, we do a lesson on mission statements. 284 00:22:48,000 --> 00:22:55,000 As you guys know, every organization has a mission statement at ours at Tech Valley, it's to combat poverty through transportation solutions. 285 00:22:55,000 --> 00:22:58,000 And so in workforce development. 286 00:22:58,000 --> 00:23:02,000 And so then what does that mean for individual? 287 00:23:02,000 --> 00:23:09,000 Well, that means when you are looking at in on going on job interviews, you should be asking questions in regards to what the mission is. 288 00:23:09,000 --> 00:23:26,000 Or as I tell them better yet, if you know the mission, if you know the organization's core values before you even before you go in on that interview, if you drop that, I can guarantee you you're probably 99.9% ahead of any other applicant who came in that door. 289 00:23:26,000 --> 00:23:29,000 Because most people aren't taking the time to do that or know that stuff. 290 00:23:29,000 --> 00:23:30,000 Also, why is it important? 291 00:23:30,000 --> 00:23:37,000 Because if you have a new mission in life, which we identify, what was your old mission at landed you in jail or prison? 292 00:23:37,000 --> 00:23:39,000 What is your new mission? 293 00:23:39,000 --> 00:23:41,000 What are the values that landed you in jail or prison? 294 00:23:41,000 --> 00:23:42,000 What are your new values? 295 00:23:42,000 --> 00:23:44,000 And then we also talk about company values. 296 00:23:44,000 --> 00:23:50,000 But I tell them it's important because your new values, your new mission should also be in alignment with the organization you're working with. 297 00:23:50,000 --> 00:23:53,000 Because now it makes it a lot easier to go to work. 298 00:23:53,000 --> 00:24:01,000 You guys have a common goal, a common thread, and that common goal is going to be your why when things get tough and things are going to get tough. 299 00:24:01,000 --> 00:24:07,000 Like going from cleaning toilets to the general manager, it wasn't always great days. 300 00:24:07,000 --> 00:24:10,000 And so it's going to get tough. 301 00:24:10,000 --> 00:24:12,000 And so, you know, I go in, I do that. 302 00:24:12,000 --> 00:24:17,000 I'm happy to say we've actually had people starting to graduate out the class, which is awesome. 303 00:24:17,000 --> 00:24:20,000 But then on the flip side of that, I'm also now working with employers. 304 00:24:20,000 --> 00:24:33,000 And so like this month, I'm going to be training the regional, the capital region regional food bank during the training with their team, talking and doing a training with CDTA. 305 00:24:33,000 --> 00:24:35,000 We're just looking to finalize the date. 306 00:24:35,000 --> 00:24:40,000 Also, there was somebody else I just made up, oh, and for business for good as well. 307 00:24:40,000 --> 00:24:42,000 So we're just looking for a day. 308 00:24:42,000 --> 00:24:50,000 So I have at least three of those trainings coming up within the next 90 days for some of the biggest organizations in the region. 309 00:24:50,000 --> 00:25:02,000 And basically what I allow, I have about 20 different employer curriculums that they could choose from talking about addressing bias and stereotypes, talking about how to take advantage of incentives. 310 00:25:02,000 --> 00:25:03,000 There's so many tax incentives. 311 00:25:03,000 --> 00:25:06,000 Most of them, most employers aren't taking advantage of it. 312 00:25:06,000 --> 00:25:11,000 And, you know, just a quick example, the WOTC credits. 313 00:25:11,000 --> 00:25:16,000 These are credits that are available for any employer who hires and staff someone for over 60 days. 314 00:25:16,000 --> 00:25:23,000 You could get nearly $9,000, depending on what their background is and what they're eligible for. 315 00:25:23,000 --> 00:25:27,000 On top of that, there's a federal bonding program. 316 00:25:27,000 --> 00:25:32,000 So anyone who's been incarcerated for free, you can get them bonded, protecting your organization. 317 00:25:32,000 --> 00:25:37,000 So now let's just say Julie went to jail for something I don't know. 318 00:25:37,000 --> 00:25:41,000 And you're not sure if you want that person at your cash register. 319 00:25:41,000 --> 00:25:42,000 Well, now you get them bonded. 320 00:25:42,000 --> 00:25:48,000 So if something was to happen at that cash register, your company is protected still, you lose nothing. 321 00:25:48,000 --> 00:25:50,000 And the bonding is for 60 days. 322 00:25:50,000 --> 00:25:53,000 Wala, the magic number for the WOTC credits. 323 00:25:53,000 --> 00:25:56,000 So you can bond this person, see how they work. 324 00:25:56,000 --> 00:25:59,000 If it's a great fit, you could be eligible for these incentives. 325 00:25:59,000 --> 00:26:06,000 Now you just saved your company about $10,000 and you had someone who was actively being a good associate on your team. 326 00:26:06,000 --> 00:26:10,000 So like little things like that that employers shouldn't be taking advantage of because they're out there. 327 00:26:10,000 --> 00:26:16,000 But a lot of employers don't know how to because it is a tedious process for the WOTC credits. 328 00:26:16,000 --> 00:26:20,000 There's certain things you have to do before you even offer the job to somebody. 329 00:26:20,000 --> 00:26:27,000 And so what we come in and what we'll be doing under the TANI umbrella is showing organizations how to do stuff. 330 00:26:27,000 --> 00:26:31,000 Like how do you set up these processes and then how do you follow up? 331 00:26:31,000 --> 00:26:32,000 How do you maximize things? 332 00:26:32,000 --> 00:26:37,000 So we're talking about trainings, we're talking about tough conversations. 333 00:26:37,000 --> 00:26:45,000 Like really looking ourselves in the mirror and asking, do you think your team knows the difference between a jail or a job? 334 00:26:45,000 --> 00:26:51,000 Can they take away the mindset of the biases that they might have seen on TV for years? 335 00:26:51,000 --> 00:26:53,000 I grew up watching cops. 336 00:26:53,000 --> 00:26:56,000 That puts a certain projection in people's minds. 337 00:26:56,000 --> 00:27:03,000 And I think TV has gotten a little softer with the 60 days out or 90 days in all of these programs. 338 00:27:03,000 --> 00:27:09,000 But one thing it tells you is one, as Americans we're infatuated with jail for some reason, jail and incarceration. 339 00:27:09,000 --> 00:27:14,000 But two, it's a weird relationship where it's not a love-love relationship like a love hate. 340 00:27:14,000 --> 00:27:18,000 We love to see it from afar, but we don't want it near us necessarily. 341 00:27:18,000 --> 00:27:24,000 And so really looking to change that perspective and show like there's a lot of people who have come out. 342 00:27:24,000 --> 00:27:27,000 They made a bad mistake, but they've changed their life around. 343 00:27:27,000 --> 00:27:29,000 And there's a lot of success stories. 344 00:27:29,000 --> 00:27:36,000 And I really want to be a part of sharing those success stories, helping other organizations that have those levels of success. 345 00:27:36,000 --> 00:27:40,000 Because I think what that does, it just helps to inspire the next generation of leaders. 346 00:27:40,000 --> 00:27:43,000 And eventually this isn't even a topic anymore. 347 00:27:43,000 --> 00:27:45,000 Right. Yeah, absolutely. 348 00:27:45,000 --> 00:27:53,000 And I think what you bring to the table is so important because we're trying to give the individuals as many tools as possible. 349 00:27:53,000 --> 00:27:59,000 You know, there's six facilities across the state now that have the driver simulator in them. 350 00:27:59,000 --> 00:28:04,000 But even beyond those facilities, we have Rusty Stuttall, our workforce development coordinator. 351 00:28:04,000 --> 00:28:12,000 He's going into facilities that don't have the simulators and talking about opportunities such as warehouse workers or diesel tech. 352 00:28:12,000 --> 00:28:18,000 So even beyond driving, we're still trying to work on providing those opportunities. 353 00:28:18,000 --> 00:28:23,000 I think on the employer side, one of the things that's really important that you mentioned was the incentives. 354 00:28:23,000 --> 00:28:29,000 Because particularly on that CDL portion, they're getting the classroom portion while they're incarcerated, 355 00:28:29,000 --> 00:28:32,000 but they still need that behind the wheel and that can cost some money. 356 00:28:32,000 --> 00:28:36,000 So those incentives could help employers cover some of the costs of that. 357 00:28:36,000 --> 00:28:37,000 Big time. 358 00:28:37,000 --> 00:28:39,000 Additional training, which is really important. 359 00:28:39,000 --> 00:28:45,000 And then also, we can also help employers find a lot of free resources. 360 00:28:45,000 --> 00:28:52,000 So like here in the Capital Region, you have EOC, you have ACAP, you have, you know, even a CDL school, 361 00:28:52,000 --> 00:28:59,000 but like ACAP, EOC, these are services that organizations don't have to necessarily pay out of their pocket 362 00:28:59,000 --> 00:29:01,000 and they can still skill their team up. 363 00:29:01,000 --> 00:29:09,000 And so to your point, the biggest thing that I think I've done has been skilling my team up. 364 00:29:09,000 --> 00:29:12,000 Like that's literally the, has been the biggest thing. 365 00:29:12,000 --> 00:29:15,000 We're literally skilling our team up and doing so. 366 00:29:15,000 --> 00:29:21,000 Tech Valley Shuttle isn't, we don't have the biggest budget in the world to do this kind of stuff. 367 00:29:21,000 --> 00:29:24,000 So we learned how to form community relationships. 368 00:29:24,000 --> 00:29:30,000 And it's important that other employers know how to do the same and are actually actively doing it. 369 00:29:30,000 --> 00:29:34,000 You might know how to do it, but you might need to know how to uncover some of these resources. 370 00:29:34,000 --> 00:29:35,000 So you can find success. 371 00:29:35,000 --> 00:29:40,000 But I think it starts with one, you know, we don't know what we don't know a lot of times. 372 00:29:40,000 --> 00:29:47,000 And so if I think the more we're out there telling, showing, and letting people know, making them aware of this stuff, 373 00:29:47,000 --> 00:29:51,000 then maybe they start to get more inquisitive and start to ask why or how. 374 00:29:51,000 --> 00:29:53,000 And then that's where we come in and able to help them out. 375 00:29:53,000 --> 00:29:58,000 Yeah, it has since we started this program, it's been an eye-opener. 376 00:29:58,000 --> 00:30:03,000 I had no idea how many challenges, you know, these individuals. 377 00:30:03,000 --> 00:30:09,000 And when you see that, it's not surprising to find out why they're landing back in prison, you know, 378 00:30:09,000 --> 00:30:12,000 because you're just not giving them the support they need when they come out. 379 00:30:12,000 --> 00:30:17,000 So we're really hopeful with this program, with the partnership with you, 380 00:30:17,000 --> 00:30:23,000 your resources that, you know, we can provide these opportunities and keep them from feeling like that's their only option. 381 00:30:23,000 --> 00:30:24,000 I agree. I agree. 382 00:30:24,000 --> 00:30:30,000 And even a couple other things just to add, and you mentioned one thing I like to tell all the listeners, 383 00:30:30,000 --> 00:30:39,000 if you've never, one, if you don't have any success stories in your organization of like these kind of redemption stories, 384 00:30:39,000 --> 00:30:41,000 maybe you should start to question and ask why. 385 00:30:41,000 --> 00:30:44,000 Maybe we need to diversify a little bit more, too. 386 00:30:44,000 --> 00:30:50,000 Or maybe you guys do a great job and it's just not something that's talked about because I do get employers who say, 387 00:30:50,000 --> 00:30:56,000 well, how are my other members of the team feel knowing that we're bringing individuals in and at the same? 388 00:30:56,000 --> 00:31:02,000 So that usually I say, they don't have to know, like it's not like someone has to walk around with, I just got out of jail pass. 389 00:31:02,000 --> 00:31:03,000 Right. 390 00:31:03,000 --> 00:31:10,000 But if your organization, like at Tech Valley, we are a very, we're very transparent. 391 00:31:10,000 --> 00:31:11,000 That's one thing I'll say. 392 00:31:11,000 --> 00:31:21,000 And we embrace, we embrace, we embrace people at their, their low, you know, 393 00:31:21,000 --> 00:31:23,000 and try to build people to their highest high. 394 00:31:23,000 --> 00:31:31,000 And so in embracing people in that low, that means, you know, we're very communicative about, hey, I don't, hey, if you've been homeless before, 395 00:31:31,000 --> 00:31:35,000 share that story or if you've been through this, like share your story, get it out there. 396 00:31:35,000 --> 00:31:41,000 One, it helps us as an organization start to identify how maybe we could be a resource in some of these spaces. 397 00:31:41,000 --> 00:31:43,000 Two, you don't know what you don't know. 398 00:31:43,000 --> 00:31:46,000 So now you're opening us all up to things that are out there. 399 00:31:46,000 --> 00:31:52,000 And then three is we all feel like we're a part of something like, 400 00:31:52,000 --> 00:31:55,000 you know, and so at Tech Valley, show to where the misfits. 401 00:31:55,000 --> 00:31:57,000 That's, you know, that's, that's what we always say. 402 00:31:57,000 --> 00:31:58,000 We're the misfits, the people. 403 00:31:58,000 --> 00:31:59,000 That's right. 404 00:31:59,000 --> 00:32:00,000 That's right. 405 00:32:00,000 --> 00:32:04,000 But, but just like Rudolph Rudolph was the special one. 406 00:32:04,000 --> 00:32:12,000 You know, and so as the misfits, sometimes if we just recreate what it looks like on the outside, we can show the world that you're the special one. 407 00:32:12,000 --> 00:32:18,000 And so, um, so that, you know, that's what we've done at Tech Valley and just really want to help other employers do that. 408 00:32:18,000 --> 00:32:24,000 We have some great partnerships with forward us, Mark Zuckerberg's organization. 409 00:32:24,000 --> 00:32:34,000 They were literally at my office just today before I came over here, just talking and explaining, you know, ways that we could continue to grow and work together. 410 00:32:34,000 --> 00:32:36,000 We're brand ambassadors for them. 411 00:32:36,000 --> 00:32:41,000 So they're going to be sharing a lot more stories about just my associates, different members of the team. 412 00:32:41,000 --> 00:32:45,000 We want to put an emphasis on sharing positive messages, messages. 413 00:32:45,000 --> 00:32:47,000 So other employers get that. 414 00:32:47,000 --> 00:32:53,000 And then also reform alliances, another organization that we're brand ambassadors for. 415 00:32:53,000 --> 00:32:57,000 They do a lot in the probation, probation space. 416 00:32:57,000 --> 00:33:08,000 They, they, they became really well known because the owner of the Patriots, the 76ers, Jay Z, some other people like that, Var Jones, are their board members. 417 00:33:08,000 --> 00:33:10,000 So that got them really known. 418 00:33:10,000 --> 00:33:15,000 And then just some of my other connections, I've been working like with an honest jobs. 419 00:33:15,000 --> 00:33:21,000 I recently met with the CEO of honest jobs, the CEO of Keystone Bakery, where they do the open hiring. 420 00:33:21,000 --> 00:33:28,000 So, you know, expanding my network out to associate myself with other people who are doing just amazing things in this space. 421 00:33:28,000 --> 00:33:32,000 One, so we could pick and choose what's working, what's not working. 422 00:33:32,000 --> 00:33:38,000 But two, also now when I have someone that when I'm working with, hey, I'm being released and I'm going to New York. 423 00:33:38,000 --> 00:33:43,000 Well, if nothing else, I know I could at least connect you with with Greystone. 424 00:33:43,000 --> 00:33:53,000 I said Keystone with Greystone Bakery and, and or if nothing else, while they're inside the prisons using their tablets, I'm able to now say, hey, go on honest jobs. 425 00:33:53,000 --> 00:33:58,000 They'll build a resume for you, you know, you could build your resume out, you can start applying right now. 426 00:33:58,000 --> 00:34:05,000 Five million people a month are applying through honest jobs for opportunities and just waiting to be released. 427 00:34:05,000 --> 00:34:12,000 The problem is we need more employers looking on honest jobs, just like they're looking on Indeed or Zip Recruiter and things of that nature. 428 00:34:12,000 --> 00:34:15,000 And so there's so many resources out here. 429 00:34:15,000 --> 00:34:24,000 I mean, literally, it's just a matter of if you don't know, you don't know, and I just want to really yell out to the world what these resources are. 430 00:34:24,000 --> 00:34:25,000 Right, exactly. 431 00:34:25,000 --> 00:34:27,000 And that is what I think we're trying to do, right? 432 00:34:27,000 --> 00:34:28,000 I agree. 433 00:34:28,000 --> 00:34:38,000 Because it is one of the interesting things that we found out too is we didn't realize to your point when individuals are released, they're not necessarily released to the area where they've been incarcerated. 434 00:34:38,000 --> 00:34:42,000 They get released back to the area that they came from, that the crime was committed. 435 00:34:42,000 --> 00:34:44,000 So we run into that same thing. 436 00:34:44,000 --> 00:34:51,000 We have to find out ahead of time, where are they being released so that we can identify employers in the area for them, which we've been able to do. 437 00:34:51,000 --> 00:34:54,000 I think we've had five or six so far. 438 00:34:54,000 --> 00:35:01,000 But again, the biggest challenge we keep running into is getting them back and forth to the job because they don't have transportation when they come out. 439 00:35:01,000 --> 00:35:03,000 So we're working through those issues. 440 00:35:03,000 --> 00:35:09,000 But I think overall, it's a win-win. We're still growing. We're still learning. 441 00:35:09,000 --> 00:35:11,000 I'm really excited for 24, though. 442 00:35:11,000 --> 00:35:16,000 I think we're, we still got some growing pains to get through with this program as we're identifying those challenges. 443 00:35:16,000 --> 00:35:18,000 But we're going to get there. 444 00:35:18,000 --> 00:35:19,000 I agree. 445 00:35:19,000 --> 00:35:20,000 And I'm really excited about it. 446 00:35:20,000 --> 00:35:24,000 So really looking forward to continuing to work with you and learning from you. 447 00:35:24,000 --> 00:35:33,000 Because to your point, there's so many resources out there that we don't know about that we need to be in sharing with our members as well through the program. 448 00:35:33,000 --> 00:35:38,000 So I don't know if you have any closing thoughts as we start to wrap up. 449 00:35:38,000 --> 00:35:51,000 My only closing thought would be if you're a key decision maker, business leader, I would challenge you to just do a little research around the benefits of hiring a returning citizen. 450 00:35:51,000 --> 00:35:54,000 Like just do a little research on that. 451 00:35:54,000 --> 00:35:59,000 And then from there, if you have any questions, definitely reach out to Tanny. 452 00:35:59,000 --> 00:36:03,000 You know, and being under their umbrella, I could be a resource and help you out. 453 00:36:03,000 --> 00:36:08,000 But I just want to challenge business leaders, thought leaders, key decision makers. 454 00:36:08,000 --> 00:36:13,000 Just take 10 minutes and just do a little investigation on what the positive benefits could be. 455 00:36:13,000 --> 00:36:15,000 Yeah. And I think that's a great point. 456 00:36:15,000 --> 00:36:23,000 When we first started looking at this as an option, you know, I was kind of questioning that same thing, like what our members take advantage of this. 457 00:36:23,000 --> 00:36:26,000 And in doing my own research on it, I found exactly that. 458 00:36:26,000 --> 00:36:31,000 Like there's so many stories across the country of where programs like this are successful. 459 00:36:31,000 --> 00:36:37,000 So yeah, to your point, you know, I really encourage our members, Tanny, members to get involved with this program. 460 00:36:37,000 --> 00:36:42,000 If it's something that you're interested in, please contact us here at the office or Rusty specifically. 461 00:36:42,000 --> 00:36:54,000 Trent is here as a resource. He's got a ton of valuable information and can really make sure that we're doing everything we can to make this program a success and provide new opportunities. 462 00:36:54,000 --> 00:36:59,000 Agreed. Agreed. Well, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you guys on this. 463 00:36:59,000 --> 00:37:05,000 It means a lot to me, like sincerely. So thank you for trusting in me in that regard. 464 00:37:05,000 --> 00:37:08,000 Definitely want to shout my guy Rusty out. 465 00:37:08,000 --> 00:37:17,000 And other than that, again, thank you for having me on the show and creating some time and I'm definitely looking forward to us just crushing it in 2024 and beyond. 466 00:37:17,000 --> 00:37:19,000 Excellent. Myself as well. 467 00:37:19,000 --> 00:37:20,000 Yes. 468 00:37:20,000 --> 00:37:24,000 All right. Well, I think that wraps it up for another edition of Key Up New York. 469 00:37:24,000 --> 00:37:39,000 Be sure to like us, follow us, share us, tell your friends all about us and we'll see you next time.