Bare Bones Business: Working with inmates reinforces life's blessings

A few months ago, I introduced you to a fellow named Randy Mackenzie. He teaches the commercial cleaning class at the Davis Correctional Facility in Holdenville, Okla.

Recently, my son, Max, and I went to Holdenville, and I delivered a business-planning program to some of the inmates.

I always learn something from Randy and his students. Here's what I learned this time:

Not everyone thinks these guys deserve another chance. After my first column about this class, I got some pretty nasty letters from folks who accused me of having lost my mind, of being hoodwinked and of being flat-out wrong to encourage inmates to start businesses. One reader was "deeply offended" that I would suggest that we all may have done something that, given a different flip of the cosmic coin, may have landed us in jail. I know I can say, "There but for the grace of God ..." about more than one instance in my reckless past. I have no interest in learning what these fellows are "in" for. I would rather not judge them or color my impressions of them. They can be who they are now, and not who they were then.

Hope springs eternal - with just a little encouragement. I'm eternally optimistic, if not naive. Still, I believe in the turnaround. I believe that you can improve your life any time by improving the quality of your thoughts, your behaviors and the people with whom you associate. One student told me that he has been incarcerated for 30 years. He has never used the Internet or held a cell phone.

He has had time to think and plan. He has a rocking business plan. He'll be free in about six months, and he is going to put that plan into action. I'll be cheering him on.

What unites us is greater than what divides us. Max and one of the inmates were bonding about a show they both watched on Discovery Channel. Turns out, they are both very interested in solar energy.

This fellow, like Max, is 23 years old. This fellow has a history of abuse and hardship that would curl your hair. Max has had a privileged life. It can always go either way. It's humbling and inspiring to remember that.

I'm going to go back to teach another class. I know I will learn something new. And it is my mission to help promote freedom and peace on earth by helping people start, fix and grow honorable, ethical and extraordinary businesses.

I had a great time with Max, Randy and the students of the commercial cleaning class.

Perhaps my class was the best of a choice of bleak activities for the students. No matter. The guys who came played my games, laughed at my jokes and shared great ideas and information.

Considering the rocks in the road for these guys, I am grateful for the opportunities I enjoy. What's holding me back? What's holding you back? It's hard to whine when you are counting your blessings.

I am grateful this holiday season; grateful for you, dear reader, and thankful for the people who inspire me.

In addition, I'm appreciative of those who make a difference - like Randy at Davis Correctional Facility.

Ellen Rohr is an author and business consultant who offers systems for getting focused and organized, making money and having fun in business. Her latest book is "The Bare Bones Biz Plan." She can be reached at ellen@barebonesbiz.com.[[In-content Ad]]