Several years ago, I launched 70 Million Jobs a YC company that was the first employment platform for people with records. Our launch announcement was, at the time, one of the most popular on HN.
At first, human resource departments thought I was nuts, but eventually they came around, and we turned profitable. Unfortunately, our timing wasn't so good because that coincided with the onset of Covid, when companies laid off tens of millions of workers.I tried holding out, but it took years to normalize. I had no choice but to shut down. That announcement (and the support it engendered also was enormous.)
I've continued with this work, and now am helping run a very similar staffing company, a division of a much larger business, 2C Workforce Solutions (2CCareers.com). I'll get to the point:
If you or anyone you know are in need of workers anywhere in the US, we can help. Studies have shown that those with records "are as good as--if not better than--those with no records." As a staffing company, we remain their employer and handle all the paperwork, payroll, taxes, etc. And of course, there's the very important social good being done.
If you've got (or can connect me to) a company that's got at least 100 employees, I'd very much appreciate the opportunity to connect. And for all of the incredible support, enthusiasm and great ideas in the past, thanks HN community!
lol. No, not anymore a millionaire YC founder and no real estate in my immediate future. But sure, love to chat. Please contact me at [email protected]
Richard
A startup would be great, or one a bit more mature (b/c round)
Doesn't have to be a start-up, but I'd much prefer a company that has a strong social mission.
Right fit can mean a lot, I recognize, but it includes the nature of my role (I've run large companies), how well-funded, connection w/current leadership, etc. I only mentioned fit to explain that while I have several offers, the right one has yet to emerge. Thanks for asking.
No, Kranar-the 70 million does not include unpaid parking tickets, unless it escalates to a criminal case (which rarely happens). The explosion in these numbers occurred during our war on drugs in the 80's and 90's, along with "three strikes" laws.
The 70 million number relates to the number of people who have, in their record, an event(s) that might stand in their way from a variety of opportunities, so they are, by definition, serious events.
I am, in fact, considering doing it again, but differently/better. However, as you may know, this path is arduous, and after launching 4 major startups, my bones grow weary.
Your experience notwithstanding, the data tell a very different story: in fact, those with records almost never get into trouble on the job. How do I know this?
1. There exists a federal bonding program that indemnifies companies that hire convicted felons when they're released. Over the course of more than 3 decades, fewer than 2 cases are filed annually.
2. SHRM (the Society for Human Resource Management, of which I am the Fair Chance Hiring Partner) conducts an annual survey with the Koch Foundation. Year after year they report that ~80% of all hiring managers believe the quality of hiring when hiring someone with a record is "as good as if not better" than hiring someone with no record. And, their retention is better. In HR, that's considered a homerun.
All mythology and ancient racism aside, businesses have come to realize more and more that hiring folks with records is not only the right thing to do, but it's very good business. QED
With all due respect I disgust you? I've devoted my life to helping others, saved thousands of lives, repaired families and communities, won numerous awards, went through Y Combinator, raised millions of VC dollars, partnered with 300 community organizations and the cities of SF, LA and NY, was named one of the most influential people in DE&I, and made very little money for it. I'm 68 years old, and probably have one more big thing that lies ahead for me, so I want to make sure it's optimally impactful. I disgust you? lol. You made my day.
At first, human resource departments thought I was nuts, but eventually they came around, and we turned profitable. Unfortunately, our timing wasn't so good because that coincided with the onset of Covid, when companies laid off tens of millions of workers.I tried holding out, but it took years to normalize. I had no choice but to shut down. That announcement (and the support it engendered also was enormous.)
I've continued with this work, and now am helping run a very similar staffing company, a division of a much larger business, 2C Workforce Solutions (2CCareers.com). I'll get to the point:
If you or anyone you know are in need of workers anywhere in the US, we can help. Studies have shown that those with records "are as good as--if not better than--those with no records." As a staffing company, we remain their employer and handle all the paperwork, payroll, taxes, etc. And of course, there's the very important social good being done.
If you've got (or can connect me to) a company that's got at least 100 employees, I'd very much appreciate the opportunity to connect. And for all of the incredible support, enthusiasm and great ideas in the past, thanks HN community!