The Knife, the Fork and the Entrepreneur

On March 26th, executive volunteers joined Class 13 for the most exciting event this side of the dinner table – Etiquette Night. Class 13 and their etiquette mentors for the evening worked together on the finer points of table setting‚ meal–time behaviors and the importance of a good first impression. Thanks to our volunteers‚ PEP’s Etiquette Coach Ruth Meek‚ and the enthusiasm of Class 13 participants‚ the event was a success!

To see photos of this fabulous event‚ visit our photo gallery here.

For more information about attending Class 13 events‚ check out our RSVP web site here.

Reflections from Our Volunteers

"Etiquette Night with Class 13 was my second trip to prison through PEP. I was struck by the irony of the dual definitions of the word conviction. As I talked with the men of PEP and heard their stories‚ hopes‚ and dreams for the future‚ I found myself becoming more and more "convicted" by the power of PEP's core values. I was humbled by the power of what can happen when a room of people can come together‚ united and aligned by putting those values to work. "
– Alycia Sutor‚ Executive Volunteer

"These men have been changed — have been transformed — through the hope‚ love‚ and support that this program offers. Within a few minutes of spending time with the participants‚ you start to comprehend how powerful PEP is; especially when you consider how much has been accomplished in a mere three months. And you can see the joy and gratitude that the participants feel toward this program. To be honest‚ it was one of the most inspiring things I have had the chance to witness. "
– Leslie Potter‚ Executive Volunteer

"The day was a great success. Both Participants and guests really enjoyed themselves and learned a few new things. Participants of Class 13 were empowered by the guests’ encouragement; the guests were touched by the guys’ loving fellowship with one another. The camaraderie built by this program is truly the key to its amazing results."
– Ruth Meek‚ PEP Etiquette Coach

Starting a Business‚ One Clean Carpet at a Time

An inside look at the challenges and triumphs of PEP’s graduate entrepreneurs.

Where many small businesses falter in a short period of time‚ JJ feels his success stems from his commitment to his clients and to the quality of the work. With that mind–set‚ he works hard for every opportunity to prove that his services are the best in the area. Whether it is in an office suite in a skyscraper or the interior of a car‚ JJ sees an opportunity to make a great impression.

Read More Here.

What does "Execution" mean to you?

In the next few weeks‚ you’ll be receiving our newest profile piece on the importance of successfully executing our long–term organizational vision. We want to hear from you! What does the idea of execution mean to you? Commitment? Thoughtful Planning? Teamwork? Join the conversation with us on Facebook and Twitter and look for your copy in the mail soon!

Straight from the Inside

Selling Night is tomorrow! Class 13 is hard at work preparing their pitches for all our volunteer "investors". Want to know what goes on behind the scenes as they prepare for these events? Check out their weekly journal entries:

"With each new guest or volunteer we meet‚ we know that we are looking at a person who could easily be somewhere else‚ but they choose to give their time and energy to us. Keith was here to offer biblical wisdom relative to our personal lives; Sandy showed us new tools to love and forgive others‚ and Jeff was here to give us technical training in artistic design. After a week like this‚ it’s hard to imagine what could possibly make this program better...yet we know it will continue to be better."

Read More Journals Here