From Awake to Enterprise: Rick’s Next Chapter
When Rick joined Awake, he was ready to put in the work. What he didn’t expect was how deeply the experience would shape his next chapter.
Now the proud owner of not one but three businesses, Rick says entrepreneurship gives him the freedom to prioritize what matters most: “Making my own schedule so I can be there for the special moments my kids have while they’re little and in school.”
His business ventures are as bold as they are different:
- Blood Shot Entertainment – a multimedia production company offering music production, video, photography, and comedy entertainment
- Straight Forward Residential & Commercial Cleaning LLC – a window cleaning company on the brink of expansion into solar panel and truck stop cleaning
- Straight4Ward Transport LLC – his newest trucking business with big goals on the horizon
Behind it all is a mindset he says he learned at Awake: “Ownership. Taking ownership in any and everything you do, because you’re the only one who can change the outcome.”
Rick credits Awake not only for helping him get on his feet, but for showing him what true leadership looks like. “They didn’t just talk about running a business, they modeled how to treat people. That’s what made Awake so great. It’s why they’re becoming one of the top window and door producers in the world.”
His best memory? Simple. “The team. The environment. Awake made you feel like you belonged.”
And his advice to someone just coming home? “One step at a time. Come to Awake. If you’re at the end and feel like you have nowhere else to turn, they’ve got you.”
We’re proud of Rick. At Awake, we believe in cheering people on as they grow, and celebrating when they’re ready to take the leap into something new. Especially when they leave well.
Want to support more stories like Rick’s?
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- Partner with Awake to hire system-impacted talent.
- Refer someone just coming home to our workforce development program.
- Follow Rick’s businesses and show your support for system-impacted entrepreneurs. Straight Forward Trucking