Aaron Smith, founder of Escape The Odds Media, faced significant challenges during his early life in public housing on the south side of Chicago. Engaging in the illicit sale of heroin, he earned substantial profits, despite simultaneously obtaining a bachelor's degree in business management from Columbia College. However, Aaron's criminal activities led to legal consequences, resulting in a 12-year sentence for conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl at the age of 25.

 

During his nearly decade-long imprisonment, Aaron underwent a remarkable transformation. Fueled by his faith, he shifted his mindset from a life of crime to one focused on providing hope. Since his release in February 2019, Aaron has achieved remarkable success, establishing a thriving trucking company and producing an award-winning podcast titled "Escape The Odds." Additionally, he is working on a documentary project focused on re-entry. His work has been featured on Good Morning America, Chicago Crain’s Business, Chicago Sun Times and more media publications. Aaron travels extensively, sharing his story and inspiring incarcerated individuals and inner-city youth while also providing economic enrichment programming to inner-city youth and justice impacted individuals.

 

As a natural entrepreneur, skilled media producer, and re-entry expert, Aaron is dedicated to changing perceptions about formerly incarcerated individuals. Having overcome tremendous odds himself, he aims to empower others seeking transformation. Aaron firmly believes in the power of mindset shifts and adapting pursuits to change one's trajectory, stating, "You can also change lanes by switching your mindsets and hustles."