How He Survived 17 Years In Florida State Prison

Kyle On tiktok

https://www.tiktok.com/@federalprisontips

Damon on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/mrhustlesmarter/

https://inctoinc.org/

Kyle Sandler welcomes Damon Thrash, a former Drug kingpin who once controlled the Southeast’s drug trade and went on to revolutionize the reentry space with his nonprofit, Inc to Inc. (Incarcerated to Incorporated). Damon shares the journey from his tumultuous past and 20-year jail sentence to becoming a beacon of hope and entrepreneurship for justice-impacted individuals.

Through his grassroots organization, Damon is transforming lives with programs like Hustle Smarter, P.A.T.H to Success, and Smart Justice Consulting. This is more than redemption—it's a blueprint for second chances, impactful entrepreneurship, and restorative justice.

Key Takeaways

From Hustler to Inmate — Damon grew up in Pensacola projects, entered the drug trade at age 9, and served 17 years in prison.

20-Year Sentence, Lifetime of Change — Instead of letting his past define him, Damon launched Inc to Inc., a 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting justice-impacted entrepreneurs.

Empowerment in Action — Damon graduated from the University of Tampa’s Entrepreneur Incubator, became certified in TV/Film Production, and earned recognition from the Hillsborough Sheriff's "Black Sheriffs Counsel."

Programs That Work — “Hustle Smarter,” P.A.T.H to Success, and Justice Consulting help formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives as business owners, reduce recidivism, and uplift communities.

Legacy & Purpose — A devoted father and grandfather, Damon works alongside his attorney daughter to carry forward his mission of social equity and community healing.

This episode isn’t just about overcoming adversity—it’s about turning trauma into transformation. Whether you're interested in true crime, social justice, entrepreneurship, or second chance stories, Damon Thrash’s evolution from criminal underworld to community leader provides both inspiration and a call to action.