Matt Melvin is the author of Bullied Behind Bars and a speaker who shares hard-earned lessons about accountability, resilience, and the human cost of the justice system.

Raised feeling like an outsider, Matthew struggled to find belonging from an early age. As a young adult working at a car dealership in Vermont, a single impulsive decision—made while feeling wronged and unheard—led to a criminal conviction and an 18-month prison sentence. What followed would profoundly change his life.

While incarcerated in general population, Matthew faced extreme isolation, bullying, and violence. As a gay man with an adult autism diagnosis, he learned quickly how unforgiving and unsafe prison environments can be for those who don't fit in. Rather than allowing those experiences to define him, Matthew emerged determined to take responsibility for his actions while also speaking honestly about systemic failures, mental health, and human dignity behind bars.

Today, Matthew uses his story to help others understand the real consequences of poor decisions, the importance of accountability, and the resilience required to rebuild after loss. His work focuses on lessons learned, personal growth, and the belief that even after the darkest chapters, change is possible.

Eddie Speed is a nationally recognized note-investing educator and the founder of NoteSchool, one of the leading training platforms for buying and selling mortgage notes.

With decades of experience in the note business, Eddie has been involved in tens of thousands of note transactions, giving him rare, real-world insight into how the industry actually works. Rather than focusing on theory, his approach is rooted in practical execution, risk management, and understanding how to structure deals that work in real market conditions.

After seeing how confusing and inaccessible note investing was for most people, Eddie created NoteSchool to simplify the process and educate investors at every level. Through structured courses, live training, and mentorship, he has helped thousands of students learn how to evaluate notes, avoid costly mistakes, and build sustainable investing strategies without owning physical properties.

Today, Eddie continues to teach, mentor, and advocate for smarter financial education, emphasizing discipline, ethics, and long-term thinking. His work focuses on empowering everyday investors with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and build lasting wealth.

Dan Sullivan is the founder of MatchShot, a platform designed to simplify and modernize the way athletes connect with coaches and opportunities.

With firsthand experience in the challenges of sports recruiting, Dan built Matchshot to remove friction from the process and create clearer pathways for athletes to be seen, evaluated, and matched with the right programs. His work focuses on transparency, efficiency, and giving athletes better control over their recruiting journey.

Today, Dan continues to build Matchshot with a mission to level the playing field in recruiting by using technology to create smarter matches, save time for coaches, and open doors for athletes who might otherwise be overlooked.