From Madison Avenue to Rikers Island: The Making of a Social Entrepreneur

by Mark L. Goldsmith

Overview

From Corporate Professional to Passion-Driven Retiree
Mark Goldsmith enjoyed a 35-year career in the cosmetic business, managing household name brands during Madison Avenue's Mad Men heyday. Looking for new challenges in retirement, Goldsmith took his wife's suggestion to volunteer for the Principal for a Day program, specifically asking to be sent to the toughest New York City school available—which turned out to be Horizon Academy at the city's infamous Rikers Island jail.

Goldsmith instantly connected with the men of Rikers, leveraging the skills he'd honed in decades of corporate experience and his strong desire to help. This passion ultimately led to the creation of his not-for-profit organization Getting Out and Staying Out (GOSO), which has helped thousands of young men pursue their goals for their education, employment, and emotional well-being to create a new life for themselves beyond the criminal justice system.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781642253108
Publisher:	Advantage Media Group, Inc.
Publication date:	04/05/2022
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

MARK GOLDSMITH is a former executive in the cosmetics industry with thirty-five years of experience in the corporate world. In 2003, after retiring, he discovered a passion for helping young men in the criminal justice system get on a path to success. Since then, his not-for-profit, Getting Out and Staying Out (GOSO), has helped more than ten thousand young men attain educational goals and jobs that lead to careers. Mr. Goldsmith has been recognized for his decades of leadership and his stalwart commitment to using his life experience to help young people stay out of the criminal justice system at GOSO.

Table of Contents

PREFACE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS INTRODUCTION My Very First Day on Rikers Island From Rikers Island to Starbucks Making a Profit or Making a Difference Name the Agency, the Mission Statement, Becoming a 501(c)(3) It’s All about the Guys The GOSO Guys Speak Out The Three E’s: Education, Employment, and Emotional Well-Being Finding a Location and Hiring Board of Directors Fundraising: Government- Foundations-Individuals-Benefits Staffing Finance and Legal Services Public Relations, Lobbying, and Marketing Measurement and Outcomes Volunteering The Passion, the Purpose, and the Pay of

Editorial Reviews

Mark Goldsmith shows that there is life after "been there done that" in the business world. A successful executive, he took inspiration from a visit to Rikers Island, NYC's notorious jail, to start GOSO, a non-profit focused on reducing recidivism. His story and success serve as a blueprint for others of the same ilk, people who've made it and now want to give back—and feel fulfilled too. Kudos to MG for showing the way. –Andrew Serwer
Editor in Chief, Yahoo Finance

Mark Goldsmith could have easily rested on the laurels of a highly successful business career. Instead he changed the world for thousands of young men on Rikers Island by offering them insights on how to break the depressing cycle of incarceration. This is an inspiring example of finding purpose and meaning for those on the far side of retirement. –Rick Smith
President and CEO, The Pinkerton Foundation

Mark Goldsmith's book is an inspiration for anyone dreaming about redirecting their talents and entrepreneurial energies toward opening the doors for others. He offers his personal journey from lack of direction as a young man to a successful businessman as a guide on how to get it done. Anyone retiring or seeking a new course can benefit from Mark's example. Truly his is a life well lived. –Edna Beaudette
Managing Director, NCH Capital, Inc. (Retired)

From the Publisher