Former homeless man now owns company that only hires the disadvantaged
“Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” – Chris Grosser
Have you ever felt that you are in a situation where you can’t do anything?
That no matter what you do; it seems like you’ve run out of luck, and all you could do is accept your fate.
If so, then you might learn something from Drew Goodall.
A few years back, Drew felt exactly like this. His life didn’t go as planned, and he felt like he was stuck in a deep well of hopelessness.
Drew had big dreams!
Two decades ago, Drew had a very promising future. He was a talented actor from London who even had projects with Hollywood stars like Hugh Grant and Brad Pitt.
Because of poor theater reviews, Drew began to question himself and his acting talent. He lost confidence.
It was the start of Drew’s downfall.
Soon after, his acting gigs stopped, and Drew’s money, even his savings, ran out.
“I didn’t want to face my parents. When I left home I was the big hope. I couldn’t face the ignominy of having to go back with my tail between my legs,” Drew said.
He wasn’t able to keep up with the rent, and he became homeless.
Drew, the once successful actor, slept on parks, cardboard boxes, and he even begged people so he could eat.
He lived this like this for six to seven months.
Can you imagine what he went through? Sadly, Drew accepted his fate.
Until one day, something happened that would change his life.
He saw one of his friends, an ex-soldier, who was also homeless, just jump in front of an oncoming train.
Luckily, he didn’t die because the train was able to stop on time.
That incident hit Drew hard that he realized how valuable his life was and how he has the only key to make a difference.
He started polishing and shining people’s shoes. He started with a brush and a tin of polish.
Drew worked tirelessly for six months when one of his customers made an offer he couldn’t resist.
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He was given a chance to set up his own shop in the lobby of his customer’s office. Everything started growing and soon, he was no longer homeless.
He started investing and in no time, he was unstoppable.
Drew, the once homeless guy, became the boss of his small company. He called it Sunshine Shoeshine.
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Sunshine Shoeshine grew and became successful.
Drew didn’t forget the valuable lessons he learned, and to pay it forward, the good man started hiring people with special needs and the homeless people on the streets.
“There is no magic button for homelessness. It’s something that will always be there … (but) just giving someone some time, talking to them, that goes a long way to finding a solution to homelessness.”
His business was thriving, and he kept on helping.
Drew’s business expanded and now has multiple branches across London.
It is said that Sunshine Shoeshine earns around £250,000 ($330,000) profit per year.
What an inspiring story!
Drew, now a very rich and successful man, still continues to help the people around him.
He gives them a chance to be whole again. He’s allowing them to stand up and get their lives back.
Drew knows what it was like to be homeless, so now, it’s time for him to be the one helping them.
Watch this beautiful story down below.
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Source: Rak Design, Goalcast, Sunshine Shoeshine, drew.goodall