Colorado Politics: Harley Blakeman became homeless at the age of 16. His father died and his mother, who was addicted to drugs, pushed young Blakeman onto the streets. By the time he was 19, Blakeman had been arrested multiple times and ended up serving 14 months in prison for a non-violent drug charge.

After he was released from prison, Blakeman decided to turn his life around. He moved to Ohio, went back to school, and, within five years, graduated with honors from Ohio State University’s business school.

However, his troubles were far from over. Due to his criminal record, he was rejected from more than 80 jobs by the time he graduated, Blakeman said.

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