About me
Trent Griffin-Braaf is a distinguished entrepreneur, visionary leader, and accomplished board director in transportation and workforce development. He is the founder of GB Logistics and Tech Valley Shuttle, with a remarkable track record in passenger transportation, trucking, and logistics. Trent is recognized for his ability to drive sales and innovation. He’s learned to identify and harness business potential, elevating team members from entry-level positions to C-suite roles. He has been named one of Forbes' Next 1000 entrepreneurs and the 2023 Small Businessperson of the Year for upstate NY by the Small Business Administration.
Early Life and Challenges: Trent's journey to
success is marked by resilience and determination.
After a regrettable decision as a teenager involving
narcotics sales post-high school, he served a 12-year
prison sentence, facing felony discrimination upon
release. Despite these challenges, Trent leveraged
opportunities in the hotel industry, rapidly advancing
from a part-time houseperson to General Manager
within six years.
Career Achievements: In 2016, Trent founded Tech
Valley Shuttle, transforming a hotel shuttle service
into a community transportation provider aimed at
combating poverty through innovative solutions.
During the global pandemic, he launched GB
Logistics, securing a contract with Amazon for last-mile delivery until 2023. His companies prioritize
inclusivity, employing 100% underserved individuals,
including 80% with justice involvement and 20%
with disabilities. Under Trent's leadership, Tech
Valley Shuttle became the first black-owned
business recognized as one of the best places to
work by the Albany Business Review.
Community Impact and Recognition: Trent's
pioneering efforts have set a precedent for
employers to become preferred employers for ex-offenders. He curates and facilitates the Roadmap to
Success program, which empowers justice-involved
individuals to achieve socioeconomic mobility. His
accolades include being named one of the "40 under
40" and receiving the Stellar Business Award, Nipsey
Hussle Award, and Power 50 recognition. His work
has been featured in the New York Times, Bloomberg
Businessweek, and Bloomberg Radio, among others.
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