In today’s episode, Les talks with David Lopez who is the Co-Founder and CEO of Gritly. David talks about his journey from a challenging childhood in an underserved Colorado community to a successful entrepreneur is remarkable. His mother played a pivotal role in his achievements, including being the first in his family to finish high school. David's entrepreneurial spirit manifested early, leading him to co-found Gritly while studying at CU Boulder. Gritly evolved from a tech sales bootcamp to a comprehensive data-driven platform, aiming to empower marginalized communities with tech skills and job opportunities. Despite facing hurdles like fundraising and business pivots, David's resilience and adaptability shone through. His dedication to social impact extends beyond business, as evident in his active participation in volunteer activities, including serving on the board of A Precious Child. Here’s a closer look at the episode: Overcoming challenges and finding success through hustle and determination. 0:09 Growing up in a low-income, single-parent household and overcoming challenges through determination and support from family members. David’s entrepreneurial endeavor in high school set path for college and career goals. Entrepreneurship, grit, and family influence Creating a tech sales bootcamp for underrepresented groups. Tech sales certification program and its impact on job placement. Developing a platform for upskilling and hiring. Entrepreneurship, fundraising, and product development. Fundraising challenges and lessons learned as a first-time founder. Workforce development and job placement. Entrepreneurship, grit, and perseverance. Resources: Website: https://www.gritly.us/ David LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-g-lopez/ Gritly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gritlyhq/