Greg Winbush Legacy: From Ohio University Basketball Player to Second Chances and Advocate for Redemption

Ohio University  graduate Greg Winbush discusses his incredible journey from a standout basketball player to a Clemency Pardon Consultant, an evolution that is both humbling and inspiring. Greg founded Winbush Enterprises and the significant strides made through the Governor's expediting pardon project serve as beacons of hope, proving that with determination and the right support, aspirations conceived during our darkest moments can indeed light up the world. 

As we sit down with Greg, he opens up about the lessons of trust, teamwork, and excellence instilled by his high school coach, Mr. Jack Gibbs, and how these principles guided him from potential to purpose. But this episode is more than just a trip down memory lane; it's a powerful testimony to the impact of second chances and the transformative effect of community support. By sharing my own struggles with mental health and the pivotal role mentorship has played in my life, we explore the collective strength we gain when we uplift one another. Join us as we celebrate the power of legacy and redemption, and the unshakeable bonds that can turn a life around.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

I wasn't arrested, I was rescued, wow you know, because, once again, if I hadn't went there, I may have been in the cemetery. So God had other plans for me.

Speaker 2: 0:15

Welcome to Be A Baller Podcast where we discuss how to build a lifelong legacy. I'm your host, Coach Tim Brown. Today, we'll be talking about building a legacy and serving the community with our special guest, Greg Wimbush. Greg Wimbush Enterprise Incorporated. Clemency Pardon Consultant. Greg has been doing this work since 2013. I'm so excited to have him on the show and also he's a fellow Bobcat, so I really get excited.

Speaker 1: 0:43

Thank you, Tim. Thank you for having me. Also, I just want to mention to my former coach, Paul Penelope passed away on Monday. Just wanted to keep his family in prayer.

Speaker 2: 0:53

Thank you, We'll do that for sure, greg, as we talk about your life growing up, I know you've been a great person. I know you were a great basketball player at the Clemency High School, went on to play at Ohio University. When did you fall in love with basketball?

Speaker 1: 1:07

Basketball started around five or six years old in the backyard just playing around. And as I got older I went to Franklin Junior High School and that's when everything started clicking. And then from there I went to East High School. When I played we didn't have AAU, so we had to play grounds and we played against older guys. And it just developed from one thing to another because during the time, during the 60s and 70s, the City League and Columbus basketball was real hot.

Speaker 2: 1:38

So, as you look back at that time during the 60s and 70s, who were some of the coaches and mentors in your life?

Speaker 1: 1:44

Well, the coaches I had Ramirez. Coach Ramirez, he was my junior high school and Coach Fuller was my 10th grade and then my 11th 12th grade. Coach Paul Pannell was at East High School, and then also two other mentors Ed Ratliff, nick Connors the guys who played at East. I was like the little brother. I would travel with them Because, like I said, we played up at Ohio State in the cage and we just traveled. I just traveled with them, so it was well worth it.

Speaker 2: 2:14

When you look back on that, what were some of those life lessons that you learned?

Speaker 1: 2:17

from those guys, the team work, networking and trusting. That was real important. I mean, you know, because once again you know they were 17, 18, I was like 13, 14 years old, so I had to put trust in them. Also, too, they had to convince my mother. They had to convince my mother to let me go at 13, 14 years old, to Dayton, to Cleveland and to Ohio State at one o'clock in the morning. Yeah, so yeah.

Speaker 2: 2:48

So you know, as you look back on that experience at growing up in Columbus and at East High School, can you talk about the culture at East High School, the culture of excellence doing?

Speaker 1: 2:56

that. Well, when I first got to East High School, mr Jack Gibbs which was a icon, he was bigger than life. When we first got there, we had assembly the first day and he came out on stage and he set the rules and it was all about excellence. You know grades academics was first, sports was second and discipline was right there. And he set the example and although I only had him for one year, I still remember things that he instilled in us to this day.

Speaker 2: 3:29

There was a lot of lessons that we had off the court. Yes, besides the school.

Speaker 1: 3:34

I mean he was very, very, very academic. I mean taking trips going to a high state, going to Central State, going to Webber Forest. He made sure that he brought schools and we went to schools and we were only in South.

Speaker 3: 3:48

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Speaker 2: 4:25

Yeah, Just look back on your recruiting process back in the day. You know we see all this recruiting and everybody's online and I don't see where they're going. How was that recruiting process? Why did you choose Ohio University?

Speaker 1: 4:36

Well, at first I went to University of Pitt, johntown, and the coach there didn't last, so I came home. And when I came home I contacted Mr Giz, when he contacted Coach Bandy, and that's when I came to Ohio University. Yeah, it's a great story yeah and he told Coach Bandy that he had a, he had a, he had a guy that could shoot the ball, okay, and he said he wanted to come to Ohio University and he said, send him down.

Speaker 2: 5:06

You know, as you talk about the I think about that how important relationships are. Obviously looking for a guy to give knew exactly who the right guy was well, mr Gibbs, he was, he was.

Speaker 1: 5:17

He was the type of person that he would not tell you where to go, he would just give you the advice, because he said one of the things he didn't want to do is to make a suggestion, make a Choice for somebody, and you had to live there and you had to go to school there. You know and he was real adamant about that he wasn't gonna make the decision for you. It's for you and your parents to make the decision. He was just putting opportunities in front of us.

Speaker 2: 5:42

You know, as you look back over your life, your life kind of kind of took a different path. You know, you guys in trouble with law enforcement what was the moment that really turned your life around and got you back on that right?

Speaker 1: 5:54

Well, when I was, when I was incarcerated, tim, for two years, I had opportunity for the first six months to really figure out what my game plan was. You know, I was tutoring, I was going to school, but also, too, I thought about what I wanted to do. And here it is in fruition today, to be able to help other people who wasn't able to help themselves, because, once again, I had a lot of support for my family, friends, mentors when I came out. Mayor Coleman was very helpful of giving me a job, but also choose very helpful of being able to help me go through the pardon process, as well as Pastor Troy, my wife, dorsey windbush, robert Keyes. Those people came to the forefront at my hearing and this is what I'm doing today. I'm speaking for the voiceless.

Speaker 2: 6:45

You know, I know that you're a strong man of faith. How did your faith get you through those challenging times?

Speaker 1: 6:51

It was difficult. It was difficult because, once again, when you enter place where you don't have any Support, you don't know anybody. You have to put your faith in something else and it wasn't man or woman and during that time I really had to stay focused and pray and let God Speak to me and move forward. And it's time when one things got better.

Speaker 2: 7:19

You know you just mentioned earlier about that second chance you were giving America woman pastor, Troy Columbus basketball community and all that. Could you dig in a little deeper on how how they help you stay focused and kept you motivated?

Speaker 1: 7:32

well once again. I mean, people come to people and ask that they need some help and you know they have Credibility as well and they have to be mindful of the people who they helped, who asked for it and basically they trusted me Mm-hmm I To see me doing the right thing and to this day, this is why I'm doing Wimbus Enterprise is because somebody gave me a chance and believed in me, so now I'm trying to help other people that other people don't get a chance and don't believe in. And it's real important Because I seen the restoration Academy program that Maricopa started in 2012. I was a coordinator for seeing people's life change Within six months, you know, get in the job, get in the house, reconnecting with their family. It made a world of a difference and we still have about 20, 25, 26 people in the first two classes. They're still working for the city today.

Speaker 2: 8:30

We had mayor Coleman on the show earlier and he talked about that program as being one of his Greatest accomplishments in that program and he shared what really started program. He would you know mirrors He'd always walk around talking to people say what do you need? What do you need I? Said man I need to get a job. You know, then start the gentleman was sharing him about why he couldn't get a job.

Speaker 1: 8:51

You know, because that felony record and, and a lot of times I was with him. Yeah, we was on the east side, north side, south side, and that came. That same Message came up. You know, I need a job, I have a fellow, I need a job, I have a fellow. And he thought about it and that's why he created the restoration Academy. He, he thought of it, he funded and he hired the people at the city and he said that's one of his most memorable things that he did in the 16 years.

Speaker 2: 9:18

Yeah, that was a part of the piece. Yeah, can you talk about some of their skillsets that you know the guys need coming out Well one of the things they need support.

Speaker 1: 9:25

First of all, you know A lot of people come out and they, you know a lot of people come from Cleveland dating Cincinnati, because in Columbus we have a lot of resources. And then also to soft skills training on computer training, resume writing, just being able to be able to change the trajectory where they're at now, to be able to go out and talk to employers but also to get that resume. And then also to the subject matter being able to do the research on the company that you're going to interview for. That's important. And then, once that happens, then things start to move. But then, being forthright, you know a lot of people are hesitant to want to talk about their past. That's why the restoration Academy, that's why the expedient part and process the part and process the selling, the expungement, is so important, because there's people who had things on their records for 15, 20 years and Just don't know how to navigate through the system. And that's what I'm here to help them do.

Speaker 5: 10:21

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Speaker 2: 11:27

Your involvement in the community has been as a community member of the NAACP criminal justice committee, new Salem Missionary Baptist Church Prison Ministry, african-american Wellness Walk Initiative, big brothers, big sisters, central Ohio. The question becomes is why is? Why is Greg Wimboy so involved in all these things?

Speaker 1: 11:46

because somebody helped me and I had met. You know we talked about mentorship, but back then it was this older people in the neighborhood who was trying to show us the right way. Now it's mentorship. So I know how important it was when I was growing up that people took the interest in this, especially me. So that's what I'm doing now.

Speaker 1: 12:08

I mean, I don't really look at it as a job, I look at it as extending the out of branch, because once again there's people out here who need help and mental health is a big issue that we don't talk enough about and that's one of the things that we are trying to bring up now is that people, especially through COVID people was isolated and now coming back out and trying to reconnect, especially guys and women who've been inside for five, ten, fifteen years and then all of a sudden you come out to this real world. You had to have some support. You know that's one of the things that I'm very, very fortunate that I had my family, I had other people support, because a lot of people come out and they don't have it because their past has created that distance in between family and friends Nobody wants to be bothered with them.

Speaker 2: 12:56

So it sounds like your goal is kind of standing the gap, yes, running the gap.

Speaker 2: 13:01

Yes, very much. So I'm coming out and not just and I think about the support pieces is your consistency. You know what you're probably. You know they can count on you through a long run. You know sometimes people come and they'll start good things and then they just they drop the ball. But I watch you and watch how committed you are to this thing and not to let it go. And I know Ohio Governor, the Governor's expediting part, part and project is near and dear to your heart. Yes, near and dear to your heart. I know you, you've been fighting for this. You know, in December 20th the Governor has this big deal. So can you talk about that program and why it's so necessary and the impact that it will have?

Speaker 1: 13:41

Well, once again, when I went through this process, tim, in June of 2010, this was not available I had to actually go through the steps myself. I had to go to the clerk or court's office to get my background. I had to go to the police station to get the fingerprint to BCI. So I have a different appreciation for what we are going through now and I explained that to people that you know this is a lifetime-changing event and it's not for everybody. Okay, you know, and I know that I've been on grand jury, I've been on jury, have a home, have employment. I have a lot of things that, through this process, I've been able to do, and I share that with people that I know that people say, well, you know people this and that you know, and they can't really test the people. They see people on TV, they see people in the paper, but when you actually see somebody who went through, it has a different effect.

Speaker 2: 14:37

Real effect. It becomes real for me. Yeah, it's real. For me it's somebody who was, who was in incarcerated, served a time, came out, got a pardon, you're right.

Speaker 1: 14:47

Right and moving forward. Moving forward, yeah, and the best example is somebody that you can actually see and touch. You know, you hear about a lot of people on TV. You see people write books, but when you actually see somebody who's been through it has a different effect.

Speaker 2: 15:01

Yeah, I think the key for that is you being a man in the community. People see you, you know. I think a lot of times people see what you're doing now but everybody doesn't know the story. Yeah, they don't know the story. And then once you're able to share the story, that's encouraged with somebody else. And so as we get to that, can you give a word of encouragement to someone, listening how they can be restored and receive a second chance. If you have somebody on here that's thinking, man, I've done too much.

Speaker 1: 15:27

I'd say to anybody who's listening to this please contact me. We may not be able to go through the pardon process but also to. There's other avenues to go through and just having somebody to talk to who's been there, that is a lot with people don't have, because soon as you say that I am a felon, people stop, the communication stops and you know, and then they're back out there again trying to find another place to go because people pass people on. I know how that feels. You know I can't help everybody, but once again I can give them encouragement.

Speaker 2: 16:03

You know I'm fascinated about your vision for Wynbush enterprises.

Speaker 1: 16:11

Can you talk to us?

Speaker 2: 16:12

about that vision.

Speaker 1: 16:13

I've seen that far this is grown. This is something that just starting in 94-95. Okay that, you know, when I was incarcerated, this was something that I thought about then how could I turn my life around to help others? And one thing led to another. And it didn't start out this way, but this was just something that I wanted to do down the road and, you know, god put certain things in place and one thing led to another, and the first opportunity was through the Restoration Academy, you know. And once that took place, then, you know, things started rolling.

Speaker 1: 16:53

You know, because there was an article in the Dispatch and what you said is that a lot of people didn't know the story. And people read that and they was like, really, they never know that, you know. But once again, it wasn't nothing I was hiding, but I knew that when you reveal certain things, people will look at you different. But then also, too, if I can help somebody, that's the purpose of me coming forward and I appreciate you having me on the show because once again, that's what I want to do be able to help others.

Speaker 2: 17:26

There's a scripture that says this all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord called according to His purpose. So I really believe anything that we go through works together for the good. You know, people look at that like I don't know. How is this going, lord? How is this going to work out for the good? You know, I'm sitting here, I'm incarcerated for two and a half years. You know, I'm just basketball player, just scholarship, but you people are going to look at me like I haven't happened to Greg, you know. But we know that all things work together.

Speaker 1: 17:54

Yeah, and I truly say that, you know, in the article. When they interviewed me, I told them I said I wasn't arrested, I was rescued Because, once again, if I hadn't went there, I may have been in the cemetery. So God had other plans for me. And here I am, yeah, you know, moving forward. You know, and I appreciate the opportunity because, like you said, there's a lot of people don't know. But also, too, I'm trying to help those people. I'm speaking for the voices, the people who don't have the opportunities or don't have the exposure or the connections of the network, because, once again, relationships are important and I take pride in that, because once again, I've been given opportunities that I know most people haven't been able to get.

Speaker 2: 18:46

As we come around the corner and wrap up, I want to leave this with the audience. How can people get in touch with you for more information? Specifically, in touch with you for more information?

Speaker 1: 18:55

Well, I have a website. It's winbushenterprisecom, and then my email is winbushenterpriseyahoocom. My phone number 614-3690596. That's 614-3690596. If anybody want to make any donations, it was greatly appreciated because right now I have a few grants from the state and from city council. But moving forward, that will help.

Speaker 2: 19:24

Well, I want to thank you for your honesty, for being willing to be vulnerable and willing to share your story. I think a lot of things that we go through is really not for us. It's for somebody else. That's why I'm here.

Speaker 1: 19:39

That's why I'm here and I hope that people who are listening to this will contact me but also to understand that you're not the only person going through what you want to although you may think that at the time but also to. It's real important to reach out and let somebody know what you're going through, because the mental health part that we're dealing with right now that's what's happening with a lot of people. They won't reach out or they don't want to open up and they carry things with them. And I'm just blessed I'm just blessed to be here. This is an opportunity to share and I hope that people listen. I hope somebody will appreciate and contact me they will, I'm sure they will.

Speaker 2: 20:20

I'm sure they will. We're praying for them.

Speaker 1: 20:23

The number again is 614-3690596. Reach out.

Speaker 2: 20:31

This brings us to the end of this episode. Thanks to our special guest, Greg Wimboys, for answering the call that called it the place on his life to build a legacy of encouraging others. As always, thank you for joining us and listening to Be A Baller Podcast. Thanks, Greg.

Speaker 1: 20:48

Thanks, Sam Appreciate it.

Speaker 4: 20:54

If you enjoyed our show, please share this podcast with family and friends. Be A Baller Podcast is available on all major podcast stations. Be sure to come back next week as we continue to discuss on how to build a lifelong legacy. Until then, don't forget to be a baller. This podcast was created by coach Tim Brown and produced and edited by the video production class of Worthington Christian High School.