LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Finding a job can be a challenge for people with a criminal history. 

More than half of unemployed men in their 30s have been arrested or convicted of a crime, according to a study by RAND Corp. 

Michael Dunn will tell you that remodeling a house is hard, but rebuilding your life as a convicted felon is harder. 

“Some people they judge you off your past. Some people do change you just got to give somebody a second chance. Everyone deserves a second chance,” says Dunn.  

His biggest hurdle after prison was finding a job. 

Sometimes he would be let go a few days after starting a job because of his criminal record. 

His search ended when ARGC Construction Group gave him a chance. 

“It may be hard, it ain’t easy money. Don’t come fast like regular money, like street money or drug money, but it’s easy. You ain’t gotta worry about going to jail by working,” says Dunn. 

During his five years behind bars, Dunn made a promise to his three daughters that he would change his life when he was released. 

“I done been shot at everything in the streets, so that means they don’t love you. The people that’s right behind you and in your corner is the ones that’s showing you love and really wanting to help you, genuine love, like Alisia,” says Dunn. 

Alisia Richardson, the owner of ARGC Construction Group, hired Michael as a subcontractor a year ago. 

“It really touches my heart because I really know what it’s like to be down in the slums and feeling like you trying to do something right and nobody is not giving you that opportunity,” says Richardson.  

She was once the one who needed a second chance. 

“When I got convicted of a felony, then nobody trusts me because I was convicted of check fraud. Didn’t nobody trusts me to work at a register at McDonald’s, and then I kind of went into a depression and everything else,” says Richardson. 

Like Dunn, Richardson also had a family to take care of, so she picked up a trade in the construction industry, but still struggled with her job search. 

When she was finally given a chance, she worked her way up the management ladder before branching off and becoming her own boss.

“All I needed is just one chance just to prove myself and with them people giving me that opportunity to prove myself I feel like I have to pay it forward and do the same thing,” says Richardson.

Her motto is “breaking chains and building bonds,” but if you ask Michael, she’s changing lives. 

“If I stay on the same path, I’m all right now. I’m 95% I’m 120% sure that things is gonna be great for me,” says Dunn. “I’m a prime example of a convicted felon turning his life around.” 

With a little help and a second chance, he says anyone can turn their life around. 

ARGC Construction Group is looking to fill positions, including a project manager, laborers, and skilled carpenters. 

For more information about these positions, you can contact Richardson at admin@argcconstructiongroup.com