How Ron Stefanski Turned a Felon Job Board into $500K

From Burnout to a $500K Sale: The Journey of JobsForFelonsHub.com

Most people don’t quit stable jobs to help an underserved group find work. In 2014, Ron Stefanski did just that, leaving his regular nine-to-five after years of getting worn down by the corporate ladder. Feeling the pressure to make something work, he took a big leap into digital entrepreneurship—without a backup plan. What started as an experiment quickly snowballed into JobsForFelonsHub.com, now recognized as the web’s top resource for former felons needing employment help.

Spotting the Niche Others Ignored

Ron noticed something right away: a huge gap in information for people re-entering society after a felony conviction. There were no simple, reliable, or up-to-date guides on which companies would hire someone with a record. Legal resources were scattered. Reentry help was tough to find. For someone searching with limited time and options, this was a disaster. Ron’s plan was basic but effective—gather all that data in one spot and build a genuine, friendly online platform focused on practical help. That’s how JobsForFelonsHub.com started to pick up steam.

Early Days: Building Trust and Content

At first, it was just Ron. He researched employer policies, wrote articles for every state, and built checklists for job applications, resume tips, ban-the-box initiatives, and second chance hiring. He focused on plain language and positive stories. This content, optimized for Google search, was what stood out—not just in value but in searchability. Users weren’t just readers, either. They became loyal, sent in questions, and rooted for the project’s growth. The site’s sincerity attracted not only individual users but also groups involved in reentry, job programs, and even some progressive employers willing to give second chances.

Turning a Side Hustle into a Movement

Over the years, Ron upgraded content constantly, reworking guides and adding downloadable PDFs, email templates for reaching HR, and checklists for legal hurdles. He got hands-on with SEO: reviewing every article, researching keywords people actually searched for, and updating old pieces so they kept ranking on page one. Ron didn’t just put content into the void. He built tools and lists for ex-offenders that nobody else offered. When readers wanted more, he asked them directly via surveys and emails—then used that research to decide which features, city job lists, or partner programs to prioritize next. The Facebook page exploded; the email list cracked 20,000. Word traveled in closed communities, and non-profits started linking to his guides. Ron even saw his work referenced by state government agencies, a rare win for a solo operator in a tough niche.

Monetizing Without Losing Trust

But did JobsForFelonsHub.com only grow for social good? No—Ron was clear-headed about making it profitable, too. He grew revenue through a blend of display advertising (ads that paid based on web traffic), affiliate offers (like career courses, resume help, and criminal record expungement services), and B2B deals where attorneys or hiring partners paid for leads. He experimented with selling guides, reaching out to partner organizations, and even consulting for other job sites looking to duplicate his strategies. Every move was run by a simple test: Does this add value for the user or is it just for profit? That balance is why audience trust kept rising, instead of dropping off.

Building for Buyers: Making the Business Sellable

On the outside, JobsForFelonsHub.com might’ve looked like a personal blog. Underneath, it operated as a serious business. Ron had analytics tracking every page, built lead magnets that converted readers into email subscribers, and systemized outreach for both backlink growth and partnerships. When it grew beyond what one person could (or wanted to) handle, he started considering an exit strategy. He knew the traffic, brand reputation, and loyal user base would be worth something serious if he brought it to the right buyer. That’s when Ron connected with Flippa, an online business marketplace. Flippa offered hands-on valuation support and helped Ron list the business at an ambitious price—a target he thought would be hard to reach. To his surprise, the site’s impact and solid numbers drew strong interest, and JobsForFelonsHub.com sold for $500,000—well beyond Ron’s original expectations.

What Made the Difference?

Why did this site stand out? Real stories, actionable resources, and deep niche focus. Ron’s competitors missed details or failed to update their info when laws changed. Ron did regular check-ups and revisions. Most importantly, he never lost sight of the mission: making sure anyone with a criminal record could find real, current help navigating reentry and landing work. Along the way, he received messages from users who completely turned their lives around after using the site’s tips. Some got off drugs, others reconnected with family, and many found their first jobs—sometimes in years—through JobsForFelonsHub.com’s listings and community advice.

The Aftermath: Life, Happiness, and Reflections

Ron’s next chapter has him managing a portfolio of websites and operating under his "OneHourProfessor" brand. He’s upfront that he doesn’t need to be a multi-millionaire—just secure and free from worrying when the next paycheck will come. The $500K sale was life-changing for him and his family but the pride comes just as much from knowing he helped thousands along the way. Lessons? Spot gaps, act fast, listen to your users, and always update your info. Most importantly: pick a business that helps, not just sells. That’s how you get enthusiasm and support that spreads by word-of-mouth—not just ad dollars.

• Transform a side project into a purpose-driven and profitable online business by serving an overlooked audience.
• Iterate content constantly based on real user feedback and search trends, don’t set-and-forget.
• Make your business sellable: document, optimize, and build systems that a buyer can quickly run with.
• Don’t ignore mission and story—brand trust goes further than paid traffic or a big ad budget.
• Choose technology and tools to save time and track impact, not just because they’re popular in the industry.
• Profit with purpose is sustainable. Ron’s journey shows you can do good and get paid for it—they’re not exclusive.