Prison Entrepreneurship Shark Tank Day

On September 25, 2026, Michael Etcheson of the Dallas-based Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) spoke to The Rotary Club of Park Cities. Many Rotarians reached out after the meeting asking how they could get involved. President Mark Kasher spoke to Mr Etecheson and was able to secure a Rotary Volunteer Day for the program's Shark Tank Pitch Day at the men's prison.

If you are interested in serving on Thursday, October 29th, 2026, please sign up at the link below. We need 10-15 Rotarians to secure this service opportunity. It will be an all-day commitment, and we are working on providing transportation/carpooling to Venus, Texas. More details will be forthcoming once we have secured the needed attendees. 

Please do not let the distance deter you from serving. Rotarian Farshad Marzban has made the drive many times and assures us it’s not too bad. And remember, this is step one to securing your very own prison nickname!

For more information on the program, click here.

This event will take place at the Sanders Estes Unit (men's state prison). You will need a valid ID to get into the facility.

For additional questions, please email/call/text/ Rotarian Farshad Marzban farshad@marzban.law or 214-458-7443.

DETAILS TO DATE:

Thursday, October 29, 2026 

Option 1: PEP Office Presentation – 10:00 AM

We can meet at the PEP office in Richardson for a brief presentation about PEP, explain expectations from both volunteers and participants, and provide an overview of the Second Chance Business Pitch Competition. There will also be time for questions and conversation, along with a light breakfast. Following the presentation, the group would travel together to the Estes Unit.

Option 2: Directly to the Estes Unit – 12:00 PM

We may also choose to meet directly at the Sanders “Sandy” Estes Unit, 1100 FM 1807, Venus, TX 76084, and attend the Second Chance Business Pitch Competition.

11:00 am - 12:00 pm 

Drive to Sanders Estes Unit (depending on needs/who signs up, we will configure carpooling) 

12:00 pm- 3:00 pm
Business Pitch Competition. We will be inside the prison for three hours. You may not bring anything inside with you except for your ID. We will hold all other items at the front. If you have any medication you need to take around midday, it will be held at the front. 

For planning and facility security purposes, we would need the first and last name, driver’s license number, email address, and phone number for each participating individual.