From Rock Bottom to Rebuilding Lives: Bob’s Journey & the Mission of UF Innovations

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the very first blog from UF Innovations.

This isn’t just a company launch. It’s a story about resilience, accountability, and building something meaningful out of second chances.

In 2008, I co-founded the Omaha Sports Academy (OSA), which quickly became one of the most recognized youth basketball organizations in the Midwest.

What started as local leagues grew into regional and national tournaments, multiple facilities, and nearly 1 million annual visitors. We helped hundreds of athletes earn collegiate scholarships, and in 2017 and 2018, we celebrated something Nebraska had never seen before, two players drafted into the NBA.

It was everything I had worked for.

And then I lost it.

A series of destructive choices tied to addiction led to the collapse of everything I had built.

In 2021, I entered treatment at the Hazelden Betty Ford Center, was terminated from my role, and was later arrested. I spent over a year navigating the legal system. By August 2022, I was sentenced to probation.

I went from being a respected leader in the community to someone starting over—with nothing but the willingness to change.

Finding employment wasn’t easy.

But Plastilite Corporation gave me a shot.

I started in the warehouse at $13 an hour. No title. No status. Just work.

And I embraced it.

Over the next four years, I earned multiple promotions, moved into logistics leadership, and worked directly with executive leadership. More importantly, I rebuilt my discipline, my mindset, and my purpose.

During my time at Plastilite, something became very clear:

There are thousands of capable, motivated people who simply need one opportunity.

I worked alongside individuals in recovery, people transitioning from work release programs, and refugees eager to build a future. I saw firsthand how powerful employment can be—not just for income, but for identity, stability, and dignity.

That realization became the foundation for UF Innovations.

We exist to help individuals in recovery rebuild their lives, support returning citizens re-entering the workforce, and assist refugees and underserved populations in finding meaningful employment.

Because the truth is simple:

Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not.

At UF Innovations, we’re not just filling positions.

We’re building reliable, motivated workforces for employers, creating pathways to long-term success, and restoring confidence and purpose in people’s lives.

We believe businesses don’t just need employees.

They need people who are ready to show up, work hard, and grow.

That’s who we help connect.

On March 30, 2026, I will celebrate five years of sobriety.

That milestone means everything to me. It represents more than recovery—it represents the ability to give back, to build something that matters, and to help others find the same second chance I was given.

UF Innovations is just getting started.

And we’re building something bigger than a company.

We’re building a movement centered around second chances, workforce development, and real impact in our communities.

If you’re an employer looking for dependable talent, or someone ready for a fresh start—

We’re here for you.

Let’s build something better—together.

Bob Franzese

CEO