Attend The Homeboy Way: A Radical Approach to Business
On March 18, 2026, from 11 AM to 12:30 PM in Payson Library's Surfboard Room, the Faith and Business Initiative at Pepperdine University will host an inspiring conversation with Tom Vozzo, former CEO of Homeboy Industries, as he shares the story behind his latest book, The Homeboy Way. Discover his innovative, spiritually-driven approach to redefining the bottom line, and learn how Christian values, purpose-driven leadership, and radical compassion can transform both business and life. This is a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of faith and professional practice while connecting with students, faculty, and business leaders who are shaping the future of ethical, mission-driven business.
By every traditional measurement of success, Vozzo was a clear winner. In his world of billion-dollar revenues and million-dollar profits, he knew exactly what shareholders wanted and how to get it for them.
After 30 years holding top positions at the highest echelons of corporate America, Vozzo left his lucrative career, convinced there had to be a better way to define success. He pivoted, after being asked by founder Fr. Greg Boyle to become the first-ever CEO of Homeboy Industries, the largest and most successful gang intervention, rehabilitation, and reentry program in the world.
After arriving at Homeboy during a financial crunch, Vozzo used the skills he’d perfected in the corporate world to help steer the organization into an unprecedented phase of growth and success. He has spearheaded the creation of nearly a dozen thriving social enterprises, launched the $12 million Homeboy Ventures & Jobs Fund, tripled the size of the organization, and significantly increased its impact. In 2020, Homeboy Industries was awarded the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize, a major humanitarian prize presented to a nonprofit organization judged to have made extraordinary contributions toward alleviating human suffering.
Prior to joining Homeboy in 2012, Vozzo was a global business executive guiding highly successful businesses in the service, retail and distribution industries, exceeding earnings targets, even during challenging economic times. His last corporate role was as CEO of the $1.8 billion ARAMARK Uniform and Career Apparel Group, now known as Vestis.
Today he leads the team at Homeboy, embracing and championing core values of kinship, empathy, and social justice.
Register to attend. The first 25 registered guests to arrive will receive a copy of Tom Vozzo’s latest book, The Homeboy Way.