The Mission:
Create People-First Workplaces
This groundbreaking book challenges the status quo of employment, offering a bold vision for workplaces that see potential instead of past, strength instead of stigma. As advocates and nonprofit leaders, power couple Dean and Michele Feltes, have witnessed the transformative power of believing in people—all people—regardless of their background or circumstances.
The future of work isn't about maintaining the status quo.
Legitimizing the New Hustle isn’t just another business book. It’s a powerful roadmap for creating “People-First Workplaces” that break down employment barriers and revolutionize how we think about human potential. Through compelling stories and practical strategies, we showcase how forward-thinking companies are already making this vision a reality.
Retention in employment should not be an issue with the right strategies in place to support staff
Michele Feltes brings people together with purpose and passion as an advocate whose superpower is being a relational router. She leads organizations to become People-First Workplaces of intention. She’s an advocate, a doer, disrupter of recidivism, and galvanizer for change and believes something can be learned in every circumstance. Filling gaps and equipping people to overcome barriers and seeing them fulfill their dreams as they accomplish their goals is what truly inspires her.
Join us in legitimizing the new hustle—where every individual's journey is honored, potential is unlimited, and success is measured by those who are living a transformed life.
Inside These Pages, You’ll Discover:
- How four innovative businesses are shattering employment stigmas and creating sustainable change in their communities
- Practical strategies for transforming traditional HR policies into inclusive, growth-focused practices
- Real-world examples of companies that aren’t just talking about change—they’re actively building the future of work
- A framework for creating workplaces where employees are seen, supported, and empowered to thrive
This book invites us to reimagine our workplaces as communities that foster personal and professional growth. It's an inspiring call to action for employers, leaders, or community advocates to create workplaces that put people first. In any line of work, any company, new or old, can benefit from seeing people for their potential, instead of their past.
Thank you David Shapiro for writing the Foreword
As Assistant Director at the Center for Health, Work & Environment, David Shapiro champions workplace wellness through innovative public health initiatives. He transformed EPIC's early childhood investment coalition from 10 to 75+ executive members and now leads Health Links® and the Colorado Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative™, helping organizations build healthier work environments.
A Tufts University graduate and certified Total Worker Health® expert, David brings unique experience from Colorado's ski industry and youth services. When not advancing workplace mental health and family-friendly policies, this father of three explores the outdoors and hits the tennis court.
This collaborative work brings together voices from across industries—from Community Bank & Trust to UnityPoint Health—each sharing their journey toward building more inclusive, supportive, and successful organizations. These aren’t just success stories; they’re blueprints for transformation.
Discover . . .
How daring to ask “Why not?” and having the courage to build something better, led Michele to create the bold idea around workplaces that truly put people first.
Thank You Sponsors
Community Bank & Trust
Chapter 4: A President’s Perspective
Kay Park Industries
Chapter 6
Unity Point Health - Waterloo
Chapter 8
Western Home Communities
Chapter 9