This Couple Built a $2B Pizza Chain… by Hiring Convicted Felons

In a world where people are judged by their past, their education, or the way they look…

Scott and Ally Svenson decided to build something different.

A company that gave second chances — no matter who you were or where you came from.

They weren’t always in the pizza business. In 1995, the couple left their corporate careers and launched Seattle Coffee Company — not in the U.S., but in London.

Just three years later, they sold it to Starbucks for a reported $90 million.

Most people would’ve called it a day. But once you get bit by the entrepreneur bug, there’s no going back.

The Svensons wanted their next business to have purpose — not just profits.

So in 2008, they launched MOD Pizza, short for “Made On Demand.”

It wasn’t just about great food. It was about creating jobs for people who needed a shot at redemption — especially those with criminal records.

They hired felons. People recovering from addiction. People others wouldn’t give a chance.

The result?

MOD Pizza became the fastest-growing restaurant chain in America — with over 500 locations and plans to go public.

Their story is proof that you don’t have to choose between profit and purpose.

Because when you lead with empathy, opportunity follows.