Case Study: The Unseen Journey – From Notoriety to Recovery Leadership
A grassroots addiction recovery center founded by a former drug dealer turned community advocate.
The Challenge
How do you launch a recovery center led by someone the city doesn't trust?
When LaunchPad Recovery Centre first opened its doors, it faced intense public scrutiny and political resistance. The founder — a reformed drug dealer who had dedicated his life to helping others overcome addiction — was denied city permits and shunned by many stakeholders.
Public perception was not just skeptical, it was actively hostile. Community members, politicians, and media questioned how someone with a criminal past could now lead a movement rooted in healing. The very concept of redemption was under attack.
The Mission
Reposition a polarizing public figure as a respected recovery leader
Shift public narrative from skepticism to support
Build trust, secure permits, and attract sustainable funding
The Strategy
Under the leadership of Maxine Ebegbuzie, founder of Max Mobile Solutions and president/founding board member of LaunchPad Recovery, the transformation began with one truth:
People believe stories more than they believe stats.
Brand Repositioning
Maxine reframed the founder's story, shifting the focus from his past to his purpose. A new brand identity was built around authenticity, transparency, and transformation.
  • Personal testimonies of recovered individuals
  • The science of addiction recovery and lived experience
  • Real community outcomes
Public Relations Campaigns
  • Coordinated press coverage in Windsor Star, AM800, and regional media
  • Produced video interviews and testimonials showing real impact
  • Organized a high-profile Sober New Year's Eve Celebration
  • Delivered keynote speeches on stigma, community healing, and transformation
Community Mobilization
  • Secured endorsements from politicians, pastors, and mental health leaders
  • Partnered with Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
  • Delivered church talks and on-air radio awareness campaigns
Infrastructure & Marketing
  • Designed and launched the official website with integrated donation
  • Built the brand's visual identity and value narrative
  • Deployed email sequences and donation-driven campaigns
  • Established policy, operations manuals, and public health protocols
  • Structured admin, financial, and CRM workflows
The Results
Media Highlights:
  • Windsor Star: Sober New Year's Eve party a safe place for recovering addicts
  • AM800 radio features and community interviews
  • Multiple recovery testimonial videos across Facebook and YouTube
  • Ambassador feature with CMHA: Sole Focus Project Profile
Key Activation Moment
Sober New Year's Eve Celebration
Maxine planned and emceed a landmark recovery-focused event. Politicians, media, and community members gathered alongside dozens of recovering individuals. The event became a pivotal turning point in reshaping LaunchPad's reputation from controversial to credible.

03:16

Let's Support Those Recovering From Addictions!

Lessons in Brand Psychology
Cognitive Framing: Maxine's background in neuromarketing allowed her to rewire public perception through emotional storytelling, loss aversion messaging, and trust triggers.
Authority Transfer
Presenting the founder as a lived-experience expert
Social Proof
Curated testimonials and multi-platform media coverage
Narrative Shift
From notoriety to leadership, without whitewashing the past
What Maxine Said
"This about was about his personal brand image and it was about belief. I knew if we could help the public see transformation through a human lens, we'd earn their trust. The story wasn't just his — it was about what's possible when people are given a second chance."
Launch of their downtown location that housed 30 men.
Current Status
LaunchPad Recovery Centre now supports dozens of men annually and serves as a pillar of addiction recovery in the region. It is publicly backed, privately funded, and continually expanding — the result of a brand built on transformation, not polish.
30-50
Men in Recovery
Annually supported through the program
$100K
Annual Funding
In cash and in-kind donations
100%
Community Acceptance
From rejection to regional pillar