From Adversity to Empowerment The Inspiring Journey of The Growfather

The Growfather brand is built on the principles of resilience, transformation, and self-empowerment, inspired by the remarkable story of George Martorano. Growing up in Philadelphia and South Jersey, George endured immense legal challenges, including over 32 years of incarceration—the longest sentence ever given for a nonviolent first offense. Despite these hardships, he used his time behind bars to transform his life through education, introspection, and self-growth, becoming a mentor to over 8000 prisoners who completed his classes in prison.


GEORGE IS FEATURED ON

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About George

George Martorano is an author, entrepreneur, public speaker, and one of the most recognized figures in the conversation surrounding criminal justice reform. In 1984, George received a sentence of life without parole for a nonviolent federal drug offense, becoming one of the longest-serving first-time nonviolent federal prisoners in American history. During more than three decades of incarceration, he chose personal growth over despair—writing more than 30 books, mentoring fellow inmates, teaching educational and wellness programs, and transforming adversity into purpose. Released in 2015, George has dedicated his life to sharing lessons of resilience, redemption, and second chances through his books, public speaking, and The GrowFather brand.

DOCUMENTARIES

  • MOB WAR: Philadelphia vs THE MAFIA

    Netflix's documentaryMob War: Philadelphia vs. The Mafiaexplores one of the most notorious chapters in organized crime history. Featuring firsthand insight from George Martorano, the series examines the power struggles, federal investigations, and real-life events that reshaped the Philadelphia underworld, offering a rare perspective from someone who lived through the era.

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  • These Ain't No Fairytales The George Martorano Stories

    Born into a hierarchy of traditional criminal organization Martorano's stories educe compassion and humor in a world where violence is the norm be it in the paths of his storied South Philly mob family to the iron-gated iron-fisted penitentiaries and dungeons he called home for 32 years. In Oct 2015 under the Compassionate Release program as the longest nonviolent offender, he was discharged.

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  • Life Without Parole: The Story of George Martorano

    George Martorano, sentenced to life for non-violent marijuana charges, turns his life around in prison and inspires others before being released after 32 years. Martorano's story is one of ambition, survival, and the consequences of a life lived on the fringes of society. the longest sentence ever given for a nonviolent first offense.

    DIrected by Jill Frechie and John Ricciutti

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Books

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Awards

  • FirstGlance Film Festival Awards

    FirstGlance Film Festival is one of the longest-running independent film festivals in the U.S., celebrating a diverse range of indie films. The Audience Choice Award is especially meaningful, as it reflects the direct impact the film had on viewers, who vote for their favorite films during the festival. Winning Best of the Fest and Best Documentary means Life Without Parole resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, highlighting its exceptional narrative and production quality.

  • Telly Awards

    The Telly Awards honor excellence in video and television across all screens. Receiving a Bronze Telly Award recognizes Life Without Parole for its outstanding achievement in documentary filmmaking. The Tellys are highly competitive, attracting entries from some of the world's best content creators, making this win a mark of high-quality craftsmanship.

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Recent Events

  • An Evening with George Martorano

    Guests enjoyed an unforgettable evening as George Martorano shared remarkable stories from his life, including his 32-year incarceration, personal transformation, and lessons learned.

  • An Evening of Redemption & Resilience

    A heartfelt evening focused on hope, personal transformation, perseverance, and the remarkable power of rebuilding a life after unimaginable adversity.

  • George Martorano Live Storytelling Tour

    A series of sold-out live appearances where George captivated audiences with true stories of prison survival, organized crime history, redemption, and the power of second chances.
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NEWS & ARTICLES

  • AS FEATURED ON BIG TRIAL

    Newswire announced George Martorano's selection as a featured speaker atTEDxPenn, recognizing his inspiring journey from serving more than 32 years in federal prison to becoming an author, educator, mentor, and motivational speaker whose message centers on resilience, redemption, and personal transformation.

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  • AS FEATURED IN PHILADELPHIA MAGAZINE

    Philadelphia Magazinecovered George Martorano's release after more than 32 years in federal prison, highlighting one of the longest sentences served by a first-time, nonviolent federal offender and the beginning of his new chapter.

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  • AS FEATURED IN PHILLYVOICE

    PhillyVoicefeatured George Martorano's remarkable story, exploring how his unprecedented federal sentence and the events surrounding his case may have influenced the history of organized crime in Philadelphia, while also highlighting his release after more than 32 years in prison.

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Shared Cell with Feared Mob Boss for 2 Years… He had One Rule & Terrified Inmate

A PHILADELPHIA drug trafficker who shared a prison cell with one of America’s most notorious criminals has revealed what really went on behind bars. For two years in the mid-1980s, George Martorano


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Quotes

"If I have hope facing what I am facing every day, so can you."

— George Martorano

"Hope is stronger than circumstance."

— George Martorano

"No matter where you are, you still get to choose who you become."

— George Martorano

"Education gave me freedom long before the prison gates opened."

— George Martorano

"Writing became my way of surviving."

— George Martorano

"I refused to let prison define the rest of my life."

— George Martorano

"Every day is another opportunity to grow."

— George Martorano

"Hope is a decision you make every morning."

— George Martorano

"The greatest prison is the one inside your own mind."

— George Martorano

"Life is about what you become, not only what you've been through."

— George Martorano

Biography

  • Rise in Organized Crime

    Martorano's association with the Philadelphia Mafia is a subject of some debate. While some sources claim he was a trusted member of the organization, others, including Martorano himself, maintain that he was not directly involved in his father's criminal activities.

  • Arrest and Imprisonment

    The reason behind Martorano's life sentence for drug charges remains unclear. According to Martorano, the judge who sentenced him aimed to pressure him into becoming a government informant against his father and other high-ranking members of the Philadelphia Mafia. Martorano has consistently denied having any substantial knowledge of his father's criminal operations.

  • Release and Aftermath

    While incarcerated, Martorano turned to writing as a form of expression and rehabilitation. He authored several books, including "Chisel My Heart," "Love an Evil Jailer," and "Pain Grows A Platinum Rose." These works explore themes of love, redemption, and the challenges of life behind bars. Martorano's writing career offers a unique perspective on the prison experience and the human capacity for resilience.
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Conclusion

George Martorano's life is a testament to the allure and dangers of organized crime. His story raises questions about the nature of justice, the consequences of a life lived outside the law, and the enduring power of family ties. While his name may be forever associated with the Philadelphia underworld, Martorano's legacy is a complex one, filled with both cautionary tales and unexpected twists.

What people say about George

"George Martorano's story is unlike anything I've ever read. His honesty, resilience, and willingness to share both his mistakes and his growth make this far more than a prison memoir—it is a powerful lesson in redemption and personal responsibility."

— Michael R.

— Michael R.

Verified Reader

"Few authors write with the authenticity that George brings to every page. His books challenge you to think differently about perseverance, second chances, and the human capacity to change."

— Sarah L.

— Sarah L.

Book Reviewer

"I picked up George's book expecting a story about prison. Instead, I found a story about hope, discipline, education, and the determination to become a better person despite impossible circumstances."

— Anthony C.

— Anthony C.

Verified Reader

"George's writing is thoughtful, deeply personal, and incredibly inspiring. Knowing these books were written during more than three decades of incarceration makes them even more remarkable."

— Jennifer M.

— Jennifer M.

Reader

"Whether you agree with every part of George's past or not, it's impossible to ignore the transformation he's achieved. His books remind us that people are capable of growth, reflection, and meaningful change."

— David P.

— David P.

Book Enthusiast

"Every chapter reflects wisdom earned through experience. George doesn't ask for sympathy—he shares lessons about accountability, resilience, and making every day count."

— Rebecca T.

— Rebecca T.

Verified Reader

"This is one of those rare stories that stays with you long after you've finished reading. George's journey demonstrates that purpose can be found even in the most difficult circumstances."

— Christopher H.

— Christopher H.

Reader

"George Martorano's books offer far more than a personal story—they encourage readers to reflect on forgiveness, perseverance, and the value of never giving up on personal growth."

— Linda W.

— Linda W.

Book Lover
Location: Philadelphia

Contact Me

You can contact me with the contact form or through my email: georgiemartorano@gmail.com

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