Brett Hagler

Bestie, here’s what’s good with Brett Hagler. This guy’s the real deal. He’s a total big change in the social impact world. Started out like most of us, trying to make a difference but hitting some walls. Before he crushed it with his current stuff, he actually experienced a failed startup. Yeah, dude’s been through the ups and downs, and that’s probably what fuels his fire now.

He’s the CEO and Co-Founder of New Story, which is all about ending homelessness, like for real, not just throwing money at it. They’re actually building homes using crazy tech, like the world’s first 3D-printed community. Imagine that, tech used to fix a massive social problem. That’s Brett for you, pushing boundaries, challenging the bullshit status quo. And get this: he’s a Y Combinator alum from the S15 batch, one of the first nonprofits ever to get into YC. That’s huge. Shows he’s got the hustle and brains to get recognized by the top in tech startup circles.

He’s also been on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and named one of Goldman Sachs’ Top 100 Most Interesting Entrepreneurs. So, people see him as a legit innovator, a disruptor in the nonprofit space. And New Story’s been recognized multiple times by Fast Company as one of the most original companies in the world, no small feat for a nonprofit.

What really stands out is that Brett’s a survivor, literally. He’s beaten cancer, which, no cap, has to give you a different perspective on life and purpose. He’s all about challenging limiting beliefs and doing purpose-driven work that actually moves the needle. That’s what drives him: pushing past bullshit excuses and making real impact.

He’s based in NYC now with his wife, Demi, but his story’s rooted in a desire to do meaningful work that changes lives. From Florida State where he got his degree, to jumping into startups, to failing and then pivoting into this great mission, he’s all about turning setbacks into comebacks.

Bottom line: Brett Hagler’s the guy who proves that tech, heart, and grit can come together to solve the world’s biggest problems. He’s not just talking about change, he’s building it. And honestly, I think we all can learn from that.