In college, Bronx-native Ralphy Dominguez was a straight-A student, a natural leathersmith, and a drug kingpin. His knack for business led to a $2 million cocaine ring that covered most of the Northeast, and ultimately ended in a 3-year stint at a federal prison. While serving time, Ralphy honed his leather-crafting abilities and set his sights on starting a fine leather business, Pen & Pistol. We hear from Ralphy in his own words as he recounts his story and the difficulties and rewards of going straight.

Photo by Sarah Barrett