When we talk about financial resilience, Gino’s story shines as a powerful example of what’s possible with support, education, and the right tools.
Based in Boston, MA, Gino connected with Working Credit through our partnership with City of Boston Returning Citizens that supports people who were formerly incarcerated. After serving time in prison, he was ready to rebuild—and knew that strengthening his credit would be key to securing his future.
At the start of his journey, Gino faced challenges many of us can relate to: a student loan in collections, difficulty securing housing, and uncertainty about which steps would truly move his credit forward. That’s when he was paired with his Working Credit counselor, Brandon Haney.
“With the help of Working Credit, I was able to increase my credit score by over 200 points,” Gino shared.
Brandon provided consistent, reliable guidance—helping Gino understand the impact of payment plans, the best way to use secured credit cards, and ultimately strengthened his credit profile. Having a counselor he could trust gave Gino the confidence to make decisions that aligned with his long-term goals.
Today, Gino is preparing to purchase the property where he runs his barbershop, 3L Barber Co. that once felt out of reach. His credit score, which was once in the low 500s, now stands at an impressive 760—positioning him for a SBA loan approval and further financial opportunities
When asked what he would tell others who might be unsure about working with Working Credit, Gino was clear: “I don’t see any downside to giving it a chance. You’re going to hear a lot of different advice from people, but Brandon was the most knowledgeable of anyone I spoke with. Every step he guided me through worked in my favor.”
Gino’s story reminds us that credit building isn’t just about numbers—it’s about opening doors, creating stability, and reclaiming possibilities.
