The Story Behind NovaRise

The Story Behind NovaRise

I’m Jeff Johnson, founder of NovaRise Steel.

At 17 years old, I was sentenced to double life without parole plus 248 years for a crime I did not commit.

For years, I lived with a reality most people can’t imagine — a life sentence handed down before my life had even really begun. During that time, I faced the same moment many people do when everything feels lost.

My grandmother gave me a perspective that changed everything:

“We all have a life sentence — we just serve it in different places.”

That stayed with me.

From that point forward, I made a decision about how I was going to live, no matter where I was.

“A Better Life Is Always A Choice Away.”

In 2005, the person responsible for the crime came forward. He confessed, turned over the murder weapon, and provided the evidence that proved my innocence.

I didn’t learn about that confession until 2012.

In 2018, after more than two decades, I was finally released.

But the most important part of my story isn’t what happened to me.

It’s what I chose to do after.

I chose not to live in bitterness. I chose to build something better.

Today, I speak in prisons, schools, churches, colleges, and community programs across Colorado about perseverance, accountability, and personal responsibility. I’ve worked with pre-release inmates, district attorney programs, and audiences connected with the Colorado Supreme Court.

One of the most meaningful parts of my journey is the relationship I built with the victim’s family. When the truth came out, the victim’s grandson, Steve Malone, became one of my strongest advocates and even testified on my behalf.

Today, that relationship represents something rare — forgiveness, healing, and mutual respect.

I live by a simple belief:

“The only time you truly fail is when you stop believing in yourself.”

I’m now married and the proud father of twins.

NovaRise Steel was built on those same principles:

• • Hard work
• • Honesty
• • Second chances

And the belief that as long as you’re breathing, you still have the opportunity to build something better.