I am the oldest son of James Bryant Dickson III and Toni Tryon-Dickson. I have three lovely children: Morgan Dickson, Dakota Dickson, and James Bryant Dickson V.
 
As a child, everyone—from family to friends—called me gifted. For example, I learned to ride a bike without training wheels entirely on my own. I also taught myself gymnastics without an instructor. My mother and father always pushed my brother and me to excel in everything we pursued.
 
My father taught my brother Claude and me how to build homes at an early age. In 1998, I studied for, took, and passed the test for my California state contractor’s license. At 30 years old, I built my first home in the hills of Spring Valley, California, on Dictionary Hill.
 
Unfortunately, my life descended into chaos when the housing market crashed in 2008 and 2009, leaving me unable to find work as a contractor. After depleting my $75,000 savings, I turned to crime to supplement my income. Eventually, I was apprehended, convicted, and sentenced to 22 years and eight months in prison on June 11, 2011. On the day of my arrest, I was nearly shot and killed by Deputy Sheriff Buck and San Diego Police Sergeant Bouchard. These officers had every right to gun me down as I resisted arrest, clutching a firearm tightly in my right hand. I am forever grateful they chose not to take my life that day. Their mercy is one of the main reasons I feel indebted to law enforcement—which is why, through the MARS program, I provide free labor for their home remodeling, auto body repairs, and paint needs for their families’ vehicles.
 
While in prison, I enrolled in every self-help group I believed could rehabilitate my mindset and behavioral flaws. I also joined the CTF Soledad Prison vocational auto body and paint program, where I excelled so rapidly that I became the teacher’s assistant after just one year of hands-on training. Most correctional officers at CTF Soledad requested me to paint their vehicles. As my skills grew, so did my determination to avoid trouble. My disciplinary-free record earned me a spot in the MCRP program, granting me early release. On August 8, 2024, Warden Martinez released me.
 
It’s important to note that the MARS program is my passion project—a way to teach participants the skills and knowledge passed down to me by my father, grandfather, contractor friends, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. My goal isn’t just to teach high-paying trades but to mentor participants for life. My philosophy is simple: If I invest in someone, I want to see them thrive as successful, law-abiding citizens. Through my app, I provide high-level trade instruction, and that’s exactly what MARS aims to do.
 
Serving 13½ years in prison transformed my life for the better. Now, I can confidently say that the MARS program—when properly funded—will change hundreds, even thousands, of lives. It will empower individuals to rise above the misconception that their race or social status hinders their dreams, helping them become the men and women their Creator destined them to be.