TheUnPlug is more than a practical product. It is part of Paul Free's next chapter—and a way to turn a hard-earned second chance into something useful for other people.
Paul's story
In 1995, Paul received a life-without-parole sentence for a nonviolent marijuana conspiracy. He would spend more than two decades in federal prison.
Learning, teaching, and helping others
Paul chose to make his time matter. While incarcerated, he taught GED and reading classes, mentored fellow prisoners, and helped people navigate legal filings. His work was rooted in a simple belief: knowledge, dignity, and practical support can change the direction of a life.
A second chance
President Barack Obama granted Paul clemency in December 2016. Paul returned home in 2019 after more than twenty years away. Freedom brought a new challenge—building a life again in a world that had changed dramatically.
Why TheUnPlug exists
Paul turned his patent-pending design into TheUnPlug: a simple handle created to help people disconnect compatible plugs without pulling on the cord. The product reflects the qualities that carried him forward—persistence, independence, problem-solving, and the determination to make everyday life a little easier.
Giving back
Paul's goal is for TheUnPlug to support veterans and others rebuilding after difficult chapters. The giving program, including its beneficiaries and contribution structure, will be published as those details are finalized so customers can see exactly how their purchases help.