My Story

Johnny Waller Jr. is the C.E.O of The JLW Group L.L.C & Clear My Record Expungement Program Manager at the UMKC School of Law . When Mr. Waller is not working on his organizations, he works in the community on various social justice issues including ranging from the reduction of violence to the civil restoration of second chance citizens rights. He has also worked to pass local and state legislation along with members of the community in an effort to build a united, more equitable Kansas City. Mr. Waller graduated with honors from Johnson County Community College with an associate degree in Business Administration. He also holds a Bachelor degree in Business Management and Master degree in Organizational Leadership and Development from Rockhurst University. In 2018, He was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma for academic excellence in business studies.

Mr. Waller is currently a board member with Synergy Services and brand ambassador at G.I.F.T (Generating Income for Tomorrow) and serves on various committees throughout Kansas City including the GreenLight Fund, Minority Business Coalition and founder of the Rockhurst University Alumni Group Of Color. In Addition, he has attended many training programs including UMKC’s mini-law school, M.A.R. C’s Community Leadership training and Addictions Academy hosted by Lincoln University to name a few.

Life, however, did not start off on a successful path for him as he struggled most of his teenage years. When he was 12 years old his mother moved out of their home due to abuse and left him with a drug addicted father. By the time he was 14, he found himself homeless and alone, turning to gangs and drugs to fill the voids left in his life. At the age of 16, he was playing Russian Rolette, selling drugs and involved in many shoot outs including one that lead to him being shot in the head at point blank range. A year later, he was arrested for perpetrating a violent shooting at an Omaha mall and faced up to 60 years in prison. He ultimately ended up in prison serving a 2 and a half to 5 year and 18-month prison sentence for possession and possession with intent to deliver. He struggled for serval years after his release until he made a dramatic transformation that changed his life for the better.

Today he dedicates his free time working in the community as a change agent. Having lived a life of crime and success, he has a unique understanding of what it takes to overcome the many barriers people face and how to change their life for the better. He collaborates with non-profits, colleges and other organizations sharing his story and experiences in an effort to help find solutions to issues that continue to plague our community. He believes that through mutual understanding and hope that we all can make a profound positive impact in our community.