Lifestyle

Facebook Group ‘Clean and Sober’ is helping addicts and their families find Hope

Published

5 years ago

January 17, 2020

Addiction is a severe problem. One that is often only spoken about behind closed doors in hushed voices. In the United States alone, the statistics are alarming, and while we would like to think it could never happen to us, almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction costing them their lives, happiness, and well-being. As the tides turn on transparency, some entrepreneurs and influencers are opening up about their struggles with addiction because they believe no one should go through it alone. Chris Ferry, the founder of the Boca Recovery Center in Florida, understands that the road to recovery involves the support of those who have been there.

Before founding the Boca Recovery Center, Chris Ferry’s life was racked continuously by addiction. In and out of rehab multiple times, Ferry has been sober since 2013, but it wasn’t an easy path. “It takes a support system,” explains Ferry. Armed with the knowledge of his experiences and the sympathy for those who are fighting alone, Ferry started one of the largest support groups on social media for those recovering from addiction. The Clean and Sober: Addiction Recover Support Group Facebook page is the largest of its kind and brings together people from all over the world with one very clear mission – to get sober and to stay that way. This page is giving families support when they have nowhere else to turn.

“Not everyone is fortunate enough to come from communities with places to go for addiction,” explains Ferry. “A lack of support is often why so many people relapse.” While communities are trying their best to create safe havens for recovering addicts, their resources are stretched thin. What Ferry has done is harnessed the power of social media to create a space for recovering addicts regardless of financial status or location.

Clean and Sober brings everyone together in an environment of support, and that is incredibly powerful. Ferry strives to create awareness about addiction while inspiring others with an image of what a life of sobriety looks like. “My words of wisdom for recovering addictions is to find a support group,” states Ferry. “Being sober can be hard, especially if you are alone. We all need a community.” With over 64,000 members, Clean and Sober not only supports those recovering from drug abuse but also offers resources for those suffering through depression, eating disorders, and domestic violence.

A real community in every sense of the word Clean and Sober offers a space to share, a space for support, and a second chance. “I’ve had more than my fair share of chances. It was a hard journey, and I make it my mission every day to connect and build a stronger community through recovery.” Ferry genuinely believes that community is critical to support. If you or a loved one is struggling through addiction, don’t be afraid to reach out and find a support group. Chances are you are not the only one, and a mentor and friend is only one click away.

Lifestyle

Why Derik Fay Is Becoming a Case Study in Long-Haul Entrepreneurship

Published

1 week ago

July 2, 2025

Michelle Langton

Entrepreneurship today is often framed in extremes — overnight exits or public flameouts. But a small cohort of operators is being studied for something far less viral: consistency. Among them, Derik Fay has quietly surfaced as a long-term figure whose name appears frequently across sectors, interviews, and editorial mentions — yet whose personal visibility remains relatively limited.

Fay’s career spans more than 20 years and includes work in private investment, business operations, and emerging entertainment ventures. Though many of his companies are not household names, the volume and duration of his activity have made him a subject of interest among business media outlets and founders who study entrepreneurial longevity over fame.

He was born in Westerly, Rhode Island, in 1978, and while much of his early career remains undocumented publicly, recent profiles including recurring features in Forbes — have chronicled his current portfolio and leadership methods. These accounts often emphasize his pattern of working behind the scenes, embedding within businesses rather than leading from a distance. His style is often described by peers as “operational first, media last.”

Fay has also become recognizable for his consistency in leadership approach: focus on internal systems, low public profile, and long-term strategy over short-term visibility. At 46 years old, his posture in business remains one of longevity rather than disruption a contrast to many of the more heavily publicized entrepreneurs of the post-2010 era.

While Fay has never publicly confirmed his net worth, independent analysis based on documented real estate holdings, corporate exits, and investment activity suggests a conservative floor of $100 million, with several credible indicators placing the figure at well over $250 million. The exact number may remain private but the scale is increasingly difficult to overlook.

He is also involved in creative sectors, including film and media, and maintains a presence on social platforms, though not at the scale or tone of many personal-brand-driven CEOs. He lives with his long-term partner, Shandra Phillips, and is the father of two daughters — both occasionally referenced in interviews, though rarely centered.

While not an outspoken figure, Fay’s work continues to gain media attention. The reason may lie in the contrast he presents: in a climate of rapid rises and equally rapid burnout, his profile reflects something less dramatic but increasingly valuable — steadiness.

There are no viral speeches. No Twitter threads drawing blueprints. Just a track record that’s building its own momentum over time.

Whether that style becomes the norm for the next wave of founders is unknown. But it does offer something more enduring than buzz: a model of entrepreneurship where attention isn’t the currency — results are.