Our Story

Justin Gurland
Founder, CEO
My journey in sobriety began at the age of 25—I thought my life was over. Ironically, it wasn’t my dangerous lifestyle that made me feel this way but rather my belief about what a sober life would be: boring and glum. I’ve never been more grateful to have been so wrong. The transformation that followed was nothing short of miraculous.
At first, I thought sobriety simply meant abstaining from drugs and alcohol, which fortunately clicked for me early on. However, several years into the process, I found myself feeling bored, lonely, and hopeless.
Then came a turning point: I realized the opposite of addiction isn’t recovery—it’s connection. That realization changed everything. My perspective shifted, and I came to understand that abstinence is only a small part of the journey. Building meaningful connections and being of service to others became the foundation of my sobriety and, ultimately, my life’s mission.
This philosophy inspired me to dedicate my life to my recovery and eventually become a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW), specializing in substance abuse. With over fifteen years of experience, I’ve dedicated my career to helping individuals and families overcome addiction, rebuild their lives, and create lasting connections. With 16 years of sobriety, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to my work.
As a social entrepreneur, I am passionate about building inclusive and supportive communities. I’m proud to launch my latest venture, The Maze, an alcohol-free membership club dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and providing a welcoming space for those seeking an alternative to traditional social settings.
Guided by a mission to empower individuals and strengthen community bonds, I am committed to creating environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Dan Brody
Chief Experience Officer
My journey to sobriety was anything but straightforward. Despite the unwavering love and support from my family and friends, it took multiple attempts—and the realization that I needed to get sober for myself—to finally embrace recovery.
I grew up in North Jersey with a strong family foundation: loving parents and two siblings who were always in my corner. I found solace and validation in athletics, particularly football and basketball, and in the sense of belonging that came with a busy social life.
When I went to college, sports were no longer part of my life. The void they left was quickly filled by drugs and alcohol, which, at the time, seemed to make me more adaptable, more confident—the “best version” of myself. As my business career took off after college, so did my addiction. After years of living a double life, it finally became apparent that my life was unmanageable. I was given the gift of desperation.
At 33, I began my recovery journey. One of the most powerful pillars of my sobriety has been community. Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals has allowed me to show up as my authentic self and grow into the best version of me—no substances required.
Since getting sober, I’ve uncovered my true passion: helping others who are struggling as I once did. This realization inspired a major career shift into the behavioral health industry. Today, I have the privilege of guiding individuals on their paths to sobriety, helping them see the incredible potential and fulfillment that a sober life can offer.
It’s deeply rewarding to witness their transformations—their courage to rebuild healthier, happier lives—and to be a part of their journey. Sobriety has given me a sense of purpose that fuels me every day.