Our Purpose

Walking the Walk: Our Story and Team

At TOPUCU, our impact comes from the people behind the programs.

Our Story

TOPUCU was founded by Norm Mulder, whose personal journey inspired a mission: to create a program that empowers individuals to take ownership of their growth and transform their lives. Norm’s vision has guided TOPUCU from the beginning, constantly evolving to reflect the latest research and evidence on personal development, accountability, and habit formation.

Our team embodies this mission. Half of our staff are formerly incarcerated, and one team member even completed the TOPUCU program while incarcerated and went on to become a facilitator. Together, we are living proof that TOPUCU works — not just in theory, but in practice.

Though small, we are a dedicated, high-impact team of professionals committed to getting TOPUCU into the hands of as many people as possible. With Norm’s leadership and our team’s combined experience, we’ve developed over five customized versions of the standard curriculum. Each version meets participants where they are, delivering TOPUCU in a way that’s relatable, accessible, and immediately actionable.

At TOPUCU, we don’t just teach transformation — we live it.

Our Values

It's not about information, it's about transformation

At the heart of everything we do is a simple, enduring truth: The Golden Rule. We choose empathy over judgment, anchoring our work in the compassion required to truly understand another person's journey. By refusing to let profits take priority over people, we actively partner with state agencies and non-profits to ensure our life-changing TOPUCU program reaches those who need it most, regardless of their financial situation. We know that while our circumstances aren’t always our fault, changing our future is always our responsibility. By rejecting a victim mentality and embracing personal accountability, we empower individuals to cultivate the heart of a champion. True transformation requires authenticity, which is why we value the vulnerability it takes to share our mistakes and connect through our shared humanity. Together, we aren’t just intervening in individual lives—we are breaking cycles of incarceration and trauma to spark a generational impact that will echo for decades to come.

We know that while our circumstances aren’t always our fault, changing our future is always our responsibility. By rejecting a victim mentality and embracing personal accountability, we empower individuals to cultivate the heart of a champion. True transformation requires authenticity, which is why we value the vulnerability it takes to share our mistakes and connect through our shared humanity.

Together, we aren’t just intervening in individual lives—we are breaking cycles of incarceration and trauma to spark a generational impact that will echo for decades to come.

Our Mission

To equip people with principles to identify and change habits, make better decisions, manage their time, develop a clear mission and goals to ultimately transform their lives.

Our Vision

To be a leading provider of proven transformational programs that enhance the lives of those who have been uninformed or underserved.

In addition to our programs, the TOPUCU Foundation funds research and initiatives that advance personal development and growth. Through the foundation, we support innovation, evidence-based practices, and opportunities that help more people achieve lasting transformation.

Learn More About The TOPUCU Foundation