Tyrone Poole is a founder and CEO whose leadership is shaped by lived experience and resilience.
After experiencing homelessness earlier in life, Tyrone founded OneApp to expand access to housing and essential resources nationwide.
As CEO, he leads with discipline, accountability, and service. A father of five daughters and a committed member of the Portland community, his work is focused on creating pathways to opportunity—especially for communities of color.
A glimpse of
TYRONE’S JOURNEY
2005-2006
Associate Degree in Fire Science
Aniya was born
The injury happened
Became homeless
2007-2008
Finally approved for housing
Started the Amazing Grace Summer Camp
Jaedynce was born
2012-2014
Began working on NoAppFee business concept
Ellisa was born
NoAppFee became viable
2015-2016
Became the First (Ever) Winner of Pitch Black Grant
Livie was born
Received Prosper Portland Grant to fund OneApp
2017-2018
Logan was born
Received the Portland Business Journal: Forty under Forty + Executive of the Year Awards
Received first big investors and hired sales team
2025
Entrepreneur of the Year: Mountain West
Launched Green Light Non-profit
“Becoming an Entreprener was never the plan…”
“…but I had a problem that needed to be solved, and when I solved it for myself, I realized I could solve it for other people.
If you’re 10-toes down on your vision as an entrepreneur, you sleep it, you dream it, your brain is always stirring, you can’t be in the gym without thinking about what the next play is, it’s all consuming.”
PHILOSOPHY & PRIORITIES
On Leadership
“Leadership is creating safety without lowering the bar. When people aren’t afraid, they do better work.”
On Family
“My life is nothing without my family.”
On Growth
“If I’m uncomfortable, I know I’m growing. Pain is a teacher. I don’t skip class.”
On Impact
“It isn’t awards or attention. It’s what changes because I was there.”