Current Date: 07 May, 2026
{{entry.title}}

Leo Grand: from homeless to mobile app developer

In 2013, A young programmer offered a homeless man the choice between $100 cash or coding lessons. Leo Grand chose the lessons, and his first mobile app was “Trees for Cars," which helps drivers find carpooling partners.

Leo Grand, a homeless man, learned how to code with the assistance of Patrick McConlogue, a programmer. When Patrick saw Leo sitting on the sidewalk in New York City in 2013, he gave him the option of accepting $100 cash or a cheap laptop and coding classes.

Leo Grand from homeless to mobile app developer 2
Photo Credit: Facebook

Leo decided on a laptop and lessons, and Patrick taught him how to code over the course of several months. They collaborated to create the “Trees for Cars” software, which facilitates carpooling. Leo worked long hours, frequently staying up late to code.

When the software was finally complete, Patrick assisted Leo in releasing it on the Apple App Store. The app garnered excellent reviews and was featured by media, including The New York Times and CNN.

Leo Grand from homeless to mobile app developer 4
photo credit: Facebook

Leo’s story captured the nation’s attention and motivated a lot of individuals. He later discussed his transition from being homeless to being an app developer in speeches at TEDx events and other conferences. His life is a tribute to the value of learning and mentoring, as well as to the possibility for anyone, from any background or situation, to learn and do something worthwhile.

Trees for Cars App – Available on iOS & Android – YouTube

Leo’s mobile applications

Leo Grand from homeless to mobile app developer 1
Leo Grand, a homeless man who was given four weeks of coding lessons, released his “Trees for Cars” app. Photo credit: ITUNES STORE

The “Trees for Cars” app appears to be no longer accessible through the Apple App Store. The app’s ending is unclear, however, Leo or Patrick may have removed it for a number of reasons, including maintenance issues, a lack of financing or support, or simply because they went on to other projects.

But, the popularity of “Trees for Cars” gave Leo chances and notoriety outside of the app. He continued to work on other projects while pursuing his passion for programming. “Human Resource Machine,” a puzzle game that Leo and Tomorrow Company released in 2016, has garnered positive reviews and can be found on a variety of platforms, including Steam and the Nintendo Switch.

Eventually, even though the “Trees for Cars” app is no longer accessible, Leo’s inspiring tale and his ascent to the position of app developer serve as a reminder of the transformational potential of education and mentoring.

What happened to Leo Grand?

Leo Grand’s current activities and location are unknown. There hasn’t been much news about him in the media since his tale first made headlines around the country a few years ago.

Leo appears to be passionate about coding and is still pursuing his interests in technology based on his prior appearances and interviews, nevertheless. Leo has stated an interest in creating further apps and games in the future, in addition to “Trees for Cars” and “Human Resource Machine.”

Leo Grand from homeless to mobile app developer 3
Robert Libetti/ Business Insider

It’s also important to note that Leo’s tale has motivated a lot of people and has served as an illustration of the transforming potential of mentoring and education for those facing homelessness or other difficulties. His tale serves as a reminder that anyone can overcome their circumstances and accomplish their goals with effort, commitment, and support.

Similar Stories
Abraham Crijnssen – The Ship That Disguised Itself As An Island

Abraham Crijnssen – The Ship That Disguised Itself As An Island

During World War II a Dutch minesweeper evaded the Japanese for eight days disguised as an island. The crew covered the decks in cut trees and painted exposed surfaces to look like rocks. They moved only at night and anchored closed to shore by day, eventually escaping to Australia.

Why Is the N Lowercase in 7-Eleven?

Why Is the N Lowercase in 7-Eleven?

7-ELEVEN is thought to have a lowercase "n" in its logo because the company president's wife believed that a logo with all caps would seem harsh, while a lowercase "n" would make it more graceful.

How hero parrot saved little girl who was choking on her breakfast

How hero parrot saved little girl who was choking on her breakfast

In 2008 Quaker parrot Willie alerted his owner Megan Howard when the little girl she was babysitting began to choke. Howard was in the bathroom when the parrot repeatedly yelled "Mama! Baby!" flapping his wings. Megan rushed and performed the Heimlich maneuver, saving her life. Willie received the Red Cross Animal Lifesaver Award.

The WWII Parachute Wedding Dress

The WWII Parachute Wedding Dress

Major Claude Hensinger jumped out of a B-29 bomber during World War II when the engine caught fire. He was saved by his parachute. Later, he requested that his fiancée Ruth make him a gown out of the same parachute. The dress is now on display at the Smithsonian Institute.

Who invented the three-point seat belt?

Who invented the three-point seat belt?

While employed by Volvo in 1959, Swidish engineer Nils Bohlin created the three-point safety belt. Volvo first had the design patented, but soon as they discovered its importance as a new safety measure, they made the patent open to everyone. Millions of lives were genuinely spared by Volvo’s gift to the world.

24-year-old burglar beaten by retired boxer victim

24-year-old burglar beaten by retired boxer victim

A 24-year-old knife-wielding burglar attempted to get into the home of a 72-year-old senior in Oxford, England, in 2009, but was left battered, bruised, and pinned to the ground. Frank Corti, the elderly, turned out to be a former boxing champion.

Before "The Rock," There Was "Rocky Maivia"

Before "The Rock," There Was "Rocky Maivia"

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s first WWF persona was Rocky Maivia, a face (good guy). The audience rejected him due to his cheesy character, with chants of “Die, Rocky, die!”. After this, he became a heel (villain), referring to himself in the third person as “The Rock” and insulting the audience.

A subway in Chongqing passes through a building (images)

A subway in Chongqing passes through a building (images)

A train has been constructed through an apartment complex in Chongqing, China. The 19-story residential structure is not only passed by the light rail passenger train, but it also serves as a transit stop. Apartment residents can simply get a ride from the sixth to eighth levels.

Water park in japan, ocean dome: Largest indoor water park in the world

Water park in japan, ocean dome: Largest indoor water park in the world

The Seagaia Ocean Dome, located in Miyazaki, Japan, was the biggest indoor waterpark in the world. An "Ocean" six times the size of an Olympic pool, filled with 13,500 tons of unsalted, chlorinated water kept heated at 28 degrees Celsius and recognized as the largest simulated pool by the Guinness Book of World Records, measures 12,000 square meters of the sandy beach made from 600 tons of stone.