Don Carlos Lee Gibson Jr., General Manager of Marietta Motors and Westfall Towing and former golf operations executive, is speaking out about the urgent need for stronger mentorship and structured leadership programs for youth and young adults.

Drawing from his background in military intelligence, golf management, and business operations, Gibson is advocating for practical mentorship models rooted in discipline, accountability, and character development.

“Leadership starts early,” Gibson says. “If we wait until someone is in crisis, we’ve already missed key moments to guide them.”

Why Mentorship and Structure Matter

The numbers tell a clear story.

According to national mentoring research, one in three young people in America grows up without a sustained mentor relationship. Studies show that young adults who have mentors are 55% more likely to enroll in college and 78% more likely to volunteer in their communities. They are also significantly less likely to engage in risky behaviors.

At the same time, substance abuse remains a major issue. The CDC reports that drug overdoses remain one of the leading causes of injury-related deaths in the United States. Early intervention and strong mentorship programs are consistently cited as protective factors.

Gibson has seen these challenges firsthand through his volunteer work with Celebrate Recovery and the TCC Drug Mentor Program.

“People don’t just need advice,” he says. “They need structure. They need someone to show them what accountability looks like.”

Lessons from Military Intelligence and Golf Leadership

Before entering executive leadership roles, Gibson served as a Military Intelligence Analyst in the United States Army. That experience shaped his approach to discipline and preparation.

“In the Army, you don’t guess,” he explains. “You assess risk. You gather information. You act with purpose.”

He later applied that same mindset to golf management, serving as General Manager and Head Golf Professional at the Golf Club of South Carolina at Crickentree and in senior leadership roles with National Golf Management Group.

Through the First Tee Golf Program, where he has served as an advisor and instructor, Gibson has worked directly with youth development initiatives that combine sport with life skills.

“Golf teaches integrity,” he says. “You call penalties on yourself. That lesson carries into business and into life.”

Research from youth sports organizations shows that structured sports programs can improve academic performance, increase graduation rates, and strengthen leadership skills. Gibson believes those programs work best when they emphasize character, not just competition.

“When young people understand standards, they rise to them,” he says.

Business Leadership with Community Impact

As General Manager of Marietta Motors and Westfall Towing, Gibson oversees daily operations, financial oversight, and risk management. He holds OSHA 30 certification and FEMA Disaster and Recovery certification, reinforcing his commitment to safety and preparedness.

But he views leadership as extending beyond the workplace.

“Leadership doesn’t stop at the office,” Gibson says. “If you have experience, you have responsibility.”

He also volunteers as an advisor and instructor for the Foundation of Christian Faith at Elkton Prison and serves as a prayer pastor volunteer with KLOVE Radio.

National data shows that consistent mentorship and faith-based community involvement are linked to lower recidivism rates and improved long-term outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals. Gibson believes structured engagement plays a key role.

“Titles change,” he says. “Influence lasts.”

A Call to Action: What Individuals Can Do

Gibson is not calling for sweeping policy changes. Instead, he is encouraging personal action.

“You don’t have to run an organization to make a difference,” he says. “Start with one person.”

He encourages individuals to:

• Volunteer with local mentorship or youth sports programs

• Offer structured guidance, not just encouragement

• Model accountability and consistency

• Support recovery and community-based outreach efforts

• Invest time in coaching, teaching, or faith-based service

“Discipline creates freedom,” Gibson says. “When young people learn structure early, they gain confidence. That confidence changes outcomes.”

He adds that leadership begins at home and in local communities.

“You show up,” he says. “You stay consistent. That’s where change starts.”

About Don Carlos Lee Gibson Jr.

Don Carlos Lee Gibson Jr. is the General Manager of Marietta Motors and Westfall Towing. He previously served as a General Manager and Head Golf Professional and held senior leadership roles in golf and resort operations. A former Military Intelligence Analyst in the United States Army, Gibson is OSHA 30 certified and FEMA Disaster and Recovery certified. He is actively involved in mentorship, recovery programs, youth golf development, and faith-based community service initiatives.

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