MARIETTA, Ohio — As businesses grapple with labor shortages and high turnover, Don Carlos Lee Gibson Jr., a former U.S. Army Military Intelligence Analyst and current General Manager of Operations for Marietta Motors LLC and Westfall Towing, is drawing attention to a often-overlooked factor: the mentorship gap facing young workers. With over three decades of leadership experience across golf, hospitality, automotive services, and business operations, Gibson has seen the transformative power of mentorship and warns that its absence is undermining workforce development.
“We're talking a lot about technology, automation, and artificial intelligence,” Gibson said. “What we're not talking enough about is the fact that many young people are entering the workforce without mentors. Some of the most important lessons I've learned didn't come from a classroom or a training manual. They came from people who took the time to invest in me.”
Gibson’s concern is backed by trends showing that experienced workers are leaving the workforce earlier than planned. According to Allianz Life’s 2026 Annual Retirement Study, 42% of Americans retire earlier than expected, often due to circumstances outside their control. As these seasoned professionals exit, businesses and communities risk losing critical knowledge and experience that cannot be easily replaced by technology.
Gibson emphasizes that the mentorship gap extends beyond the workplace. “I've worked with young golfers through the First Tee program, people rebuilding their lives through recovery programs, employees entering new careers, and individuals looking for a second chance,” he said. “The common thread is that people grow faster when someone believes in them, listens to them, and shares what they've learned.”
Research consistently shows that employees with mentors report higher job satisfaction, greater confidence, and stronger career development. Yet many young workers still lack access to experienced professionals who can guide them through career decisions and workplace challenges. Gibson argues that businesses cannot afford to ignore this issue. “Technology can make us more efficient, but it can't replace wisdom,” he said. “A lot of young people don't need another app. They need someone willing to have a conversation, answer questions, and help them avoid mistakes that experience can teach.”
Throughout his career, Gibson has built teams in industries where trust, communication, and practical knowledge are essential. He believes mentorship should be viewed as a community responsibility rather than solely a business initiative. “Every experienced professional has something worth passing on,” Gibson said. “You don't need a formal program. Sometimes it starts with a simple conversation over coffee, a phone call, or taking an interest in someone's future.”
Gibson encourages experienced professionals to take small but meaningful steps: reaching out to a younger colleague, sharing lessons learned from their career, volunteering with youth or recovery programs, or simply making time for conversations that help others grow. He believes mentorship often starts with listening rather than advising. “You don't have to change someone's entire life,” he said. “Sometimes all it takes is taking an interest in their future and being willing to share what you've learned.”
