MARIETTA, Ohio — As businesses grapple with labor shortages and high turnover, a former Army intelligence analyst and current general manager warns that a critical issue is being overlooked: the mentorship gap facing young workers. Don Carlos Lee Gibson Jr., General Manager of Operations for Marietta Motors LLC and Westfall Towing, argues that many young people enter the workforce without mentors, missing out on the wisdom that only experienced professionals can provide.
“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 timely. According to Allianz Life's 2026 Annual Retirement Study, 42% of Americans retire earlier than expected, often due to circumstances beyond their control. As experienced workers leave the workforce prematurely, businesses and communities face the challenge of preserving valuable knowledge for the next generation.
Gibson, who has spent over three decades leading teams in golf, hospitality, automotive services, and business operations, has seen mentorship’s impact firsthand. He has worked with young golfers through the First Tee program, individuals in recovery programs, employees entering new careers, and people seeking second chances. “The common thread is that people grow faster when someone believes in them, listens to them, and shares what they’ve learned,” he said.
Research consistently shows that employees with mentors report higher job satisfaction, greater confidence, and stronger career development. Yet many young workers lack access to experienced professionals who can help them navigate career decisions and workplace challenges. Gibson believes businesses cannot afford to ignore the problem. “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 views mentorship 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, such as reaching out to a younger colleague, sharing career lessons, volunteering with youth or recovery programs, or simply making time for conversations that help others grow. He emphasizes that mentorship often begins with listening rather than advising. “You don’t have to change someone’s entire life,” Gibson said. “Sometimes all it takes is taking an interest in their future and being willing to share what you’ve learned.”
The implications of this mentorship gap are significant. Without guidance, young workers may struggle with career decisions, job satisfaction, and retention, exacerbating workforce challenges. As experienced professionals retire early, the loss of institutional knowledge could hinder productivity and innovation. Addressing this gap is not just a corporate responsibility but a community imperative to ensure the next generation is prepared to lead.
