Shaping the Next Generation…

Karen and Jay describe the critical role of mentors in shaping lives and positively impacting the future

I wonder if you’ve ever had a mentor? Or perhaps even several mentors over the course of your life. Wonderful individuals – with wisdom and experience who have given you guidance, helped you set the course and at times, provided pivotal advice. I know that I’ve had several incredibly valuable such relationships – and probably as a result, I find it immensely rewarding to return the favor by passing it on and helping to mentor and guide the next generation. I honestly feel I get at least as much satisfaction and learning from these relationships as the people I have mentored. As I’m sure you’ve probably experienced, mentorship plays such a pivotal role in the lives of young, aspiring individuals, offering guidance, support, and wisdom that can significantly shape their paths. Serving not only as a role model but also as a beacon of knowledge and experience. Mentors provide insights that come from years of navigating the complexities of life and careers, often sharing lessons that mentees remember for a lifetime. In the world of sports, I look to the relationship between legendary coach Phil Jackson and his star player, Kobe Bryant. It serves as an inspiring example. Jackson, renowned for his coaching philosophies and ability to cultivate talent, mentored Bryant during their time together with the Los Angeles Lakers. Not only did Jackson teach Kobe about the nuances of the game, but he also imparted invaluable life lessons about teamwork, discipline, and mental resilience. Their bond grew strong as they faced challenges together, culminating in multiple championships. Jackson’s mentorship helped Bryant evolve into one of the greatest basketball players of all time, emphasizing the significance of mentorship not just in developing skills but in shaping character and work ethic. Another notable example – this one from business - is the relationship between Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. As Zuckerberg was navigating the early stages of Facebook, Jobs provided not just technical guidance but also insights on leadership and innovation. His mentorship helped Zuckerberg cultivate the confidence to steer his young company through trials and challenges. Jobs’ belief in him and his ideas served as motivation that propelled Zuckerberg forward. I find these examples exciting and inspirational. Hopefully, you feel this way too. So, how to take action? Well, if you might be looking either to mentor or be mentored, several notable organizations formalize these relationships and provide structured opportunities for engagement. Programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters, SCORE, and the MENTOR Network connect experienced professionals with youth and emerging leaders, fostering beneficial relationships that encourage personal growth and career development. In participating in these programs, mentors have the unique chance to reflect on their own journeys while imparting wisdom that can make a significant, lasting difference in someone else's life. Ultimately, mentorship is a two-way street, rewarding both the mentor and the mentee and cultivating a legacy of knowledge and inspiration for generations to come. If you haven’t already done so, please give it a try and begin to experience the wonderful rewards that a mentorship relationship can offer.

This week we are delighted to highlight an innovative and creative leader – who credits a great part of his success to a mentor relationship that has been pivotal in his life’s journey – Geoff Martin. As shared by Sunshine Initiative colleague, Jon Morton: “Whoosh… In my backswing, I realized the mistake I had made in both my stance and connection with the ball. Way off to the left and into the woods goes another Titleist 1 golf ball. With a knowing smile, my golf partner for the day, Geoff, looks at me and says, “Results, often harsh, always fair.” Aside from the links, Geoff has been a mentor to me in many ways over the years. I initially met him nearly 40 years ago when he was just starting out in the world of carpentry and remodeling, and I was working my first job after high school at a building supply store.“ His quote, one of his favorites, comes from one of his mentors, Brian Klemmer. Brian was a West Point graduate who started a personal and professional development training company in 1995. Geoff attended all the courses several years ago and has since referred dozens of others to participate, with his ripple effect reaching well over 100 students. Countless people around the country have been positively affected, whether directly or indirectly. Geoff attributes much of his success in business, personal relationships, health, and nonprofit contributions to the mentoring he gained through Klemmer. In the process, he has been able to mentor many others. Sometimes, it’s on the golf course; other times, it’s with both of his remodeling businesses, which he has mostly retired from after mentoring the new owners. Although Geoff doesn’t like to use the word “retired,” preferring “time re-allocation,” which definitely has a more positive image. Much of his time nowadays continues to be spent mentoring on the golf course, at Klemmer seminars, and in business and life decisions. He also dedicates time to a creative fundraiser he started eight years ago: the NH Duck Drop on Mount Sunapee, which just held its 8th annual event on October 5th. If you missed it, check out their website [link removed] A partnership of three builders, a website/marketing company, and the Mount Sunapee Ski Area, with over three dozen sponsors, the annual Duck Drop is a great event Geoff created as a way to give back. The way it works is that you buy a lift ticket and rubber duckies, each numbered on the bottom. Then, you ride to the top and drop the ducks randomly at targets all the way down. If your duck is closest to the target or is randomly picked from a bucket or similar target, you win a prize. These range from a Yeti cooler, a Blackstone grill, and $500 gift cards to sunset lake cruises and much more. And get this - total raised for the Duck Drop since its inception 8 years ago: $869,573!!! Why a Duck Drop instead of a golf tournament, especially since golf is such a huge part of Geoff’s life? In fact, if you’ve played on a simulator at a golf course in NH, or in one of several private homes, there’s a better than average chance that Geoff was the sales representative—or, as he would probably say, “product demonstrator.” One of the great lessons you can learn if you’re lucky enough to be mentored by Geoff, who could likely sell you just about anything, is that his secret is he never tries to sell. Are you looking for something better, more, or different in life? Why do you think you don’t have it? If you’d like to find out why and do something about it, Klemmer has the answer. I’m sure if you reach out to Geoff, he’ll be happy to introduce you to what has helped him become such a successful mentor to so many people over the years. Here’s a link to a local class he’s helping to organize: Klemmer Workshop. In the meantime, I’m going to work on improving my game on the greens by practicing my swing. At the end of the day, dreaming, wishing, and hoping are all fun, but it’s results that truly matter. Oh, and why not a golf tournament? No one had done a duck drop from a ski lift before. It’s different, it’s fun for people of all ages and skill levels, and it has certainly been successful, raising tens of thousands of dollars for the Boys and Girls Club. Thanks, Geoff. “You can’t see that flag as some dragon you got to slay. You gotta look with softer eyes.” —The Legend of Bagger Vance

Quote of the Week

"A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you than you see in yourself and helps bring it out." John C. Maxwell

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