Imagine if Tampa Bay businesses had access to a workforce pipeline so strong that hiring managers no longer struggled to find qualified candidates. Imagine if our community had fewer high school dropouts, fewer young people entering the criminal justice system and more local talent ready to contribute to the economy. Now, imagine the solution has been here all along: mentorship.
While the adage of “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” isn’t always true, I am reminded, countless times a day, the benefits of having built a strong and supportive network early in my life. I am indebted to those who mentored me (first bosses, work colleagues, sports coaches, youth group leaders) as those lessons land harder when we are young. But what I understand now that I did not understand then is that these people CHOSE me and gave me the most important asset on planet Earth, THEIR TIME and ultimately their SHARED EXPERIENCES and WISDOM.
My first experience of being a “mentor” myself was with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay (BBBSTB). Like when I first became a father, I can recall being full of doubt. Was I prepared? Was I going to be able to provide value in the life of a young person? I quickly realized that even small gestures could score big. By exposing my “little” to my network and allowing him to see how we supported each other, I was providing a road map to life that he did not know existed. I also learned that even when children have a great role model in a parent, it is even MORE POWERFUL when someone from the outside can validate what they are being told.
Mentorship isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s one of the smartest investments we can make in our community. A mentor can change the trajectory of a young person’s life, helping to ensure high school graduation, avoid negative influences and set ambitious career goals. When young people succeed, the ripple effect benefits everyone—reducing crime, strengthening education and filling workforce gaps that challenge our region’s economic growth.
The ROI of Mentorship: Data That Tells the Story
Nearly one-third of young people from low-income families fail to graduate high school, drastically limiting their career potential. And the cost of inaction is staggering—one in five young people will face adult criminal charges by age 24. That’s a workforce loss our economy can’t afford.
Now, let’s look at the numbers for kids in the BBBSTB mentorship program:
99% avoid involvement with the juvenile justice system
97% get promoted to the next grade level
85% report improved mental health
84% maintain or improve their educational aspirations
If mentorship were a stock, those returns would be unbeatable with some amazing dividends.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America just released a Harvard research study sharing the long-term benefits of mentorship which found BBBS Littles are 20% more likely to attend post-secondary education, earn 15% more over their lifetimes and reduce the socio-economic gap by two-thirds.
Bridging the Gap from Education to Career
It’s no secret that businesses are struggling to find skilled workers. It’s true in my business today. One of our solutions to our longstanding technician shortage? We have placed working “Mentor Technicians” in many of our stores. In stores that do not have a “Mentor Technician,” turnover is higher and young, inexperienced technicians advance more slowly.
BBBS is bridging this gap with their School-to-Work and Big Futures program. High school juniors and seniors are paired with mentors who guide them through career exploration, job readiness and planning for what’s next—whether that’s college, trade school or jumping straight into the workforce.
By exposing students to professional environments, providing networking opportunities and offering resume-building support, these programs give young people a competitive advantage, before they even enter the job market.
For Businesses, Mentorship Pays Off in More Ways Than One
Investing in mentorship isn’t just good for the community, it’s good for business. Supporting mentorship programs helps create a pipeline of motivated, well-prepared professionals who already understand workplace expectations.
And there’s another benefit: employee engagement. Studies show that employees who mentor experience higher job satisfaction, stronger leadership skills and greater purpose in their work. Corporate social responsibility efforts that include mentorship don’t just look good on paper, they improve workplace culture and create meaningful connections between businesses and the communities they serve.
Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges
Beyond career readiness, mentorship fosters stronger community relationships. Take BBBSTB’s Bigs in Blue/Bigs with Badges program, which pairs local law enforcement officers and public service partners with mentees. In communities where police interactions have historically been strained, these relationships are breaking down barriers and rebuilding trust—one match at a time.
Programs like these don’t just change lives—they change perceptions. And in a time when division can feel overwhelming, mentorship provides a simple, human-centered way to bring people together.
The Ripple Effect of One Mentor
When a young person graduates high school with a plan for college or trade school, the military or secures a stable job, the impact is far-reaching. They become homeowners, taxpayers and engaged community members. They break cycles of poverty and crime, and they often return to become mentors themselves, creating a generational impact that strengthens the entire region.
Whether through mentorship, financial support or corporate partnerships, business leaders can change lives while strengthening our workforce and economy.
Want to be part of the movement? Learn more at GOBIGtampabay.org or contact Amy Hollington at [email protected].
Brett Morgan, CEO of Morgan Auto Group, oversees more than 70 dealerships across Florida while actively giving back to his community. He began his career in radio before transitioning to automotive sales, joining Toyota of Tampa Bay, Morgan Auto Group’s first dealership. A University of Richmond graduate, he later became a 40 Under 40 honoree in Automotive News. Morgan serves on the Gasparilla Music Festival board, chairs the Tampa Bay Heart Ball, and will receive the Big Brothers Big Sisters Rays UP award. While deeply dedicated to his work and philanthropy, his greatest pride is being a father.