MENTORING MATTERS

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Over the last 11 years, one thing has become very clear at ZummoBike:

Young people grow fastest when capable adults choose to spend time around them.

Not because they have all the answers.

Not because they’re experts.

Simply because they show up.

We’ve been fortunate to have many of these people.

There was Ruth Loudon, who joined one of our earlier businesses in her seventies and continued contributing into her nineties. She taught us that purpose doesn’t retire.

There was Patti, who showed up with her husband and children and became part of the fabric of the organization. She invested her time, energy, and encouragement in young people who weren’t even her own.

There was Paul, our bike mentor and a Presbyterian minister, who has been with us for 10 of our 11 years. Paul has put us in front of countless people, brought thousands of bicycles to the organization, and taken time during every visit to teach lessons to our young people. With a PhD in theology and another PhD connected to the bicycle industry, he brings both wisdom and expertise. His influence has been especially meaningful to young people like Elijah, Eduardo, Faisal, John, and many others who have benefited from his guidance, encouragement, and example.

There was Frank, a father who successfully raised four children and quietly shared the wisdom that only comes from years of experience.

There was Ted, a physician who brought stories, perspective, and encouragement. One conversation eventually helped one of our long-time young contributors earn a rowing scholarship that opened new doors.

There was Ron, a 72-year-old PhD and finance professional whose conversations often lasted longer than the bike repairs themselves.

Ron had a gift for helping young people think about their future. He spent time encouraging Eduardo as he wrestled with decisions about college, careers, and what direction to take his life. He also spent time encouraging younger contributors, including Jireth, a fourth-grade violinist who benefited from Ron’s interest in her growth and development.

There is Kenny, a business owner and father who first came through the door because of his son, Ben.

Like many parents, he could have simply dropped Ben off and headed home.

Instead, he chose to get involved.

Over the past year, Kenny has become one of those people who constantly sees opportunities for young people to learn, improve, and grow. He asks questions. Offers ideas. Encourages the kids. Helps connect dots.

His son benefits from it.

But so do dozens of other young people who pass through the shop.

There is a Temple University music professor who has spent years around the shop, serving not only as a great father but also as a role model for dozens of young people who watch how he interacts with others.

There was also a member of Patti’s family — a singer, actor, violinist, and talented problem solver — who became a wonderful example for the girls in the program.

She demonstrated that creativity and technical ability belong together.

That someone can perform on stage, play an instrument, and still learn to use tools, solve mechanical problems, and work with their hands.

For many of our younger girls, that example mattered.

And then there is Debbie.

Most customers never see her.

She helps keep payroll moving.

Every two weeks.

Year after year.

No spotlight.

No recognition.

Just dependable contribution that helps keep the entire operation functioning.

Different backgrounds.

Different skills.

Different personalities.

But they all share something important.

They showed up.

And because they showed up, young people benefited.

At ZummoBike, mentoring doesn’t always look like mentoring.

Sometimes it’s teaching a teenager how to organize a workbench.

Sometimes it’s helping a young mechanic navigate a difficult customer conversation.

Sometimes it’s sharing a story from your career.

Sometimes it’s helping with payroll, fundraising, logistics, marketing, customer service, or simply being another dependable adult in the room.

The truth is that many young people today have fewer opportunities to spend meaningful time around experienced adults than previous generations did.

That’s where mentors matter.

Not because they lecture.

Because they model.

Young people learn what responsibility looks like.

What professionalism looks like.

What kindness looks like.

What accountability looks like.

What leadership looks like.

What a good life looks like.

We’ve also noticed something else.

The adults who spend time mentoring often receive as much as they give.

They build relationships.

They stay connected.

They remain engaged.

They continue contributing.

Purpose has a funny way of keeping people young.

Which may explain why some of our favorite mentors never seemed interested in slowing down.

Ruth worked well into her nineties.

Ron was still investing in young people in his seventies.

Ted continues to inspire through stories and encouragement.

Parents who first arrived because of their children often discover they enjoy being part of something bigger than themselves.

Contribution has a way of creating energy.

Maybe you’ve raised a family.

Built a business.

Managed a team.

Worked in healthcare.

Taught school.

Balanced books.

Fixed equipment.

Led people.

Played music.

Served your community.

Or simply accumulated decades of life experience.

Maybe your son or daughter already spends time at Zummo.

Maybe you’ve watched from the sidelines and wondered if there is a role for you.

There is.

We don’t need superheroes.

We need good people.

People willing to share what they’ve learned.

People willing to encourage young people.

People willing to show up.

Over the years we’ve learned that young people rarely become exceptional because of a single program.

They become exceptional because enough caring adults cross their path at the right moments.

A conversation with Ron.

Encouragement from Ted.

Dependability from Debbie.

An idea from Kenny.

A story from Frank.

A helping hand from Patti.

An example set by a musician, a professor, a business owner, a physician, a minister, or a neighbor.

ZummoBike has been fortunate to have many of those adults.

We’d love to meet a few more.

Some people donate money.

Some people donate bicycles.

Some people donate experience.

That last gift may be the most valuable of all.

The bikes are simply the vehicle.

The real mission is people.