We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Darrell Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Darrell, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to start your own firm or do you wish you had started sooner?

If I could go back in time, I’d absolutely start sooner. The vision behind my mentorship and career placement consultation work had been in my heart for years before I took the leap. I was already mentoring young people informally, guiding them through personal challenges, and helping them discover their direction in life. I just didn’t realize that what I was doing was the foundation for something much greater — a mission that could grow into an organization.

When I officially launched my program, I was well into my career as a safety professional. Life had already taught me lessons about leadership, emotional intelligence, and resilience — lessons that shaped how I now teach others to prepare for both life and work. Those years of experience gave me the structure, credibility, and patience I needed to build something lasting.

Starting earlier might have meant reaching more young people sooner, but starting when I did meant I was prepared to pour into them with real-world wisdom. Timing, as it turns out, was perfect. Every experience — the wins, losses, and the personal growth in between — prepared me to mentor with authenticity and purpose.

So while I sometimes wish I had begun sooner, I know now that every season was part of the preparation. The experiences I gained before starting gave me the clarity to create something that doesn’t just train people for jobs — it prepares them for life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Here’s a publication-ready version of your CanvasRebel response focused solely on Young Gentlemen’s Academy, connecting your personal story, athletic background, and professional success to your motivation:

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I’m Darrell L. Smith, founder of Young Gentlemen’s Academy, a mentorship program dedicated to helping young men and women develop the soft skills, discipline, and confidence needed to succeed in life and the workforce.

I was raised by a single mother who taught me resilience, hard work, and faith. Growing up without certain advantages gave me a front-row seat to the challenges young people face when opportunities are limited but potential is high. Sports became my outlet—it was where I learned accountability, teamwork, and perseverance. I went on to become a collegiate athlete and later a college football coach, which deepened my understanding of discipline, leadership, and mentorship. Those experiences shaped my belief that with the right guidance and mindset, anyone can rise above their circumstances.

After years of success in my professional career as a safety leader in the power industry, I realized that what separated the great employees from the good ones wasn’t technical skill—it was attitude, communication, and self-awareness. That realization became the foundation for Young Gentlemen’s Academy. The Academy prepares high school students and recent graduates for careers in trades, apprenticeships, and professional environments by teaching the soft skills that are too often overlooked: communication, professionalism, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.

What sets Young Gentlemen’s Academy apart is our focus on the whole person. We’re not just preparing young people for jobs—we’re helping them build character, purpose, and vision. I’m most proud of seeing our mentees grow into confident young adults who can walk into any room, any interview, and represent themselves with excellence.

At its heart, Young Gentlemen’s Academy is about transformation. It’s about helping the next generation realize that their background doesn’t define their future—and that with discipline, support, and belief in themselves, they can achieve anything.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has always been building genuine relationships. Relationships have been the foundation of every opportunity and success I’ve experienced in life. From my days as a collegiate athlete and coach to my career in the power industry, I’ve learned that people connect with authenticity, consistency, and trust long before they commit to a program or partnership.

When I started Young Gentlemen’s Academy, I didn’t focus on selling a service—I focused on connecting with people. I built relationships with parents, school administrators, business leaders, and community partners who believed in the mission of preparing young people for life and career success. Those connections opened doors to collaborations, speaking opportunities, and mentorship partnerships that continue to expand the Academy’s reach today.

I’ve found that when you approach people with sincerity, deliver value, and follow through on your promises, growth happens naturally. Relationships aren’t just a strategy—they’re the heartbeat of everything I do.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Losing my brother had a tremendous impact on my life and became the defining moment that caused me to pivot—not just in my career, but in my purpose. His passing made me realize how fragile life is and how important it is to live with intention. For a while, I carried the pain silently, but over time, that loss transformed into a sense of responsibility to make a difference in the lives of others.

That was the moment I shifted from simply building a career to building a legacy. I began to see my work as more than a job—it became a calling. I started mentoring young men and women, helping them navigate the same challenges I once faced growing up in a single-parent home. Eventually, that passion grew into Young Gentlemen’s Academy, a program built on the belief that every young person deserves guidance, discipline, and hope for their future.

That pivot taught me that pain can either paralyze you or push you into purpose. Losing my brother reminded me that our greatest impact often comes from our greatest struggle, and that realization has guided every decision I’ve made since.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Young Gentlemen’s Academy
• Linkedin: Young Gentlemen’s Academy