Don Carlos Lee Gibson Jr. has built a career by leading people, improving operations, and creating lasting results across multiple industries. From serving as a Military Intelligence Analyst in the United States Army to leading golf resorts, automotive businesses, and towing operations, he has consistently focused on solving problems and helping organizations perform at a higher level.
After graduating from Sullivan South High School, Don earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Virginia College. He later completed specialized education at the Golf Academy of America, where he studied Golf Operations, Turf Management, and Teaching and Player Development. His commitment to learning gave him a strong foundation in both leadership and operations.
Throughout his career, Don has held leadership positions including Head Golf Professional, Director of Golf Operations, Senior Director of Operations, and General Manager. Today, he serves as General Manager of Marietta Motors and Westfall Towing, where he oversees daily operations, financial performance, team development, and long-term business strategy.
Outside of business, Don believes success is measured by the impact you have on others. He volunteers with Celebrate Recovery, the First Tee Golf Program, prison ministry, and community mentoring initiatives that help people build confidence, discipline, and purpose.
For Don, success has never been about titles alone. It comes from building strong systems, earning trust, and leaving every team and organization better than he found it.
What does success look like to you?
Success is knowing that I made a positive difference in the lives of other people while also taking care of the responsibilities I’ve been given. Business results matter, but they don’t tell the whole story. If I leave an organization stronger than I found it and help people grow along the way, I consider that success.
How did your early experiences shape the way you define success?
My mother was a tremendous influence on me. She competed in several sports, and I grew up watching what commitment and consistency looked like. That taught me that success isn’t built in one big moment. It’s built through small decisions that you make every day. Later, my time in the Army reinforced that lesson. Preparation, discipline, and accountability became habits that have stayed with me throughout my career.
Your career has crossed several industries. What made that possible?
I’ve never believed leadership belongs to one industry. Whether I was managing golf operations, overseeing resort teams, or leading an automotive business, the fundamentals stayed the same. Listen to people. Build good systems. Measure performance. Treat people fairly. Those principles work almost anywhere.
What role has education played in your success?
Education gave me the confidence to step into industries that were completely new to me. My business degree helped me understand how organizations operate, while the Golf Academy of America taught me that running a successful operation is about much more than technical skill. Throughout my career, I’ve continued earning certifications because every role has required me to learn something different. Staying curious has made every career transition a little easier.
Has there been a lesson that changed the way you lead?
Absolutely. Early in my career, I thought being a good leader meant having every answer. Eventually, I realized I was slowing everyone down because every decision had to come through me. Once I trusted people with more responsibility, they became more confident, the operation improved, and I became a better leader. Success isn’t about being indispensable. It’s about developing people who can succeed without you.
What habits have helped you stay successful over the years?
I’ve developed a habit of reviewing the operation before making assumptions. Whether I was managing a golf resort or an automotive business, I’d spend time walking the property, talking to employees, and looking at the numbers before making decisions. Small problems usually leave clues long before they become big ones. Catching those early has saved a lot of time, money, and frustration throughout my career.
What does failure teach that success cannot?
Failure forces you to become honest with yourself. When something doesn’t work, it’s tempting to blame circumstances or other people. I’ve learned to ask what I could have done differently first. That’s where real growth begins.
How has mentoring others influenced your own success?
Mentoring has probably taught me as much as I’ve taught anyone else. Whether it’s through the First Tee Golf Program, recovery programs, or community outreach, I’ve seen how encouragement and consistency can change someone’s direction. Those experiences remind me that leadership is ultimately about serving people, not managing them.
What advice would you give someone who wants to build a successful career?
Don’t wait until you think you’re completely ready. Opportunities rarely arrive at the perfect time. Focus on becoming dependable, keep learning, build relationships before you need them, and stay willing to adapt. Careers rarely follow a straight line, and that’s often where the greatest opportunities are found.