Today we’d like to introduce you to Gene Martin.
Hi Gene, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in Savannah, Ga and raised in Gainesville, FL, which some may know as “The Swamp.” Growing up a huge Florida Gator fan, I fell in love with sports at a very early age. I had the honor of attending the University of Florida as a track and field athlete, competing as a high jumper for the team. While attending UF, I earned my bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Sport Management furthering my passion for sports.
Eager to expand my horizons, I moved to Orlando in 2010 where I began my professional sports career. Learning the intricacies of the business of sports has always been fascinating to me. It has kept a tight grip on me for the last 11 years and I couldn’t be happier being able to utilize the platform of sport to impact positive change in the Central Florida community.
Being the social person that I am, I’ve always felt the need to grow my network outside of the confines of my workplace. I searched high and low for organizations and social clubs to be a part of. To no avail, I struck out at every stop. This led to the birth of what is known today as Route 7 Orlando Inc. Created in 2016, Route 7 Orlando Inc. is a member-based nonprofit organization of men centered on the principle of growth and development; of self, each other, and our community. We pride ourselves in providing an ego-less environment for men to come together and share their personal and professional goals while identifying intentional opportunities for collaboration. We focus our efforts on the accountability of our members, mentorship and collaboration.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting an organization from scratch and learning the intricacies of developing a successful nonprofit is no easy feat. Juggling the many duties of operating a small nonprofit while continuously looking for opportunities to build your brand always feels like an uphill climb (administrative work, marketing, fundraising, developing relationships and supporters). The effects of COVID-19 and having to redirect our programming was a major disrupter. However, we found true success in this pivot and our organization was able to accomplish the following in 2020:
– Host the Inaugural Boys & Girls Club Senior Send Off for high school seniors that were not able to have a formal graduation ceremony
– Provided support to the Inaugural Boys and Girls Club Drive-Thru College Fair featuring over 15 colleges
– Hosted over 11 virtual events for our Route 7 Orlando member-base. Events included: group workouts, the launch of our Route Reading Book Club, Accountability Meetings, and mental health discussions.
– Launched our Well Said public speaking mentoring program at the Levy-Hughes Boys and Girls Club
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your organization?
Route 7 Orlando’s mission: “A network of gentlemen driven to promote growth amongst the community and each other.”
Route 7 Orlando is a member-based 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization founded by a network of gentlemen with the desire to develop both ourselves and our communities. Since 2016, Route 7 Orlando and our members have worked to accomplish this through our focus areas of accountability, community service, and collaboration. The organization’s primary services and programs include professional development, networking, volunteering and mentoring youth.
We host “Accountability Meetings” for men looking to establish new relationships, share goals, and grow both personally and professionally. The purpose of our meetings is to hold members accountable in reaching new goals while fostering an ego-less environment.
Through our “Speakers Series,” we utilize our platform to bring in subject matter experts to share insight on their professions. Featured speakers include authors, finance professionals, personal trainers, and mental health therapists. By providing safe places for Central Florida men to unite and uplift each other, Route 7 Orlando offers a unique set of opportunities to Orlando’s nonprofit community.
One of the most significant ways we display our commitment to creating an impact in the community is through our public speaking mentorship program called — Well Said. Well Said is a 12-week program for at-risk youth ranging from middle to high school ages. Since 2020, we have partnered with the Levy Hughes Boys and Girls Club to offer this free afterschool program to the club’s members.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Patience and persistence have been an integral part of my journey thus far. I understand that you must “work while you wait” for every opportunity presented to you, a true “stay ready so you don’t have to get ready mentality.” I value the grind and the work that goes into the process over the accolades that may accompany my efforts. My drive comes from the impact that I’m able to make on the people that I engage with.
Contact Info:
- Email: gene@route7orlando.org
- Website: www.route7orlando.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genemartin12/?hl=en
Image Credits
Shamir Webb (Route 7 Orlando – Photos)
