Daily Inspiration: Meet G. Rodney Bates

Today we’d like to introduce you to G. Rodney Bates.

Hi G. Rodney, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
G. Rodney Bates is a 40 year resident of Denver Co. Originally from Waterloo Iowa, Army Veteran, Father & Grandfather. Founder, CEO and Executive Director of several thriving businesses. Certified mediator in the state of Colorado, and Personal Coach. My hobbies are cooking, fishing, hiking, biking and traveling. I serve on a several community organizations boards in different capacities, I believe that to get real results you must have skin in the game and be involved hands on. My purpose is to serve, and my mission is “To Build Strong Minds and Strong Bodies for a Stronger Future”

As Co-Founder of BlackHawks Youth Organization we have for over 25+ years work with youth, young adults and adults focusing on changing the narrative and the landscape of the community, changing the mindset of the youth life through affirmations. Through 2 of our programs created under BHYO are Ladies 1st Health Wellness and Lady BlackHawks Club Basketball. Working with youth my approach is to “Change Your Story, Change Your Life” which is focused on achieving sustainable personal growth and development along with sports skill development. Working in the schools my mediation training and the implementation of the mentoring leadership program schools have seen a reduction in adversary behavior which leads to less contact with administration for disciplinary action. This allows students and their classmates to have a positive in-classroom experience which allows them to have the opportunity to learn.

I work tirelessly in the community in different capacities making an impact in the community. I am a proactive, self-motivated, solution-oriented type leader who gets the job done and bring value to the people and the organizations that I am committed to working with.

As a business strategist and consultant with over 30yrs of business ownership and development. passionate about the growth and sustainability of the community and those who live and work in it. My work is to improve business/organizational performance, implement business solutions, and manage strategic organizational change. I host workshops/training to support formerly incarcerated individuals who inspire to become entrepreneurs. Through my workshops I have trained over 30 participants since 2023 through a 6-week course “Rebuilding Your Life After Incarceration Through Entrepreneurship” The ultimate goal is to create an educational platform to remove that barrier for inspiring entrepreneurs to become knowledgeable and launch a financially sustainable successful business venture, despite perceived barriers and past situations.

Bring your vision & ideal to reality.

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?
The road has definitely been rough. As an felon employment in the corporate sector is a challenge because past mistakes seems to follow you. As an Entreprenuer some of those challengings continue to follow. But thanks to GOD I continue to push through and with the support of community family and friends I’m still here making impact with the youth in the community.

Another struggle we continue to face is access. When I say access I am referring to giving our youth a space to belong, feel safe and get resources to become positive and productive community members.

Currenty the biggest challenge is funding to continue the mission.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the Co-founder and Executive Director of the BlackHawks Youth Organization Founded in 2000 we are celebrating 25yrs of service in the Denver metro community.

What I do:
Teach advanced skills and promote teamwork through our athletic & health and wellness program.

What we specialize in:
Serving over 1000+ families in the Denver metro area in all areas of family services and resources and Lady BlackHawks Club Basketball Program.

What I am known for:
To enhance the fundamental skills of all Blackhawk participants using our qualified, certified, and dedicated coaches.

Promote community involvement by encouraging everyone in the Blackhawks Organization to get involved in community events, activities and be a part of the positive change.

Developing a winning culture that promotes positive attitudes, good sportsmanship, and personal development.

Build strong work ethics in our youth to teach them the personal accountability and responsibility it takes to excel at being a student athlete.

Introduce nutrition education, mental and physical health support, and wellbeing opportunities to every student athlete.

Vision: To be the leading global youth organization that provides fair and equitable, social & mental health, education and athletic opportunities resulting in the development of the whole person.

Mission: To create accessible and equitable educational & athletic programming that results in Building Strong Minds and Strong Bodies for a Strong Future

Purpose: To Impact, Empower and Inspire Youth and Families.

What I am most proud of?
Father of 9 kids and grandfather of 15.
Serving the community for 25+ years and all the young people and families we have impacted.

What sets me apart from others?
My genuine love for God, Family and community and I live for those things daily.

How do you define success?
I define success in a couple of different ways depending on the space your are in. But the ultimate definition for me is “Success is not determined by win & losses BUT it is determined by the progress that one makes in life”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: gr_bates
• LinkedIn: G.Rodney Bates

Image Credits
Dr. Halim Ali for his referral

God Almight The Most High
Bobbie Williams (Mother)
My Kids (Bates Family)
BlackHawks Youth Org Board of Directors
Lady BlackHawks Club Basketball Coaches