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The Importance of Mentorship: D1 CEO Highlights Key Lessons In Magazine Article | D1 Daily

Dec 3, 2025 / Author: D1 Training
D1 Training mentors

When D1 Training founder and CEO Will Bartholomew started D1 Training in 2001, he turned to mentors to gain as much knowledge as possible.

Bartholomew has led the charge as there are now more than 160 D1 locations across the country. And he has seen how mentorship has impacted those around him.

He recently wrote an article for Franchising Magazine (pages 62-63) about some of his biggest takeaways from his 24 years in the industry.

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Here are a few lessons shared in the piece:

  • Mentorship is key in building confidence, a key trait in any aspect of life, by providing encouragement and guidance when needed.
  • Mentorship is necessary to help accomplish goals. Mentors help define success and the steps to achieve it.
  • Mentorship is cyclical. Once you grow into a confident leader, pass it onto others to foster a culture of development.
  • Mentorship isn't a one-time conversation. It's a mindset rooted in continuous learning to become the best version of yourself.
  • Be coachable and take action. No one is going to want to provide feedback if you don't apply it.

In addition to his own experiences, Bartholomew also mentions the lessons he learned from Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea, Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey and others on his podcast, The Turf: Powered By D1. Turf guests have consistently shared stories of the mentors and coaches who have impacted their lives.

Mentorship has powered many people to success. What could it do for you?


Franchise Focus

Watch this testimonial from a D1 Merrillville dad on how his son has improved on and off the turf. 

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