Dan Gilbert helped young Detroiters think bigger, here’s why they still thank him years later

Dan Gilbert transformed Detroit from struggling city to thriving hub by teaching young Detroiters to think bigger. His mentorship philosophy went beyond handouts, creating pathways for youth to believe in themselves. Here’s why those he guided remain grateful.

🔥 Quick Facts

Over 140 buildings renovated by Bedrock Detroit under Gilbert’s leadership across downtown Detroit
$500 million committed by Gilbert Family Foundation to revitalize Detroit neighborhoods over 10 years
Mentorship programs specifically designed to connect Detroit students downtown for learning opportunities
Multiple youth initiatives including summer entrepreneurship programs and startup incubators for young Detroiters

How Dan Gilbert Built Detroit’s Culture of Big Thinking

When Detroit filed for bankruptcy in 2013, the city needed more than money. It needed someone to believe in its future. Dan Gilbert, founder of what became Rocket Mortgage, did exactly that. He invested billions into downtown, but his real impact came through inspiring young people to dream differently about their city.
Gilbert’s philosophy wasn’t about charity. Instead, he created an environment where young Detroiters could see opportunity where others saw decline. Through speeches, mentorship programs, and direct involvement, he showed the next generation that Detroit was a place worth building something meaningful.

His message was clear: this city has potential, and you have the power to unlock it. That mindset shift changed everything for hundreds of young professionals and entrepreneurs.
The Mentorship Programs That Changed Young Careers
Gilbert didn’t just invest in real estate. He invested in people through structured mentorship. The Gilbert Family Foundation launched multiple programs connecting Detroit students to downtown learning experiences. These weren’t passive tours. They were intensive experiences that showed young people what’s possible.
Summer entrepreneurship programs became flagship initiatives under his vision. Young Detroiters learned business fundamentals from leaders who had already succeeded. More importantly, they learned from someone who believed in them before they believed in themselves.

Program participants consistently report that Gilbert’s emphasis on thinking big fundamentally shifted their career trajectories. Many went on to start businesses, secure leadership roles, or move into emerging sectors. The common thread: they saw themselves differently after experiencing Gilbert’s mentorship ecosystem.
Investing in Diverse Talent and Inclusion

Initiative
Focus Area

Detroit Venture Partners
Tech entrepreneurship fellowship for university students

Minority Business Support
$4 million investment in Black entrepreneurs with Black Leaders Detroit

Bizdom U Program
Intensive entrepreneurship training and startup funding

Detroit Elevate
Program connecting Detroiters to in-demand career paths

Gilbert understood something critical: young talent comes from everywhere. His hiring practices at Quicken Loans reflected this. He believed diverse teams outperformed homogeneous ones. That principle cascaded through all his mentorship initiatives.
Black entrepreneurs, women founders, and underrepresented professionals received direct support through Gilbert Family Foundation grants. In September 2025, the foundation committed $4.45 million to support small business growth and connect Detroiters to in-demand careers. This investment acknowledged a fundamental truth: potential exists everywhere, but opportunity doesn’t.
The Philosophy Behind Gratitude From Young Mentees
Ask young Detroiters who benefited from Gilbert’s mentorship why they remain grateful, and a pattern emerges. Many cite his belief in them before they believed in themselves. He didn’t lower expectations or offer participation trophies. He raised standards and provided pathways.

“When you can take what you worked for your whole life and give it away, that’s better than making money.”

— Dan Gilbert, Quicken Loans Founder and Chairman
Young mentees report that this philosophy shaped how they approach their own success. They learned that money without impact is hollow. They watched Gilbert measure success by transformation, not just returns. Many now mentor others using that same framework.
What distinguishes Gilbert’s mentorship approach is his insistence on risk-taking and calculated boldness. He taught young Detroiters that extraordinary outcomes require staying healthy and willing to fail. That perspective gave emerging leaders permission to pursue ambitious goals.
Why Young Detroiters Still Talk About Dan Gilbert’s Impact Today
Six years after the mentorship programs began scaling, young Detroiters continue citing Gilbert’s influence on their careers and mindsets. The reason? Lasting mentorship transcends immediate contact. It becomes internalized philosophy.

Program alumni now lead companies, nonprofits, and civic initiatives across Detroit. They cite specific Gilbert-isms that guided their decisions. “Invest in the jockey, not the horse” became their recruitment principle. “There’s no such thing as a good deal with a bad guy” shaped their partnership criteria. “Chase greatness, not money” became their north star.
Young Detroiters remain grateful because Gilbert didn’t just give them opportunities. He restructured how they think about themselves, their city, and their potential. That transformation, more than any single program or investment, explains the lasting impact.

Annabelle Ink is a gaming journalist and lifelong gamer who lives and breathes video game culture. From console releases to esports tournaments, this dedicated journalist brings insider knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every review and feature. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms, helping readers discover their next favorite game while staying connected to the pulse of the gaming industry.

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