Teach One,” with a focus on mentorship, leadership, and community service. The group aims to create lasting impacts by guiding young people in the right direction, teaching them valuable life skills, and providing positive role models who lead by example. Carl Wesley, one of the members of the Salt & Pepper Gang, is a perfect example of this mission. With his background in sports, business, and education, he brings a unique perspective to the group and is deeply invested in making a difference in the lives of young people. His transition from a business owner as a personal trainer to becoming a teacher speaks volumes about his dedication to growth and the well-being of those around him.
Carl’s journey is a reflection of his belief in destiny and living with purpose. His transition from a personal trainer, a profession that lacked the consistency and benefits he desired, to teaching first grade, was fueled by his desire to make a more significant impact on his community. In his own words, being a business owner didn’t provide him with the stability or retirement security he needed. “As a personal trainer, if you lost a client, you had to go find another one to make sure the money kept coming in,” he recalls. This lack of job security motivated him to pivot into education, a field where he could provide stability for himself and his family while also contributing to the development of future generations.
Carl is passionate about his role as an educator, and it shows in the way he speaks about his work. He is driven by the belief that he has a responsibility to give back to the community. As a teacher, he finds himself particularly triggered by the struggles of the younger generation, especially those who look like him and are involved in activities that are detrimental to their well-being. His experiences with the Salt & Pepper Gang have further reinforced his commitment to serving as a positive influence on young people. The group’s initiatives, such as the Kids and Cops program, aim to build trust between children and law enforcement while showing young boys how to present themselves with pride and confidence. Carl believes that by providing mentorship, they can help guide the youth toward better paths and away from negative influences.
The Salt & Pepper Gang is much more than just a group of well-dressed men. They are a collective of individuals who see themselves as leaders and mentors, striving to positively impact the community by providing guidance, support, and inspiration. Carl, along with his fellow members, takes pride in their role as mentors, teaching young people the importance of character, respect, and self-worth. He shares that his first experience with the group was a profound one—being surrounded by men who not only shared his values but also embodied the type of man he wanted to be. He acknowledges that finding like-minded individuals who are both positive and empowering can be difficult, but being a part of the Salt & Pepper Gang has given him the sense of belonging and purpose that he had been searching for.
Carl’s life is a delicate balance between his personal and professional roles, and he embraces this fluidity. He doesn’t need to consciously separate his personal life from his business life because he is naturally adaptable. “I understand my position wherever I am, and I become a chameleon to the situation,” he explains. This ability to blend seamlessly into various environments reflects his understanding of his responsibilities, both as a member of the Salt & Pepper Gang and as a teacher. He is always aware of the influence he has on others and strives to lead by example, showing those around him the importance of integrity, humility, and self-respect.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being involved with the Salt & Pepper Gang is the sense of recognition and appreciation Carl feels when he and the other members are out in public. He recalls times when he has walked into a restaurant, only to be greeted by people holding up their phones to record him and his colleagues or asking for autographs. While this level of attention can make him feel like a celebrity, Carl remains grounded and grateful for the support and admiration. He describes it as a humbling experience that serves as a reminder of the positive impact they are making in the community.
The Salt & Pepper Gang’s community efforts are varied and impactful, and Carl is proud to be a part of them. In addition to their work with the Salvation Army during the holidays and their mentorship programs, they also engage in charitable activities such as visiting retirement homes, giving flowers to residents, and attending birthday parties for the elderly. These small acts of kindness are a testament to the group’s commitment to spreading love, respect, and positivity to all generations. The group’s outreach efforts aim to build stronger communities by promoting unity and understanding across different age groups, fostering a sense of connection and support that transcends generational divides.
Carl also values the work the group does with young boys, teaching them essential life skills such as how to tie a tie and the importance of dressing well. These lessons are designed not just to help them look sharp but to instill a sense of pride in their appearance and, by extension, in themselves. Carl is passionate about the message the Salt & Pepper Gang shares—one of confidence, self-respect, and leadership. By teaching young men to present themselves well, the group hopes to inspire them to lead productive, respectful lives and serve as positive role models for others.
As a member of the Salt & Pepper Gang, Carl is fulfilling his purpose of giving back to his community and educating future generations. His work as an educator, combined with his involvement in the group, allows him to lead by example and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around him. Through his passion for teaching, mentoring, and serving his community, Carl Wesley is living proof that purpose-driven work can have a lasting impact on individuals, families, and entire communities.
