George Tinsley, Sr.’s dedication to civic leadership is driven by a strong moral sense, his experience and successes, and his personal desire to help others succeed. It is his goal and mission, he says, to give back to the communities in which he does business.

He considers his close work with both the youth and professionals within his community as “a responsibility.” Providing leadership and employment resources; serving on boards including the Auburndale Chamber of Commerce, Winter Haven Hospital, National Basketball Retired Players Association, CFDC of Polk County and the Polk Community College Foundation, he says, “is just giving back.”

As a leader and role model, he says, “it’s very important to share your talent and resources to nurture others so that they may learn, grow and develop their full potential.”

While Tinsley is a very active civic leader, he counsels entrepreneurs that one must balance the civic responsibility of serving on boards with running his or her business and keeping it successful.

“You have to walk a fine line in sometimes having to say “no” as far as service is concerned due to your responsibility to your business. Entrepreneurs have to balance things by not over-committing to projects that would negatively impact your ability to successfully manage your business.

Tinsley family businesses sponsor local sports teams, including basketball and track, and are involved in several family-based activities within the community. As a coach, Tinsley says, “I give back to the kids what was given to me.”  Tinsley’s says his civic leadership is inspired by the biblical principle: “To whom much is given, much is required.”