Landon’s Story of Faith, Focus, and a Future Filled With Purpose

Generational Impact: A Family Story of Hope

When Landon arrived at CityLink in August of 2024, he was in a season of searching. A year out of high school, he was leading Young Life at Norwood High School, but professionally he felt stuck — not working, unsure of his next step, and praying for direction.

College had been an option. He’d even earned a wrestling scholarship to Ohio University. Wrestling had originally helped him work through anger struggles, and as he grew more dedicated, he fell in love with the sport. But even at the height of competition, he started asking deeper questions: Is this healthy for me spiritually? Will this matter long-term? Before one of his biggest matches, he prayed, “God, don’t let me go to state if You want me to do ministry.” That moment marked a shift. Through his Young Life leader, Gray, and a life-changing week at camp, Landon felt called into volunteer ministry and into a new kind of peace that replaced old patterns of anger.

Still, he didn’t know what to do with his career. He had always loved cars since he was a kid but didn’t see a path forward. Then a mentor stepped in. Emily, who had previously worked at CityLink, asked him what he was doing since he wasn't in college and that’s what a lot of his friends were doing. When she heard he was searching and loved cars, she told him about the FREE ChangingGears Automotive Technician Training Program. Something clicked. It felt like the door he had been praying for opened.

Walking into CityLink and ChangingGears felt a little strange at first, but the feeling didn’t last long. “It ended up being really fun,” Landon said. “I knew I was right where I needed to be.”

One of the biggest reasons was Eric. Landon speaks with gratitude about Eric’s teaching, his openness, his deep care for every student, and the way he meets people exactly where they are. “I love how ChangingGears helps people who might normally be ignored or avoided,” Landon shared. “It’s different here. People actually care.”

Landon arrived with a clear sense of purpose. After months of prayer, he was ready to work hard and build a future. His long-term dream? Within five years, move to Portland, Oregon, work for Porsche, and eventually start several businesses — including car rentals, Airbnbs, and repairing cars as a side hustle. Wherever he goes, ministry will stay at the center. He hopes to serve in evangelism and plug into a local church once he moves.

Today, Landon is well on his way. He has been working for a year and almost four months at Kings Auto Mall Volkswagen as part of the Kenwood Dealer Group. He’s now an apprentice and even earns monthly bonuses. His shop includes five apprentices — and four of them are ChangingGears graduates. “My favorite part is the people,” he said. “Plus, working on cars is just fun. You learn something new every single day. Cars are always changing, it’s nonstop learning.”

The ripple effect of Landon’s journey didn’t stop with him. His cousin Gabe, who grew up alongside him joined our most recent Automotive Technician Training class after hearing about Landon’s experience. Growing up, their families faced financial instability, and both boys dreamed of something different.

Since they were seven years old, Landon and Gabe talked about opening their own shop someday. Now, for the first time, that dream feels possible. They share not only a love for cars, but also a shared mission to serve God and make a difference in their community. Their paths represent something powerful: a break in generational poverty, and the beginning of generational purpose.

Landon’s advice, “Take a risk even if it feels scary. It could be life-changing. And listen to what God says. He has good plans for your life.”

We are grateful for Landon, for his courage, and for the hope he carries. His story is a reminder that when opportunity meets faith, mentorship and hard work, lives and even generations can change.