When asked how long it took to write Taking the Lead, Dave was quick to point out that it was truly a lifetime in the making, but the seeds were planted 10 years ago upon the passing of his father. Dave’s father was a high-ranking CIA official who traveled the world. In Dave’s words, “My father began writing a book, but he got cancer and passed away, so our family lost out on hearing his story. When that happened, I decided that I wanted to finish a book to share my story and God’s faithfulness.” Then, after JD got sick, and Dave became president of Joe Gibbs Racing, the time was right to tell his story, while also honoring his best friend. To this end, Dave has insisted that all author proceeds from Taking the Lead be given to the JD Gibbs Legacy Fund​ to benefit urban Young Life work in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Speaking of JD; when asked who he was, Dave responded by quoting JD’s wife, Melissa, who stated, “JD Gibbs was the first peer I ever met to whom God mattered.” Dave continued, “He never wavered from that. JD was a consistent, faithful friend, who loved Jesus first and foremost. He lived it out, he didn’t just talk about it. JD was my picture of what it was to follow Jesus in high school, in business, as a dad and as a man.” In fact, when asked about the most influential leaders in his life, Dave named JD and his father, “Coach” Joe Gibbs. In Dave’s words, “During my 30 years with Joe Gibbs Racing, those two Gibbs men have been models of different kinds of leadership styles, but both have been steady, loving and caring leaders and both are men that I have learned from.”

As to Young Life’s place in Dave’s life and Taking the Lead, Dave is adamant that Young Life cannot be separated from his story and, beginning with JD Gibbs and his Young Life leader, Rick Beckwith, the mission has taught him much about leadership. “Just like Rick was intentional in my life so many years ago and met me where I was at, I try to be a Young Life leader wherever I go. I don’t believe that a title makes you a leader; rather, you earn the right as you show up and care for people. We are to treat people as a soul, not a transaction. This was modeled to me in Young Life; it was something I first lived out as a Young Life leader.”

If you are interested in learning more about Taking the Lead, or ordering your own copy, visit www.takingtheleadbook.com. In the words of Young Life President Newt Crenshaw, “Taking the Lead is about a man’s willingness to serve. Dave Alpern’s humility, transparency and perseverance are inspiring. But his abiding loyalty to those around him, especially to JD Gibbs, and his deep faith in Jesus Christ are at the foundation of his leadership and life story. In the end, we witness a leader who embodies the cultural values of Joe Gibbs Racing: honor God, put people before profits and relentlessly pursue winning. It’s like Dave is standing before us in the race of life and giving the command, “Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!”