Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee E. Gladden Jr..
Hi Lee E. , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started boxing at 12 years old at the Pleasantville Recreation Center in Pleasantville, New Jersey. What began as a place to stay active quickly became something much bigger, it taught me discipline, structure, and accountability at a young age. Those early lessons laid the foundation for everything that followed, from my military service and competitive boxing career to coaching and mentorship. Over time, boxing became not just a sport for me, but a lifelong tool for leadership, service, and helping others reach their potential.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most long journeys, it’s been full of setbacks, hard lessons, and moments where quitting would have been the easier option. I faced financial challenges, injuries, and periods of transition, from athlete to service member (US Marine), and later from competitor to coach and business owner. Building and sustaining a boxing program meant sacrificing time, money, and comfort, often while trying to serve others first.
There were also personal challenges -learning patience, managing responsibility, and growing into leadership roles without a roadmap. But every struggle sharpened my perspective and reinforced my belief in discipline, consistency, and resilience. Those obstacles didn’t slow the journey; they shaped it and prepared me to lead, mentor, and give back at a higher level.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Gladden Boxing Club?
My organization, Gladden Boxing Club, is more than a boxing gym, it’s a comprehensive performance and development program. While we are known for producing competitive amateur boxers, including state and national champions, we also train athletes across multiple sports. Our athletes include Florida Gator student-athletes from various sports, as well as professionals and prospects from the NFL, NBA, track and field, and other elite programs.
What sets us apart is our transferable training system. We use boxing as a performance tool to develop footwork, coordination, reaction time, conditioning, mental toughness, and composure under pressure; skills that directly enhance performance in any sport. Training is rooted in proven USA Boxing and international standards, combined with structured, military-influenced discipline and accountability.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of our credibility and consistency. Gladden Boxing Club is trusted by high-level athletes because we focus on fundamentals, efficiency, and longevity, not gimmicks. At the same time, we remain deeply committed to youth development and community impact, serving many athletes from underserved backgrounds by providing mentorship, structure, and opportunity.
What I want readers to know is that our brand represents substance, professionalism, and results. Whether developing a young boxer, sharpening a collegiate athlete, or supporting a professional competitor, Gladden Boxing Club delivers high-level training that builds better athletes and stronger leaders, on and off the field.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest advice is to be intentional and humble. Don’t chase titles or proximity- chase learning. The best mentors usually aren’t the loudest or most visible; they’re the ones consistently doing the work at a high level. Study people you respect, show genuine interest, and approach them with thoughtful questions, not expectations.
What’s worked well for me is building relationships through service and consistency. I volunteered, showed up early, stayed late, and focused on adding value before asking for anything. Over time, that built trust. I’ve also learned that mentorship doesn’t always look formal, some of the most impactful guidance I’ve received came from short conversations, observations, or being allowed in the room long enough to listen and learn.
Networking, to me, is about credibility and follow-through. Do what you say you’re going to do, respect people’s time, and let your work speak for you. When you operate with professionalism and purpose, the right mentors and opportunities tend to find you naturally.
Pricing:
- $140 per month (Group Session)
- $60 (open gym)
- $95 1 – personal session
- $85 when you book 3-5 sessions
- $75 when you book 6 or more sessions
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Gladdenboxingclub.com
- Instagram: Gladden Boxing Club
- Facebook: Gladden Boxing Club
- Youtube: Gladden Boxing Club
