Shaped by a single mom and a coach who doubled as a father figure, Don Blevins (aka Coach B) carries that same energy forward today—coaching youth and high school athletes, mentoring kids who remind him of a younger him, and building the kind of tight-knit, everyone-belongs community we all wish we grew up in.
By day, he’s behind the wheel as a CDL driver. When he’s not on the road, he’s on the field or on the court, teaching life lessons disguised as drills, celebrating every small win, and showing kids that they matter.
Don’s impact isn’t loud or flashy—it’s steady, personal, and deeply Milwaukee (despite currently living in Platteville). And that’s exactly why it hits different.
This week, we’re shouting out a guy who’s been giving back since the moment he learned how powerful one caring adult can be.
What is your background (born here or a transplant – if so, from where)?
Milwaukee Native – current Platteville resident.
Any stories from your youth that define your path – how’d you get to where you are now? Early inspirations, challenges, etc?
I grew up in a single parent home and my mom worked hard to raise us all on our own. She managed to provide a loving home and we had a strong family bond. I found myself drawn to sports as I grew into a young adult.
My coach, Bobby Ricardo, ended up being a father figure to all of us in the West Lawn projects. Not only did he encourage us to be youth coaches and volunteer, he taught us that “you don’t need to be famous or a millionaire to give back to your community”.
There were so many people that inspired me to be successful and I’m so lucky I have been able to give back and coach as an adult.
Where did you study (if you did higher education)?
Central Texas & UW Oshkosh
What do you do for work now (where you work, title, job responsibilities, etc)?
CDL truck. Drive for Faherty’s.
Can you talk a little bit about your career journey? How’d you get to where you are now?
I was a regional manager at Tires Plus for many years, but decided to take a local job so I had more time to spend with my family and coach youth sports.
Can you talk more about your community involvement or volunteer experience?
I am currently very involved in my community and coach high school football & basketball. Over the years, I’ve volunteered as head coach for nearly all the youth sports my kids have played.
Coaching gives me the opportunity to combine my love for sports with my dedication to teaching life lessons. It’s incredibly rewarding watching young athletes develop their skills and confidence and take it to the next level, especially when I get to share those moments with my own kids.
What are some ways you have impacted the community in your line of work?
I like to try and become friends with everyone and mentor the youth, it makes our community more close-knit.
What do you want to see for Milwaukee’s future?
I hope that the community embraces how important it is for all of us to work together to make a great city.