strong male

Be the Strong Male Figure!

Association of Excellence
May 13, 2025•2 min read

Gentlemen!

I believe that every family should have a strong male leader. Let me explain “strong male figure,” I am referring to the man who is dependable, provides guidance and emotional support, is financially responsible, serves as a positive influence, demonstrates strength yet possesses nurturing qualities, looks after his health, overall, he strives to inspire everyone around him to be better versions of themselves. Normally that would be the father, however it could be an uncle, an older brother, a cousin, a baseball coach, or a community leader. If you see a family with strong values, I bet you will find a strong male figure supporting them in some way! My message to you is simple, work on becoming that man! Its not an easy task, and personally I still have work to do on becoming this man. But it is something I will work at daily.

Let me tell you the repercussions of not having a strong male role in my life. I think it affected me most during my teenage years. I used drugs daily, I was arrested, suspended from school, got into street fights monthly, and hung out with hoodlums, some of you may be surprised to hear this, but it is true! Without my mother and older brother sending me to California (where my brother, a positive male influence lived)– I could easily have become another statistic!

Let's look at some statistics:

•Around 71% of all high school dropouts hail from fatherless homes, as per the National Principals Association Report on the Nation’s Secondary Schools.
•The US Department of Health and Human Services states that 85% of all children exhibiting behavioral disorders originate from fatherless homes.
•U.S. Census Bureau records claim that 44% of children in mother-only families live in poverty, compared to 12% in father-only families.
•Teen girls without fathers present are seven times more likely to fall pregnant.
•Youths from fatherless homes have a substantially higher risk of incarceration.
•95% of adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes.
•According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 75% of adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes.

In all what I am promoting, it is for men to better themselves, because you are needed not only for your family, but your entire community! I hope this message resonates with you all and we can continue becoming strong men together!

Stay Excellent,

Rolando Almanzar

Born in the Bronx and raised in Orlando, the author grew up in a financially struggling but loving household led by his mother and grandmother. In his teens, he lost direction—falling into bad influences, identity struggles, and substance abuse—largely due to the absence of a strong male role model. This changed in his mid-20s when he met a mentor who redefined masculinity and personal growth for him. By his 30s, though successful, he still longed for a deeper brotherhood that combined personal development, business, mindset, and fitness. To fill that gap, he co-founded The Association of Excellence, a community where men hold each other accountable and strive for greatness—without gimmicks.

Rolando Almanzar

Born in the Bronx and raised in Orlando, the author grew up in a financially struggling but loving household led by his mother and grandmother. In his teens, he lost direction—falling into bad influences, identity struggles, and substance abuse—largely due to the absence of a strong male role model. This changed in his mid-20s when he met a mentor who redefined masculinity and personal growth for him. By his 30s, though successful, he still longed for a deeper brotherhood that combined personal development, business, mindset, and fitness. To fill that gap, he co-founded The Association of Excellence, a community where men hold each other accountable and strive for greatness—without gimmicks.

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