Christopher Linton is the CEO and founder of Lonestar Labour Management – a full-service employment agency connecting individuals with opportunities in the manufacturing industry. Born and raised in a small town in South Alabama, Mr. Linton was always academically inclined and praised for his success in school. After graduating high school, he earned a bachelor of science and his Juris doctorate, and it was during his time at University that he recognized his passion for the business world. According to Linton, his post-secondary education fueled his interest in the professional world, and he began seeking opportunities to expand his skill set.
Now as a successful business owner, Mr. Linton is an active member of his local community while also providing staffing solutions for organizations across the continental U.S. As someone who works hard to secure permanent employment for his clients, he also helps provide equal opportunities including insurance, healthcare, and proper safety training.
Can you share a little about the early days of your company?
The idea for my business was very much twofold. While pursuing my post-secondary education, I was inspired to start a business and become my own boss. I liked the idea of working for myself and forging my own path. After graduation, I began looking for opportunities in the business sector. One of the previous companies I worked for focused on diversified labor. I recognized gaps in the marketplace and then expanded upon that idea. Ultimately, I did my homework and added several services that were needed.
How have you achieved success?
Success is sometimes hard to define because there are so many ways to measure success. I think for me, being able to help individuals find and secure employment is a huge motivating factor. Sometimes individuals lacking certain education credentials have a difficult time locating jobs. At Lonestar Labor Management we work with people from all walks of life and provide them with the necessary training and resources to be successful. I take pride in helping clients obtain access to basic needs such as insurance, housing, and healthcare.
What obstacles have you overcome in the process?
Business is always trial and error and it was no different for our team and Lonestar. We work with organizations across the United States and we employ hundreds of individuals. When working with such high volumes, challenges are inevitable, but our experience and dedication has helped us overcome every hurdle we have encountered. We want to ensure that every employee receives the compensation that they deserve but also that we are hiring the best workers for the organizations that we work alongside.
What drives you to succeed?
I’d say working with my team. I really enjoy working in collaborative environments and I value the opinion of those around me and who provide me constant support. I think it’s important to cultivate a positive work environment. A good company cultives motivates employees and enhances productivity. At the same time I enjoy seeing members of my department come together to reach common goals.
How has your definition of success changed over the years?
Success has meant a lot of different things to me at different points in my professional journey. When I first started out in business, I mostly focused on maintaining a client base and generating enough revenue to stay afloat. However, as time went on it was more about helping out communities and putting my mark in the industry.
What has success meant to you?
Success for me is about doing what I love. My goals on the other hand change all the time. As the job market changes so do my goals and ambitions, but I think that’s a good thing. In business you need to be flexible and be open to new ideas and suggestions.
Do you have advice for others on how to be successful?
I’d actually tell them to not focus too much on other people’s advice. Everybody has different experiences in the business world and many individuals found success in completely different ways. Don’t measure your success or compare yourself to others, you’ll only be disappointed. Confidence is vital when it comes to growing and always moving forward.
How do you feel success affects a person’s outlook?
I think it really comes down to how you measure success. Oftentimes when those in business do not achieve certain objectives they tend to view some experiences as failures as opposed to learning opportunities. Failing to reach one goal doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It just meant it’s time to pivot and reassess. Goals change all the time and so do people. Don’t be afraid of change.