Growing up in a small town in South Alabama shaped the foundation of who I am today. The values, experiences, and sense of community that I developed during those early years have guided me throughout my life and career. Now, as an entrepreneur in Houston, I find myself relying on the lessons I learned back home more than ever. In this blog, I want to share how those Southern roots have influenced my business philosophy, and how they continue to guide the way I lead and grow my company, LoneStar Labor Management.
The Power of Community
One of the biggest takeaways from my time in South Alabama is the power of community. In a small town, everyone knows each other, and you quickly learn that your actions impact more than just yourself. There was always a sense of togetherness—people genuinely cared about each other’s well-being. Whether it was lending a hand when someone was in need or simply supporting local businesses, the community was the backbone of everything.
This sense of community deeply influences how I run my business today. At LoneStar, I strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. I believe that strong relationships are the key to any successful organization, and I make it a point to invest in my employees and the people we work with. Whether we’re building partnerships with clients or mentoring young athletes, it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration. I learned long ago that when you support the people around you, they’ll support you in return.
Hard Work and Perseverance
Growing up in Alabama, hard work was simply a way of life. My parents always instilled in me the value of earning what you have, and I saw that mentality reflected in everyone around me. People worked hard because they had to, but also because they took pride in their efforts. Whether it was on the farm, in a small business, or on the athletic field, the culture of hard work and perseverance was ingrained in us from a young age.
That work ethic has been a driving force behind my career. When I first started LoneStar Labor Management, I was competing against much larger companies with far more resources. It wasn’t easy, but I believed in the value of putting in the work and pushing through challenges. There were moments when it felt overwhelming, but I knew that hard work, resilience, and a commitment to quality would eventually pay off—and it has. Now, I look for those same qualities in the people I hire and partner with. I believe that success is earned through dedication and a willingness to keep going, even when the path isn’t easy.
Trust and Integrity
In a small town, your reputation is everything. People don’t forget when you treat them well—or when you don’t. My Southern upbringing taught me the importance of trust and integrity in every aspect of life. I saw firsthand how people who were honest and dependable earned respect, while those who weren’t found themselves struggling to maintain relationships. When people trust you, they’re willing to go the extra mile for you, and that’s a lesson I carry with me in business.
At LoneStar, I’ve always prioritized transparency and honesty in my relationships with both employees and clients. If we make a promise, we keep it. If we make a mistake, we own up to it. In the world of business, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers and growth, but I’ve found that trust is what truly sustains a company over the long term. People want to work with those they can rely on, and building that kind of trust has been one of the cornerstones of our success.
Respect for Everyone’s Role
In a small town, every person plays an important role in keeping the community going. From the farmer to the teacher to the small business owner, there’s a mutual respect for the work everyone does. I learned to appreciate that no matter how small someone’s role may seem, it’s valuable—and that’s something I’ve carried with me into my business career.
At LoneStar, I make it a point to ensure that every member of our team feels valued, regardless of their position. Whether they’re an entry-level employee or part of our management team, everyone’s contribution matters. I’ve seen firsthand how much better an organization functions when people know their work is appreciated. When individuals feel respected and supported, they’re more motivated to go above and beyond, and that leads to better outcomes for everyone involved.
Staying Grounded in Growth
Moving from a small town to a major city like Houston has been an incredible journey, both personally and professionally. The pace is faster, the stakes are higher, and the competition is fierce. But no matter how much we’ve grown as a company, I’ve always made it a priority to stay grounded in the values I learned growing up. It’s easy to lose sight of those roots when you’re chasing success, but I believe that maintaining that connection is what keeps us on the right path.
Growth is important, but not at the expense of the principles that got you there in the first place. At LoneStar, we focus on sustainable growth—expanding in ways that align with our core values of trust, hard work, and community. We’ve had opportunities to grow quickly, but I’ve always been mindful of making sure that we’re doing it in a way that’s true to who we are.
Conclusion: The Value of Small-Town Lessons
When I look back at my journey from South Alabama to leading a business in Houston, I see a clear through-line of values that have guided me every step of the way. Community, hard work, integrity, and respect for others—these are the lessons that shaped my early years, and they continue to influence how I lead today.
As LoneStar continues to grow, I know that staying true to those small-town lessons will be key to our ongoing success. Whether you’re running a business or simply navigating life, I believe that these principles have the power to create lasting, positive impact wherever you go.
