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Alabama’s Christopher Linton on Leadership, Community, and Empowering the Next Generation

October 17, 2024

Christopher Linton is a successful entrepreneur and dedicated community advocate, originally from South Alabama and now based in Houston, Texas.

As the CEO of LoneStar Labor Management, a staffing agency specializing in poultry and food manufacturing, Linton has established a reputation for combining business acumen with a strong commitment to community service. His leadership approach focuses on fostering sustainable growth and creating opportunities for the next generation.

Growing up as a talented athlete in both football and baseball, Linton learned the values of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork—qualities that continue to shape his professional and personal life. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree and a Juris Doctorate in Law, he transitioned into the business world, where he built a company that serves clients across the United States.

Beyond his business endeavors, Christopher Linton is passionate about mentoring young athletes and empowering youth through education and sports programs. He believes that true success is measured not just by profit, but by the positive impact one has on the community. His commitment to creating lasting change through business and community involvement defines his legacy as a leader.

Christopher, you’ve built a successful career in business and community service. What inspired you to focus so heavily on giving back to the community while leading a growing business?

I think it all goes back to my upbringing in South Alabama. My parents always emphasized the importance of helping others, and I grew up watching my community support one another in tough times. When I moved to Houston and started LoneStar Labor Management, I knew I wanted to carry that philosophy with me. Business, in my opinion, should be more than just about profit; it’s about the impact you make on the people around you. For me, success is measured by the ability to lift others up as you grow. Community involvement gives my work a deeper purpose.

What was one pivotal moment in your career that shaped your approach to leadership and community engagement?

There was a moment early in my career when we were providing staffing solutions to a poultry plant in a rural community. One of the local nonprofits reached out to us, asking for support for their youth programs. At the time, we were still a small company and resources were tight, but I made the decision to invest in that community program. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. Not only did we help support young people, but we also built trust within the community, and that led to long-term partnerships. It taught me that even when resources are limited, making an effort to give back pays off in ways you might not initially see.

How do you foster a culture of community involvement within your business?

One of the core values at LoneStar is giving back, and we integrate that into everything we do. I encourage my team to find local causes they’re passionate about and we actively support those initiatives as a company. Whether it’s sponsoring a youth sports team or volunteering at food drives, we make it a point to be present in the community. I’ve found that this not only boosts morale but also makes us more connected as a team. When people know their work is tied to something greater than just the bottom line, it brings a whole new level of fulfillment.

You’ve mentored many young athletes over the years. What do you think is the most important lesson they can learn from sports that applies to life and business?

Sports teach discipline, resilience, and how to handle failure—three things that are essential in life and business. I tell young athletes all the time that how they react to failure will define their success. There’s a tendency to give up when things don’t go your way, but sports teach you to keep pushing forward, even when the odds are against you. Whether you’re on the field or running a company, setbacks are inevitable. It’s how you respond to them that makes the difference.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to transition from an athlete to an entrepreneur?

The transition from athlete to entrepreneur can be challenging because, in sports, you have a coach, a team, and a structured environment. In business, you’re often on your own. My advice is to take the skills you’ve learned in sports—leadership, teamwork, perseverance—and apply them to entrepreneurship. Surround yourself with mentors and a solid team, just like you would on the field. Also, remember that entrepreneurship is a long game, much like a season in sports. You have to stay consistent and adaptable.

Houston is known for its diversity and growth. How has that influenced the way you run your business?

Houston’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, and it’s something that’s influenced how I approach leadership. At LoneStar, we serve clients from all walks of life, and our workforce reflects that diversity. I’ve learned that in order to succeed here, you need to be adaptable and open to different perspectives. Understanding the unique needs of various communities helps us provide better services, and it’s helped us build long-lasting relationships. Embracing diversity has allowed us to grow in a way that’s both inclusive and sustainable.

You’ve mentioned your commitment to youth programs before. What role do you think business leaders should play in supporting education and youth development?

Business leaders have a huge role to play in supporting youth development. It’s not just about donating money—it’s about investing time, mentorship, and resources into programs that build future leaders. In my case, I’ve always believed that investing in youth sports and education is a direct investment in the future workforce. When we provide young people with opportunities to grow and develop, we’re building a foundation for future success, not just for them, but for the entire community.

What’s one challenge you’ve faced in growing LoneStar Labor Management, and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges we faced was scaling the business while maintaining our core values. As we expanded, it was tempting to cut corners or sacrifice the personal touch that made us successful in the first place. I realized that in order to grow sustainably, we needed to stick to our principles, no matter how big we got. We implemented systems to ensure our values were part of every decision we made. By staying true to who we are, we’ve been able to grow while maintaining the trust of our clients and the community.

What role does innovation play in your approach to both business and community involvement?

Innovation is key in both business and community work. In business, you have to stay ahead of the curve—whether it’s through new technologies, better processes, or more efficient staffing solutions. But innovation also applies to community involvement. Just as we look for new ways to serve our clients, we also seek innovative ways to engage with the community. That could mean starting a new mentorship program or creating a partnership between local schools and businesses. It’s all about finding fresh ways to address the needs of both the business and the community.

Finally, what do you hope to accomplish in the next five years, both in your career and in your community efforts?

In the next five years, I want to continue expanding LoneStar Labor Management while deepening our community partnerships. I’d like to see us become more involved in youth education, particularly in areas like STEM and vocational training. On the business side, I’m focused on growing our reach, but I’m also committed to ensuring that our growth is tied to real, positive change within the community. I want LoneStar to be known not just as a business success, but as a company that truly cares about the people we serve and the communities we are a part of.