Elton Hollis is the co-founder of Golden Triangle Industrial Group(GTIG). GTIG helps businesses network effectively. We recently got a chance to interview him.
Elton, Thank you for talking with us. Kindly describe your journey as an entrepreneur so far.
Thank you for having me. My first job as a teenager was at a pig farm in Kirbyville, TX in high school. After I graduated, I spent a number of years working under my father in the civil construction world. There he taught me the values of always helping people, hard work, problem-solving and continuous learning. I’ve used these same core values as I rose thru the ranks of field leadership, management, and eventually ownership.
I have been extremely blessed to have worked with a diverse and amazing group of people in my life. Each has taught me different lessons….even if I was too stubborn to catch on at the time.
What were the initial challenges that you faced in your endeavor?
Overcoming the struggle of not finishing my college degree, the struggles of learning to be an independent man, but also empathetic to your team. Balancing home/work life with kids. The fear of taking leaps vs being safe.
Tell us more about Golden Triangle industrial group.
Golden Triangle Industrial Group was formed to help businesses network together and grow their company. We meet monthly and provide local construction project updates and information. We believe in the core values of hard work, diligence and always going above and beyond for our fellow business folk.
Business-wise, 2020 and 2021 had their own challenges. How exciting the future of business looks in Texas for 2022?
I have noticed a renewed and invigorated energy and tenacity in business owners that we deal with. I believe this will work to their advantage as Texas, and Southeast Texas in particular is booming at the moment. Over 65 Billion dollars in projects are slated for 2022 and 2023.
In your market, how do you address supply chain issues?
We have found that taking a proactive and creative approach to supply chain issues
is the best way to navigate the crunch. Although there is no one answer to the issues at hand, being diligent and forecasting your company needs certainly helps matters.
Doing business is all about solving problems. It is equally important to help others in business. What are your views on this?
These are my two favorite things in business! Helping people out is one of the most enjoyable things I have ever experienced in business. It helps to keep your journey positive, and it just builds good character in yourself and the people who witness it. Problem-solving should be ingrained in anything you do in your company, and for your customers. In my opinion, it’s the best path to a win/win situation.
What new challenges have you faced due to the ongoing pandemic and how do you wish to address those challenges?
The pandemic has caused a lot of sadness and heartache in personal and business lives. It has been a paramount example of hardship, but it isn’t insurmountable. We have had success by caring for our team members, taking care of our health the right way, but not allowing it to stop our world from spinning.
Any suggestions you would like to give to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Always help others, be the hardest worker in the room, and don’t be afraid to fail.
