Page 42 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2018

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY priceless
WORDSOFWISDOM: ADVICE FROM
While it’s sometimes said that advice is cheap, advice from proven business leaders can be priceless. Local business leaders Teri Eaton, Ron Barnes, Chris Cavote, and John M. Hairston share a few words of wisdom they’ve learned throughout their careers.
As a successful businesswoman, Eaton is owner/agent and CLU of Teri Eaton State Farm Insurance. She urges upcoming businessmen and women to never stop improving. “Always keep looking ahead and
be ready to make adjustments to your plan. Keep reading and learn from the best; I have an office full
of motivational and inspirational books,” Eaton said. “One of my favorite business author’s, Zig Ziglar, said ‘You will get all you want in life if you help enough people get what they want.’
Finally, be prepared. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
Eaton also encourages people
to work in a field that fits them naturally. “I enjoy acts of service and having designed my career around taking care of my policyholders and prospective customers,” she said. “When you’re doing something you love, it’s easier to enjoy your day
and be successful in your career.” Ron Barnes, president and CEO of
Coast Electric Power Association, has been in the electric power field 23 years and has learned many life lessons along the way. Studying under mentor Bob Occhi, former Coast Electric president, and Jim Compton, CEO of Cooperative Energy, Barnes learned the ropes not only in electricity, but in the people business as well.
“I was inspired by the way these two men did their jobs and how passionate they were in the service of others,” Barnes recalled. “I watched the way they treated each person with respect and knew that I wanted to be that type of leader as well.”
While there is no shortcut to success, Barnes believes that those who are successful for long periods of time are successful because they are good listeners, motivators, organizers and planners. “Always
COAST CEOS
story by Lynn Lofton and Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos courtesy of Ron Barnes, Chris Cavote, Teri Eaton and Josh M. Hairston.
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