19 - From Fast Food to Foundation Repair: Unconventional Paths to Leadership
Unpacking Leadership: Insights from Chris McKinney's Diverse Career Journey
In this episode of the podcast, HR Huntsman sits down with Chris McKinney, a seasoned leader whose career spans sports, military service, Walmart, the fast food industry, and health and wellness coaching. Today, Chris brings that rich experience to his role at Ram Jack Business Opportunity, a foundation repair company. Their conversation offers powerful insights into leadership, team building, accountability, and navigating professional growth through diverse industries and life experiences.
Early Influences and Leadership Development
Chris’s leadership story begins on the basketball court during high school, where he learned early on that teamwork isn’t just about playing your position but understanding and supporting your teammates. These formative experiences introduced him to the power of collaboration and laid the foundation for his leadership approach. His leadership skills were further sharpened in the military, where the high-pressure environment demanded discipline, adaptability, and strategic thinking. The ability to lead through uncertainty and remain composed in difficult situations became central to Chris's leadership DNA.
Following his military service, Chris took a part-time job at Walmart. What began as a temporary role became a transformative period in his career, thanks to the encouragement of a store manager who saw his potential. Over nearly 15 years, Chris climbed the ranks from hourly supervisor to senior director and district manager, gaining hands-on leadership experience and deep insight into how to manage and inspire people effectively.
Key Leadership Lessons from Walmart
One of the most powerful lessons Chris learned during his time at Walmart was the importance of evolving a personal leadership style. A mentor once told him that it took over 40 years to reach their leadership position—a reminder that growth is a continuous journey. Chris embraced this mindset, focusing not just on results but on how he could help others grow. He also emphasized the need to set high expectations, but equally important was showing team members why those expectations mattered. By making the purpose behind goals clear, Chris empowered others to replicate success across teams and departments.
Building Relationships and Understanding Team Dynamics
Relationships, Chris believes, are the heartbeat of effective leadership. He makes it a point to know his team—learning about their lives, families, and goals. This personal connection builds trust and encourages transparent communication. One strategy he uses is the “15-minute drill,” a practice of regularly checking in with every team member, regardless of title or department. These short conversations create space for authentic dialogue and have become a pillar of the culture Chris nurtures within his teams.
Insights from Diverse Industries
In the fast food industry, Chris discovered that many entry-level employees didn’t realize they had potential for career advancement. By opening conversations about growth and earnings, he helped these employees reimagine their futures and take greater ownership of their roles. When he moved into health and wellness coaching, he found himself in a more consultative role, helping people navigate both professional and personal challenges. This further deepened his belief that leadership is rooted in strong relationships and genuine understanding.
The Move to Ram Jack
Chris’s transition to Ram Jack was the result of years of intentional networking and staying open to new opportunities. He maintained relationships with people at the company over time, which eventually led to his current role. At Ram Jack, he draws on his varied experiences to approach leadership with a balanced perspective. He remains customer-focused, recognizing that every interaction should be personal and solution-oriented. The leadership principles that served him well at Walmart and beyond continue to shape how he builds and leads teams today.
Team Dynamics and Leadership Style
Chris currently leads a team of about 100 people and remains deeply committed to building effective teams through mentorship and active listening. His team members value his openness and willingness to truly see them as individuals. He believes that building an inclusive culture, where every person feels they matter, is key to team cohesion and long-term success. Transparency around financial decisions and organizational structures also plays a major role. Chris works to ensure everyone understands how the business operates, empowering them to make informed decisions and suggest innovative ideas that benefit the company.
Communication and Clarity Across Departments
Clear communication across teams is a priority for Chris. He established a standard communication protocol, including Monday morning Zoom calls with direct reports to outline weekly priorities. This structure ensures alignment across departments and keeps everyone focused on shared objectives. In addition, weekly project reviews at both the start and end of the week help identify wins, address challenges, and refine workflows. By involving project managers and production teams in these reviews, Chris fosters collaboration and consistent improvement.
Balancing Accountability and Support
One of the most nuanced aspects of leadership, according to Chris, is balancing accountability with empathy. He has created an environment where people feel safe sharing their aspirations and struggles. When leaders and team members share a mutual desire to succeed without letting one another down, accountability becomes a natural extension of the culture. Chris also champions a “failing forward” approach—encouraging people to take risks, learn from mistakes, and move ahead with greater insight. As long as the same error isn’t repeated, failure becomes a step toward progress rather than a setback.
Adapting Leadership Styles for Different Generations
Chris is intentional about adapting his leadership style to meet the needs of a multigenerational workforce. He values the input of millennial and Gen Z employees and actively engages them to understand what motivates and challenges them. In the post-COVID world, he recognizes that flexibility, purpose, and growth opportunities matter more than ever. His leadership approach reflects these realities, ensuring that team members feel valued and that their work aligns with a bigger mission.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
When offering advice to those just starting out, Chris emphasizes the importance of understanding your goals and motivations. Whether you aim to rise within a company or build your own business, clarity about your “why” is essential. He also urges young leaders to seek mentorship from people who have walked the path before them. Learning from others’ successes and mistakes can provide a valuable roadmap. Finally, he encourages staying open to learning and evolving, as industries and expectations continue to shift.
Conclusion
Chris McKinney’s leadership journey is a masterclass in adaptability, empathy, and vision. From his start in high school sports to his role at Ram Jack Business Opportunity, his story demonstrates how diverse experiences shape great leaders. Chris’s dedication to building relationships, creating open lines of communication, and empowering his team offers valuable lessons for leaders at any stage. His blend of accountability and support, combined with a forward-thinking mindset, serves as a blueprint for cultivating strong, successful teams in today’s evolving workplace.
