We’re looking forward to introducing you to Chris Gilbert. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Chris, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
No thought or question about it. Integrity is a core value that I hold in my life. Integrity is one of the defining characteristics of who you are as a person. You can be of very high intelligence and a high energy “Go-Getter” but if you sacrifice who you are as a person, all it will be is short term gain. There is an old song we used to sing in church when I was a kid (Thanks Mom for taking us to CCE). It was called, “The Wise Man Built His House Upon a Rock.” This song couldn’t be truer in life. It may just be the small-town guy in me, but I will take a good ole small town Texas boy with a High School Diploma that will “shoot it straight” to me than an Ivy League Educated PhD that would lie to your face and cheat and steal to achieve greatness. There are many people who have built their family fortunes on unsteady ground. It may take a few generations, but it will all come crumbling down. My Dad instilled into me, “A lot of things can be taken from you, but they can’t take away your name. So, make a good name for yourself.” My Mother instilled into me, “Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.” So, my integrity is worth more than any amount of money; I have to look at the guy in the mirror.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Chris Gilbert is a seasoned, multidisciplinary professional originally from Texas. Chris is a founder, CEO, entrepreneur, humanitarian, acclaimed speaker, trailblazer and leader. Chris is the owner of a Houston based independent energy and real estate investment company and has also won many awards for his employment contributions during his years in the construction and petrochemical industries. He is a City Council Member in West Columbia, an advisory board member at Sam Houston State University and a Subject Matter Expert with the NCCER. He has two Associates, one Bachelor’s and one Master’s Degree. Chris has received numerous awards such as: Leaders Under 40, West Columbia, Texas Man of The Year, The Facts Newspaper Unsung Heroes, and Distinguished Student nominee among others. He has received commendations from three state governors (Texas, Kentucky and Arkansas), a US Representative, a US Senator and the Mayor and County Judge of the Nation’s Fourth Largest City for his community minded efforts, non-profit and educational volunteerism, and philanthropy. Chris has served as a panelist, moderator, and a guest speaker, as well as judging and serving as master of ceremonies of numerous events along with participating as a board member, committee member, mentor and volunteer for over two dozen cultural, educational, leadership and advocacy organizations.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The day after I graduated from high school. I not only saw all of the unlimited possibilities in life, I also saw that I need to get my butt in gear and quit playing around. I did not in the least bit, show my true potential while in grade school. I honestly thought I would be in school forever and 25 years later, I would be in Grade 37 right now. I couldn’t see past the weekend, which unfortunately was way more than Honors and AP Classes. So that day is when my view of the world changed.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Listen to your elders. Listen to those who care about you and take their advice. It will save you a lot of issues and heartache in your future.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Undervaluing interpersonal relationships and communication. Some people are too smart for their own good. They sometimes judge a book (people) by its cover. Remember, Wal-Mart Founder Sam Walton drove an old pickup truck with his dogs in the back; Not a luxury car. Building true relationships with everyone from all ages and walks of life imaginable can open your mind to things you never knew about or thought was possible. It opens your whole world up.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. I do it all day every day. Texas Longhorns Football Coach Steve Sarkisian says all the time to his players, “Who you are some of the time is who you are all of the time.” That phrase could not be truer. What are you doing when no one else is looking? That is a huge test of your true character.
Image Credits
Image by Erica Gilbert
