The Story Behind

People. Process. Progress.

You’ve probably seen the phrase People. Process. Progress. all over this campaign. It isn’t just a tagline, it’s a framework that shaped how I think about leadership, problem solving, and public service.

The idea grew out of an unexpected place: a TV show about turning around struggling businesses.

From The Profit to Public Service

Years ago, I started watching The Profit, a CNBC show where entrepreneur Marcus Lemonis steps into struggling small businesses and helps them turn things around. In each episode, he breaks a business down to three core elements: People, Process, and Product. 

Lemonis teaches that:

• People – the team – are the foundation of any business. Without the right people in the right roles, nothing else works. 

• Process – the systems, checks, and workflows – are how you turn effort into consistent results. 

• Product – what you ultimately deliver – has to genuinely meet people’s needs if you want to succeed. 

His point is simple: if your people are supported, your processes are clear, and your product truly serves its customers, you can create long-term success.

That framework stuck with me. Over time, I realized it doesn’t just apply to small businesses on TV, it applies to local government and to how we lead in Wilson County.

Adapting the 3 P’s to County Government

When I thought about how to translate Lemonis’ model into public service, one change became obvious:

Government’s “product” isn’t something we sell on a shelf.

The end result of good government is the forward progress of the community and its people.

That’s where my version comes from:

People. Process. Progress.

Here’s how it connects:

People: Government That Puts Residents First

In business, Marcus says everything starts with people. In government, that means residents come first.

On this campaign, “People” means:

• People-First Governance – County services should be accessible, efficient, and equitable, designed to serve every family, business, and neighbor with fairness and respect. 

• Smarter Budgets, Stronger Communities – Every tax dollar should work hard for the people of Wilson County, prioritizing essential services and avoiding waste. 

• Safety and Emergency Readiness for All – Our law enforcement, first responders, and emergency services must have the support they need to keep families safe across the county. 

At its core, People means remembering that Wilson County doesn’t belong to politicians or special interests, it belongs to its residents.

Process: How We Do the Work Matters

On The Profit, you see it over and over: a business with good people can still fail if its processes are broken, if there’s no clear system for money, communication, or operations. 

The same is true in government.

For this campaign, “Process” means:

• Transparent and Accountable Leadership – Decisions made “in the light of day,” with open communication, clear explanations, and honest answers. 

• Smarter, More Efficient Use of Tax Dollars – Budgets that are easy to understand, fiscally responsible, and focused on outcomes, not optics. 

• Responsible Growth and Land Use – Planning that protects our rural heritage, farmland, and infrastructure instead of letting growth happen “by accident.” 

Process is where accountability, transparency, and efficiency live. When the process is ethical and clear, people can see that government is working for them, not just for the well-connected.

Progress: The “End Product” of Good Government

In Marcus Lemonis’ world, the third P is Product: what the customer ultimately receives. 

In my framework, the third P is Progress, because the “product” of county government isn’t a thing, it’s the future we’re building together.

Progress looks like:

• Well-maintained roads, parks, and infrastructure that keep up with growth. 

• Safer neighborhoods and stronger support for first responders and emergency readiness. 

• Ethical leadership that restores trust and keeps public service focused on service, not personal gain. 

When we get People and Process right, Progress follows. That’s the goal: a Wilson County where families can put down roots, businesses can thrive, and our shared values are reflected in how the county actually works.

Why This Framework Matters for Wilson County

I didn’t choose People. Process. Progress. because it sounded catchy. I chose it because it captures how I’ve come to see leadership, in my work as Wilson County’s IT Manager, as a husband and father in this community, and as someone who believes public service is a trust, not a title. 

• People reminds me who I work for.

• Process keeps me focused on how we do the work, fairly, transparently, and efficiently.

• Progress keeps us looking forward, toward a county that honors its roots while preparing for tomorrow.

If you want to dig deeper into how this framework shows up in specific policies, you can read more on my Issues page; covering people-first governance, smarter budgets, safety, transparent leadership, responsible growth, and ethics in office. 

Together, we can make sure Wilson County’s “end product” isn’t just paperwork and meetings, it’s real, measurable progress for the people who call this place home.