"You can learn something from everyone," Chris Egge told CEO students.

Egge, co-owner of Sycamore Seal and Stripe, shared that he's learned from both good and bad bosses--the kind that he wants to be like, and the kind that he doesn't.

Chris comes from a long line of entrepreneurs. His family has owned Egge Machine Company since 1915. His Texas upbringing had him surrounded by business thinkers and doers. It seemed likely that he would follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, but Chris found himself taking a different path. As a college student in the fall of 2001 in California, Chris was torn by the 9/11 events that he watched on television. Twenty days after the attacks, he walked into the recruiter's office and enlisted in the Marines.

Chris served 11 years in the Marines and finished his 20th year of service with the Army National Guard. Wherever he has led, Chris says, "When things aren't running right, you learn a lot." In both the military and business, he's learned to pivot, improvise, and problem solve.

Another lesson Chris shared with CEO is to tell those you lead "why" you are doing what you are doing. Whether leading his subordinates in the military or managing employees, Chris said those who understand the mission work more effectively.

Brampton Brick is what brought him to the Wabash Valley, but a change in ownership forced him to pivot his life's plan. Chris has had the opportunity to put his experiences to use with RJL Solutions, Sullivan County Veteran's Affairs, and his newest co-ownership venture--Sycamore Seal and Stripe.

The final lesson Chris shared was more of advice. He strongly encouraged CEO students to "be impactful. Give back to your community. Be a good neighbor." One such "impactful" venture that he helped start in Sullivan County was the CEO program.
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