The Journey to Balance
Life is a delicate balancing act, and over the years, I have learned that success is not just measured by business achievements but by the fulfillment we find in our family, faith, and community. Running two thriving businesses, Honeycutt Transmission and The Holiday Light Store, has been a rewarding challenge, but my greatest accomplishments lie beyond the office. My faith has guided me, my family has supported me, and my work has given me purpose. Striking the right balance among these pillars has been key to a truly fulfilling life.
The Foundation of Faith
Faith has always been the cornerstone of my life. As a devoted Southern Baptist Christian, I believe that my businesses, my family, and my ability to give back to the community are all blessings from God. Faith is more than just attending church on Sundays; it is about living a life of service, kindness, and purpose every single day. My involvement with missionary work and disaster relief efforts has shaped who I am, reinforcing the importance of giving rather than just receiving.
Over the past 30 years, my work with the North Carolina Baptist Men’s Association has allowed me to travel to 20 states and six countries, helping rebuild homes, churches, and lives. These experiences remind me that business success is fleeting, but the impact we make on others lasts forever. By prioritizing my faith, I have found clarity and strength to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and leadership.
Building a Business with Purpose
Owning and operating Honeycutt Transmission for over three decades has been both a privilege and a responsibility. From the very beginning, my goal was to provide quality service, not just make a profit. My recognition as one of the top ten garages in the country was an honor, but the true reward has been building trust with my customers and being part of their lives.
Likewise, The Holiday Light Store has allowed me to bring joy to thousands of families during the Christmas season. What started as a passion for decorating has grown into a business that serves customers across the U.S. and Canada. Business, when done with integrity and purpose, becomes more than just a source of income—it becomes a vehicle for spreading joy and making a difference in the lives of others.
Family: The Heart of It All
No matter how busy I get, my family remains my top priority. My wife, Cindy, and I have been married for 34 years, and our journey together has been filled with love, challenges, and growth. Raising our two daughters and now enjoying time with our four grandchildren has been the greatest blessing of all.
Spending time with family does not mean just being present; it means being engaged. Whether we are traveling, working on the farm, or simply sharing meals together, those moments are priceless. I have learned that it is not about how much time you have, but how you use it. Prioritizing family means setting boundaries—knowing when to step away from work and focus on what truly matters.
Lessons in Time Management
Balancing business, family, and faith requires discipline and time management. Over the years, I have adopted several practices that help me stay focused on what truly matters:
- Setting Priorities – Understanding what is truly important and focusing my energy on those areas.
- Delegation – Trusting my team at work so I can dedicate time to my family and faith.
- Scheduled Time for Faith & Family – Just like business meetings, I set aside dedicated time for worship, prayer, and quality family moments.
- Saying No When Necessary – Not every opportunity is the right one. Learning to say no allows me to stay aligned with my core values.
- Making Time for Myself – Whether it’s collecting cars, skiing, or simply enjoying nature, personal time is crucial for maintaining balance.
Giving Back: The Ultimate Fulfillment
For me, fulfillment comes from serving others. My Christmas light display, which attracts thousands of visitors each year, is not just about lights—it’s about spreading joy, bringing people together, and giving back. We encourage visitors to donate to local charities, ensuring that the holiday season is brighter for those in need.
My work with disaster relief has reinforced the idea that we are all connected. Leading recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the 2011 Wake County tornadoes was challenging, but seeing homes rebuilt and hope restored made every effort worthwhile. True fulfillment comes when we use our blessings to bless others.
A Life Well Lived
At the end of the day, success is not defined by business accolades or financial wealth. It is defined by the relationships we build, the lives we touch, and the faith that guides us. Balancing business, family, and faith is an ongoing journey—one that requires constant reflection and adjustment. But with the right priorities in place, it is possible to live a life of purpose, joy, and true fulfillment.
As I continue on this journey, I remain grateful for the lessons learned, the people who have supported me, and the faith that keeps me grounded. My hope is that others can find the same sense of balance and fulfillment in their own lives, embracing the things that matter most and making each day count.