One sunny June day, the STC Direct team grew by one. That was the day that Timothy McLaughlin became an Account Manager on our team. Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, McLaughlin was raised in the small town of Plaistow, thirty minutes outside of Boston. We chose Tim for an employee spotlight this month because of the stellar work ethic he has shown since his first day in the business. In this one on one conversation, Tim spoke with us about his dedication, drive, and future in the industry.
How did you first learn about your company?
“I first learned about the company online and eventually found myself applying since I was looking for something in the business world. It wasn’t until I showed up and saw the atmosphere that I realized this was a route I was going to take.”
How has STC Direct helped you in your career development?
“I will be graduating in May of 2020 with a degree in Digital Marketing & Advertising. Even though this industry is mostly about selling other’s products or services, the initial foundational aspect that everyone has to master is the ability to sell ourselves. In terms of career development, I think this business has helped me see the value in myself and has taught me how to connect with others.”
What do you find to be most challenging in your work?
“The most challenging aspect of this work is being able to overcome obstacles. I was raised in New England, where it’s cold and the woods are the backyard. I have a different background than others, so when I am speaking with people and trying to understand their hesitations or obstacles, it can be difficult. The part of knowing which objections are merely excuses and which are true dilemmas comes with experience.”
What have you gained from your work?
“The biggest thing I have gained so far from this business is confidence. Not only in myself, but in others as well.
What has been your proudest moment in your life and in the office?
“In my life, my proudest moment was paying for dinner with cash for my girlfriend. I am sure that much more will come from this job, but as a 22-year-old college student, I never had the dough to bring her out to a fancy dinner and pay with cash. In the office, being a high-roller means the world to me. When I get to speak, I treat it as an honor and it makes me want to do even better.”
If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?
“First and foremost, I’ve got to take care of my family. I would support brother and sister, as well as my mom and pops. Next, I would get myself a 2020 Corvette because have you seen it? Wow! Next, I would buy some property, a golf course or hotels in Punta Cana. I would also love to join a start-up business in solar energy.”
At what age did you become an adult?
“On a real note, at a young age; I started maturing when my parents got divorced. All my siblings were a few years older, so when they went to college was around the time I was just starting high-school. From then on, I was really on my own until I went to college in Virginia. I would say around fourteen is when I started thinking about my future and around twenty-one, I took it seriously. Just because you think about it, doesn’t make you an adult.”
How do you define success?
“Success is a consistent, progressive work ethic that coexists with a positive attitude and student mentality.”
What is your favorite thing about working in the business industry?
“My favorite thing about working in the business industry is the mentality. Everyone is eager to inspire and create within the spectrum of business opportunities. It creates a fun atmosphere of like-minded people.”
Who inspires you?
I have a lot of people who inspire me from Martin Luther King Jr. to Plato. I think the one who inspires me the most is my dad. It sounds repetitive and somewhat stereotypical, but allow me to explain. My dad is about 90% Irish, with dual citizenship in the U.S. and Ireland. He grew up dirt poor (we’re talking rice for every meal poor). In Boston in the 70s and 80s, there were a lot of new industrial plans that were said to be coming and my dad was eager to get in on it. He studied at Northeastern University and earned a Master’s Degree in civil engineering. He was hired for bridge construction and ended up making his company millions. He was then put on a task force of ten engineers in the country to construct the plans for the Olympics, which never ended up taking place because of production costs. The dude is an animal. Now I know you’re asking, “what does that have to you being Irish?” Well, Irish people are known for being nice people, and the thing about my dad is he is the nicest man, with the funniest sense of humor, you will ever meet. He has the ability to leave an imprint on people and that is something I have always wanted to do. He is a true inspiration of what it means to be a successful man.”
What are you passionate about?
“Those who know me know I am extremely passionate about music. I get jittery every time I hear an orchestra or symphony play or even go to a concert. I also am very passionate about animals, especially sea-life.”
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
“Do not try and park a jet-ski on the dock. It will not work.”
What business advice would you give to people hoping to start a career?
“Anyone who is looking to start a career must first have goals set in place with a plan to reach those goals. It has been scientifically proven that people with goals and plans for those goals achieve a higher percentage of their goals those who do not have a plan or don’t set any.”
What motivates you to wake up and go to work?
“Happiness. Working hard now I can play hard later.”
If his current track record at STC Direct says anything, Timothy McLaughlin has a very bright future ahead of him. The businessman inspires each and every one of us each day with his unending positivity, sense of humor, and ability to motivate others. As for his final words in this interview, the account manager says, “PEACE!”
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