By: Joshua Finley

Law enforcement and corporate leadership might seem worlds apart, but some skills translate perfectly. Take split-second decision-making, crisis management, and leading teams under pressure – these abilities matter as much in the boardroom as they do on patrol. One executive who knows this firsthand made an unusual jump from the Texas highways to C-suite, bringing lessons that would shape his approach to business leadership. Chris Mashburn’s journey shows how the fundamentals of good leadership work across any field as long as you are ready to adapt and grow.

Following in Family Footsteps

Growing up around law enforcement shaped Chris’s early career choice. His mother served as a judge, which meant he spent plenty of time around highway patrol officers as a kid. “They always looked sharp; they always treated me with such respect as a kid,” Chris remembers. That early exposure stuck with him – right after finishing college, he applied to the patrol academy and got in on his first try. 

Throughout his years with the Texas Highway Patrol, Chris worked his way up to captain and earned a spot on the protection detail for President Bush. The daily challenges of police work taught him skills that would later prove valuable in business. “Being able to think on your feet was important,” Chris says. “You had to assess any situation and develop your most immediate thought process for the best outcome.” Many don’t know that even during his patrol days, Chris had an entrepreneurial side. He and his wife ran several small businesses on the side, giving him early experience in balancing multiple responsibilities.

Transitioning to the Private Sector

The aftermath of 9/11 changed the business landscape dramatically, especially in terms of security. This shift presented an opportunity for Chris to bridge his law enforcement experience with the private sector’s needs. He noticed many businesses struggling to adapt to new security challenges, but the solutions available weren’t quite hitting the mark.

“The world needed security but it needed to be business focused too because a lot of businesses were being crippled from that whole event,” Chris explains. Having earned his retirement eligibility from the state police, the timing felt right. Rather than just seeing problems, he saw possibilities. His years of handling complex security situations with the highway patrol and his experience running side businesses gave him a unique perspective on what companies truly needed. This blend of practical security knowledge and business understanding helped him spot gaps in the market that others might have missed. 

Ask Chris about successful leadership, and he’ll tell you it starts with character. “In business, it’s a differentiator sometimes – your character, your morals, I mean, it’s important,” he says. His time handling life-or-death situations as an officer taught him to weigh the human impact of every choice. That mindset shapes how he approaches business decisions today. “I may be making a decision today, but I know it’s going to have a long-term impact on my company and my employees,” Chris notes. “All of them have a rippling effect.”

Maintaining a Work-Life Balance

Despite the demands of executive leadership, Chris maintains a structured routine. Each morning starts with Bible study, and he prioritizes family time when not traveling. Running helps him clear his head and stay sharp. For others thinking about a central career switch, Chris emphasizes careful consideration. “Put a lot of thought and prayer behind it,” he advises. “Think about how it will impact your family.” He also stresses matching your passion for your old career: “Being just as passionate in my move to an executive position as I was in law enforcement – that’s what helped me be successful.” 

Through his journey from patrol car to a corner office, Chris has shown how core leadership principles – character, long-term thinking, and continuous learning – can bridge even the widest career gaps. His story offers a roadmap for others looking to make bold professional changes while staying true to their values. 

To learn more about Chris Mashburn and his ventures, check out his LinkedIn profile.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the individual featured, Chris Mashburn, and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of the Texas Highway Patrol, any governmental entities, or his current or past employers. This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. The success stories and experiences shared may not be typical and results may vary. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research or consult with appropriate professionals before making career decisions or business investments.

Published by Iris S.