Interview with Mark Linton

Tiffany: When did you first start your business?

Mark Linton: Uh, we started Carolina Safety Products back in  August of 1998, actually it was on a whim just trying to carry personal safety items like the safety vest, hardhats and stuff like that, and it just turned into something else. That’s how we got started.

Tiffany: How did you come across Safety Technology?

Mark Linton: Well,  like I said, my plans didn’t really work out.  My sources, supply sources, fell through and I was looking at an entrepreneurial type magazine and saw a half page ad with Safety Technology and thought I would check into it and I’m glad I did!

Tiffany:  What kind of obstacles have you had to face with starting this business and how did you overcome those obstacles?

Mark Linton: Well, as far as starting the business, I had my frustrations, you know?  Mike Gravette says “never give up” and I know its hard sometimes and I wanted too but I kept pushing. I’ve been put ads out on craigslist and our local flea market, which is doing really well and its still running.  But as far as obstacles, I have overcome some but I’ve still got a long way to go.

Tiffany:  How has this business changed your life?

Mark Linton:  Well, its been extremely busy!  Currently, I am a fulltime Service Manager at a Ford dealership, managing 25 employees. Trying to do this in my part time hours and my son Ryan helps me.  We are slowly getting through it and starting to see some increased sales.

Tiffany: What kind of advice would you give to someone just starting a business?

Mark Linton:  Try hard and listen to Mike. Try to attend his coaching it is VERY beneficial that’s what I’m working on right now to develop my own personal website. Which I have traffic now but trying to get it better with getting the linking and so forth. Mike Gravette can really give you all of the resources and knowledge you need to overcome obstacles.

Tiffany: What other methods have you used as far advertising goes?

Mark Linton: I’ve got EBay store which it directs some traffic to it.  Put a few products on Amazon. Like I said I have some traffic to my website but not the traffic I need and I try to follow Mike’s advice I need to get my linking and so forth in place and articles so that I can direct traffic that way.

Tiffany: Ok, good.  What would say your favorite product is?

Mark Linton:  My favorite is the telescopic stun baton, because you can carry it anywhere and its legal. You got an option to sell a light with it, you know the LED light. Which is very handy and its really a very popular item.

Tiffany: Wow, that’s good!  Out of all of your customers what is the craziest story you’ve heard?

Mark Linton: Actually, its related to a baton, he swung his baton out and hit his wife with it. I guess its not really that funny, not to her anyways, but the way he told it was funny.

Tiffany: hahaha, its actually a little funny!

Tiffany:  Can you share one of your internet marketing secrets?

Mark Linton: I don’t really have any secrets, except following through the advice I’ve got from Mike and a few of the other distributors I’ve spoken with in the past. Mike is the man, if anyone wants to succeed listen to him.  And I really encourage them to attend his coaching, its first class!!

Tiffany: Ok!  Well, Mark I want to thank you again for taking the time to talk to me about your business and answering my questions.

Mark Linton: I appreciate you Tiffany!

Marks Website:
www.carolinasafetyproducts.com