Christopher and longtime friend David Segers were discussing how Yeti had taken a simple product like a cooler and made it very desirable. Having recently learned that you can make your own belt using high quality leather, the two investigated making it a profitable business. They spoke with the university’s small business development center and decided to move forward. “We could spend $900 each on an entrepreneurship class, or we could both invest $500 and start a legitimate business.” Gray Bull Leather Company is now up and running, selling leather belts, bracelets, wallets and document folios, which are all handmade in their apartment on a custom workbench that David built.

Brother Brown’s journey through Deltasig has helped his journey in creating Gray Bull Leather. “I have learned to be persistent and never give up.” Christopher became involved with the Fraternity at JSU when it was in the very early stages of being a colony. About a year later, Danny Gaines, Kennesaw State, was appointed to serve as District Director and helped plan events and offer recruitment ideas. “We had a really hard time recruiting and I didn’t think we would have enough people to fulfill the petitioning requirements,” Christopher said. “I had put so much work into the colony for over a year and it didn’t seem like we were going to make it.” After some encouragement from Danny and then RVP Lee James, he refused to give up. “I had to fight to the very end. With business, and with life, success does not happen overnight. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication and passion to make something work.” Soon after, the colony’s petition was finally approved. “I will never forget the feeling I had when I finally received the email letting me know that our petition to become a chapter was approved. It was one of the most fulfilling moments of my life.”

Christopher passed the chapter president torch but continues to stay busy. Along with five classes this semester, he is marching his final year for the university’s Marching Southerners drumline and working part-time as an analyst for Newpoint Advisors Corporation, a small business consulting firm. “Time management is absolutely key. I plan each and every day in advance, down to fifteen minute increments in some cases. My goal each day is to be as productive as possible.”

And just like with Delta Sigma Pi, Christopher has learned the more you put into the business, the more successful it will be. “The most challenging thing for me is coming to terms with myself that the success or failure of the business is determined upon mine and David’s input. If we are busy with the business, the business gets busy. If we don’t do anything, we don’t make any sales.” 

After graduating in April, Christopher hopes to continue working for Newpoint Advisors and relocate to Nashville. Later down the road, he would like to be a personal financial coach, work with developing company strategy or build his own business. Whatever he does and wherever he goes, he will continue to stay involved with the Fraternity.

“I love being a part of Delta Sigma Pi. I have gained so much from my brothers, and I know that I have now made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.”

To learn more about Gray Bull Leather Company, visit graybullleather.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram.