What if your success wasn’t based on your education, talent, or even your network—but your integrity? After delivering a keynote in Detroit, I met a CEO whose billion-dollar business thrives on one simple, old-school principle: surround yourself only with people of unshakable integrity.
After a keynote presentation in Detroit, I sat next to a man who radiated confidence, kindness, and a sense of clarity that was hard to ignore. At 61, he looked fit, carried himself with quiet authority, and had just accepted a prestigious award for “Best in the Industry” sales growth. For the sake of this story, we’ll call him Mr. Toplin—a CEO who leads a large household appliance manufacturing firm based in eastern Michigan.
This wasn’t a flashy Silicon Valley startup or a viral consumer tech brand. His company sells practical, reliable products we all use—but rarely rave about. Yet what sets this company apart is that it has achieved an unprecedented 9 years of 40% year-over-year growth. That’s not just impressive—it’s elite.
Curious, I asked Mr. Toplin what he believes is the #1 reason for this level of sustained success. Without hesitation, he replied:
“We only hire and associate with people who have 100% integrity.”
The Simple Formula Behind Extraordinary Results
To Mr. Toplin, integrity isn’t a buzzword. It’s the core principle behind every hiring decision, leadership choice, and business transaction. I pressed further: What exactly does “integrity” mean in his world?
He replied, “It means surrounding yourself only with people who are solid in character. They never lie. They don’t cheat. They don’t steal. They don’t deceive others to get what they want. If they see dishonesty, they walk away—even if it’s from a friend or peer.”
He went on to explain that being around people with flexible morality is a risk—to your business, your culture, and your peace of mind. He’s willing to pay more to bring on talent that demonstrates not just skill, but unquestionable character. Why? Because trust builds loyalty, and loyalty fuels performance.
Can You Pass the Integrity Test?
Let’s take a moment to reflect on Mr. Toplin’s “Integrity Test.” Ask yourself:
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Have you ever lied for personal gain?
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Have you bent the truth to avoid consequences?
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Have you ever gone along with unethical behavior due to peer pressure?
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Have you compromised your principles to get something you really wanted?
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Have you lost sleep fearing you’d be exposed?
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Have you damaged a relationship through dishonesty?
If any of these made you squirm, you’re not alone. But facing these questions head-on is how we grow. It’s how we restore the foundation of trust, both in business and in life.
Integrity Isn’t Soft. It’s Strategic.
One of the most powerful takeaways from our 22-minute conversation was this: Success favors the trusted.
Mr. Toplin’s approach proves that success doesn’t have to come from cutthroat tactics or clever maneuvering. It can come from something profoundly simple—living and leading with integrity.
When you’re honest in your actions, you eliminate the mental drain of cover-ups and the emotional stress of regret. You stop wasting energy protecting lies and start investing that energy into building something real.
The Business Impact of Character-First Culture
Here’s the real kicker: This character-based approach has helped his company become a magnet for top talent in a notoriously tight labor market. High-performing employees want to work in a culture that’s consistent, trustworthy, and authentic. Customers feel the difference, too.
While other companies may fall into scandals or lose customer trust through careless behavior, his company has built a brand of predictability and respect—the true currency of long-term business.
Final Thoughts: Integrity is Your Legacy
Mr. Toplin doesn’t just talk the talk—he lives it. He doesn’t lie to his wife, his children, or his staff. He doesn’t cut corners in business, even when it costs him. And he sleeps well at night knowing that his success hasn’t come at the expense of his conscience.
“I may not always get what I want,” he told me, “but I refuse to trade a billion-dollar deal for a lifetime of regret.”
That mindset is rare. And that’s why it’s so powerful.
Ask yourself: What legacy are you building? Would your employees, your family, or your customers say they trust you—completely?
The road to lasting success isn’t paved with shortcuts. It’s built on character, consistency, and integrity.
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