Head of the class: school improvement network embraces change to stay ahead of the curve.

• Author: Kinder, Peri
• Position: Learned

Chet Linton has only one goal: Change the world. As the CEO, founding partner and president of School Improvement Network, Linton's idea to create an on-demand professional development platform has provided training for thousands of educators.

But it hasn't always been easy. For nearly a quarter of a century, Linton's family-owned business has been through economic booms and financial droughts. But through every struggle, the company has emerged stronger than ever, continuing to adapt and evolve to keep up with an altering industry. "When the chips are down, it's important to believe in yourself and remember your passion," he says. "Don't give up. It usually takes a lot of effort to get the idea to come to fruition."

We spoke with Linton about some of the specific challenges he's faced over the years and how he used those obstacles to bring School Improvement Network up a grade.

Seek Advice, Feel Free to Ignore It

In 1991, when Linton started the Video Journal of Education with his parents John and Blanch Linton, he knew what the education system needed to create trailblazing leaders. The company produced training videos that sold in the United States and Canada, and as its popularity grew, it started to pick up more clients.

However, during one particularly bleak period, things were tough for the business, and Linton had to decide between laying off valued employees or acquiring a home equity loan to meet payroll.

His accountant suggested layoffs, as well as cutting incomes for remaining employees. "I knew a home equity loan was literally putting your home at risk. I appreciated his advice, but didn't follow it," Linton says. "I knew we were on the right track. It turned into one of the best years in the history of the company. He's not the accountant anymore."

Listening to counsel is important, but making your own decisions can mean the difference between success and failure. Linton knew his product was addressing needs in the marketplace in a way no one ever had before, and he was willing to put his home on the line to prove it.

Building a mentor network of CEOs, entrepreneurs and other forwardthinking people can give company leaders a place to turn when they hit a wall. Talking to someone who has been in a similar situation can provide a new perspective or lead to a solution.

Put Relationships before

Business To increase sales and visibility, Linton partnered his company with a national group boasting nearly 100 sales people with $10...