Lights. Camera. Action!

Have you ever heard that you should never meet stars or famous people because they are nothing like the characters they portray on TV or on the big screen? We unfairly create picturesque fantasies of people that can never be lived up to in real life.

Some stars probably start out as genuinely good people with great intentions, but constant public attention seems to transform them into someone they never thought they’d become. I can’t imagine the pressure of constantly “being on” because everyone wants to meet me, take a picture with me, and see if I really am who I “pretend” to be.

I’d imagine the nonstop attention, stares, pictures, and invasion of space would become overwhelming and unwelcome for most people. On top of all that, if you’re trying to spend time with your family or run a multimillion-dollar business, you’d most likely reach your limit with publicity fairly quickly.

Leslie and I discovered that was not the case firsthand with reality TV star and mega-entrepreneur, Chip Gaines. My beautiful bride arrived at work to see me at the exact moment Chip and a small group of his friends and family rolled up to my place of employment on golf carts.

As he was shuttled across campus, students may not have recognized who he was or that he was famous, but there was no secret that he was a man who quickly captured the attention, love, and respect of others. As soon as we saw him, everyone could feel the energy I imagine surrounds him and radiates from him wherever he goes.

Leslie and I approached his intimate group, and I said, “Morning! Y’all here for a tour?”

From that moment on, Chip was exactly the man he portrayed on his hit TV series, all the spinoffs, and countless energetic interviews.

We can assure you that Chip Gaines, the TV personality, is the Chip Gaines you meet in person.

Not only was Chip a lot of fun to walk around with and get to know, but his contagious personality was also a joy to experience as he interacted with students and staff.  

Chip did not pull his hat down low or hide behind his sunglasses. He said hello to student workers, took a half-court shot (missing by centimeters), and at the end of the tour asked Leslie and me, “Do y’all want a picture?” He then wrapped his arm around Leslie and smiled like we were the stars.

Leslie and I truly enjoyed spending the morning with Chip and his crew. He never made us feel like intruders or an interruption. Every time it seemed our time together was coming to an end, he would pull us back in with another question, story, or common connection. Our time together felt less like we were hosting a celebrity and more like a brother or close buddy.

By the end of the week, we learned through social media that there were Chip sightings all over town. It was clear that our interactions with him were no fluke. Chip is the real deal with everyone.

As a leader, are people experiencing the real you or only the made-for-TV version?