Lin Honeycutt is an entrepreneur, community leader, and devoted servant of faith from Raleigh, North Carolina. He is the proud owner of The Holiday Light Store and Fieldstream Farm, where he has created one of the most beloved Christmas light displays in the region. For over 30 years, Lin has also dedicated his life to missionary work and disaster relief efforts, serving with the North Carolina Baptist Men (NCBM) to help rebuild homes, churches, and communities in times of crisis. His work in business, faith, and service is driven by a deep commitment to excellence, perseverance, and giving back.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
No two days are the same, but I always start with a clear plan and a strong cup of coffee. Mornings are usually spent handling business matters or working on projects at Fieldstream Farm. Afternoons are focused on maintaining The Holiday Light Store or preparing for the annual Christmas light show. Throughout the year, I dedicate time to community service and mission work, though due to declining health, I now go on very few mission trips. Instead, I cook regularly for my church family. Staying productive comes from staying organized, keeping my priorities straight, and always remembering why I do what I do.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I don’t just sit on an idea—I act on it. If something excites me, I start figuring out how to make it happen. I’ll sketch it out, talk to the right people, and just start working on it. I’ve always believed that if you wait until everything is perfect, you’ll never get started. Whether it’s expanding my business, designing a new light display, or improving my farm, the key is to take action and adjust as you go.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I love seeing how technology is changing the way we bring people together. Whether it’s synchronized holiday lights set to music or the ability to organize community events more efficiently, technology has made it easier than ever to create memorable experiences and help people in need.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I wake up early and make a list of what I need to accomplish each day. It helps me stay focused and ensures that nothing gets overlooked. I also delegate when needed—you can’t do everything alone, and the best leaders know when to trust their team.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to fail. I spent too much time early on worrying about getting everything right. The truth is, failure is part of the process. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes, keep pushing forward, and never let fear stop you from trying.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I think tradition and progress don’t have to be at odds. A lot of people believe that you either have to stick to the old ways or embrace everything new. I believe there’s room for both. Whether it’s keeping a decades-old business running while modernizing it or holding onto faith in a fast-changing world, the best path forward is often a balance of old and new.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Give back. Whether it’s helping your neighbors, volunteering, or supporting a cause you believe in, generosity has a way of coming full circle. I’ve never regretted a single hour I’ve spent helping others, and I don’t think anyone ever does.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a step back and get outside. A long walk on my farm clears my mind, or I’ll spend time with my family. Sometimes, just disconnecting from work for a bit is enough to reset my focus.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Always put people first. Customers, employees, volunteers—if you take care of people, success follows.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I expanded too quickly without having the right systems in place. I had to take a step back, reassess, and rebuild the right way. The lesson? Sustainable growth is better than fast growth.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A mobile Christmas light installation service for homes and businesses. People love holiday lights but don’t always have the time or ability to put them up. There’s a real market for professional installations, and with the right branding, it could be a big success.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Google Calendar. It keeps my schedule in check, especially when I’m juggling multiple projects, volunteer work, and family commitments.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I’ve always appreciated John C. Maxwell’s books on leadership. He has a way of making complex ideas simple, and his lessons on integrity and perseverance apply to business, faith, and life in general.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I enjoy classic Christmas movies, especially when I’m working on my light display. There’s something about movies like It’s a Wonderful Life that reminds me why I do what I do—bringing joy to others and appreciating the small things.
Key learnings
- Faith in action matters. Whether through business, mission work, or community service, Lin believes that serving others is the best way to live out faith.
- Balance tradition and progress. He values holding onto the past while embracing the future, applying this philosophy to business, technology, and life.
- Success is about people. Whether in business or service, Lin believes that taking care of people always leads to greater rewards.