Lee Burns makes a living helping people sleep better. Most days, Burns is busy running the mattress stores he owns across south Louisiana. Lately, he has happily rewarded his winning sales reps with a day off while he works on the floor for them for a change.
“When customers come in, they haven’t slept well in a while,” says Burns, CEO and founder of Mattress Direct. “I love being out on the sales floor helping those people get a better night’s rest.”
When asked what advice he would give to other young professionals, he says, “Do something that you enjoy.” Burns also advises folks his age or younger to choose an area of expertise they can really master over a random opportunity or niche. Lee believes surrounding yourself with a team of people you trust and respect—some even better at something than you are—is important to success.
Burns has no regrets for the path that led him where he is today. “I’ve had offers for jobs out of state,” he says, “but I love the family atmosphere in Baton Rouge.”
As he prepares to travel to Honduras on a mission trip with fellow Top 40 under 40 honoree, Healing Place Pastor Mike Haman, Burns shares what moved him to take part in the effort. “We have a responsibility to serve and have compassion for others. Giving back is a huge part of being a leader.”
LEE BURNS
Mentor: Oliver Kluna
Age: 39
Hometown: Baton Rouge
Who is your mentor or inspiration for your business/professional life? What is the most important thing you learned?
Oliver Kluna. Oliver taught me how to believe in myself, gave me advice and encouraged me to open my own business.
