Jim Horn, a Glen Mills native and Penncrest High School graduate, is the President and CEO of The Tri-M Group, LLC, a Kennett Square-based company that specializes in the design, installation, and service of high voltage, electrical construction.

Horn’s proudest professional achievements are the graduations of The Tri-M Group’s apprentices to journeyman electricians.

“I know what this means to them,” he said. “It provides them the training and skills that will be the catalyst to a long, successful career in the electrical trade. I hired an apprentice back in 1988 that is now an Executive Vice President and a Partner at Tri-M.”

Horn offered his thoughts on what makes a successful leader.

“A leader must have great listening skills, along with the ability to motivate others,” he said. “A leader must believe in the power of positive thinking. When you are enthusiastic, passionate, and believe in what you are doing, it becomes contagious, and others will follow.”

Horn stressed the importance of a glass-is-always-half-full approach.

“Overcoming those that are negative thinkers is a challenge,” he said. “You have to get them to focus on finding solutions and not agonizing over problems.”

Of the 12 Principles of the Scout Law — Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent — Horn believes that “Trustworthy,” “Helpful,” “Friendly,” “Kind,” and “Reverent” have had the greatest impact on his career and life.

He also shared some wisdom that he wishes someone would have told him early in his career.

“Trust your instinct!” Horn said. “Your first reaction or gut feeling is normally right on target.”

The Chester County Council, Boy Scouts of America will honor Horn and the 11 other VISTA Leadership Megastars at a hybrid awards ceremony on Sept. 14 at its new Program, Activity, and Resource Campus (PARC) in Exton. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Sarah Ponzio at sarah.ponzio@scouting.org or 610-696-2900 x 121.