Hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Linda Murray Bullard—affectionately called “The Business Plug”—is a beacon of hope and empowerment. Her journey from a motherless child to an award-winning author, speaker, and business coach exemplifies resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to helping others thrive.
Overcoming Life’s Early Challenges
Linda’s life changed forever on Christmas Day 1968 when she lost her mother, Willie Sue (Wade) Murray, at just nine years old. This devastating loss marked the beginning of a challenging path. At 14, Linda became a young mother while balancing school and work. These formative experiences shaped her into a woman of unwavering strength, determination, and grit.
Decades later, in a heartfelt reunion, Linda reconnected with her eldest maternal brother after 37 years apart. This life-changing moment inspired her to write The Well Ran Dry: Memoirs of a Motherless Child (2013), an award-winning memoir now archived in the United States Library of Congress. The book has touched countless lives and stands as a testament to her ability to turn pain into purpose.
Building a Foundation of Excellence
Linda spent over 30 years in Corporate America, climbing the ranks from claims processor to compliance analyst. She earned her Six Sigma Yellow Belt in 2010 and became a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) in 2012. Her dedication to excellence extended to her education, where she pursued business administration studies at Chattanooga State Community College, Bryan College, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Beyond her corporate career, Linda has served as a leader in her church and community. She directed choirs for men, children, and adults for over a decade and held key leadership roles, including Missionary President and Vacation Bible School Teacher. Linda is also a graduate of Leadership Chattanooga, the Chattanooga Women’s Leadership Institute, and Launch Chattanooga, programs that helped refine her vision for empowering others.
The Birth of LSMB Business Solutions
In 2013, Linda’s 26-year corporate career came to an unexpected end. Refusing to let this setback define her, she took a leap of faith and founded LSMB Business Solutions, LLC. Her consulting firm is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and individuals achieve their dreams through business planning, strategy, and execution.
Linda’s second book, The Building Your Own Business Series (BYOB): Getting Started 101 (2018), equips aspiring entrepreneurs with actionable steps to launch successful ventures. Through workshops, coaching, and speaking engagements, Linda empowers her audiences with humor, real-life lessons, and practical tools to succeed. Her mantra, “Change your mind, and you change your life,” reflects her commitment to personal and professional growth.
Empowering Entrepreneurs Worldwide
Known internationally as “The Business Plug,” Linda specializes in helping entrepreneurs build fundable businesses. She guides her clients through certification processes at the local, state, and federal levels, making them attractive to grant funders, contractors, and strategic partners. Linda’s unique blend of expertise and passion has positioned her as a sought-after business coach and mentor.
Her workshops cover a wide range of topics, including funding and grants, certifications, networking, and leveraging NAICS codes. Whether working with startups or established businesses, Linda’s mission is clear: to help entrepreneurs thrive by giving them the tools and confidence to succeed.
A Legacy of Mentorship and Service
Linda’s passion for mentoring is at the core of her work. She dedicates herself to empowering teens, young adults, and rising entrepreneurs, helping them unlock their potential and achieve their dreams. From leading professional development workshops to one-on-one coaching, Linda inspires her clients to believe in themselves and take bold steps toward their goals.
Her impact extends beyond business. Linda’s leadership in community and church initiatives demonstrates her commitment to uplifting others, no matter the platform. Her ability to connect with people on a personal level has made her a trusted advisor, mentor, and friend to many.
A Life Rooted in Family and Faith
When she’s not empowering others, Linda finds joy in traveling, classic movies, and traditional gospel music. A proud mother to three grown sons, grandmother to six granddaughters and one grandson, and great-grandmother to one, Linda treasures the time she gets to spend with her family.
Her faith remains a guiding force in her life, fueling her mission to help others discover their own strength and purpose. Whether through business, mentorship, or storytelling, Linda’s ultimate goal is to empower others to rise above their challenges and achieve greatness.
The Power of Choice
Linda’s journey is a testament to the power of choice. From overcoming personal struggles to building a thriving business, she has shown that success is possible when you refuse to give up. Her story reminds us all that with the right mindset, determination, and support, anything is achievable.
Linda Murray Bullard doesn’t just teach people how to succeed—she inspires them to believe that they can. Her mission is simple yet profound: to take people higher, one step at a time!