In this conversation, Buttoned Up Services co-founder and president Leland Macon reveals how his company is tackling the food service and hospitality industry’s labor crunch head-on. They’re crafting a playbook for staffing success that’s turning heads across Missouri—and beyond. As the sector grapples with a talent squeeze, Macon’s team isn’t just filling positions—they’re redefining the game, one perfect match at a time.
How has Buttoned Up Services expanded its reach and service this year?
Leland Macon: We’ve strategically expanded our geographical reach across Missouri while diversifying our services. In addition to St. Louis, we can now serve clients in Kansas City, the Lake of the Ozarks, Cape Girardeau, Springfield, and surrounding areas. We’ve also broadened our scope by adding full-time employee placement and brand ambassador services to complement our existing temporary staffing offerings.
We’re adapting our approach to serve both large metropolitan areas and smaller cities and rural areas, which have smaller talent pools. As we expand, we’re focused on maintaining our high level of quality.
Can you describe the process of introducing full-time employee placement services?
LM: We introduced full-time placement services to meet a growing demand for longer-term staffing solutions. While our on-demand service is excellent for short-term needs, many clients were looking for more permanent solutions. With our massive talent database, we’re well-positioned to find great candidates and make good matches. Our process includes headhunting, vetting, and initial interviews. We then provide clients with a shortlist of qualified candidates for their final selection.
What inspired the addition of brand ambassador services to your portfolio?
LM: Our brand ambassador services came about through networking at an American Culinary Federation St. Louis chapter event. We connected with a distributor looking for people to demo products in grocery stores. It has taken off, and we’re now providing similar services in the St. Louis area for about a dozen companies, including one from Kansas City.
Have any new partnerships that have contributed to your expansion?
LM: We’ve recently established approved vendor relationships with two global food service providers. These partnerships open up potential opportunities with various companies and institutions across Missouri and the country. They provide immediate business opportunities while giving us instant credibility in new markets.
How do you balance the desire for growth with staying true to your company’s original mission and values?
LM: Our core mission is simple: finding the best match between workers and clients. Growth hasn’t changed that. We still prioritize work-life balance for our staff and delivering high-quality talent to clients. Each new initiative must align with our core values; we’re not afraid to say no if it doesn’t.
Maintaining quality and effective communication are our biggest priorities as we expand. We’re not just trying to fill positions. We carefully vet people, understand each opportunity, and create mutually beneficial matches. This requires truly listening to understand the needs of both clients and workers. To make sure we’re exceeding expectations, we constantly seek feedback from clients and workers.
How did you get into the food services staffing industry?
LM: It all started with repeated conversations with my business partner, Anthoine Shell. He kept talking about a gap he saw in the industry. As a serial entrepreneur, I saw an opportunity. It has opened my eyes to the hospitality aspect. I have a whole new appreciation for what goes into making restaurants, events, and other hospitality ventures successful.
You have a background in coaching youth sports. How do the skills required for coaching translate to your role leading Buttoned Up Services?
LM: Coaching and leading a business are fundamentally similar. Both revolve around teaching, learning, and growing from failures. We approach business challenges like post-game practice: analyzing what we did, identifying improvements, and working to get better. As a leader, I’m essentially coaching our team—driving us forward and creating an environment for peak performance. The core coaching skills translate directly: motivation, strategic thinking, and adapting to changing situations. These are as important in running a successful business as they are on the field.
What’s a typical day like for you?
LM: My day starts early with reviewing our urgent communications—emails, texts, and voicemails—to address any immediate needs. I then plan the day ahead. The first part of the day is for reviewing financials and business development. At 3 p.m., we have a team check-in on current opportunities, projects, and client needs. The work day doesn’t end at 5 p.m. I stay engaged, even on vacation. I try to balance work and personal time, but this industry requires constant attention. I’m committed to being available whenever our team or clients need me.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
LM: The most rewarding parts are the collaboration and doing great work for clients. It’s incredibly satisfying when we hit a home run for an event or provide the perfect support staff. We take care of each scenario with equal attention, regardless of the client’s size. Seeing our internal team succeed and grow is also fulfilling. Ultimately, what drives me is knowing we’re making a positive difference for our clients, workers, team, and the communities we serve.
Looking ahead, what growth areas are most promising for Buttoned Up Services?
LM: We see great potential in expanding our geographic reach, particularly in underserved areas. We’re also focused on enhancing our use of technology to improve efficiency while maintaining our high-touch, personal, and quality-focused approach.
What I’m most excited about is where we’re headed. I see us becoming a leader in the staffing space. I keep asking, “Why not us?” We’re ready to go.