A year after Lluke Payton enrolled at Georgia State University, he took a flying leap into entrepreneurship. In summer 2021, he and his best friend—who just happened to be named Ali—co-founded moving company Magic Carpet Movers.
“Moving is a grueling experience. We’ve serviced hundreds of families throughout metro Atlanta and Athens-Clark County,” Payton said. “Alleviating customers’ stress allows me to go to bed feeling like I did good work.”
Payton began as a psychology major. Two and half years in, he pivoted to Georgia State’s Robinson College of Business, where he is studying management with a focus on consulting. He initially saw Magic Carpet Movers as a way to make ends meet while getting through college, but starting a business became an education in and of itself.
“I’ve learned the fundamentals of business, like accounting and finance. My work also involves a lot of logistics; at our peak, we had 10 guys on the team,” Payton said. “As a management student, my focus shifted to operations. I get to ask questions like ‘How do we assess our business and make sure the people in our organization are happy?’ I’ve always been drawn to the study of the brain, and how people think and work together.”
Now a senior, Payton serves as co-president of Georgia State’s Sales Club, which offers students from any academic background a better understanding of sales as a career path as well as professional development and networking opportunities. He and co-president Cristian Maldonado overhauled the student organization, formerly called Pi Sigma Epsilon.
“We rebranded the club’s social presence, created a logo, visited classrooms to spread awareness, hosted events, and created value,” he said.
Payton (left) and Maldonado (right) received the Payton Maldonado Momentum Award at a Sales Club event held at the Ritz-Carlton in December.
Payton’s work has not gone unnoticed. In December 2024, he received an unexpected honor – one with his name on it! Created by Clinical Instructor and Sales Club faculty advisor Christiane Palpant, the Payton Maldonado Momentum Award recognizes Sales Club members who demonstrate leadership, commitment, passion, and impact.
“I was shocked,” Payton said. “When I set out to do something, I want to make a mark – whether that's a moving job or an event that somebody remembers years from now. Cristian and I revamped a club that is supporting a growing sales program at Georgia State. I’m glad to be recognized for my efforts.”