What I am about to tell you, will shock you. In an awesome way. But it shouldn’t shock us…. For the past couple of years, I have been driving an old, green 1995 Toyota Tercel with a broken speedometer and a broken odometer. It leaks some oil and doesn’t change gears until the first mile of the day has been driven. I was content with the car. Proudly displaying my Chick-fil-A license plate on the front bumper while using the car as my daily driver to and from work. However, I never carry my kids in that vehicle. There isn’t much room, and I don’t feel it’s a safe vehicle as it’s so small and doesn’t drive through rain that well without hydroplaning. But it was okay for me! I was thankful for transportation, and the gas mileage was tremendous (that gauge still worked).
Yesterday, I was sitting at my computer on Craigslist looking at cars and thinking that it would be nice to have a bit newer car that I could drive that could also accommodate my kids if I needed to take one child and my wife the other. I thought about finances and how money isn’t growing on trees these days… and I definitely didn’t want to touch the money I set aside for my CFA operator fee. Then I remembered something my mom always told me growing up. “Pray specifically that God would provide what you need…. pray that someone will GIVE you a car”… she would say. I kind of chuckled when I remembered that, and though I felt kind of silly, honestly, I prayed that someone would give me a car. I went to work not thinking about it at all, as it wasn’t really a pressing need, per se, just a desire of my heart.
I was about to climb into bed last night around 10:30pm when I received a private message on Facebook from a person that I had met only once in life. In a nutshell, the message said that they had recently upgraded vehicles, and God had told them to give their old vehicle to me…. WHAT!? I read on. It was a 2003 Toyota Highlander. Safe. Room for kids. Reliable. WHAT?! Toyota?? I LOVE Toyota. My mind was racing. It was hard to comprehend it all. You mean to say that I prayed a prayer that morning that someone would give me a car, and by that evening, out of the blue, someone not knowing that I prayed that prayer messages me and wants to give me their vehicle?!
Beyond the incredible answer to my car situation was the fact that at a time where work had been tough, and though I believe I am on the right path with CFA… God, through direct answer to prayer, confirmed in my heart that I am indeed walking the way in which He wants me to go. Shocking?? YES! But what a rebuke. Answer to prayer SHOULDN’T be shocking. God still answers prayer!! Oh me of little faith.
The Angels from Jersey
Those who work with me know that my favorite position in the restaurant is the drive-thru window. Why? It’s simple. Drive-thru business is the majority of our business, and the window gives me the privilege of seeing the most amount of people possible!
I love people. People aren’t a number to me, but rather living, breathing souls who need encouragement on a daily basis. If I can’t encourage, why am I here?
Then there are moments in life that surprise you.
About a month ago, I was working the window when I saw a black vehicle come around the corner with a yellow New Jersey plate on the front bumper. The occupants inside the vehicle were incredibly friendly, letting me know they had just moved to Charlotte. I ended up recruiting their daughter to work with us!
Over the past few weeks, these New Jersey transplants have become dear friends… and even beyond that, they have become family to me.
I didn’t even realize I needed encouragement, but God always knows exactly what you need, when you need it.
Dan Cathy always asks, “Do you know how you can tell someone needs encouragement? They are breathing!”
Has someone been an encouragement to you recently? Feel free to share your story!
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I’m an open book, and you all play a key role in the story!
I am an open book. Simple as that. The world knows 90% of what goes on in my life. Why? Because, as someone who absolutely stinkin’ loves people… I believe you, and others reading this, play an incredibly important role in my story. Each and every person I meet shapes me in some way or the other.
While many may choose to privately walk the Chick-fil-A journey, I want to share it with you. I am where I am today, and who I am today because of you… and it’s an honor and privilege to include you along the way.
I believe in the power of prayer, and I believe that God has a very specific will for my life. I also specifically feel called to be a Chick-fil-A operator. So I include you, my friend. I include you because I have spent time serving alongside of you, kept in touch via social media, celebrated with you, prayed for you, and loved you.
So I humbly ask for prayer. We head to Kalispell, Montana for a little vacation next week, and Lord willing, I am going to hunker down in the Colter Coffee Shop and begin the application process. I have never applied for a store before, and I need clarity of thought as I seek to put on digital paper my heart for Chick-fil-A and how and why I will take the brand to the next level.
I am confident in God and the timing. I know His will will be accomplished no matter what the outcome. And I thank you, friend, for riding along with us… for loving us… for supporting us… and most of all, for praying for us.
It means the world!! God bless you.
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An encouraging word goes a long way!
Ever get into a rut? I’m not even typing in the negative sense of the term… but rather a steady routine of sun-up to sun-down. A routine that lends itself to one wondering if they are still making a difference… still being influential.
I have the privilege of being a director for Operator Dean Sandbo. It’s a fantastic place to serve. Though we are not perfect, the place is alive with people who love to love people, and who love to work hard, and strive to be innovative and creative. Business is good!
But on an individual level, sometimes you don’t know if you are still making an impact… still being influential… even though inside, you feel you are giving 110%.
I feel called to be a Chick-fil-A operator one day. I very much believe that God has called me to fill that position when it is His time for me to do so. But as many of you know, the journey can be long and tiresome… and you need that “spark” of encouragement from time to time.
A couple days ago, that “spark” called me over to himself. He was an older man who had stopped in for lunch, and he said these words to me, “You held the door for me and greeted me warmly when I entered the restaurant, and all while I ate lunch, I watched you. I watched when you had your break, and I watched as the kids (my team members) came around to talk to you at your table. That tells me you are a good manager.”
WOW! A simple man with a simple word. But it spoke volumes of encouragement to me. I am not the perfect leader… no one really is the perfect leader. But I trust that one day, when it’s all said and done… that people will say that I was faithful to what I was called to do, and that they felt truly loved when I was around them. It is genuinely my heartbeat.
To you, sir, Mr. Spark of encouragement… Thank you! Thank you for taking the time to breathe into existence words that give me energy and spirit to keep on keeping on!
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The Future takes Faith… and a lot of it!
As I’m sitting here at my computer, reflecting back on yet another incredible Chick-fil-A Grand Opening, this time in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where we poured out and invested in another generation of team members who are going to make a REMARKable difference in people’s lives… I can’t help but to rehearse in my mind the interview I had with Chick-fil-A corporate a few weeks ago. I think back on how God opened the door for me to interview, and though the answer came back that I was not a fit for the Leadership Development Program, God gave me special moments with 6 staff members to share my heart and passion for growing and developing people and growing and developing Chick-fil-A as a business.
Many couldn’t believe I was/am not upset about not getting into the LDP. Here’s the simple answer. When I genuinely trust God to give wisdom and discernment to those making the decision to choose the best candidates for the program, I have complete peace and confidence knowing that God alone knows my future, and what He has in store for me ALWAYS beats what I think is the best route or path. Period!
I have many options within Chick-fil-A going forward. Options that require much thought and prayer. Options that will stretch, grow, and prepare me for what the future holds for me and my family.
Thank you all for riding along with me on this journey! It’s not over. Not even close. God is good!
The Grand Opening Supervisors in Broken Arrow, OK – John Pence, Jeremy Stouder, and Kelsey Collier.
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Interview Information: Please pray!
Many of you know that I will be interviewing for the Chick-fil-A Leadership Development Program this coming Thursday, March 5. I humbly ask for your prayers that day… specifically for the following:
- For those interviewing me to have wisdom and discernment on whether or not I am a fit for the program.
- That I would have a clear mind to adequately and sufficiently express my love and passion for people, operations, and the incredible brand that is Chick-fil-A.
For those interested in praying during my interview, here are the details for Thursday:
- AM flight down to Atlanta
- 10:30am-11:15am (interview)
- 2:00pm-2:30pm (interview)
- 2:45pm-3:00pm (interview)
- PM flight home to Charlotte
Thank you all so much! Whatever the outcome, I rest in God and His PERFECT plan for our lives.
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Drive-thru Celebrities and Jesus
The Golden State Warriors’ Superstar, Steph Curry, came through drive-thru again today. Awesome individual and a joy to talk to. He’s a native to Charlotte, NC, and lives here during the off-season. He LOVES Chick-fil-A… and I would go so far as to say that his lavish point totals in the NBA are directly attributed to the consumption of our food. 🙂
I meet a lot of sports figures, CEOs, etc, as our CFA is located in a very affluent community. It’s natural to run and tell your friends and family who you met that day. “Hey babe! Got to meet Steph Curry. Class act guy!”. And it’s true. He is a class-act guy.
Reality check.
How often do we excitedly tell our friends and family about Jesus? “Hey man! I know Jesus… and He wants to know you too!!” Sure, Steph Curry can be a role model for young people… sure, he can impact your life in a positive manner… but Jesus Christ can literally change your life! He can forgive your sins. He can give you eternal life in Heaven.
Guess what else? Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is not surrounded by bodyguards. You don’t have to stand in line for 12 hours to get an autograph from a guy who will never remember your name, let alone your face.
You have an all-access pass to Jesus. He’s the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, yet He wants to know you… personally. He gave His life for you… that’s how much He loves you.
I don’t want you to be in hell. It’s an awful place. Whether you believe it exists or not doesn’t matter. The Bible says it’s true… and it will be the final destination for those who don’t place their faith and trust in Jesus. Bottom line is this… we all deserve Hell because we are all sinners. But here is Hope! Jesus is your Hope. Because I love each of you, and because I can’t personally talk to each one of you… I want you to see a little video from Billy Graham that explains why you need Jesus, and how He can give you eternal life in Heaven! After watching the video… if you would like to know more about how to receive Jesus as your personal savior, click the chat box and talk to someone who can help.
For those of you who already have a relationship with Jesus Christ… share it!! Tell others of the hope, joy, and peace that they can/will find in Him.
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And I didn’t think life could get any CRAZIER!
I worked the mid-shift today, 11am-8pm. That is unusual for me, as I normally work mornings, but due to kids asking off for proms and graduations, I was scheduled. As for the shift, it was going well! We had a great group of team members, and times were good on front line and drive-thru. Then I get a call from my wife.
“Trey missed his nap… baby is hungry… and I got my ring stuck on my finger”
I was in the middle of work, so I gave her a few tips how to remove a ring and went back about my business at Chick-fil-A. Over the next couple of hours she tried calling me multiple times, but I couldn’t answer them due to being busy. The last call I answered went like this:
“Babe, I can’t get this off. It’s so swollen and it is so painful. I have the neighbors here watching the kids, but I need help”
I was able to help get the other leader on shift to a position where I could leave 10 minutes early… about 7:50pm. I drove home and began watching youtube videos for tips and tricks on how to remove a ring and tried a few. Nothing. She was getting frustrated and in pain. Finally, we decided to run up the street to the volunteer fire department in the Fort Mill, SC, area. We loaded up a hungry Lauren and a VERY over-tired Trey… and set off into the night. That’s when I noticed we were on “E”… below “E”… as in, the digital read-out said “Distance to Empty is 0 miles”.
We had almost reached the volunteer fire department when we see a fire engine racing the other way… lights and sires ablaze. Welp, just as we expected, no one answered the doorbell when we arrived. They were all out on the call they had just received. So I decided to head towards the first main fire department I could think of… the big one in the Charlotte area 20 minutes up the road.
To get there, we had to go through the little town of Pineville, NC. By now, it’s around 9:30pm. As I approached Main Street, I was doing a healthy 40-45mph in a 20mph zone. Sure enough, there in the dark was the Pineville Police. I tapped my brakes on instinct, but then continued on at the same pace. Sure enough… here he came. The blue light special! I commented to my wife… “Good! Let him pull me over!”
He got out of his car, approached me (I was sitting in my minivan in a CFA bow tie and badge), and asked for my license. I said, “Funny story… I just left Chick-fil-A early because my wife has her ring stuck on her finger, my wallet is in our other vehicle, and we are trying to get to the Charlotte Fire Dept.” He took one look at her finger and exclaimed, “Good Golly! Follow me!”… He zoomed off and led us to the Pineville Fire Dept, ran inside, and soon 3-4 fireman appeared, along with an EMT who was hanging out at the station. The EMT tried the rubber band trick that “always works”. It didn’t. He was able to move the ring to the knuckle, but it was stuck again… and this time the finger was turning blue. Next plan of action: “Get me the ring cutter”.
Thankfully, it wasn’t her main ring. It was her wedding band. She has been itching to wear it again after being pregnant, and thought her weight and fluid had gone down enough to wear them. We thanked the EMT, fireman, and the cop… who laughed and commented that this got us out of a $240 speeding ticket. And that, folks, is how the House of Prain spends their Friday evenings. 🙂
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Shhhhhhh! It’s our secret!
Today is my son’s 3rd birthday. Wow… time does fly by! While we don’t really have the time and money to make a big deal out of his day, we still wanted to make it special for him. I was scheduled to open the store at 5:00am, and finish at 2:30pm. My wife brought Trey and his little 5-month-old sister, Lauren, over to Chick-fil-A around 2:00pm to see me. Trey came over and gave me a hug and I wished him a Happy Birthday.
After my shift, I hurried out to our storage unit and with the help of my team member, Evan, changed into the cow costume. It was my first time. It was hot. Really hot. For those who are the cow at long events, I wish I could pay you $100/hr. 🙂
Back to the story… After changing into the cow costume, I walked into the store and approached Trey and about 7 other kids who were playing in the playground. I instantly scared one little girl, but the majority of the kids and parents LOVED seeing the Chick-fil-A cow. It was Trey’s first time seeing the cow. How ironic, as it was my first time BEING the cow. He was delighted, and asked the cow to follow him around the restaurant.
After spending a few minutes with the kids and posing for some pictures, I went back outside and turned into Daddy with the white shirt and tie again. I found Trey inside and Mommy asked Trey who he had just seen. He told me all about getting to meet the Chick-fil-A cow. It was so fun!! Maybe when he turns 18, we will have a father/son talk and I will explain to him that it was really Daddy inside the cow suit… but for now, it’s our secret. Shhhhhhhh!!
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This is all about you, God!
About a year ago or so, I joked that before our new Chick-fil-A in Indian Trail opens for business, we should join hands, completely surround the building, dedicate it to God, and have a plane fly over and get pictures…. I thought it was far fetched. But thanks to Dean Sandbo, Wayne Potter, JAARS and their helicopter… it became a reality. Can’t believe it has almost been a year! Excited to attend Certified Trainer Class this week in Atlanta and continue to grow in my journey at Chick-fil-A!
HOUSE OF PRAIN 