The End of an Incredible Journey… or is it?

Most of you know by now that this past week brought the news that I will not be moving ahead in my journey to own/operate a Chick-fil-A. At least not now. This news did not devastate me, nor was I angry. I know the system and how it works, and I knew this going in almost 4 years ago. I simply was not competitive enough. Chick-fil-A has 50,000 individuals per year starting the process to become an owner/operator. I made it to step 5 of 7. The top 400 of 50,000 or so. And I am very humbled and grateful to have made it that far. I am in a tough spot at my age. Mid-thirties with a family makes it difficult to be a solid candidate for the Leadership Development Program (on the road living in hotels for about 2 years opening up/running Chick-fil-As around the country), and I am not in my 40’s or 50’s with a wealth of experience from past employment. On paper…. I don’t compete. And I completely understand that from corporate’s point of view.

The only frustrating part is that I don’t know where I fit in…. or how to become THAT competitive. I feel like I have done everything in my power to become prepared to operate a store, and who I am and the endless energy and passion I have for Chick-fil-A would go far beyond simply making a local business profitable. But I am not upset. I know God has a plan, and I know that it is a perfect plan for me and my family. Sometimes it is God’s timing, or sometimes it is a completely new plan – only time will tell.

I want to thank my wife first of all for everything. And by everything, I mean the sacrifices, large and small, that she has made over the past 4 years. She was my biggest cheerleader, and she was ALL IN just as much, if not more, than I was. She is incredibly strong with a heart of gold. She will make an amazing operator’s wife one day, if that is what God wills. I love her dearly and desperately wanted to reach my goal for her. Love you, sweetheart.

Thank you also to the many Operators, Grand Opening Supervisors, trainers, Corporate staff, friends, guests, family, etc who cheered me on since day 1. I never once had someone tell me that I would never make it as an operator, but rather hundreds, if not thousands, telling me to keep going…. that they would love to help me and serve with me one day.

Though I am at peace and trust God with corporate’s decision, guests of mine are crushed. I returned to work this past Friday, and guest after guest walked in shocked – I don’t know if they were more shocked at the decision or that I had a smile on my face. Many operators reached out to me. Some told me they cried, while others expressed that if they had to go through the process today, they would not even make it.

You know what all this tells me? That this journey was not in vain. The people I know now that have impacted me, and that I may have impacted…. I wouldn’t have met them 4 years ago. The massive amount of support and outpouring of love during this journey and after the news came last week has been humbling. I don’t deserve any of this…. but God, in His goodness and grace, allowed me precious time with individuals all across this country. These moments are priceless to me!

I love Chick-fil-A and I will always love Chick-fil-A. As of now, I am still serving at my local CFA as a director working 50-55 hours a week. And until God moves me, that is where I will be. Is the journey over? I honestly don’t think so. I try to force myself to lose the desire to own my own store… and then I clock in and do life with my team, and after hugs and high fives and accomplishing goals together…. I realize I can’t stop pursuing my dream. It’s what I do. It’s who I am.

Many have asked if I am upset or mad. Almost telling me with their eyes and tone of voice that it would be ok to say yes. But no. I am at peace. I am at peace knowing that God is good all the time. Never is He NOT good. And though people all around the chain know I would make a tremendous operator, the one person who could say no, did say no. And they did their job well. They have to make sure they choose the best fit for every opportunity. To play God and to judge their decision would be foolish. To trust God and wait on His will and timing is obedience. So I choose to obey. I choose to wait. I choose to continue to be full of joy. I choose to keep on serving faithfully.

I leave you with this story from this past Saturday.

A mom and her little girl were getting into line to order when I walked by them to grab something from outside. She stopped me and told me that she had used me as an example when teaching her kids a lesson that week. I recognized the mom, but didn’t know her personally. She went on to explain that her 9th grade boy was telling her how his friends in the same grade were out partying/drinking and making poor decisions. Her son then said that he doesn’t have to hang out with that crowd and wants to make wise decisions. I bent down and asked the little girl what the mom had said about me. The little girl looked up at me and said, “Mommy said that she wants me to marry someone like you one day”. I was shocked, as I had never spoken to them before. The mom then began to tear up and told me that she can tell simply by the way I serve people in the restaurant that I am someone that she wants her boys to look up to and her daughter to marry. It was all I could do not to get all emotional! WOW! Do I deserve those comments? No. Any good in me is by the grace of God alone. But God used that instance, just mere days after receiving a “no” answer, to keep that flame burning inside of me.

To you that have followed this journey…. thank you! You are appreciated far more than you will ever know. I truly hope this isn’t the end. I have insane faith that it is not. In fact, I  check my email throughout the day thinking that I will receive one saying that they have changed their minds and have a store for me. But if that day never comes, I thank God that He used CFA to bring you into my life. May God bless you. #JUSTTRUETT

 

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Encouragement. It does a soul good.

Chick-fil-A President and CEO, Dan Cathy, often asks groups this question: “How can you tell someone needs encouragement? They are breathing!” Everyone needs encouraging. That’s just how we all are wired. It provides that “oomph” to keep on keeping on.

I love encouraging people, and I have a keen awareness that people need it. Why? Because I need it. Yep. Even with my incredible energy and love of life… I need it. Especially in the middle of this journey that I am on.

Tonight, I received a facebook message from a Chick-fil-A operator in the northeast:

“I wanted to shoot you a quick note and share with you what an encouragement you are. I am thankful and inspired by your optimism, joy and passion. I don’t know too many guys that live life with your level of Christ-centered energy. So thanks. Even on the hard days.”

Wow! Little did he know that I am in the middle of the operator interview process, waiting for the next step to be scheduled. 2016 is up in the air for me and my family, but we serve a God who is in complete control, and a God who gives friends who encourage. Just at the right time.

 

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JUST TRUETT.

A few months back, while working mid-day in shift at the home Chick-fil-A, the thought struck me to “JUST TRUETT”. I kind of chuckled to myself and shared it with a fellow team member. A couple weeks later, I went online and made a simple t-shirt with that slogan on the front. Honestly, it was something I did because I told my team member that I should do it, and it would be fun. I finally received the t-shirt a few weeks later, and I posted it on my personal social media sites.

A few days went by, and I began receiving notifications from Chick-fil-A team members around the country asking me where they could get one. I was hesitant. Our founder, Truett Cathy, went home to be with the Lord at the end of 2014, and I did not want this to come across as something trivial, but rather as a unique, creative way to get the message across of what Truett Cathy’s heartbeat was… what he embodied… how he impacted others.

Still hesitant, I emailed Chick-fil-A’s president and CEO, Mr. Dan Cathy, to ask his opinion. Truett was his father, after all, and I wanted his blessing before moving forward. After emailing Mr. Cathy and explaining my thoughts behind the slogan, he responded with: “Terrific idea, Kent! Creative way to get the message across. You have my permission to fulfill all the orders.”

WOW! But now what? I didn’t know the first thing about ordering bulk t-shirts, but I love to learn and I’m an entrepreneur…. so I started doing research. Thankfully, the one who encouraged me to get started and the one whose company did the behind the scenes work for me was a good friend, Keith Rogers, from 323 Sports out of the Raleigh, NC, area.

I never realized how OCD I would be with t-shirts. I rejected the first samples because I wanted a higher-end t-shirt. One that would cost me more money personally, but one that would give Chick-fil-A’ers around the country a quality purchase. After agreeing to the shirt and the font design and size, I put in my initial order for 150 shirts. Exciting!

After setting up a little office in my walk-in closet, and creating a simple google drive order form, I was ready to sell. It’s been 48 hours now, and 22 shirts have been sold. First shipment will be shipped out Monday, January 4. Cannot wait until those who receive them begin wearing them, giving them the chance to share what “JUST TRUETT” means.

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This is not about making money. This is not about me. At all. I simply want to #LIVETHELEGACY of Truett Cathy, and continue to serve in the manner in which he served.

So what does it mean to “JUST TRUETT”?  When a guest is upset at you…. JUST TRUETT. When you are wrongly accused…. JUST TRUETT. When a fellow team member is going through a tough time…. JUST TRUETT. I like to sum it all up by infusing a good portion of Chick-fil-A’s corporate purpose:

JUST TRUETT.

“Treat each and every person with honor, dignity, and respect. Be a faithful steward of all that God has given to you. Be a positive influence on all those you have the privilege to meet. Love unconditionally.”

If you are interested in purchasing a t-shirt, I’ve posted the ORDER FORM here.

May God bless you all this New Year!!

 

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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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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:

  1. For those interviewing me to have wisdom and discernment on whether or not I am a fit for the program.
  2. 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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A Blast Beyond the Clock

I think it’s an understatement to say that we absolutely LOVE our team members at Chick-fil-A. And that love is not confined to the time clock. We don’t simply care about them and how they are doing while clocked in, but we desire to invest in them and their interests far beyond the clock. Tonight was Senior Night for one of our team members, Hannah Hastings… so a few of us drove over to the local high school and had a blast cheering on her and her fellow teammates. It had been YEARS since I had last attended a volleyball match. Hannah did amazingly well… and it was fun to spend time together as a CFA family. After the games, my wife and I were talking about how awesome it would be to have a store someday, and continue to invest in the lives of others. People are definitely our Passion!

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