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Chick-fil-A's founder, S. Truett Cathy, speaks to the large crowd of students, professionals and Volusia County residents at the Hosseini Center, as part of entrepreneurial speaker series.

Series kicks off with Chick-fil-A founder

By: Joe Mancinik

Posted: 4/9/08

For everyone who attended the inaugural presentation of the L. Gale Lemerand Entrepreneurial Speaker Series, guest speaker S. Truett Cathy, 87, founder and chairman of Chick-fil-A, did not disappoint.

The event at the Mori Hosseini Center began with comments from DBC President Dr. Kent Sharples who called the visit, "One of the most exciting things that has ever happened at DBC."

After a brief introduction from Tim Lucas, Volusia Mall Chick-fil-A franchise owner, Cathy was welcomed to the stage with a standing ovation from hundreds of enthusiastic supporters. Drawing widespread laughter from the crowd and serving to start the evening on a lighter note, he interrupted the proceedings so that everyone in the audience could get a miniature cow plush toy with the words "Eat Mor Chikin" emblazoned on the front.

The presentation was in an interview format, ably conducted by SGA Vice President Miranda Weber. During the half-hour session Cathy often turned and engaged the audience directly when answering questions. Displaying a great sense of humor, he pointed to the autographed page in his new book "How Did You Do It, Truett?" and advised the audience to rip it out if they didn't like it.

Some of the topics covered were keeping enthusiasm in your career, his company's policy of closing on Sunday and most importantly, according to him, strong family values and ideals.

"That's been my life, taking advantage of unexpected opportunities," he said, recalling starting his first business in 1946, the Dwarf Grill in Hapeville, Ga. "If you wait for everything to be right, you'll never get started."

Cathy also talked about his views on maintaining excitement in your career: "It's different being a workaholic and being excited about your career."

Explaining Chick-fil-A's policy of closing on Sundays, he emphasized the importance of taking off during the weekend to reflect and spend time with family. He credited showing concern and genuine caring for his employees as the main reason that his company enjoys such low turnover.

"Two-thirds of the operators grew up in Chick-fil-A. They have been lifelong employees since high school," Cathy said.

Common courtesy in the restaurant industry is another hallmark of the Chick-fil-A philosophy.

"Courtesy is very cheap, but it pays great dividends," he said, adding later that his company has given out over $22 million in scholarships.

The session ended with questions from the audience, in which he stressed the importance of being around the right sort of people.

"If you want to be successful, hang out with successful people," he advised the crowd of students, faculty, DBC administrators and business leaders.

Cathy attributes his success in life to a strong religious upbringing and lamented the fact that, in his view, many people today can't recite from the Bible.

During the evening he quoted from his favorite passage in the Bible, Proverbs 22:1, which exemplifies his business philosophy perfectly.

"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver or gold."