From left to right; Joe Bucklee operates the Chick-fil-A in Brandon. He posted recently with Dan Cathy, President and CEO of Chick-fil-A on a visit to Brandon.
By Dale Bliss
“Fresh flowers on a table in a fast food eatery; mile one or mile two?” was the question asked by Don Cathy, president and chief operating officer of Chick-fil-A. Cathy recently spoke at First Baptist Church of Brandon to a diverse audience eager to hear his message, “How to apply Biblical Principles in the workplace.”
“Saturating your mind with God’s words and going out into the work day using them and living it is the real service,” reflected Cathy. Sunday is preparing you and teaching you for doing just that, according to Cathy. Being considerate and caring for the people that enter Chick-fil-A is not only at the top of their agenda, it is their whole agenda. Cathy continued, “Go the second mile for people and show them they are appreciated.”
Jerry Johnson, public relations officer for Chick-fil-A, said, “It’s a privilege to work for the Cathy family. They inspire you to do your very best and caring for others.”
In 1946, his father, Truett Cathy, opened the first Chick-fil-A in Hapeville, Ga. Due to his deep faith, he decided to not operate the restaurant on Sundays so that his employees could attend church and spend the day with their families. This has been part of their recipe for success.
Cathy believes in working side-by-side and serving his 61,000 employees and traveling across the miles to each of his 1,608 restaurants. He feels this is the way to be a leader.
A native of Jonesboro, Ga., Cathy met the young girl (six years old at a time of their meeting) that he later made his wife. They have been married for 38 years and have two sons and one granddaughter.
In addition, Cathy co-teaches a Sunday school class of 11th grade boys at his home church in south Atlanta, Ga., has run many marathons, is an avid trumpet player and has earned his airline transport license.
Joe Bucklew, operations manager of the Chick-fil-A at Westfield Brandon, commented, “He is good to his associates and personal with people. He’s an example for all of us.”
For more information on your local store, visit www.chick-fil-a.com.
