USEFUL LINKS

Along with local cows, Sprayberry High School students and Northeast Cobb Business Association (NCBA) members and guests were thrilled to hear Chick-fil-A President and Chief Operating Officer Dan Cathy in separate talks Jan. 26.

Chick-fil-A is one of the nation's biggest family-owned businesses and has become known not only for its great service but also for its commercials featuring cows encouraging people to "eat mor chikin." Through the efforts of Piedmont Church and Community Pastor Steve Crowley, Cathy spoke to the students in conjunction with the school's character education program. Piedmont Church and Crowley also invited Cathy to speak at the NCBA luncheon.

Chick-fil-A President and COO Dan Cathy checks his cell phone to find out which Spraybery student texted him first to win a week of free food at Chick-fil-A.

 Cathy started the day at Sprayberry addressing juniors and seniors at the school as part of the character eduction program the school provides. His words reminded the students to engage and develop others, to continually reinvent themselves, value relationships and results and to embody their values. He also stressed spirituality and the importance of students taking care of their bodies.

"I've run five marathons in 10 years," said Cathy, whose father, Truett Cathy, started the company in 1946 when he opened a "Dwarf House" Restaurant in Hapeville. "I have to keep my body in shape for the schedule I keep. It can help you."

In addition to maintaining a healthy body, Cathy emphasized the the importance of staying spirituality fit, as well. 

Cathy kept the students engaged when he provided them his cell phone number then offered a free week of Chick-fil-A for the first one who texted him on the phone. He also handed out cards for Chick-fil-A sandwiches to everyone in the audience. More than anything, however, he talked about life and the importance of changing with the times, something the leader of the chain can relate to. Chick-fil-A has seen growth in its sales for 65-straight years, and he attributes that, in part, to making necessary changes.

His message also emphasized how leaders serve in their communities, something that resonates with Sprayberry Chick-fil-A owner-operator Scott Reed, who is known in the Sprayberry area for his community service.

After his talk, Cathy said Sprayberry students were "the most respectful and attentive students I've ever spoken to."

Sprayberry Assistant Principal Paul McMahon said he appreciated the comments Cathy made about the students and the inspirational words directed toward them.

"Mr. Cathy's message of servant leadership and giving without expecting anything in return was inspiring to the student audience," said McMahon. "He complimented the Sprayberry students on their  participation and attention during the assembly, but Mr. Cathy truly has the gift to engage his audience and offer a powerful message for teenagers."

 Once finished at Spraberry, Cathy made his way to the Piedmont Church to speak before a crowd of more than 150 people at the January luncheon of the NCBA. There, in a talk mixing humor with moments of serious reflection, Cathy talked about his younger days working at Chic-fil-A for his father. He then moved the subject to his views of life and how "peanut butter and a slinky" can teach lessons on life and business. 

"I started going to Chick-fil-A about nine months before I was born," said the 57-year-old graduate of Georgia Southern University. "When I was young, I started picking gum out from under tables at the restaurant. I was short enough to do that." 

Along with cleaning, Cathy sang to customers at age 9, did radio commercials for the original Dwarf House in Hapeville and has been involved with the chain his whole life.  

Addressing life and business, Cathy said it is important to remember what is important and to keep everything fresh.

"The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing," said Cathy. "Be a positive influence to anyone you come in contact with. And stay fresh like peanut butter."

Dan Cathy entertains Sprayberry Chick-fil-A owner/operator Scott Reed on Reed's birthday.

Reaching into a work bag, Cathy then took out a jar of Jif peanut butter to make his point, followed by a Slinky.

"Get a 12-ounce container of Jif peanut butter," Cathy said to a curious crowd. "It comes with a freshness seal. When you first open the seal it will smell as fresh as it ever will. I like to open the Jif containers for the first time because it reminds me to keep it fresh. That's what we do at Chick-fil-A. Stay fresh like peanut butter."

Using a Slinky, Cathy asked the crowd to figure out the importance of watching a Slinky go down steps. After two demonstrations, Cathy told the audience, "It shows leaders go first, then follower become the new leaders."

As chance would have it, Cathy's talk came on Reed's birthday, so the company president treated him by playing "Happy Birthday" on a trumpet.

When Cathy finished, he was met with a standing ovation by those in attendance. NCBA President Frank Wigington said the group couldn't have found a better way to start the new year.

"There's no better way to kick off the new year," said Wigington. "To have Dan Cathy here addressing the luncheon is as good as it gets. He talked about succeeding in trying times, which is just what we needed to hear. And he said it in a way everyone could understand. We need leadership like Dan Cathy and Chick-fil-A provide."  

Since 2001, Dan Cathy has served as the president and COO of the 1,480 plus unit chain (as of February 2010), but he also has personally challenged himself with upholding Chick-fil-A's efforts to provide genuine, heartfelt hospitality and ensuring that customers chain wide have an exceptional experience when visiting a Chick-fil-A restaurant.  

He defines his role with the company by saying, " I work in customer service."