Reconciliation with the past influenced his dream and helped Dave Thomas build a legacy
Rex David (Dave) Thomas is still one of the most recognized faces in North America even though he died 16 years ago next month. This is a story of inspiration and encouragement.
The founder of Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers, married quality with value in a quick serve restaurant to make it one of the most popular burger stops in the marketplace. When Thomas, who was born in July, 1932, died in January of his 70th year, there were over 6,000 Wendy's Restaurants.
Thomas opened the first quick serve burger shop in Columbus, Ohio on November 15, 1969. The restaurant was named after his eight-year-old daughter Melinda Lou, who found it easier to say "Wenda" than her own name as a child. "I'm going to call it Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers", said Dave and so it was. His first shop remained open until 2007.
In 1982, Thomas resigned from day-to-day operations at Wendy's, fully intending to enjoy a Fort Lauderdale home and boat. His retirement lasted only three years when a number of poor management choices sent him back to help recover brand awareness.
Thomas personally delivered his MBA (mop bucket attitude) program to franchises and took on a significant role as the TV spokesperson for the brand. Dave's self-deprecating and folksy manner, proved to be popular and the brand eventually regained awareness like octogenarian Clara Peller's wildly popular "Where's the beef?" campaign of 1984.
Dave attributed his faith in God to Harlan Sanders, the Colonel behind Kentucky Fried Chicken, who was a prominent member of the Disciples of Christ Congregational Church and an important business mentor. In fact, his work with Sanders in the mid-1960s, to turn around failing KFC stores for the Clauss family in Columbus, Ohio set Thomas up for his future success. He sold his share of the deal back to Sanders for a cool US$1.5 million.
Thomas was also active in his faith as a FreeMason. The values and conviction that drove his passion for the Wendy's business and his new found stardom from the commercials allowed Dave to exploit his unknown past for the benefit of others.Dave admitted to his birth out of wedlock, his subsequent adoption and what he called 'the worst decision of my life' when he quit school to take his first restaurant job for the Clauss family in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
By establishing 'The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption' in 1992, Thomas drove change as well as a better life for thousands of adoptees and their parents. In 1993, Dave wrote the examination to achieve his General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Upon his graduation from high school he initiated 'Stay in School' commercials and other activities through Wendy's that encouraged young people to achieve their high school diploma.
Dave Thomas was married for 47 years to Lorraine, the mother of their five children. Besides Melinda they had three daughters, Pam, Lori and Molly, and a son, Kenny who died in 2013. Dave's daughters continue to own and run multiple Wendy's locations.
Other sources:
Motivational Bio's
Bloomberg Story - What’s Behind Wendy’s Success?
Biography.Com
The Life Of Dave Thomas in 5 Minutes - by Izabella Davis
On this Sabbath day, InfoStream hopes the Dave Thomas story of burgers, faith and passion will encourage you to live a life filled with Abundant Joy.
God bless!About Executive Producer, Larry R. Evans:
Larry Evans is an experienced innovator and strategist. He is Principal of The Paradigm Corporation, which is headquartered at Thunder Ridge just outside Crossfield, Alberta, Canada. He is known for bringing a unique and predictive lens to paradigm shifts during a career that spans 45 years. Now often from his wheelchair, he brings a grounded, tenacious view of brand, ecosystems and trusted relationships for the digital age. His perspective and values influence his life, business and ministry.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/larryrevans
No comments:
Post a Comment