Chicken-fil-A

"Got any fun plans this weekend?"
"I'm going to a Leadership Conference!"

Granted, it probably wasn't the expected response, but it was true. Going to a leadership conference was the big highlight of my weekend. And you know what? It was awesome. Mainly because the keynote speaker was Dan T. Cathy, President and CEO of Chick-fil-A. I think we can all agree that Chick-fil-A is the bomb, not only because of the dee-licious chicken, but also because of the service. Mr. Cathy impressed me by his retention of values amidst obvious business smarts, but also by his retention of business smarts amidst values. It frustrates me that most openly religious leaders in secular industries are portrayed as hokey, simple folk - having values translates to easily taken advantage of. Hearing Mr. Cathy speak of his business model was unreal. He inserts morals without seeming like a pushover. He uses those morals expressly to boost profits without seeming like a jerk. It's amazing.

Mr. Cathy brought copies of his dad's book for everyone, and after he spoke a friend suggested we go get our books signed. I introduced myself as being from Tyler, Texas and Mr. Cathy immediately mentioned the Tyler restaurant operators by name, Green Acres Baptist Church, and Broadway Square Mall. He has restaurants all over the nation, in cities far more exciting than Tyler, but he knew. And I think that, more than anything else, was what impressed me about Dan Cathy.

So go Eat Mor Chikin.