I was sixteen

when I put in an application for my first “real” job, and although McDonald’s ended up not hiring me, the old saying “it’s not what you know, but who you know” proved true for me ever since. 

Shortly after the rejection, my cousin told me that her colleague’s mom, who managed a Popeye’s near my parents’ house, was looking for help. I remember calling and scheduling an interview, eventually  getting hired on the spot. 

Even though it was a minimum wage job, I learned so much from that opportunity; about business, about people, about work ethic, and about myself. It challenged my perspective of time management since I was juggling theocratic and religious responsibilities, rigorous schoolwork, and an internship at a well known newspaper. It developed my love for cooking, sparked my interest in veganism, and introduced me to a life I knew I didn’t want to live forever. It also reinforced the truth that my dreams were not a reality for everyone. And that’s okay.

Al Copeland, the founder of Popeye’s, died in 2008 with an estimated net worth of $400 million. He opened his first restaurant at 28, growing and developing the franchise to over 500 locations in less than 20 years. Perhaps it was his humble upbringing that motivated Al so much. Although he set (and reached) his goal of becoming a millionaire by 30, his next goal of acquiring Church’s Chicken eventually drove the company to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy. 

While that sounds tragic, Copeland had sound business practices put in place. He had originally formed two separate corporations. One business that operated the quick serve restaurant, and another that controlled the spices and seasonings that every location was required to use. In fact, Diversified Foods & Spices brought in an additional $10 to $13 million annually that helped him keep his head above water. 

Last month, the craze over their version of the iconic Chic fil A chicken sandwich stirred unanticipated media attention; my own sister messaged me saying ‘I know you’re glad you left Popeyes”. 

She’s right. 

Even though most of the uproar that took place in real life and digitally helped to amass millions of dollars for the company, it all stems from one man’s dream. A man who set goals, worked tirelessly, saved aggressively and made wise decisions in spite of major setbacks. 
That’s a philosophy I learned to cultivate when I’d be wiping counters and getting my forearms burned over 325 degree oil. In fact, when I reflected on the experience some time ago, a family friend told me that I had learned so much because I was willing to learn.

As we transition into a new season, and prepare to close 2019 in this last quarter, I encourage all of you to reflect on the lessons you have learned from all of your work experiences, be they big or small, tenured or temporary, well paying or non-lucrative. 

And by all means, continue to grow. 

WAF