DBU REPORT 12 “When you know your purpose, the priorities around you become crystal clear.” Trudy Cathy White learned this truth firsthand as she witnessed her father, Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A, establish and grow a business that had its share of challenges as well as tremendous success. White addressed the DBU student body during chapel this past spring with an encouraging message about fulfilling God's purpose for each of His children. White recounted challenging economic conditions in the mid-1980s when the brand was struggling. While evaluating their focus and purpose, the company realized that they were not in the food business or the chicken business. Instead, they were to be in the people business and glorify God in all they do. The company renewed its purpose, its mission became clear, and they dedicated themselves anew to the strategy God had set before them: “Be a faithful steward of all God has entrusted to us and have a positive impact on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.” Hardship and Perseverance White’s father initially entered the restaurant business in 1946 with the support of his brothers. A few years later, his brothers tragically passed away in a plane crash. Having lost his family and business partners, White shared how her father also felt lost in life. He opened a second restaurant, but it soon became too much to handle. When the restaurant burned to the ground, to her surprise her father saw this tragedy as a blessing in disguise. White explained, “God never wastes experiences in our lives. We don't choose to have fires, but we can choose how to respond to the fires that come into our lives. There's no obstacle too difficult to overcome when you cast your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.” Hitting a wall after 18 years in the restaurant industry, Truett Cathy had an idea. He took some chicken, fried it in peanut oil, used hamburger buns and pickles, and invented the world's first chicken sandwich—the rest is history. Through hardship, Truett realized that Biblical principles go hand-inhand with good business practices. White explained that Chick-fil-A is not successful because of some secret business strategy. Chick-fil-A is successful because it abides by the Word of God. The company is dedicated to treating every employee like family and each customer as a special guest, all while serving good, quality food. “Biblical principles will DBU Hosts Trudy Cathy White, Daughter of the Founder of Chick-fil-A Secrets behind a Business Built on Biblical Principles “There’s no obstacle too difficult to overcome when you cast your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.”
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