Great American Success Story
Colonel Harland Sanders
I discovered Col. Harland Sanders The Autobiography of the Original Celebrity Chef on the Kentucky Fried Chicken Facebook page. This long forgotten manuscript written in 1966 is an amazing story. An American success story. Perhaps a story only possible in America.
What motivated him to build Kentucky Fried Chicken? Turns out when he was 65 the government built
a new interstate highway that directed traffic away from his restaurant. His restaurant closed but the soon to be
world famous cook took with him a secret recipe for fried chicken.
In his autobiography Sanders says, “The idea of a 66-year
old man practically starting all over again was daunting, but it was the most
interesting part of my life. At my age
it was a challenge, despite having faith in my product, in me and in my ability
to pull it off.”
Sanders was born into a poor family in 1890. His father died when Harland was five years
old and his mother took in the neighbors’ sewing to support the family later
working three miles from home peeling tomatoes.
Harland took over much of the household responsibilities including
caring for younger siblings and cooking for the family. He became quite an accomplished cook.
Harland took his first job at the age of ten working on a
farm. He dropped out of school in the
seventh grade and by the time he was nineteen he had painted carriages, worked
as a streetcar conductor, volunteered in the Army at age 15 (he doesn’t
remember them asking his age), and held down various jobs for the railroad. He
married at 18, soon welcomed a daughter and taught his young bride how to cook.
His path to Kentucky Fried Chicken took many twists and turns over the years as
he tried his hand as an insurance salesman, a ferry boat entrepreneur, tire
salesman and politician.
By the time he was 40 he was operating a service station in
Kentucky. With a motto of “hard work
works” while always giving away a service, something a little extra like washing your windows and checking your oil,
he built enviable customer loyalty. In 1930 travelers had limited options for
finding a decent meal along the way.
Sanders recognized the need and began cooking for the hungry folks who
stopped for gas. He served guests at the
dining table in a small area of the service station that was his home.
The food was good. Very good. The entrepreneur seized the opportunity, offered
a quality product and another American success story was born. As people heard about his food they started
to come to the station for a good meal. The
house specialty was fried chicken made with a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices. He became so
successful he had to move across the street to accommodate the growing number
of customers. In 1935 Governor Ruby Laffoon of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
appointed him to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels for his contributions
to the state as a restaurateur.
His success was threatened in 1955 when the new highway
literally closed his restaurant. He was
a retirement age and eligible for social security. He had little else to his name. But what he did have made him world famous
and successful beyond his dreams. He had
a secret recipe for "finger lickin' good" fried chicken.
He knew by this time that his chicken was top quality and set
about franchising the company with proceeds from auctioning off everything in
his restaurant. His monthly social
security check of $150 paid his gasoline to take him all around the countryside
looking for that first investor. He ate
only when he had to and was appreciative of complimentary meals when he visited
restaurants. Finally after countless
“no’s” he got a “yes.”
His business and his fame grew. Eventually he allowed himself a $30,000
annual salary and, disliking dependency, dropped his Social Security
check. The rest as they say is history.
Through all of the ups and downs of building his successful business he never borrowed any money and never issued stock. He was known as a perfectionist who never compromised on quality or service. He was a showman mingling with surprised guests at various franchises wearing his famous white suit and goatee. He loved to work and, in addition to the Golden Rule, followed two other rules: “Do all you can, and do it the best you can.” Things change but these rules are timeless. His story is the proof.
