Bright-Eyed and Bushy-Tailed!

Bright Eyed and Bushy-Tailed – Ken and Barbara: The Dynamic Duo of Chicken, Kindness, and Leadership

Let’s talk leadership. Grab your coffee or your Monster energy drink (or both – no judgment here) and settle in for a story about chicken, teenage ambition, and how two incredible leaders turned a fast-food job into a masterclass on leadership.

It all began with a 17-year-old version of me, eager to trade my high school evenings for cash – cash for a car, dates, and maybe even a little college fund padding. I was interviewed by Ken and Barbara, and I had one condition: no working on Sundays. Why? So I could attend church and spend time with family. Their respect for my values was the first of many leadership lessons they’d teach me.

The Chicken Chronicles

I sacrificed high school parties, spur-of-the-moment plans, and possibly my popularity on a few busy Friday nights to work. But what Ken and Barbara gave me in return was priceless. They didn’t just hire me to sling chicken, they laid the foundation for my leadership journey.

• Time Management: “You’ve got 12 minutes to cook that chicken, Devin.” They proved that great leadership isn’t just about hitting goals, it’s about investing in others, managing time with precision, and creating an environment where everyone thrives. Their lessons stick with me to this day, shaping how I lead and approach challenges.

• Respect & Kindness: Whether it was customers or teammates, they taught me that a little kindness goes a long way – unless you’re dealing with a Mystery Shopper; then it goes all the way to a perfect score.

• Accountability: White Glove inspections? Let’s just say the floors were clean enough to eat off, though you probably shouldn’t.

• Work Ethic: Fun fact, they doubled the size of their store in 3.5 years. Coincidence? Nope. That was Ken and Barbara magic.

A Night to Remember: Honoring Ken and Barbara

We knew Ken and Barbara were long overdue for a night out. They had poured so much of themselves into the team and the store, rarely taking time for themselves. It didn’t sit right with us. So, as a team, we decided to show them the same kindness and care they had always shown us.

We pooled our tips, booked a reservation at a beautiful waterfront restaurant in Monterey, and volunteered to cover their shifts. But we wanted to make it truly special. I reached out to a friend with an older but elegant limo, and with Art’s help, we became their personal drivers for the evening.

When we arrived at their house with the limo, their excitement was priceless. It was as if they couldn’t believe anyone would do this for them. We chauffeured them to Monterey, ensuring they arrived in style for a well-deserved, work-free evening. While they enjoyed a quiet, romantic dinner overlooking the ocean, Art and I waited nearby at a diner, giving them all the time and space to fully relax and reconnect.

For one night, they weren’t the managers who kept everything running – they were just Ken and Barbara, enjoying a moment to themselves. Seeing the joy on their faces when we picked them up later that evening was worth every bit of effort.

That night wasn’t just about giving them a break, it was about showing our appreciation for their leadership, their kindness, and the example they set for all of us. It was a small way to give back to the people who had given us so much. It remains one of my favorite memories – a reminder that great leaders inspire loyalty not because of their authority, but because of their genuine care for the people they lead.

Trust – Leadership Edition

Here’s the kicker: they trusted me, a 17-year-old, to run the store while they went on vacation. Not just for a weekend, but for a week. Why? Because they trained and equipped me with every tool and skill I needed to succeed. From payroll to food ordering to scheduling, they turned me into a mini-manager before I could legally vote.

They led by example, showed us how to stick to the book while still having fun, and gave us the kind of confidence that made even scrubbing floors feel like a mission-critical operation.

The Fun Stuff

Leadership wasn’t all about high standards and perfect chicken temps. Ken and Barbara made sure to sprinkle in a healthy dose of fun:

• Bathroom Water Pranks: A well-placed cup of water on a doorframe kept everyone on their toes, especially Ken.

• After-Hours Frisbee Matches: If you’ve never thrown a Frisbee in a freshly mopped fast-food joint, you’re missing out.

• Prom Send-Offs: Because even chicken-slingers need a little glam time.

The Legacy

Ken and Barbara didn’t just run a store; they ran a school of leadership. They taught me that leadership is about high standards, trust, and investing in people. Thanks to them, I traded chicken for networks and servers and became the leader I am today.

Now it’s your turn: who’s the Ken or Barbara in your story? Who took you under their wing (pun fully intended) and taught you what great leadership looks like? Share your story – we would love to hear it!

And stay tuned, because in my next post, I’ll share about another mentor who played a key role in my journey. Spoiler: no chicken this time, but plenty of trust, growth, and maybe a little humor.