As one of the most recognizable success stories of the American Dream, we know the late Dave Thomas as the grandfatherly figure who wanted to share his food with us. For longer than a decade, he regularly appeared on our TVs wearing a red tie and holding a hamburger spatula. While we offer most of our quotable entrepreneurs the respect of using their surname, Dave has earned the honor and status of first-name-only.
Dave grew up in the restaurant business, getting his first job at age 12. He didn’t finish high school and as a teenager moved from one food franchise to another until he enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War where he served as a mess sergeant (later promoted to staff sergeant) responsible for feeding 2000 soldiers on a daily basis.
Dave opened Wendy’s in 1969 using his 25 years of experience to guide his business choices. After hitting a few bumps in the mid-80s due to failed marketing campaigns, the franchise regained steam when Dave took over as spokesperson for his company. The decision to become the face of his own company resulted in him appearing in over 800 commercials, primarily during the 90s. Another lesson learned.
Take it from someone who worked his entire life and made his own startup success from scratch:
“You earn your reputation by the things you do every day.”
“What’s the secret to success? It’s no secret. You need a winning attitude, honesty and integrity, and a burning desire to succeed.”
“There’s no one to stop you but yourself.”
“You can do what you want to do. You can be what you want to be.”
“I think the harder you work, the more luck you have.”
“If there are things you don’t like in the world you grew up in, make your own life different.”
“Hard work is good for the soul, and it keeps you from feeling sorry for yourself because you don’t have time.”
“Take care of your business and your business will take care of you.”
“Share your success and help others succeed. Give everyone a chance to have a piece of the pie. If the pie’s not big enough, make a bigger pie.”
“Whether you sell hamburgers or computers, we’re all in the customer service business. Our goal must be to exceed our customers’ expectations every day.”
“Get all the education you can. Who knows what more I could have achieved if I’d stayed in school and went to college? The possibilities are endless when you have an education.”
–Dave Thomas, Founder, Wendy’s
