ALMetro360

In October 2012, we opened the first franchise location of Chicken Salad Chick inMidtownMontgomery. In 2014, we opened two additional stores in East Montgomery and Prattville. Initially, we had know idea what we were doing and we made plenty of mistakes. But, we learned from our mistakes, surrounded ourselves with great people, and trusted the processes and procedures pro- vided to us by our franchisor. Over 5 years later, we couldn't be more content with our decision and we are so extremely thankful to have been afforded this opportunity. From the beginning, we have viewed our business as more than a means to make a living. We have striven to provide a safe, fun filled work environment for our employees. We believe the key to our success has been the hundreds of wonderful people that we have been fortunate enough to employ over the past 5 years. That and the overwhelming support the River Region has shown our humble business. We are still so amazed by and thankful for each person that walks through our doors. When we aren't serving the best chicken salad in the South, we enjoy spending time with our 5 year old son, Jackson, taking trips to Disney World, golfing, hunting, and shopping. Q & A WITH THE O WNERS Why start your own business? What was your motivation? I began working when I was 16 and have had plenty of good leaders and bad managers. I always wanted run my own business so I could take the best from the great leaders and remember the worst from the bad ones. We wanted to provide a safe, fun filled, work environment that was founded upon Christian principles. What were some of the challenges? Inexperience, we had never managed, operated, or owned a restaurant before. What do you attribute to your success? The incredible team members, managers, leaders, and support staff that have surrounded us from the beginning. What are the rewards? It may seem cliched, but it's true. The greatest and most satisfy- ing reward comes from seeing the smiling faces we encounter everyday. Who was your mentor? My dad, my father-in-law, the late Kevin Brown, JimThompson, and Scott Deviney. If you could start over and do it differently, would you? Absolutely and we wouldn't change a thing! What did you do prior to starting this business? Cassie is still a practicing pharmacist. I worked in the supply chain of a Fortune 500 company. What advice would you give someone wanting to start their own business? Don't be afraid to fail. And, if you're going to fail, do it quickly. Then, learn from your mistakes, find a solution, and try again. Has the River Region been a good fit for you and your business? We are still amazed every day that by the overwhelming support the River Region has shown our humble business. What are you doing when not working? We enjoy spending time with our family, our church family, vis- iting Disney World, golfing, hunting, traveling and shopping. n Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter SEPTEMBER 2018 23