How Tenacity Created A Household Name

When we think of Kentucky Fried Chicken or KFC as it's now commonly known, the iconic image of Colonel Harland Sanders often comes to mind. But beyond his familiar white suit and string tie lies a story of relentless determination and tenacity - a story that turned a struggling entrepreneur into a global icon.

Harland Sanders was no stranger to hardship. Born in 1890 in a small Indiana town, he faced challenges early on. His father passed away when he was just six, leaving his mother to care for him and his siblings. Sanders had to step up. He learned to cook and help out around the house at a very young age.

As he grew older, life didn’t get any easier. Sanders bounced from one job to another, working as a farmhand, streetcar conductor, and railroad fireman, among other things. Despite his hard work, success seemed elusive. By his 40s, he was running a small service station in Kentucky, where he cooked for travellers passing through. Despite his lack of real success, his fried chicken was very popular. So much so in fact, that in 1935 he was named a "Colonel" by the Governor of Kentucky - a title given in recognition of his contributions to the state’s cuisine!

However just as things seemed to be looking up, a new highway was built, diverting traffic away from his service station. Without the steady flow of customers, Sanders was forced to close his business. At 65, when most people are thinking about retirement, he found himself broke and starting over.

Rather than give up, Sanders decided to take a chance on his fried chicken recipe. He believed in his blend of 11 herbs and spices and was convinced it could be a hit. So, armed with nothing but his recipe and determination, Sanders set out to sell his idea to restaurant owners across the country.

It wasn’t an easy road. He travelled from town to town, often sleeping in his car, trying to convince restaurant owners to franchise his recipe. And more often than not, he was turned down. Sanders was rejected 1,009 times before he finally got his first "yes."

Most people would have given up long before reaching that number. But not Sanders. He had an unshakable belief in his product, and he wasn’t going to give up just because the journey was difficult.

Finally, Sanders found a restaurant owner in Salt Lake City, Utah, who was willing to give his recipe a shot. The response from customers was overwhelmingly positive, and word began to spread. Soon, other restaurants were interested, and Sanders’ dream of franchising his recipe started to become a reality.

By the mid-1960s, Kentucky Fried Chicken was growing rapidly, and in 1964, Sanders sold the company for $2 million. Even after the sale, Sanders remained deeply involved in the business. He travelled extensively, visiting KFC outlets around the world, and continued to insist on the quality and authenticity of his chicken.

Colonel Sanders’ story is more than just a tale of business success. It’s a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through sheer determination and tenacity. Here are a few lessons we can learn from his journey:

1. Believe in What You’re Doing: Sanders never doubted the value of his recipe, even when others did. His belief in his product kept him going through countless rejections.

2. Don’t Give Up: The fact that Sanders kept going after being turned down over 1,000 times is incredible. His persistence is a testament to the idea that success often comes to those who are willing to keep trying, even when it’s hard.

3. It’s Never Too Late: Sanders didn’t find success until he was in his late 60s. His story shows that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.

4. Quality Matters: Even as KFC expanded, Sanders insisted on maintaining the quality of his chicken. He knew that the key to his success wasn’t just in the number of restaurants or the money he was making, but in ensuring that each one served a product he could be proud of.

5. Adapt and Overcome: Throughout his life, Sanders faced numerous challenges, from losing his father at a young age to the closure of his service station. But each time, he adapted and found a new way forward.

Today, KFC is a global brand with approximately 27,000 outlets around the globe, and Colonel Sanders remains a symbol of persistence and quality. His story is a reminder that success isn’t about never failing - it’s about never giving up.

So, the next time you face a setback or find yourself doubting your path, think of Colonel Sanders. (I'm sure there will be a reminder of him in your town or close by!) Remember his journey and let it inspire you to keep going. Because sometimes, all it takes is one more try to turn your dream into reality.

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