One of the most well-known fast-food chains on the east coast, Chick-Fil-A is grounded on Christian beliefs. Truitt Cathy’s founder allowed Biblical principles to be the guidelines for running his business. The current CEO, his son Dan Cathy has continued this Biblical foundation. In addition to every location being closed on Sundays, Chick-Fil-A also supports organizations financially that align with their Christian views.
A few years back, the CEO Dan Cathy took a controversial stand against gay marriages. He acknowledged that he believed that marriage should only be between a man and a woman in an interview. Despite attempts by the media, Chick-Fil-A was not charged with any discrimination towards their employees or customers. Dan Cathy unashamedly took a stand for what he believed, without fear of how it might negatively affect his business. He did not let fear of the media or popular opinion overtake his core beliefs and values in the Bible. Dan Cathy excellently demonstrated redemptive entrepreneurship. He demonstrated that his value is in glorifying the kingdom of heaven and not in the social status of his business. I believe that more CEOs should be like Dan Cathy, fearless yet respectful in standing up for what they believe.
A professor once said that a business is only as redemptive as its CEO. The CEO, therefore, has a more significant role than growing and sustaining the company financially. The redemptive capacity of the business rests on them. The spirit and attitude of an entire business reflect the spirit and attitude of its owner. The values and foundational beliefs of a company follow the lead of its CEO. Entrepreneurs and CEOs should follow Dan Cathy’s lead, prioritize their beliefs as the foundation of their business, and fearlessly yet respectfully stand up for those beliefs.
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Chick-fil-A is a great example of being a Christian business, where everyone knows that they are closed on Sunday for the Lord’s day. I think that the CEO took a risk, sharing his opinions on gay marriages but he cared more about sharing his Christian beliefs than how the business would be impacted. I respect that he did that and he puts his faith and beliefs above business and money.
It is amazing how building a fast-food business on the foundation of biblical principles has impacted the company. Even as a fast-food business, Chick-Fil-A is able to make a difference in America by standing out for being kingdom-minded. It is so inspiring to hear how the CEO has led the company well, not leaving his beliefs behind in order to sell more chicken. I think more businesses run by Christians, no matter the industry, can learn from the example of Chick-Fil-A and their CEO.
This showed the point behind Chick-Fil-A, and their mission and vision for Christian virtue. I liked how this article pointed out that the values and mission of the CEO can change the entire business and the employees. A notable quote is, “Dan Cathy unashamedly took a stand for what he believed, without fear of how it might negatively affect his business.” For any redemptive entrepreneur, this mod of operation should be the stance of the leaders and the workers. This article was interesting to read, and I appreciated reading it.
I love how Chick-Fil-A operates. The CEO did what many CEOs and people in business in general are often too afraid to do, and stood by his true beliefs. Chick-Fil-A is an example of the answer to the fear of whether a business can operate at full potential with a redemptive approach. Great article. Gotta love Chick-Fil-A!