Dave Thomas

(July 2, 1937- January 8, 2002)

Bio

Name: Rex David Thomas Born July 2, 1937 in Atlantic

City, New Jersey Dropped out of school in the

10th grade in order to work full time

Volunteered for the army He opened a restaurant that

would soon become very famous

He died on January 8, 2002 of liver cancer at his home in Florida

Facts about Dave

He never knew his mother. His adoptive mother died when he was only five, and two of his stepmothers died before he turned 10.

Dave worked as a paperboy, golf caddy, at a soda fountain counter in a drugstore, and at a restaurant in his teenage years.

After complaining about not being able to find a good hamburger anywhere, he opened his own restaurant.

Dave’s Early Success

After returning from the Korean War, Dave Thomas dabbled in the KFC franchise. Many times he worked with the famous Colonel Sanders.

He sold his shares of the company back to Sanders for $1.5 million.

Dave’s Major Success

In search of a decent burger, Dave decided to open his first restaurant, Wendy’s.

He was also a very successful pitchman, bringing great success to his newly founded business

Wendy’s

Opened in November 15, 1969

Named after Dave’s youngest daughter Melinda Lou, known as Wendy

Known for its square hamburgers and choice of toppings

In less than a decade Wendy’s had over 1,000 franchises

Still up and running today with success

Dave’s Personal Life

Was married in 1956 to his wife Lorraine Had four daughters and a son Gave up command of day-to-day business in

1982 By 1989 he was the spokesman for Wendy’s

appearing in hundreds of commercials (many Americans knew of Dave)

Dave’s Other Achievements

Not only is he the founder of the Wendy’s fast food chain, but he also is the founder of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

He worked hard to get certain advantages for adoptive parents.

He was named the national spokesman for adoption issues by President George Bush

He felt the need to set an example for others, so he got his G.E.D. in 1993 to remind others that education is important

Death

After years of success, Dave Thomas passed away in 2002

He died after a ten year battle with liver cancer

He was 69 years old. When he died there were more than 6,000

Wendy’s restaurants operation in America. He left behind a wife, children, and

grandchildren

Dave’s Goals

Dave set out with the determination to bring good food to others, but really he accomplished many other things. Not only did he find success in his business, but he also gave much of his profits back through charity work. His continuous will to give and wonderful work skills made him a great businessman, worker, spokesman, father, grandfather, and just a great man in general. He inspired many to follow their dreams and reach for the impossible, but always to remember to give back all the riches you receive. In the end, he accomplished more than he will ever know.

Quotes by Dave

“It all comes back to the basic. Serve customers the best-tasting food at a good value in a clean, comfortable restaurant, and they'll keep coming back.”

“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.”

Works Cited

"Dave Thomas (American Businessman)." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 30 Mar. 2012. Web. 29 Mar. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Thomas_(American_businessman)>.

"Dave Thomas Biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television. Web. 29 Mar. 2012. <http://www.biography.com/people/dave-thomas-9542110>.

"How to Start a Small Business – Advice, Help, Plan, Ideas." How to Start a Small Business – Advice, Help, Plan, Ideas. Web. 30 Mar. 2012. <http://www.strategicbusinessteam.com/famous-small-business-quotes/dave-thomas-quotes-and-sayings-about-life-and-business/>.

"Wendy's Founder Dave Thomas Dead at 69." CNNMoney. Cable News Network. Web. 29 Mar. 2012. <http://money.cnn.com/2002/01/08/companies/wendys_obit/>.