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/>.
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