The Man Who Turned A Lifelong Failure Into KFC

Summary

Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of KFC, faced numerous setbacks before finding success in franchising his secret fried chicken recipe. From his humble beginnings on a farm to a series of failed career attempts, Sanders persevered until, at 65, he began franchising his recipe, which eventually led to the world's largest fast-food fried chicken franchise. Despite personal and professional challenges, including near-suicidal moments and legal battles, Sanders' determination and iconic recipe transformed him into a symbol of the fried chicken industry, with KFC expanding globally to over 25,000 outlets.

Takeaways

• 😔 Harland Sanders faced numerous challenges and failures throughout his life, including a near-suicidal moment in 1955.
• 👶 Born in 1890, Sanders had to assume the responsibility of caring for his family at the age of five after his father's death.
• 👨‍🍳 At the age of seven, Sanders learned to cook, a skill that would become crucial to his later success.
• 🔄 Sanders experienced a variety of jobs and careers, including a brief stint in the military and working as a streetcar conductor.
• 📚 He also attempted to study law and practice it for a few years before being involved in a courtroom incident that led to his departure from the profession.
• 🚂 After several failed ventures, Sanders worked at a service station in North Corbin, Kentucky, which led to the opening of his own restaurant.
• 🍗 Sanders' secret recipe for fried chicken became popular, and he began franchising his recipe in 1952, leading to the growth of KFC.
• 🛣️ In 1956, a new interstate highway bypassed Sanders' service station, causing a significant drop in business and forcing him to retire.
• 💡 Despite being turned down 1009 times, Sanders persisted in trying to franchise his chicken recipe, which eventually led to success.
• 🏆 At 73, Sanders sold KFC for $2 million, retaining the Canadian franchises and certain U.S. rights, and continued as a brand ambassador.
• 🌐 Today, KFC is a global fast-food chain with over 25,000 outlets in more than 145 countries, known for its 'Finger Licking Good' fried chicken.

Q & A

What significant event occurred in Colonel Sanders' life in 1955 that marked a turning point for his business?

In 1955, Colonel Sanders moved to Shelbyville, Kentucky, hoping to succeed after numerous failed attempts to build a successful chicken restaurant. He approached restaurants with his secret recipe, only to be turned down 1,000 times before finally finding success with his franchise model.

What was Colonel Harlan Sanders' birthplace and date?

Colonel Harlan Sanders was born on a small farm in Henryville, Indiana, on the 9th of September, 1890.

What tragic event in Colonel Sanders' early life forced him to assume responsibility for his family at the age of five?

The tragic death of his father, Wilbur David, from a deadly hay fever in 1895 forced the young Sanders to assume the responsibility of caring for his family.

How did Colonel Sanders' mother, Margaret, support the family after the death of her husband?

After Wilbur's death, Margaret worked at a local tomato canning factory and sometimes as a seamstress for nearby families to support the family.

At what age did Colonel Sanders start working and what was his first job?

Colonel Sanders started working at the age of 10 as a farm hand at a local farm.

What was the reason Colonel Sanders left his mother's new home after she remarried?

Colonel Sanders left his mother's new home due to a strained relationship with his stepfather, who was not kind to him or his siblings.

What career path did Colonel Sanders pursue after dropping out of school and why did he leave the job?

After dropping out of school, Sanders worked as a streetcar conductor. He left the job to join the U.S. Army, where he served for some months before being honorably discharged.

What significant event led to Colonel Sanders being commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel?

The popularity of Sanders' Cafe, gas station, and the shootout incident that eliminated his main local competitor led to Kentucky Governor Ruby Laffoon commissioning Sanders as a Kentucky Colonel.

How did Colonel Sanders' idea of franchising his secret recipe for Kentucky Fried Chicken impact his business?

Franchising his secret recipe led to the rapid expansion of his business, with the first franchise deal signed with Pete Harmon in South Salt Lake, Utah, which saw sales triple in just the first year.

What unfortunate event led to Colonel Sanders selling his business and retiring at the age of 65?

The commissioning of a new interstate highway that bypassed his service station reduced customer traffic, forcing Sanders to sell his business and retire.

After selling KFC, what role did Colonel Sanders continue to play within the company?

After selling KFC, Colonel Sanders was employed as a brand ambassador with an annual payment of $250,000, and he also retained the Canadian franchises and the franchising rights in the UK, Florida, Utah, and Montana.