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Tre's Chick-fil-A Story

 In my time with Chick-fil-A, I've had the privilege of working with a lot of inspiring young people.  It's amazing but not uncommon to see our team members develop into business leaders and agents of change in our community.  Occasionally, I get to work alongside someone who not only inspires and challenges me personally, but who also has a profound impact on everyone around them as well.  Treshaun Jacobs is just such a person.

Tre joined the team at Chick-fil-a Bush River Road in August of 2021 during a pivotal time for the future of our business.  We were transitioning out of a season of corporate stewardship as we prepared to welcome a new operator.  Tre quickly established a reputation for dependability and selfless service.  In the weeks and months after this transition, he proved time and again how valuable he had become to our organization.  Years later, his joy in serving others refuses to be limited by the four walls of the restaurant.  In addition to leading our team in community service projects on his own time, Tre has become an indispensable member of our catering unit.  

I had the opportunity to sit down with Tre and talk about his Chick-fil-A journey.  Without realizing it, he naturally gravitated towards talking about the others who had impacted him.  We laughed together as he shared with me the influence of ShaQuiz, his fellow catering veteran, since his first days on the job.  "She looks out for me.  Quiz is a good friend who has always looked out for me."

I then asked Tre about his growth over the past few years.  "I'm definitely a different person.  Working at Chick-fil-A has taught me patience, time management, communication, and how to express myself."  He shared that he especially loves closing (an uncommon perspective) because of the opportunity to catch up with coworkers after the busiest part of the day is over.  "The atmosphere here feels like home.  I just love doing what we do!"  

"I'm definitely a different person.  Working at Chick-fil-A has taught me patience, time management, communication, and how to express myself."

When I asked some of the team about working with Tre, everyone instantly smiled while sharing a joy-filled response.  

"I love working with this kid.  He's funny!"

"I love his smile!  It just makes my day!"

"I'm really proud of that guy.  He's a leader but in a humble way.  Everyone here is better just for having known him!"

What many people don't know about Tre is that he is a very conscientious student.  While working full-time at Chick-fil-A, he is also studying business and sports marketing.  I'm truly grateful I've had the opportunity to work with him for several years.  I'm confident wherever he finds himself in life, he's bound to have  a profound impact on everyone around him, and probably without even realizing it.  

This week, I had the privilege of taking a small group from Chick-fil-A Bush River Road to the Chick-fil-A corporate offices in Atlanta.  We had an incredible time learning about the legacy and vision of Chick-filA's founder Truett Cathy.  On the drive to Atlanta we spent a lot of time laughing and sharing some of our craziest stories from working at Chick-fil-ABush River Road.  We made a lot of memories together and even got to spend some time with Dan Cathy, the current Chairman and long-time CEO of Chick-fil-A.  However, what I will always remember is sharing in the joy that this company was built upon, and experiencing with my guys firsthand the profound impact of what happens when you invest in your team.  As I continue to reflect on the legacy of Truett Cathy, I've never been more sure its in good hands.  Because I see it every day in the laugh, the smile, and the servant heart of Treshaun Jacobs.  



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