Colonel Sanders: Founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
Harland David Sanders, better known simply as “Colonel Sanders,” was a remarkable man who achieved an incredible level of success at an advanced age. He began his career as a farmhand at the age of just 7, and lived almost a century — eventually going on to open Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). He is an inspiration to many people, and his legacy lives on not only in the fast-food giant but in his core values, which form the backbone of KFC today.
Harland David Sanders
Harland David Sanders was born on September 9, 1890. He grew up on a farm in Henryville, Indiana. Sanders attended high school, but dropped out after two years due to financial issues, and moved to southern Indiana with his family. He held various jobs in his early 20s, including delivering newspapers and working as a blacksmith.
In 1906, he joined the army under the name Harland Sanders, but was discharged a year later from the army due to his young age. He kept the moniker, though; it was a name he would make famous in later years.
The Colonel Becomes a Business Man
In 1920, at the age of 30, Sanders opened his first restaurant, Sanders Court & Café, in Corbin, Kentucky. Sanders quickly became known for his fried chicken, and he gained a reputation as a chef of exceptional skill in the region. His chicken was so good that customers were known to drive more than 100 miles to eat at Sanders’ restaurant.
Using a unique recipe featuring a mix of 11 herbs and spices, Sanders rapidly gained recognition in the region and his business began to prosper. Soon, Sanders’ fried chicken was a staple in the Corbin community, and Sanders was well on his way to achieving national fame.
Branding and Growing the KFC Franchise
In 1936, Sanders was credited with adding the title “Colonel” to his name. It was an honorary title given to him by Governor Ruby Laffoon of Kentucky, who recognized the addition of tremendous flavor that the Colonel had added to Kentucky’s cuisine. With the title of Colonel, Sanders was now a household name across America and KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) was born.
Sanders began to franchise his restaurant in 1952, holding cooking competitions to pick the best operators. In 1964, Sanders sold the KFC franchising rights to two Louisville men, Jack Massey and John Brown, and he worked as the company’s honorary spokesman until his death in 1980.
KFC After Sanders’ Death
After Colonel Sanders’ death in 1980, the KFC Corporation continued to grow and produce delicious fast-food creations. KFC currently operates in over 150 countries, has over 21,000 locations, and has become an American icon of fast food.
Relevance of Sanders’ Legacy
The legacy of Colonel Sanders and KFC lives on in a few different ways. The company still serves Sanders’ original fried chicken recipe and KFC is widely recognized for its signature recipe. Additionally, Colonel Sanders is a widely recognized figure and a symbol of success, inspired millions of people with his determination and ambition.
The KFC Corporation has also designated Colonel Sanders as its official ambassador for the company for many years, and he remains the brand’s most famous face. KFC works to keep Colonel Sanders’ values of hospitality and quality in their branding and core values. The company’s mission statement is to “make every customer feel like Colonel Sanders did when he took his first bite of Kentucky Fried Chicken.”
Colonel Sanders’ Famous Quotes
Colonel Sanders was not only a successful entrepreneur and restaurateur, but he was also known for his witty and inspiring quotes. Here are some of his most famous quotes and the stories behind them:
• “There’s no reason to be the richest man in the cemetery. You can’t do any business from there.” — Colonel Sanders
This quote is inspired by Sanders’ own story. He first failed in his business as a farmer and later failed as a restaurant owner in Corbin, Kentucky. He only achieved success in his later years and made sure to remind others that money isn’t the only way to be successful.
• “I can call them lazy and I can call them stupid—sometimes I have. But the stupidest thing an enormously successful man can do is to fail to recognize his own limitations.” — Colonel Sanders
This quote is about having the humility to recognize and accept your own limitations. It is also a reminder to listen to other people’s advice and to pay attention to the potential failures that might lie ahead.
Harland David Sanders was an inspiring entrepreneur, whose long journey from farmhand to founder of KFC is an inspiring story. His unique recipe and leadership style were a key part of KFC’s success and Colonel Sanders is today an American icon, still associated with KFC. Sanders has left behind him an inspiring story of ambition and determination, teaching us all that money isn’t the only way to succeed and to never forget to remain humble.