The Irrational Kindness Podcast

Episode 16 We are so excited for you to join the conversation with our next guest Mr. W.A. Pressley. Born in 1925, this World War II Veteran, dedicated husband, and Georgia resident teach us that although Hickory Flat Farms have become grocery stores, and general stores became Chick-fil-A’s, the important things in life never change. Known for intentionally remembering any team member he encounters at our Chick-fil-A’s; Mr. Pressley demonstrates how valuing others more highly than yourself is a life principle that transcends time, culture, context, and war. So how do we celebrate progress while leaving a lasting legacy of kindness? Get ready to tune in to our conversation with Mr. Pressley, as he shows us how.

Episode 15 How do you operate a restaurant in 2020 that started in 1951; while balancing faith, family and caring for your community? Eric Stallings answers this question and more by demonstrating how discovering a greater purpose allows you to care for these matters, without losing sight of what matters most. This Morehouse College and Georgia Tech Alum, speaks from personal experience on how his diverse upbringing and faith enables him to continue to lead our company in navigating conversations around race, business and social climate. Get ready to be challenged and encouraged by our next guest, Eric Stallings.

Episode 14 What are your goals? Imagine if you could find joy in the journey and not just the end result. This week on the podcast, we talk with Scott Sisson about just that. Scott has gone from NFL star to renowned kicking coach, dedicated husband, and father (P.S. He is even in a bluegrass band with our very own host Kevin Williams!). He has established a lifestyle of helping people celebrate the small victories on the way to even bigger goals and ambitions. This wisdom has shaped his coaching and training programs where he helps athletes discover their goals and how they can work towards them with joy! He shows us that if we focus on constantly improving no matter how large or small, you can go farther than you dreamed. Thank you Coach Sisson for modeling joy no matter the outcome! 

Episode 13 We had the privilege of interviewing Tasha Fox on the podcast today. She is a Chick-fil-A entrepreneur in Florissant, Missouri who was a contestant on the TV Show, Survivor. She left the high-rise life of corporate America to join Chick-fil-A in her own home town. She encourages us to know and trust God’s way instead of our own. The way she is leading through love and relationship allows her to champion her team to be incredible at their job both now and in the future. She encourages us to not only lead but to know the people around us by understanding their motivations. Tasha challenges us to see them how God sees them while motivating them to live out their full potential. She is a shining light, fearless, and inspiring. We hope this conversation blesses you as it did us. 

Episode 12 We had the chance to talk with one of our favorite West Coast Chick-fil-A operators, Jeremy Starnes on the podcast today. He began with Chick-fil-A in 2007, along with his wife Meredith, and their daughter Lakelyn as they traveled the country supporting Chick-fil-A’ Locations as an interim manager.
They settled in a location in Orange County, California that had been open for a few years. Since then they have seen enormous growth in their restaurant, homeschooling their daughter in the back office, and becoming 4x award winners of the Chick-fil-A Symbol of Success Award. While all the success has been amazing, the driving force for Jeremy is the people, knowing that the business is a place to minister to both the guests and team members. 
Jeremy is proof that taking on a challenge and risking the unknown can prove to benefit not only yourself but countless people around you. We are so honored to know him and excited that you get to hear his incredible story today. 

Episode 11 We had the honor of interviewing Kevin Williams' dad, Jim Williams, on the Irrational Kindness podcast. There are countless lessons that we could learn from this incredible man. In this episode, we get to hear his passion for faith, persistence, and hard work. He shares with us the reward that comes with giving 110% to the work you are doing and challenges us to take small steps with persistence toward your desired outcome. After growing up on the farm, he began his career at Kroger working several years before moving to Ford Motor Company, where excelled in a 30-year career as an engineer. His devotion to his family is a shining example of faithfulness. He has been married to his best friend, Barbara for nearly 60 years. He has lived an exemplary life and we are excited to share his life’s worth of encouragement with you today. 

Episode 10 Bringing the Irrational Kindness podcast into the double digits with our friend Drew "the Risk-Taker" Burnett. He is the General Manager at our Hickory Flat location, where he leads an amazing team that has brought so much life to our community.  In today's episode, we get a chance to hear some of our favorite stories and risks that Drew has taken. From life in Uganda, owning a local coffee shop, to attempting a record-breaking trip on the Appalachian Trail, Drew has built a life story of resiliency that we are so inspired by. 

Episode 9 Ferrun Johnson is a an incredible leader and pastor at St Paul AME Church in Canton Georgia, Assistant Principal at a Chamblee Charter High School, and still finds time to be an amazing husband and father to his three daughters. In this episode,  Pastor Johnson challenges and encourages us in his effort to bridge the gap in our current race relations. He says “ Who you were pre-COVID is not who you will be coming out”. Challenging us to shift perspective on cultural norms and allow God to shape us into who he has designed us to be. He is a loving encourager and we hope that as you listen you leave challenged and encouraged to look at life in a way that says we really are Better Together!

Episode 8 Our friend and Canton Mayor Bill Grant has transformed our city into a hub of innovation and new ideas. He spurs the people in Canton to dream big dreams using what is right in front of them. Join in as we let curiosity lead us in a conversation with Mayor Grant!

Episode 7 Daniel Trotter is a Chick-fil-A Franchisee in Scottsdale, Arizona. Born and raised in Canton, Georgia, he began working with Kevin and the CFA Canton team at the age of 16. While he was attending Reinhardt University, his father passed away. This moment in time was a turning point for Daniel. He has taken huge risks in his life to see some risky dreams come true, yet he encourages us not to be defined by our accomplishments but by our character. Daniel is a man sure of his purpose in putting others first but has found a way to keep a healthy dose of a competition that encourages and spurs us on!