As we celebrate Veterans Day and National Military Family Month this November, we are honored to share veteran aerospace engineer Kirsten Garrett's inspiring story of resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit. During her time in the Air Force, Kirsten found comfort in her local Chicken Salad Chick and quickly fell in love with the brand and its concept. Upon retiring from the military, Kirsten took a leap of faith to become an entrepreneur, and without a doubt knew Chicken Salad Chick was the restaurant brand for her. Through her remarkable journey as a Chicken Salad Chick franchisee, she discovered that the skills she honed during her nine years of military service propelled her success in the world of entrepreneurship. Kirsten’s story highlights the value of transferable skills and serves as a testament to the incredible abilities veterans bring to the franchising and business world.
Embracing Purpose:
Kirsten was drawn to Chicken Salad Chick not just for its delicious food, but also for their shared values of spreading joy, enriching lives, and serving others. Her decision to join the Chicken Salad Chick family was not merely a business choice; it was a commitment to living and working with purpose.
Following Operations and Leadership:
Kirsten’s military background instilled in her a discipline for processes, ensuring the smooth operations of her Chicken Salad Chick franchise. By upholding the same level of meticulousness and leadership in her business endeavors, Kirsten ensures efficiency and excellence, creating a seamless experience for her employees and customers.
Open Communication:
In the military, open communication is not just a practice; it’s a lifeline. Having studied the art of communication as part of her military training, Kirsten recognizes its importance in creating a collaborative environment. By implementing peer-to-peer feedback systems and open dialogue among her staff, not only does Kirsten strengthen her team’s leadership skills but also liberates time and resources for her to focus on other facets of business.
Integrity and Accountability:
In both military service and entrepreneurship, integrity and accountability are vital. Kirsten’s commitment to upholding high standards has earned her business a reputation of excellence. By being receptive to customer feedback and adjusting her strategies accordingly, Kirsten demonstrates how entrepreneurs, like veterans, can earn the trust of their customers and build loyalty.
Servant Mentality:
The essence of service is deeply ingrained in veterans, leaving behind their lives at home to fight for the greater good. By adopting an empathy-first mentality, actively engaging with customers, and constantly seeking ways to improve daily operations, Kirsten’s team aims to foster a meaningful bond with their customers and spread joy in their community. It is this commitment to service that drives her team’s success.
Resilience:
Military life teaches resilience in the face of adversity, an essential quality for entrepreneurs navigating unpredictable terrain. Kirsten believes that her military background equipped her with the mental and emotional strength to endure the setbacks and failures that come in business. The resilience she learned to have has empowered her to persevere and adapt to ensure her business thrives despite external challenges.
Trust and Team Building:
Trust is the foundation of effective teamwork and leadership, a principle deeply ingrained in soldiers during their military training. Kirsten has incorporated this principle into her business model by cultivating trust among her team through real-time feedback, growth opportunities, and community engagement. By relying on the skills and expertise of her employees, Kirsten has demonstrated the high regard she holds for her team, creating a more cohesive and effective team.
Kirsten’s journey from military to entrepreneur is a beacon of inspiration and illustrates how the invaluable skills acquired in the military can pave the path to success in the business world. As we celebrate Veterans Day and National Military Family Month, let’s honor the veterans whose exceptional abilities continue to shape our communities and businesses.
Unleash your potential in the entrepreneurial landscape with Chicken Salad Chick. Learn more about our franchise opportunities today: https://www.chickensaladchick.com/franchising/