In the final installment of our series, Truett Cathy talks about giving back, the value of a good name, setting a good example, and the importance of encouraging words. We are never more like Jesus than when we are giving of our time, our resources, and ourselves.
The purpose of accumulating wealth is not to enrich our lives, but rather to bless the lives of those around us and to bring glory to God.
Truett Cathy on Being a Christian Entrepreneur (part 3)
This is the third and fourth video of four in this series. In these two videos we learn Truett Cathy’s philosophy about giving and how he manifests that through his life and company.
Selected Highlights from the Video
Here are some of the things I liked from the video that I thought you might too.
On Missions
As you think about missions, don’t forget about the community right where we’re standing.
Listed below are just a few of the organizations and programs that Truett Cathy founded to help those in his community, and those around the world.
The WinShape Foundation
The WinShape Foundation, founded in 1984, grew from Truett Cathy’s desire to “shape winners” by helping young people succeed in life through scholarships and other youth-support programs.
The foundation awards 20 to 30 scholarships of up to $32,000 each year to students wishing to attend Berry College.
The WinShape Homes Program
WinShape Homes was founded by Truett Cathy in 1987 to “provide a loving, nuturing home to those children who are victims of circumstance and need a stable, secure family environment in which to grow.”
There are 8 foster homes in Georgia, 2 in Tennessee, 1 in Alabama, and 1 in Brazil. Each home accommodates up to 12 children with two full-time foster parents.
Chick-Fil-A’s Leadership Scholarship Program
Since 1973, Chick-Fil-A has awarded more than $23 million in $1,000 scholarships to its restaurant employees. The company awards over $1 million in these scholarships annually.
The Importance of a Good Name
A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. (Proverbs 22:1, King James Version)
The Importance of Speaking Words of Encouragement
Do you know how you can tell when a person needs words of encouragement? If they’re breathing they need encouragement.
I get a lot of encouragement, but I’ve never got an overdose of encouragement.
Why Not?
I hope you enjoyed listening to Truett Cathy talk about his life, his company, his faith, and what being a Christian Entrepreneur means to him.
I challenge you to think of the impact you can have on your employees, your family, your business, your community, and your life. Will you have a GOOD name?
I love the question he asks at the end, “Why not be at our best at all times?”
Additional Resources
If you’d like to know more about Truett Cathy or Chick-Fil-A’s story check out these books:
- How Did You Do It, Truett?
- It’s Better to Build Boys than Mend Men
- Eat Mor Chikin: Inspire More People
- The Generosity Factor: Discover the Joy of Giving Your Time, Talent, and Treasure
Related posts:
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- Truett Cathy on Being a Christian Entrepreneur (part 2) In the second installment of our series, Truett Cathy talks about Chick-Fil-A's Closed-On-Sunday policy, business ethics, and corporate purpose....
- Truett Cathy on Being a Christian Entrepreneur (part 1) This video is the first of three installments of Chick-Fil-A founder Truett Cathy addressing the 2006 Annual Businessmen Committed to...
- Why a Closed-on-Sunday Policy is Good Business Can closing the doors of your business once a week really be a good business practice? How has Chick-Fil-A done...
- How You Respond to a Thank You Matters Do the words we use to respond to a customer's thank you really matter? I used to think it didn't,...
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
He is truly a great inspiration. What I admire about Mr. Truett is that he doesn’t seem to waver or second-guess… he just is who he is as a believer, and knows what is the right thing to do. What a great example of spiritual maturity.
He’s a great example of someone living out their faith in everything they do even when it doesn’t make good business sense to do so in the eyes of the world. He clearly understands where he is laying up his treasure.
Your article about Truett Cathy caught my eye when I saw the Chick-Fil-A name.
I have always admired his company for staying closed on Sunday.
It seems the whole world is interested in only making $$$.
However, Mr. Cathy has proved it is possible to still be successful, while being true to one’s principals.
I think God honors those who do business his way. Truett is fond of saying that there’s more to business than just making money. He seems to really believe it too. His wealth here on earth will fail in comparison to the treasures he’s stored up in heaven.