We heard from Spencer Colson, owner/operator of Kokomo’s new Chick-fil-A.

Spencer shared the story of Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy — from a difficult childhood and service in the Army to building a business rooted in hospitality, emotional connection, and treating people well. “Change lives by the way we treat people” has remained at the center of the company from the beginning. We also learned how Truett developed the original chicken sandwich using the same core ingredients still used today, and how the iconic cow campaign helped set Chick-fil-A apart in a crowded market.

Spencer’s own journey was just as impactful. Growing up moving between 9 different houses after his parents divorced, he learned early on what kind of life and leadership he wanted to create. A college golfer and marketing student, he realized during an internship at Phillips 66 that he didn’t want to spend his life behind a desk waiting on approvals to make an impact. Through mentorship, networking, LinkedIn connections, and Chick-fil-A’s leadership development pipeline, he found his path.

One thing that stood out most: “People run all the things.”

Spencer talked about the challenge of leading different kinds of people, balancing “major time” versus “minor time,” and the importance of constantly reflecting and improving. Whether it’s in business or life, his message was clear — have a goal, grow yourself, and figure out what you do uncommonly well.

“The top 5 people you’re around, you’re an average of those people.”