Company Profiles
Wendy’s/Arby’s Sidebar: In My Own Words: Roland Smith
Wendy’s/Arby’s CEO shares some life perspectives and elaborates on his sources of inspiration and motivation.
My first fast-food memory…in high school involves walking the mile from my house in Maryland to McDonald’s to apply for a job. I wanted to make enough money to put gas in the tank and actually go on a date. I worked there all through high school and became a third assistant manager. I even got my mother a job at my McDonald’s as I was leaving for college.
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E-mailMy worst job was…in demolition. After working at McDonald’s during the day, on summer evenings I worked for a friend’s father, a contractor. At first I thought it was great. Fifteen minutes later, I’d had enough.
The business heroes I most admire are… entrepreneurs such as our franchisees. They are out there every day with their blood, sweat and tears making the brand work. I admire their passion and the way they commit, pretty much for life, to running their businesses.
The unsung achievement of my industry is…providing millions of people, like myself, their first opportunity to earn a paycheck. Those who have the ability to buy into a franchise and are willing to work hard and persevere can make a lot of money.
