By Jim Pilgrim

One of the things I most look forward to when I travel south out of Minnesota is Chic-fil-A. They have the best chicken sandwich I have ever tasted and with the waffle fries and a chocolate shake; perfection. My friends in the southern part of the United States know what I am talking about. I am glad to see franchises starting to spring up farther north (Kansas City, Denver). It’s not just the food; they have quality, friendly employees. I have never had a bad experience at one of their restaurants.

This is not your normal fast-food joint. I noticed a few years ago when I first started travelling in the South that they had signs up stating they were closed on Sundays. I thought what’s that about? After some research on the internet I found the answer. The founder, Truett Cathy, is a deeply religious man, who since he opened his first restaurant in 1946 has refused to be open for business on Sundays. Wow a fast-food place not open on one of the busiest days for food service.

The stated company purpose is: “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.”

We all need to seek out companies with those kinds of strong convictions; whether it’s honesty, hard work, dedication, loyalty to their employees, or faith that they practice. So many companies these days have a hole in their core.

A company not just focused on the almighty dollar, how refreshing is that. A company core value that flies in the face of customary wisdom. Principles matter.

Even if I didn’t like their chicken sandwich, I would have to admire that.