High school Dropout Becomes A Millionaire

He was born to a young unmarried woman he never knew.
He was given up for adoption.
He was without parents until he was adopted when he was six weeks old.
He was without a mom – at five years old his adopted mom died.
He was without a dad – when he dad traveled around looking for work.

He did have a grandmother who modeled and taught him important life lessons.

No one would have predicted that a teen, who grew up poor with a troubled childhood and a limited education, would build a worldwide corporation and become incredibly wealthy.

Dreamers Don’t Let Circumstances Provide Excuses

Dave Thomas settled in Fort Wayne, Indiana when moved in with his dad. When he was fifteen years old he dropped out of high school to work full-time. When his dad prepared to move again Dave stayed behind and moved into a YMCA.

While working at a restaurant Dave met Colonel Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (now KFC) and the man who became one of the greatest influences in his life.

When he was thirty years old Dave had a chance to turn around four failing KFC restaurants in Columbus, Ohio. Four years later, by using his experience, determination and hard work the failing KFC became profitable and Dave Thomas became a millionaire.

Dave Thomas explained that “(I had) a chance to live the life I want and work to make my dreams come true. We should never take our freedoms for granted, and we should seize every opportunity presented to us.”

When he was a child, Dave dreamed of opening a hamburger restaurant. It took until he was thirty-seven until his dreams became a reality.

How?

HARD WORK and determination.

“With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable,” wrote the 18th century British philanthropist Thomas Foxwell Buxton.

FYI – Dave Thomas considered dropping out of high school the greatest mistake of his life.

More tomorrow about what helped Dave Thomas — a high school dropout — become a millionaire.

1 – Dave Thomas bio available on wendys.com</strong>

2 – Dave’s Way by Dave Thomas