Chick-fil-a Owner, MBU Grad Shares Advice
Sharing His Story
MBU School of Business recently invited alumnus Robert Shaffer (’08) to speak at an Academic Unit Chapel. Shaffer graduated from MBU with a degree in Business Management and also developed an interest in marketing. His college experiences prepared him for his current position as owner of a Chick-fil-A in Ventura, CA.
When introducing Shaffer in chapel, Dr. Corey Pfaffe, a business faculty member, referred to him as a “smart student.” Shaffer found this amusing, remembering that he utterly failed one of his first assignments in Introduction to Business class with Dr. Pfaffe.
Overall, Shaffer’s memories of college include a lot of hard work, involving both taking classes and working to pay for college. Although he wasn’t at the top of his class or a straight A student, Shaffer remembers that he did well in the classes that mattered. Also, Shaffer was chosen to lead his business capstone team, a significant project for business students. This experience taught Shaffer the importance of streamlining operation systems and reducing unnecessary costs. He learned to keep an eye on his margins and to stay inside them.
Shaffer also recalls developing an increasing passion for God as well as taking opportunities to positively influence others during his years at Maranatha.
After graduation, Shaffer knew he wanted to own his own business, so he started taking steps to accomplish that goal. Looking to partner with a business that held high standards and emphasized customer service, Shaffer turned to Chick-fil-A, his place of employment during high school.
Within four years, he worked his way from a general manager to an operator/owner. Chick-fil-A then presented Shaffer with the opportunity to start his own restaurant in Ventura, CA, and he accepted the position.
My Store Is My Mission Field
Shaffer loves his work and has great vision for the future of his restaurant. Currently, his business is ranked in the top five percent of fastest growing Chick-fil-A restaurants, and Shaffer doesn’t see that trend ending anytime soon. In an interview with a friend, Shaffer explained, “Chick-fil-A is focused on giving people an experience that is truly remarkable. We want to go the second mile for our customers.”
While he loves presenting such positive statistics, Shaffer also likes to point out the restaurant’s impact on the community and his team members. “My store is my mission field,” Shaffer says as he works to give his customers and employees the best experience possible. “I want my customers to experience quality food in a fantastic atmosphere. I also want to reach out to my team members, especially those individuals who are still deciding what to do with their lives.”
Shaffer often recommends the book What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard N. Boles to younger team members trying to find a life direction. “I appreciated this book in college when I was deciding what path to take after school.”
Advice to Future Business Owners
At the conclusion of chapel, Shaffer offered advice to current MBU business students interested in entering restaurant management. “Investigate a company before signing on with them. Look at opportunities and where the company is going and then decide if that is what you are looking for in your job.”
He also warned students that employees in the restaurant business are often used and abused to keep the restaurant going. He encouraged the students to recognize the importance of people in business, not just numbers.
Shaffer understands the importance of numbers and details but realizes that people matter most in the end.