The $2 Million Mistake That Changed Chick-fil-A Forever with ex-Marketing Officer Steve Robinson

Steve Robinson, the former chief marketing officer of Chick-fil-A, shares his incredible journey of building one of the most recognized brands in America while emphasizing the importance of faith and purpose in both business and life.

Through his candid reflections, he discusses the lessons learned from a $2 million marketing blunder early in his career, which led to a transformative shift in how Chick-fil-A approached branding—moving away from discounts to focusing on value and customer experience.

Robinson highlights the significance of having a clear mission statement and how applying biblical principles can guide decision-making and foster a positive culture.

He also shares personal anecdotes about his family, illustrating how leading by example and integrating faith into daily life can shape the next generation.

Listeners will find practical insights on how to navigate challenges and build meaningful relationships, both personally and professionally, inspired by Robinson's profound experiences.

Takeaways:

• Steve Robinson emphasizes the importance of having a clear purpose in both business and family life, which can guide decisions and actions.
• The lesson from the founder of Chick-fil-A, Truett Cathy, highlights the significance of hiring for character over just competency.
• Mistakes are part of the learning process; owning up to them can lead to growth and improvement in both personal and professional settings.
• Implementing biblical principles in leadership and business decisions can foster a positive and empowering workplace culture.
• Family mission statements can create a strong foundation for values and shared goals among family members.
• The journey of faith and trust can lead to unexpected opportunities and blessings in life.

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Steven A. Robinson is the former Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Chick-fil-A, Inc., 1981-2015. Prior to joining the company, Steve was the director of marketing for Six Flags Over Georgia theme park in Atlanta, Georgia. This role was preceded by marketing positions at two other Six Flags properties and communications manager at Texas Instruments. After beginning his career at Chick-fil-A as director of marketing, Steve went on to serve as vice president of the department before becoming chief marketing officer. In his most recent role, he was responsible for overseeing marketing, advertising, brand development, menu development, and hospitality strategies.

In addition to serving on Chick-fil-A’s board of directors (2016-2018), Steve serves on several boards for organizations and ministries, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes of Atlanta, Links Players International, Atlanta Hall Management & College Football Hall of Fame, and the National Football Foundation.

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