Joel Libava
In the annals of franchise history, few names shine as brightly as Colonel Harland Sanders. The iconic KFC founder didn’t just create a fast-food empire; he redefined what it means to pursue your dreams, regardless of age or circumstance.
That said, this is the story of a man who proved that success has no expiration date.
Key Takeaways
KFC founder Colonel Harland Sanders didn’t find success until age 65. He proves it’s never too late to build something great. His secret recipe was his foundation. Everything grew from that. He started with simple handshake deals. No lawyers. No big contracts. Just trust and a great product. When the highway bypassed his restaurant, he didn’t quit. He pivoted. Persistence was his superpower.
Sanders became the face of his brand. That white suit was genius marketing. And by 1964, he had 600 franchised locations. Not bad for a guy who started late. Today, KFC operates in over 145 countries. That’s the legacy of one man’s recipe. The KFC founder teaches us one big lesson. Don’t let age — or setbacks — stop you.
Who Was Colonel Harland Sanders, KFC Founder?
Born on September 9, 1890, in Henryville, Indiana, Harland David Sanders entered a world that bore little resemblance to the one he would later revolutionize.
The eldest of three children, young Harland faced adversity early. His father died when he was just six years old, forcing his mother to work and leaving Harland in charge of cooking for his younger siblings. That must of been tough.
This early responsibility ended up sparking a lifelong passion for cooking, but success wouldn’t come easily or quickly for Sanders.
For example, he left home at 13* and spent the next 3 decades working a variety of jobs. Everything From streetcar conductor to insurance salesman. Each role added to his life experience, but none provided the fulfillment or success he craved.
*How does one just get up and leave home at 13 years old???
The Birth of a Fried Chicken Franchise Empire
The turning point came in 1930 when Colonel Harland Sanders began serving chicken dishes to travelers at his service station in Corbin, Kentucky.
His chicken quickly gained popularity, and by 1936, his fame had grown enough that Kentucky Governor Ruby Laffoon commissioned Sanders as a Kentucky Colonel. At the time, it was considered a title of honor that would become synonymous with his brand.
However, the real breakthrough came in 1939 when Sanders perfected his secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices and his unique cooking method using a pressure fryer. This allowed him to prepare his famous fried chicken much faster than traditional methods, setting the stage for the fast-food revolution he would soon become one of the leaders of.
Franchise Innovation Courtesy of KFC Founder, Colonel Harland Sanders
At 65, an age when many contemplate retirement, Colonel Sanders faced a new challenge. The newly constructed Interstate 75 diverted traffic away from his restaurant, forcing him to close shop. Rather than admit defeat, Sanders saw an opportunity.
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So, in 1955, he began traveling across the country, cooking batches of chicken for restaurant owners and their employees. If the reaction was favorable, he would strike a handshake deal on the spot.
Then for each chicken sold using his recipe, Sanders would receive a nickel. This innovative “franchising” approach allowed him to rapidly expand his brand with minimal capital investment. And his business began to grow.
The Growth of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
By 1964, Colonel Harlan Sanders had more than 600 franchised outlets in the United States and Canada. That’s incredible! Especially for the mid-1960’s.
That same year, he sold his interest in the U.S. company for $2 million to a group of investors led by John Y. Brown Jr. and Jack Massey.
However, he retained control of operations in Canada and became a salaried brand ambassador for the company.
A Brand Was Born
After selling his business, Colonel Harlan Sanders remained deeply involved with the KFC brand. How?
He traveled 200,000 miles a year visiting KFC restaurants, filming commercials, and making public appearances. His distinctive white suit, string tie, and goatee became instantly recognizable worldwide, making him one of the first CEOs to become the face of his brand. Look:
Colonel Harland Sanders’ Legacy and Impact on Franchising
Colonel Harland Sanders passed away on December 16, 1980, at the age of 90.
By then, the KFC franchise brand had grown to over 6,000 restaurants in 48 countries, with annual sales of more than $2 billion.
Fast-forward to today, and KFC is a global brand with over 24,000 locations in more than 145 countries.
But KFC founder, Colonel Sanders’ impact extends far beyond the realm of fried chicken. His life and business approach offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and franchise owners and operators:
- Age is Just a Number: Sanders was 65 when he started franchising KFC, proving that it’s never too late to start a successful business.
- Persistence Pays Off: Despite numerous setbacks throughout his life, Sanders never gave up on his dreams.
- Quality Matters: Sanders’ insistence on using his secret recipe and cooking method ensured consistent quality across all franchises.
- Personal Branding: By becoming the face of his company, Sanders created a powerful and enduring brand identity.
- Innovative Franchising: His handshake deals and royalty system created a low-barrier entry for franchisees, facilitating rapid expansion.
The Colonel’s Lasting Influence on Franchising
Colonel Harland Sanders’ influence on the franchise industry cannot be overstated.
Specifically, he demonstrated that with the right product, system, and determination, a small local business could expand into a global empire. And his success inspired countless entrepreneurs and paved the way for the franchise boom of the late 20th century.
Moreover, Sanders’ life story resonates with the American dream.
For instance, he faced poverty, worked multiple jobs, and didn’t find his true calling until late in life.
Yet through it all, he maintained his passion for cooking and his belief in the quality of his product. This authenticity and dedication continue to inspire entrepreneurs today.
Colonel Harland Sanders: The Right Man With The Right Recipe
In the world of franchising, Colonel Harland Sanders stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and quality.
His life journey from a small-town cook to the founder of a global fast-food empire continues to captivate and inspire.
As we look to the future of franchising, we would do well to remember the lessons of the man in the white suit who proved that with the right recipe – both in the kitchen and in business – anything is possible.
So, whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a franchisee, or simply someone in need of inspiration, the story of Colonel Harland Sanders serves as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and make your mark on the world.
In the fast-paced world of business, his life stands as a testament to the timeless values of quality, perseverance, and innovation.
I wish I would have met KFC Founder, Colonel Harland Sanders.
I’m sure it would have been memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Necessity drove the decision. When Interstate 75 bypassed his Corbin, Kentucky restaurant in the mid-1950s, Sanders lost his customer base almost overnight. Rather than retire, he took his secret recipe on the road at age 65 and started pitching it to restaurant owners across the country. Sometimes the best business moves come from having no other choice.
He had mixed feelings. Sanders sold his U.S. operations in 1964 for $2 million, but he was often publicly critical of changes the new owners made to his original recipes and quality standards. He famously described the gravy as “sludge.” Selling the business didn’t mean giving up on the brand — he stayed on as a paid ambassador and traveled 200,000 miles a year visiting KFC locations until his death in 1980.
Sanders lost his father at age 6, left home at 13, and spent decades bouncing between jobs before finding success. That background gave him a tolerance for hardship and rejection that most people never develop. When restaurant owners turned him down on his road trip pitching the KFC recipe, he just moved on to the next one. His rough early life was essentially training for the persistence his franchise model required.
It was radically simple. No lawyers, no thick contracts, no big upfront fees. Sanders cooked chicken for restaurant owners, and if they liked it, they shook hands on a deal. He earned just a nickel per piece sold using his recipe. That low barrier to entry let him scale fast with minimal capital — a concept that still influences how many franchise systems are designed today.
(Main image, Wikimedia)
About the Author
The Franchise King®, Joel Libava, is a leading franchise expert, author of "Become a Franchise Owner!" and "The Definitive Guide to Franchise Research." Featured in outlets like The New York Times, CNBC, and Franchise Direct, Joel’s no-nonsense approach as a trusted Franchise Ownership Advisor helps aspiring franchisees make smart, informed decisions in their journey to franchise ownership. He owns and operates this franchise blog.
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