S.3 Ep. 13: Every Level Ownership: How a Retired Fire Chief Found His Calling with Chick-Fil-A
Build Your Culture Brand returns with a powerful episode featuring Larry Everett, retired Fire Battalion Chief turned Chick-fil-A owner-operator in Reston, Virginia. Dr. Jay Raines sits down with Larry for an unforgettable conversation about leadership forged in crisis, the transition from public service to business ownership, and the art of developing people through everyday moments.
Larry opens up about his firsthand experience during 9/11, fighting fires inside the Pentagon's third floor, and how those life-and-death decisions shaped his leadership philosophy. From the "slide carousel" method of developing leaders through simple scenarios, to his belief that "if you shut down their voice, you've lost their eyes," Larry shares practical wisdom gained from 35 years in the fire service and nearly a decade running one of the top-performing Chick-fil-A locations in the chain.
This episode explores the reality of leading through hard times, the importance of being present in your team's lives beyond work, and how Larry has created what he calls "one of the greatest youth ministries" he could want - mentoring young employees while serving his community.
Whether you're leading a team of four into a burning building or managing 65 employees in a fast-paced restaurant, this conversation offers timeless insights on courage, humility, and the transformative power of investing in others during both their toughest and brightest moments.
For more information about brand creation and culture, visit www.buildyourculturebrand.com
Connect with Larry on Linkedin:
Larry Everett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-everett-15a962ba/
Host: Dr. Jay Raines
Guests: Larry Everett, Owner/Operator Chick-fil-A North Point Village, Reston, VA
Time stamps:
(00:00 - 1:47) Intro
(1:48 - 9:29) Larry’s experience as a firefighter during 9/11
(9:30 - 11:32) Protective gear and injuries sustained
(11:33 - 15:22) Lessons learned to help him become a better leader
(15:23 - 17:11) Pausing at decision points
(17:12 - 19:48) Resetting the mindset
(19:49 - 22:41) Understanding good leadership
(22:42 - 24:32) A “good job” vs a “great calling”
(24:33 - 27:46) Helping employees with their life, as well as their job
(27:47 - 30:44) Working with Larry’s local emergency services
(30:45 - 34:11) Larry’s special dinner
(34:12 - 40:36) Working with employees to help them grow
(40:37 - 44:49) What to do if your team brings bad ideas to the table
(44:50 - 46:23) Every level ownership
(46:24 - 48:08) Larry’s advice
(48:09 - 48:48) Outro
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