From the Editor

LOOKING FORWARD

By Michelle Hunt

As I write this, we are nearing the end of June. Late spring and early summer were full of celebrations and gatherings that couldn’t have happened last year. The AKFCF even had our first in-person meeting since the 2020 Convention in Nashville. My husband and I had a bit of excitement in May with our oldest son proposing to his college sweetheart. They will graduate next May and then be married on June 4. Those two months will be hopping around here, with our youngest graduating from high school as well. We look forward to sharing those special moments with our family and friends.

And before I know it, this summer will be over, the kids will be back in school, and I’ll be headed to the second AKFCF in-person meeting of the year. I can’t deny how great it is seeing people again, but when they ask, how’s it been? I kind of laugh because, for those that haven’t visited where our family lives in Iowa, we live in the middle of nowhere. We have a small office crew, and our restaurants were open. I’m so grateful it wasn’t nearly as difficult for us as it was for so many in other states. I went to work every day, I was already ordering almost everything online or through online pick-up, and our schools were in session and in-person. So, this summer, I’m looking forward to an actual county and state fair (although we did exhibit last year, just without the crowds). If you’ve never been to the Iowa State Fair, I suggest you put it on your bucket list. What are you looking forward to?

In this issue, we congratulate the REACH Grant Scholarship Winners as they look forward to completing college degrees and reaching goals. We had only two in our organization, but they were exceptional scholars. If only we could bottle up their stories and the journey they took to get where they are. Check out the complete list of scholarship winners on page 34. We continue the Power of the People series on page 28 with individuals making a difference in all areas of the KFC system. Our friend Jim Sullivan contributed his welcome insights in “Three Ways The Pandemic Changed QSR Leadership” on page 24. And if you look forward to the government affairs article each issue, you surely won’t be disappointed. It is now more important than ever to support our PAC, and we highlight contributors from each region.

While you peruse our columns and updates from committee chairs, you might notice something different about this summer’s issue. If you need a hint, this would generally be the “changing of the guard,” so to speak, when one AKFCF president ends his term and another begins. However, the board voted to change the term ending date to March 31. Brandon Robertson has graciously agreed to continue his duties through the 2022 AKFCF Convention, and Keith Cole’s term will now begin April 1, 2022. I can’t wait to be back at the Gaylord Palms, enjoying another in-person KFC family reunion. Here’s to having more to look forward to!

Warmest Regards,

QUARTERLY

Official Publication of the Association of Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchisees

AKFCF QUARTERLY MISSION STATEMENT

The AKFCF Quarterly is the voice of today’s franchisee family and supports the mission of the Association of Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchisees, Inc.

AKFCF EDITORIAL TEAM

AKFCF President Brandon Robertson Editor Michelle Hunt Assistant Editor Julie Mantlo AKFCF Administrative Michelle Hunt Manager Communications Chair Kevin Schlutz

Executive Director Kelly Rodenberg Past President Jim McKenzie

The AKFCF Quarterly (ISSN 1071-9873) is published by the Association of Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchisees for its members and their friends. AKFCF is the independent Association of Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchisees.

FRANCHISEE EDITORS:

Michelle Hunt 14812 N Avenue, Columbus Junction, IA 52738 Phone: (319) 728-3282 Fax: (319) 728-2940 michelle.hunt@akfcf.com

Julie Mantlo 855 Lovers Lane, Suite 111, Bowling Green, KY 42103 Phone: (270) 783-8880 julie@rogmancorp.com Zaira Guevara (International Liaison) 7750 NW 46TH Street PTY 1495 Doral, FL 33166 Phone: (305) 384-4242 (U.S.) (011) 506 2208-7828 (Direct) zguevara@caribla.com

Copyright ©2021 AKFCF, Inc. All rights reserved. Articles may be quoted with credit to the source. Information in the AKFCF Quarterly (ISSN 1071-9873) represents the views of the authors and unless noted otherwise does not necessarily reflect the policies or position of AKFCF, Inc. Acceptance of paid advertising does not imply endorsement by the Association, or approval of the advertiser or its product or service by KFC Corporation.

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