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Randy Kibler is the first one to tell you his leadership style is derived from lessons learned as a youth - first from his parents and then from his business mentor, ex-pro-footballer and entrepreneur Jerry Richardson.
Those influences, in addition to a keen intellect, deep faith and self-deprecating sense of humor, have impacted not only his life, but also the way he conducts his business - fairly and with integrity.
As president and chief executive of Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits, Kibler has steered the 450-unit quick-service chicken chain into positive sales territory. The company expects to generate more than $600 million in annual revenues this year, just two years since it was acquired by Richardson and private-equity firm Falfurrias Capital Partners in 2007.
Executives also say the company has a more open and better relationship with franchisees than it had before - a tough assignment given the difficult economic climate.
Kibler credits Richardson with fostering his business skills.
"All of us are influenced heavily by other people," he says. "Fortunately, I had great parents and got an introduction to Jerry Richardson at an early age. He was a big influence on me. He hired great people, and I learned a lot from him. He's someone who not only has very high standards, but ethics and values. He believes in teamwork, harmony, respect, listening, discipline, treating people fairly and working hard."
The two first met in 1972, when Kibler was a teenager working at a Hardee's restaurant that Richardson owned.
"I met him under circumstances most don't get to experience," Kibler says. "At the time I was entering my first year in college. I had let my hair grow a little longer, not real long, but over my ears. [The restaurant] had a policy that hair should be worn above the ears...