A Word of Thanks - Part 4

I am a little late w/ this but here goes... 

I am thankful for my freedom, my children, and my friends.

I'm thankful for my Mom & Dad that gave us such a big family - they taught us to love no matter how tough things were, to work for what we had & to treat others as we wanted to be treated.  I have a BIG family & love them All!!

And last but certainly not least, for my job & the owners of this company that have allowed me to have my job here for 28 1/2 years. They have supported me during some rough times, and I am  truly thankful, I love my job & everyone I work with!!!!

Virginia Jones

General Manager

Hardee's of Donalsonville

A Word of Thanks - Part 3

Although it seems that we as a nation have forgotten what Thanksgiving is and means, I wanted to take just a few moments to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!! Reflecting on things to be thankful for I have a list:

1.    I am thankful for yet another year of bonus time. It is truly hard to believe that next June 19^th will be 10 years since my bone marrow transplant.

2.    I am thankful I have had another year to watch my grandson grow older. His one of the best people I have ever been around.

3.    I am thankful of the love of a great woman who is my best friend in life.

4.    I am thankful that my family has had a great year. We all have jobs and are in good health.

5.    I am thankful for the improvements I have seen in so many people here at Ponder enterprises. Seeing Shift Leaders grow in knowledge and experience gives this old man a lot to smile about.

6.    I am thankful to be working for a business that allows me to use the talents I have and allows me to learn new ones.

7.    I am thankful that Ponder Enterprises has had another record year. Being a “dinosaur” in the business, I remember the tough times here.

8.    I am thankful that I live here in America where each person is free to pursue his/her dreams.

9.    I am thankful to be working with such a large and diverse group of people. I learn from you each day. All employees that work in the restaurants are the real heroes and face of Hardee’s. You guys do a great job representing Hardee’s.

10.  I am thankful to live where I can worship God and not be threatened or killed because of it. There are more people being killed for their beliefs now than in any point in history.

So as you can see, if we take a little time, I think we can all make a list of a few things to be thankful for. Tomorrow, eat too much, laugh too much, and love those around you too much but most importantly take a few moments and be thankful for those things you do have and the people in your life that make your life better.

Mike Rogerson

Director of Training and Special Projects

A Word of Thanks - Part 2

There are many things that come to my mind immediately as I prepare for Thanksgiving day.

I am thankful for my heavenly father who loves me more than I can imagine.

I am thankful for my earthly father who has let me find my own way.

I am thankful for the legacies that my daughter inherits from two loving families.

I am thankful for friends that I cherish through hugs, laughs and tears.

I am thankful for my husband who is perfect for me in more ways than I can count.

I am thankful for my daughter who has a passion and excitement for life at just 3 years old.

I am thankful for Ponder Enterprises and the deep traditions and standards it carries.

I am thankful for the people I work with who always keep me on my toes.

I am thankful for you reading this.

Happy Thanksgiving

Elizabeth Faulk

Director of Marketing

Ponder Enterprises, Inc.

A Word of Thanks - Part 1

I am so thankful for my children! Since my husband and I could not have biological children I never thought the time would come that God would bless me with children to call my own. Many years later I have 5 beautiful and talented children Brooklyn 18, Joseph 17, Nick 14, Morgan 13, Zack 12! Our prayers are not always answered when we want them to be; however prayers are answered when God knows we are ready!!

 

Happy Turkey Day

 

Dede

General Manager

Hardee's of Adel, GA

Two Complete Star Academy

Mike Rogerson, Director of Training, and Necy North, District Manager, completed their final Star Academy class during the week of November 12, 2012. This last portion covered business planning, presentation skills, leveraging time, and financials. 

Mike and Necy began their Star Academy experience the week of August 20, 2012. Proper pathing was the sole focus of this week. The learning experience was completed both in the classroom and in the restaurant.

The second trip to St Louis for Star Academy was the week of September 24, 2012. The classroom instruction covered leadership, communication, and coaching skills, as well as strategic problem solving.

Each segment of Star Academy re-enforced or presented the necessary skills needed to be an “Unforgettable” Leader. Participants were moved out of their comfort zones to learn the key messages. Both Mike & Necy would recommend these classes to all multi-unit supervisors; these classes are the building blocks of success for the multi-unit supervisor.

Peanut Parade

What is a festival without a parade?  The National Peanut Festival found favor with beautiful 70 degree weather and sunshine for its parade last Saturday in Dothan, AL.

The top highlight included the cement truck that rolled down Main Street with peanuts flowing out the back.  Kids and parents raced to the street to fill bags and pockets with peanuts to munch on for the rest of the parade.

The two kiddos in our group, my daughter and nephew, came back to the truck with a bag of loot.

Another highlight of the parade was the Hardee's Star.  The Hummburger and Star have now been in the parade the past six years.  

Weevils in the Wiregrass

Have you ever seen a Boll Weevil?  Do you even know what it is?

According to Wikipedia - The boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) is a beetle measuring an average length of six millimeters, which feeds on cotton buds and flowers. 

Yep, its a bug.  It made its way to Alabama in 1915, devastating the cotton of the South.  Wikipedia further states that it remains the most destructive cotton pest in North America, estimating $13 billion in losses to the US since its arrival. 

This little bug is also the reason why the South loves peanuts.  When the boll weevil devastated the farmers and their cotton fields they turned to a new crop - peanuts.

Enterprise, AL has a monument dedicated to the boll weevil - a tribute for introducing them to a new crop and new way of life.  Inscribed at the base of the monument is the following:

"In profound appreciation of the Boll Weevil and what it has done as the herald of prosperity this monument was erected by the citizens of Enterprise, Coffee County, Alabama."

So it was fitting that at the National Peanut Festival last week, the Hardee's Star ran into the Boll Weevil mascot and its Queen from Enterprise State Community College.

Ponder Enterprises’ Shift Leader Classes

By Mike Rogerson

In a continuing commitment to achieve our mission statement: “To be the Best Hardee’s Franchisee” - Shift Leader classes were begun on February 15, 2012. Total enrollment of Ponder Enterprises management team members was 84. The final set of scheduled classes of 2012 was held from November 6 through November 8, 2012. There were 58 participants that graduated and received a certificate by completing the four required classes. Graduates were also treated to (a new Ponder Enterprises tradition) a steak dinner cooked by Ernest Ponder (David Stevenson stood in as head grill man for one day). All three classes enjoyed a spirited review of all that was learned by playing Jeopardy!

Ponder Enterprises will continue to follow Hardee’s Food Systems, Inc. schedule of classes:

First Class: Crew Today, Leader Tomorrow

Second Class: Coaching

Third Class: Person in Charge

Fourth Class: (Specialized for Ponder Enterprises) P&L’s

Plans are being made to schedule all 4 classes to be completed twice in 2013 (First set of classes scheduled from January through June and the second set scheduled from July through December).

Ponder Enterprises is also implementing the Hardee’s approved selection processes to select employees for positions of higher responsibility, standardizing all training, and all new management team members will certified that they can properly run their shift per Hardee’s Food Systems’ standards. 2013 will be another year of commitment of giving all employees the tools needed to be a success not only at the work but in their personal life as well.

Congratulations to all graduates!

Class One Graduates

Class Two Graduates

Class Three Graduates

National Peanut Festival Queens

On Monday the Hardee's Star got to hang out with these lovely ladies - 

Little Miss National Peanut Festival and Miss National Peanut Festival.

National Peanut Festival

This year marks the 69th celebration of the National Peanut Festival and Fair in Dothan, AL.  For miles around families flock to Dothan to ride the fair rides, check out the photo and baking contests, watch the greasy pig and calf scramble, stand in line for the best corn dogs around and of course eat lots of peanuts.

Hardee's is proud to participate and sponsor the National Peanut Festival.  Yesterday morning the Star made an appearance at the fair grounds for Kindergarten Day.  And you can see the Hummburger and Star again on Saturday during the parade.

6th Annual Joyce's Jog

Joyce’s Jog started six years ago by Karen Ponder, wife of Ernest of Ponder Enterprises, Inc., and friend Steffi Vines.  Joyce Henley was Karen’s older sister who passed away of breast cancer.  In memory of Joyce, and as a tribute and honor to her giving sister, Karen created Joyce’s Jog, which is a 5K race and 1-mile fun run/walk in conjunction with the Donalsonville Seminole County Harvest Festival.  This year’s race was held on October 20^th.  There were over 150 racers pre-registered this year, which was more than the total that raced in 2011.

Ponder Enterprises, Inc. is proud to sponsor this wonderful event.  Their headquarters is the site of registration and the post race awards ceremony.  All money raised goes to the fight against breast cancer.

Standing with Ernest and Karen Ponder are their three kids and Mr. and Mrs. Payne,
Joyce and Karen's parents, who attend every year. 

Thickburger Thursday

Ponder Enterprises, Inc. and the Hardee’s of Donalsonville partnered with the JV and Middle School football teams this season.  Every Thursday during home games, people could sign up to compete in a Monster Thickburger eating contest after the game.  The winner took home a $25 Hardee’s gift card.  Ponder Enterprises donated $250 to both the JV and Middle School teams.

There were six home games and each week the contest grew bigger and bigger.  By the end of the season the contestant pool had double and the number of people attending the games had increased.  Coaches attributed the increased attendance to Hardee’s partnership and participation.

Contestants Chow Down!

Week 1 Winner finished in 1 minute 7 seconds.  Wow!

Combo Day

Ponder Enterprises, Inc. and the Hardee’s of Donalsonville partnered with the Seminole County football team and Quarterback club for the third straight year.  The first year Ponder Enterprises set a record nationwide for the most Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders sold in a single day.  This year they decided to mix things up and made the theme Combo Day, striving to sell the most combos in a single day.  The previous record for Donalsonville and the company was 688 sold.  For Combo Day, held the Friday of Labor Day Weekend, a new record was set with 860 combos sold.  With the new record accomplished, Hardee’s donated $500 to the Quarterback Club.

Combo purchases for breakfast, lunch and dinner were all tallied in the count.  Fans that wore their Green and White school colors received $1 off a combo purchase.  And with your purchase, customers were entered to win prizes including a tool set, grilling tools, picnic basket, set of 52 free combos, season tickets to Troy University football, and two tickets to the UGA versus TN ball game.

The morning kicked off with a radio remote with the Head Football coach for the Indians and the local station that covers Seminole County football.  Inside the restaurant, customers could watch highlight film from 2011 ball games.  After school, the AP students set up in the lobby and offered free face painting.  The Hardee’s of Donalsonville loves to partner with the local school, their students and sports teams. 

Coach Ingram discussing strategy while off the air

Mike did a great job setting up the highlights reel.  Eventually we found something to hold the DVD player!

AP students had fun face painting after school.