R. David Thomas

American businessman and philanthropist, founder of the fast-food chain Wendy's (1932-2002)

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About

R. David Thomas, born Rex David Thomas on July 2, 1932, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and died on January 8, 2002, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was an American entrepreneur. Adopted at six weeks old, he dropped out of high school in the 10th grade but earned his GED in 1993. He served as a mess sergeant during the Korean War. Before founding Wendy's in 1969, he turned around four failing KFC franchises in Columbus, Ohio, selling his shares back to KFC in 1968 for $1.5 million. He appeared in over 800 television commercials for Wendy's from 1989 to 2002. In 1992, he established the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption to advocate for adoption. He authored three books.

Major works

Dave's Way (1991)autobiography
Well Done (1994)autobiography
Franchising for Dummies (2000)how-to guide

Key milestones

1969Opened the first Wendy's restaurant in Columbus, Ohio.
1992Founded the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
1993Earned his GED (high school equivalency).

Themes

EntrepreneurshipAdoptionFast foodPhilanthropyPerseverance

Sources: id.loc.gov · hbs.edu

“America is the greatest country in want to be within the laws of God come true if you work hard, stay f the community America is the greatest country in the world. You can be anything you want to be within the laws of God and man. You can make your dreams come true if you work hard, stay focused on your goal, and give back to the community that supports you.”

— R. David ThomasTheme · Politics

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“the world. You can be anything you nd man. You can make your dreams ,cused on your goal, and give back to h. at supports you.”

— R. David ThomasTheme · Motivation

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