Learn about local Owner-Operators who served in the U.S. military and how their experiences shaped their leadership in their Restaurants.
Local Chick-fil-A® Owner-Operators come from diverse backgrounds, bringing their leadership skills from previous work and life experiences to their roles as small business owners. Meet four Owner-Operators who instill the principles they learned while serving in the military to running their Restaurants, mentoring Team Members and making connections in local communities.
From Military Law to Restaurant Leadership: Jamie Retherford
For Jamie Retherford, swapping out her U.S. Marine Corps uniform for a Chick-fil-A apron was all about continuing her love for serving others.
Inspired by military law TV shows like “JAG” and “NCIS,” Jamie joined the Marines to take on a challenging path as a judge advocate while finishing law school. Balancing legal studies with military service taught her invaluable lessons in leadership and the impact of helping others through legal support.
For Jamie, the transition to a Chick-fil-A restaurant felt like a natural fit, as she saw parallels between the Marine Corps’ values and the brand’s focus on community and service. She started as a Team Member before applying to operate her own Restaurant. Now, as the local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Auburn Gold Rush in Auburn, California, she fosters a collaborative learning environment, equipping her team to be leaders by giving them permission to make their own decisions and not be afraid of mistakes.
Her approach is shaped by the belief that pressure is a privilege, and that a true leader is able to create a calm, supportive atmosphere, even during difficult times. Jamie’s commitment to leadership and her dedication to serving others make her a true asset to her community and a role model for veterans transitioning into other professional opportunities.
Navigating New Skies: Mike Athanasakis
After 20 years as a U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and aviator, Mike Athanasakis found himself drawn to Chick-fil-A’s culture of servant leadership. After completing his master’s degree and retiring from the Army, he spent three years preparing for a leadership role at a Chick-fil-A restaurant, leading Junior ROTC to stay rooted in his guiding principles before officially becoming the local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Chantilly Air and Space in Chantilly, Virginia.
Mike attributes much of his success to the leadership skills he acquired in the military, particularly the importance of remaining calm under pressure, a lesson ingrained in him through high-stress missions. This approach not only influences his decision-making, but also sets a standard for his team.
By modeling composure and confidence, Mike encourages his team to feel empowered to make decisions, fostering teamwork and collaboration. He encourages current veterans to embrace their unique skills and remain open to new opportunities, noting that each person has a powerful story and the ability to extend influence.
Leading with Purpose: Katie Higgins
For Katie Higgins, leadership has always been about putting people first. Serving as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer in the United States Air Force, she quickly learned to adapt her leadership style to lead with empathy, agility, and quick decision-making, skills that now fuel her success as the Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Bethany Home in Phoenix, Arizona. The decision to pursue a restaurant business of her own was inspired by her two brothers who are also Chick-fil-A Owner-Operators: Kyle Morgan of Chick-fil-A Fountain and Todd Morgan of Chick-fil-A Phenix City. Katie was recently selected as the local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A North Carefree in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which will bring her closer to family, as her brother, Kyle, also lives in the city.
Today, Katie leads her team with grit and mental fortitude, traits honed during her military service. But she also understands the value of grace, a lesson her airmen taught her: life is too short not to laugh at yourself when mistakes happen.
While building a team in a Restaurant differs greatly from the Air Force, her service instilled the importance of setting clear expectations and purposeful leadership. To fellow military leaders considering the transition to civilian life, she advises patience and self-compassion, encouraging them to give themselves time to find their footing and grow into their new roles.
From Ocean Depths to Dining: Marlon Terrell
During his 24 years in the U.S. Navy, Lieutenant Commander Marlon Terrell was fully committed to high-stakes missions, which instilled in him a relentless work ethic that serves him well as the local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A St. Georges Ave in Woodbridge, New Jersey and Chick-fil-A Linden in Linden, New Jersey. Marlon’s experience as a nuclear submarine officer and leadership instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy taught him the power of disciplined systems and the importance of trusting his team, no matter their age or experience – a philosophy he brings to his Restaurant today.
While his Navy service laid a strong foundation for leadership, Marlon recognizes that serving as an Owner-Operator presents new opportunities for his own personal growth. He’s come to appreciate the importance of recognizing individual strengths and tailoring support to help each Team Member thrive. He has also found that his role as an Owner-Operator offers him the same strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork he valued in the military.
While each of these Owner-Operators have a unique story, they share a common thread: a heart for serving others and making a difference in their local communities
