The Gift of Education: How One Chick-fil-A Operator Is Changing Lives in Waterloo

This year in Waterloo, Iowa, two Chick-fil-A team members, Alanis and Nathaniel, achieved something remarkable: they each earned their college degrees debt-free, thanks to their independent Operator, Ben Nanda.

Ben has partnered with Ficus Education, a company helping Independent Operators across the country provide fully funded college access to their teams. Through this employer-sponsored benefit, team members can earn accredited degrees online while continuing to work at their restaurants — without taking on student loans.

For Alanis and Nathaniel, that support made all the difference. They were part of a national graduating class of 177 Chick-fil-A team members, each earning a degree through Ficus Education’s partnership with Point University. Together, these graduates avoided more than $6 million in student debt this year alone.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to support our team members in graduating debt-free,” Ben shared. “Helping others grow and chase their dreams is something I’m deeply passionate about. Their hard work will create a ripple effect, impacting many others in meaningful ways.”

Ben’s story reflects a growing movement within the independent operator community and across industries nationwide where local business owners are taking education into their own hands. Rather than waiting for large-scale student loan reform, they’re investing directly in their people, creating opportunity that lasts far beyond the workplace.

Education as a Ripple Effect

When a team member earns a degree, the benefits extend far beyond that individual. Families are strengthened. Confidence grows. Doors open to new possibilities.

In Ben’s words, “It’s not just about a diploma; it’s about showing what’s possible when someone believes in you.”

That ripple effect is something we see time and again across the Ficus Education network. Operators who invest in education are building stronger teams, improving retention, and transforming lives in the process.

A Season for Gratitude

As we approach the holiday season, stories like this remind us what gratitude really looks like in action. For Chick-fil-A Operators like Ben, it’s not just about giving bonuses or time off—it’s about giving the gift of education.

It’s about saying, “I see your potential, and I believe in your future.”

That kind of investment changes everything. It creates a culture where growth, belonging, and opportunity thrive—a gift that lasts far beyond the holidays.

A Growing Movement

Ficus Education partners with more than 500 independent Chick-fil-A Operators nationwide, helping team members earn Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees online through accredited universities. Every graduate represents a story of perseverance, partnership, and possibility.

And for Operators like Ben, each graduation isn’t just a celebration of academic success. It’s a reflection of shared purpose and lasting impact.