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How One Chick-fil-A Operator is Driving Success Through Employer-Sponsored Education
Lauren McGuire believes that investing in people is the key to a thriving business. Through education benefits that deliver debt-free pathways to college, her team members have not only earned degrees but have also taken on leadership roles that drive real business results. From an MBA graduate successfully leading the food truck operation to a first-generation college student seizing a second chance at education, this Operator has witnessed firsthand the power of education in changing lives and strengthening business performance.
The Challenge
Like many Operators, Lauren wanted to improve retention, engagement, and leadership development among her team. She saw talented team members with big aspirations but limited access to higher education. Without financial support, many team members were unable to pursue their aspiration of earning a college degree, contributing to turnover and limited career growth.
The Solution: Education Benefits for Team Members
By offering education benefits from Ficus Education that cover 100% of tuition, Lauren McGuire created an opportunity for team members to earn college degrees while working at her Chick-fil-A. This investment in education not only supported team members in achieving their goals but also led to tangible business improvements.
Real Impact: Success Stories
An MBA Graduate Leading the Food Truck Operation
Austin L. started as a team member but had ambitions of growing into a leadership role. Thanks to employer-sponsored education, he earned a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) while continuing to work at Chick-fil-A for only the cost of books! Today, Austin oversees the food truck operations, driving efficiency, expanding catering opportunities, and increasing revenue—all while mentoring the next generation of leaders.
While earning my MBA at Point University, I was able to directly apply what I was learning in class to my work at the restaurant. When we launched our foodservice trailer, I used marketing principles from my coursework—pricing strategies, location analysis, and brand awareness tactics—to drive sales and grow the business. – Austin
A First-Generation College Student’s Second Chance
Kyron H. always dreamed of going to college but faced financial and personal obstacles that made higher education seem out of reach. With debt-free paths to college thanks to education benefits from his Chick-fil-A Operator, he enrolled, found a support system, and is now on track to earn his degree in May 2025—something he once thought was impossible.
I never would have thought I’d go from a 1.7 GPA to getting my bachelor’s degree—let alone starting my master’s in the fall. If it weren’t for Lauren and Point University believing in me, I wouldn’t be here. Now, I get to steward this gift well and use it to impact others. – Kyron
Since implementing education benefits, Lauren McGuire has seen measurable improvements in her business:
- Increase in team member retention
- Improvement in leadership pipeline & recruitment efforts
- Growth in food truck revenue under MBA leadership
- Greater employee engagement and job satisfaction
Since 2022, we've done almost $1 million in sales through our foodservice trailer and additional distribution points. That added revenue has created opportunities for our team members to be involved in decision-making and benefit from expanding the brand beyond the restaurant. – Austin
A Winning Investment
By offering a debt-free pathway to college, Lauren McGuire has created a culture of growth, loyalty, and opportunity. The impact is clear—not just in the lives changed, but in the measurable business success that comes from empowering employees through education.