Col. Sanders, the iconic figure behind Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), is a testament to the adage that it’s never too late to achieve greatness. Born in 1890, Sanders faced many challenges throughout his life. However, it wasn’t until he reached the age of 50 that he embarked on the journey that would make him a household name.

After running various businesses with varying degrees of success — including a gas station — he finally found his calling. It was in the kitchen of a roadside restaurant in Corbin, Kentucky, that Colonel Sanders’ culinary journey got underway. He developed a secret blend of eleven herbs and spices and perfected his unique method of pressure-frying chicken. His creation of the legendary KFC recipe soon led to the kind of amazing business success that we can all admire.

Another notable achievement was his innovative approach to franchising. Instead of merely selling the rights to use his recipe, Colonel Sanders was deeply involved in helping each KFC restaurant get off the ground. He provided support, training, and even personally inspected every new franchise to ensure they maintained his high standards. This hands-on approach was instrumental in the rapid expansion of the KFC brand.

Over time, Colonel Sanders’ hard work paid off, and KFC became a global sensation.

When Sanders sold the company in 1964 — at age 74 — there were over 600 KFC outlets in the United States and Canada. He continued to serve as the brand’s ambassador, appearing in numerous advertising campaigns which heavily contributed to KFC’s continued success.

In addition to his business accomplishments, Colonel Sanders’ life story serves as an inspiration to many. He wasn’t born into privilege, and he faced multiple setbacks in his early years. However, his perseverance and dedication paid off when he took a leap of faith at the age of 65 by selling his restaurant and using the proceeds to start KFC.

Moreover, Colonel Sanders was a popular, charismatic and relatable figure. He connected with people on a personal level and became a beloved icon in American culture. His white suit, black string tie and white goatee are instantly recognizable and synonymous with KFC.

Harland Sanders received the honorary title of “Colonel” from the state of Kentucky in recognition of his contributions to the local cuisine and culture.

Despite his incredible success, Colonel Sanders remained humble and grounded. He often shared his life lessons and anecdotes, which included plenty of trials and errors. His willingness to share his experiences resonated with many and made him a relatable figure to people from all walks of life.

Colonel Harland Sanders’ life and accomplishments after the age of 50 are a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and innovation. His creation of the KFC brand, dedication to quality, and innovative franchising methods revolutionized the fast-food industry. He didn’t let his age define his potential, and he serves as an inspiration to anyone seeking to achieve greatness, regardless of their stage in life. Colonel Sanders, a true American legend, left an indelible mark on the culinary world and remains an enduring symbol of success and perseverance.

By Steven Roberts