Ashley Hylbert
Cordia Harrington has amassed a delicious empire supplying buns and English muffins worldwide to McDonald’s, Pepperidge Farms, and more. But growing up in a poor working-class household, she never could have dreamed she would become a multimillionaire by providing goods to the exact fast food restaurant her family dined at on special occasions.
A HOT BUSINESS IDEA
After finding success as a real estate agent-turned-contractor, Harrington wanted to spend more time with her kids, so she changed fields and opened one of the first female-owned McDonald’s franchises. But business wasn’t booming, so she again took matters into her own hands by buying into a nearby Greyhound franchise and changing the route, so the busses stopped near her restaurant. The gamble paid off, and she opened additional franchises. But when Harrington was given the opportunity to join the McDonald’s bun committee and tour bakeries around the world, she saw her biggest opportunity yet, and when the chain announced the need for a new bun contractor, she made herself the perfect candidate—despite having zero bakery experience. She sold her franchises, took out a loan, and opened The Tennessee Bun Company in 1996. But the owner of the world’s fastest bun-producing company saw yet another opportunity for growth and she started Bun Lady Trucking to make sure that her buns get to market on time. And as if that didn’t keep her busy enough, she launched CornerStone Baking Company in 2007, producing frozen dough for fast casual dining restaurants around the country.
EARLY ENTREPRENEURIAL ENDEAVORS
My first business was a backyard nursery school. I was 11 and went around and collected the neighbor children (ages 3 to 7) and entertained them from 9 a.m. until noon. I charged 25 cents per week for one child; 35 cents for two; 45 cents for three or more. We played games, colored, and had art activities; and lemonade and cookies daily. After paying my expenses, I had a net profit of $60 at the end of the summer! I had lemonade stands; taught swim lessons; had a photography business in college; and have always had some kind of business all my life. It was in 1993 when I became a YPO member that I learned that the way I think is “entrepreneurial” and I “always see a better way to do things.”I believe this is a mindset I was born with.
MUSIC CITY SUPPORT
The Nashville business community was extremely welcoming, opened doors, and became my family. I learned so much in Leadership Nashville, about how the city works and how we can connect and plug in. Then, the Nashville Chamber helped me to connect with and meet other business owners, and then, working with Metro Government as we have built companies... They have been fantastic to work with! On every level, the Nashville community has made our lives and careers rich and enjoyable.
THE SECRETS TO HER SUCCESS
My job is the best! I enjoy dreaming and focusing on strategic initiatives that help fulfill our mission. Growth offers new opportunities for leaders, which allow them to make a difference and learn. I hope to be an encourager to all customers and associates. I like to cheerlead others and help them succeed. A strong leader listens to others, is resourceful, and openminded. They communicate clearly and show appreciation to their associates. Success to me is creating opportunities, making a difference, and impacting lives. This is my personal mission and applies to my family and associates. It makes me so happy when I can open a door and help someone or elevate them to a new opportunity—making memories and making a difference in another’s life.
ADVICE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
To become CEO, it is important for any leader to learn all positions in the company first. If the associates know that you know how to work in their position, they know you respect what they do every single day and can relate to them. We are all people who each put our pants on one leg at a time, and every job is important. Every person deserves respect and a good opportunity for their future. Keep that in mind as your lead.