In this episode, Dr. T. Ramon Stuart welcomes Beckley’s own Richard Jarrell, known as The Chicken Man, for a discussion on entrepreneurship, mentorship, faith, and community service. Jarrell, who retired after 25 years with Chick-fil-A including nearly two decades in Beckley, shares how his childhood shaped a relentless work ethic and a commitment to giving back.

Raised in a working-class household and deeply influenced by his father’s life-altering injury in a mining accident, Jarrell began working at age 11 and never stopped. His career took off when he embraced Chick-fil-A’s ownership model, allowing individuals with limited capital to operate their own stores. After success in Northern Virginia, he returned home to open the Eisenhower Drive Chick-fil-A in 2006, against the odds and against demographic trends. His belief in Beckley never wavered.

Throughout his time as an owner-operator, Jarrell turned his restaurant into a launching pad for young people. Through Chick-fil-A’s Remarkable Futures scholarship program and his own additional incentives, he helped dozens of students, including many at WVU Tech, earn degrees debt-free. His impact extended beyond education, from supporting athletics to personally opening the restaurant early to serve engineering students during key regional events.