Work & Money T H E V I E W F RO M H E R E
When Kat Cole was 17, she planned to become a lawyer. But her part-time job at Hooters led to unexpected success in business, and she rapidly climbed the company ranks to vice president. Today, at 36, she’s president of Cinnabon, the billion-dollar bakery brand. Real Simple sat down with Cole to hear her corporate fairy tale, ask about her good works, and learn how to be a “chronic learner.” KAT COLE Ô 1SFTJEFOU PG $JOOBCPO Ô "UMBOUB
What was your childhood like? I’m the oldest of three girls. When I was nine and we lived in Jacksonville, Florida, my mother came to me and said we were leaving our father. At the time, he was an alcoholic (he’s doing great now, though), and my mom was essentially raising us on her own. She worked several jobs. For three years, she fed us on a food budget of $10 a week. Tell us about that. It never seemed bad, maybe because my mom was so positive all the time. She was always helping neighbors or friends, and as a result I had this example of what a leader really does—figures things out and makes them happen, makes tough decisions, and puts the people she’s in charge of before herself. What was your first job? I started working in malls when I was 15. I had a job in a clothing store when recruiters from Hooters came to the mall and suggested I apply. Did you hesitate? Hooters was not as controversial in Florida as it was in markets outside the state. I had gone there on weekends after football games and with my family. It wasn’t a big deal. I started as a hostess, at 17, and when I turned 18, I became a waitress, a Hooters Girl.
P H O T O G R A P H BY M E L LY L E E
What sort of employee were you? I was good at my job and willing to be helpful. When the cooks quit, I went in the kitchen and learned that job. I helped the bartender, so I learned that job, too. I was hungry for new opportunities and curious to see Written by Jane Porter
MARCH 2015
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