Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue I, 2014 | Page 28

MEGA

which includes nearly 300 KFCs, Taco
Bells, and Long John Silver’s, took another major step. “In the last three or
four years, all of our key employees
have become equity holders and we’ve
completed recapitalization that provided
them their first liquidity event,” he says.
“It’s been my dream to make our key
stakeholders true equity partners. It’s
one of the most gratifying events I’ve
ever had as a franchisee.”
His desire to give back was instilled

“If you stay
focused on
helping others
achieve their
dreams,
you’ll go much
further in life.”

early in Kulp, who grew up humbly with
divorced parents, both of whom were
teachers, and five brothers and sisters.
“My mom taught special education for
35 years, so I was constantly in contact
with people less fortunate than I,” he
says. “I always had a burning desire to
make sure any future business success
was paralleled by the success of others
we could help.”
That’s why each regional vice president in the company is required to sit

PERSONAL
First job: Cook in a local fast-food restaurant.
Formative influences/events: Watching a couple of business owners
in franchising sparked my interest in the industry and how it provides great
opportunities for people without such deep pockets. My first mentor was Gary
Zancanelli, who purchased the original KFC where I was employed.
Key accomplishments: Most important is our organization’s involvement
in charity work throughout the country. We contribute to a group in Kansas City
called First Downs for Down Syndrome, the Atlanta Children’s Shelter, and the
Dream Center for Tampa, which offers after-school care and mentoring. We also
raise funds for the Kansas City Harvesters Food Bank and a Virginia charity that
assists famil Y\