For Marshall alumnus and avid supporter Joe Gillette, success began in the form of a mop bucket and a recognized opportunity.
Speaking Friday, April 10, at the third annual Yeager Leadership Institute, Gillette told the crowd of Yeager Scholars, board members and guests about his rise from a dishwasher to an executive.
As a Marshall student, Gillette got a job at a pizza restaurant on Fifth Avenue to work his way through college. His duties included washing dishes and mopping the floors at the end of the day, when he noticed his supervisor siting down to look over the finances with a cold beer.
“The guy who did the books drank the beer and the guy who didn’t do the books mopped the floor, and I hated mopping the floor, “Gillette said.
A coworker’s absence opened the door to learn the books, and Gillette seized it, beginning a fast-paced rise in business that saw him earn a vice-presidential position at age 30 with Pizza Hut, and become a division vice president for a Fortune 500 company (Wendy’s) by age 40.
Gillette founded his own Wendy’s franchise, Wen-Four Foods Inc., opening 16 restaurants over 15 years and remembering his alma mater along the way. He is a member of the Pathway of Prominence, having given more than $1 million to Marshall University. His generous gifts to Marshall made it possible to open the Joseph M. Gillette Welcome Center, named for his father.
In addition to his financial gifts, Gillette has been active with the Society of Yeager Scholars, serving as board president; the Marshall University Foundation, serving as chair; and the Marshall University Alumni Association. He also is a member of the Marshall College of Business Hall of Fame.
In recognition of his leadership and excellence, Gillette was named the recipient of the 2015 William E. Willis Leadership Award, given annually at the Yeager Leadership Institute.
“As the third recipient of this award, Joe has exemplified leadership in business, community service and philanthropy,” said Rex Johnson, president of the Yeager Board of Directors. “Joe has demonstrated his dedication to Marshall University through his hard work and generosity, much to the benefit of Marshall Athletics, the Marshall Foundation and the Society of Yeager Scholars. Joe is a true Son of Marshall.”Paula George Tompkins, Marshall alumna and founder & CEO of the digital marketing and sales firm ChannelNet, received the Willis award in 2014, and presented Gillette with this year’s award.
“Joe is one of the greatest guys I’ve ever met,” Tompkins said during the award presentation. “He has quite a commitment to Marshall, and Joe, we can’t thank you enough.”
The Society of Yeager Scholars was the first group that received a significant donation from the Gillette family when they were able to give back to the university, Gillette said. The Yeager program, which provides a complete full-ride scholarship to several students a year, also has an endowment in the Gillette name.
“We have been passionate about the (Yeager) program for many years, and it is included in the legacy we want to leave,” Gillette said. “My passion for this program has never waivered. We’ve given time and money to one of the premier programs of the university.
“This program and these kids need all of our help,” Gillette said after he received the Willis award. “We need to give of ourselves and find other people to collaborate with.”
In an event earlier that day, Gillette had the opportunity to address the Yeager scholars, board members and guests gathered for the Yeager Leadership Institute.
“There are opportunities. Take the time to recognize opportunities and take advantage of them,” Gillette said, recalling his time mopping floors.
He encouraged the students gathered to continue learning and leading.
“Never stop being a student of leadership,” he said. “Don’t think you have to be the smartest person. I’m just smart enough to know how dumb I am. I recognize I need help. Seek people that can make you successful.”
Gillette advised the students to save money, live within their means and avoid credit cards. He also encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities.
“When you have a seat at the table, take advantage of it,” he said. “When you find things you care about, get involved in them.”
The William E. Willis award is named in honor of Marshall alumnus William E. “Bill” Willis. Willis grew up in Huntington and attended Marshall after serving in the Army during World War II. He used his G.I. Bill benefits to pay for Harvard Law School. Willis works at Sullivan & Cromwell in New York, and was named partner in 1959. He was involved in numerous high-profile cases with the firm, where he continues as senior counsel.
Willis served as a past president of the Yeager Board of Directors and has generously donated to the university. Marshall conferred a Doctor of Humane Letters degree on Willis in 1997.
