March 13, 2001 Debra Woodring Kidwell '82, speaker Vice President, Merchandising, Cracker Barrel, Nashville, TN Randall D. Kidwell '81, speaker Director of Association Sales, Opryland Hotel, Nashville, TN On March 13, 2001 the Business Honors Seminar gladly welcomed back to Thiel two graduates, Debra Woodring Kidwell '82 and Randy Kidwell '81. As V.P. of Merchandising for Cracker Barrel, Mrs. Kidwell had many valuable observations and advice to share from her restaurant and retail experience. Jared Pauli, junior business administration major commented, "Just last year alone Cracker Barrel had an increase in sales of fifteen percent." "In Mr. Kidwell's position of Director of Association Sales, he is head of a seven person team that is responsible for booking 400,000 room nights a year. Because there is a lack of people employed in basic service work, Opryland Hotel now offers two types of stays: the first with high-end service and a higher price, the second with limited service and a budget price." - Christine Conner, senior accounting & business administration major "Both Mr. and Mrs. Kidwell were in a Greek organization here on Thiel campus, and benefited greatly from doing so in their future endeavors. They both go to show many individuals that when you strive for the best you only get the best. You have to be able to keep a positive mind, a calm attitude, and always work together with anyone as a team. I was quite impressed talking with these speakers after the presentation. They are friendly and willing to listen to your thoughts. I learned a lot while enjoying myself at the same time during and after this presentation." - Marina Sanchez, junior business administration major "The Kidwells explained the 5 A's of success: Attitude, Anticipation, don't Accept the minimum, Accomplishment, and don't Assume. Mr. Kidwell also gave us an easy to remember Thiel acronym: T - Toughness (mental) H - Honesty I - Integrity E - Enthusiasm L - Loyalty" - Keith Kirby, junior business administration major "Everything the Kidwells mentioned was intriguing and useful to the experiences I will be facing in the coming months after graduation. The aspect I admired most about the Kidwells was their family morals and values. I respect the fact they are both successful individuals who have their priorities straight when it comes to their daughters and each other." - Jena Carpenter, senior business administration major