PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (June 4, 2020) – After graduating from Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) this semester with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Quinton Bolling is putting his mind where his mouth is.
“As president of the Panther Advisory Leaders (PALS), I used to always tell my members ‘Bring your Chick-fil-A attitude,’ because their service, heart, and quality is unmatched,” Bolling said. “I try to exemplify that motto with everything I do in life.”
Now, Bolling aims to tell his staff that same motto as he embarks on opening his own Chick-fil-A franchise.
“I still remember my first Chick-fil-A experience like it was yesterday,” Bolling said. “I tried my first spicy chicken sandwich, and it changed my life. When I got to PVAMU, I began studying the company and wanted to pursue a franchise with them, because it’s a product and company I truly believe in.”
Bolling plans to open his first franchise within the next five years in the Houston area. He will work with Chick-fil-A on scouting a location.
To open a franchise, Bolling will complete an extensive, multi-week training program and receive support and development courses from Chick-fil-A.
“Although it will be some time before I start my training because of the COVID-19 situation, each day is a lesson. I grow and learn something new to help me for when I start my real training,” he said. “I am super excited and ready to get started because this is something I think about every day, and I won’t stop until I get there.”
Growing up, Bolling played a variety of sports and especially loved football. His mom urged him to have a backup plan in case a career in football didn’t work out.
“She pointed out pro athletes who also owned businesses,” Bolling said. “Watching Shaquille O’Neal and Peyton Manning buy multiple franchises sparked my interest in the field of business.”
After injuring himself during his first season of collegiate football at Houston Baptist University, Bolling heeded his mother’s advice when his football career came to an abrupt end.
“I transferred to PVAMU and did everything I could to set up my future self for success,” Bolling said. “I joined organizations, such as the American Marketing Association (AMA), the PV Finance Association (PVFA), the Campus Activities Board (CAB), Leaders in Management (LMA), and Student Government Association (SGA). These organizations allowed me to meet amazing people and accomplish incredible things — from mentoring more than 300 freshmen to serving my university, surrounding community, and city, I am truly grateful for every experience.”
As Bolling leaves “The Hill,” he has some advice for current and incoming business students.
“It’s okay to mess up and fail as long as you learn from it along the way,” he said. “Take in every ounce of knowledge and wisdom from your professors; go to as many guest speaker events that you can; take advantage of every opportunity given; apply for scholarships and jobs; join different organizations; meet new people; and become friends with your professors. Make your time at Prairie View the best experience, because your memories will last a lifetime.”
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By Kendall Hebert