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Copeland: Buoyant flamboyancy
is seeing him at the NRA Show some 15 years ago. He was walking down an aisle in a splendid canary yellow suit and white shirt accompanied by an entourage. His hair at the time was in a modified pompadour, glistening under the harsh lighting. People in the aisle were stopping him every few feet to say hello, shake his hand, and touch his garment. Perhaps they thought some of his his great good fortune (at the time) would rub off on them. I didn't know much about Copeland then so I looked up Popeyes Famous Chicken's booth number and strolled over. I had to push through the crowds to get near it. Hardly anyone, as I recall, was talking to company representatives. Instead they were ogling Copeland's very long cigarette boat propped on its side like a giant banana. Its color matched his suit. If that tableaux (and what else would you call it?) didn't scream success in more ways than one, I don't know what could.
Copeland: Buoyant flamboyancy
March 24, 2008
I talked to the late Al Copeland a few times over the last 20 years, mostly about franchising. I never needed more than a brief quote, and he was usually willing to provide it. Like many journalists whose path crosses with high-achievers who die before their time, I wish I had talked to Copeland at length. But after he lost his fast-food chicken empire, he wasn't much of a national player. Still, you always knew he was around and as controversial and buoyant as ever. The most enduring memory I have of the man
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Al Copeland |
Posted by David Farkas on March 24, 2008 | Comments (0)
Industries: Operations
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