Working for Norman Brinker

I worked for Norman as a Nanny for two years, He was such a postive person in my life. I also worked for Brinker International for 8 1/2 years. When my husband and I lived with Nancy and Norman taking care of Eric, I had the pleasure of hearing some great stories about his childhood. Most of them are in his book, but when I read his book, I can hear him telling the stories in his own voice. He was a wonderful man and very much like a father figure to me, and I am sure many others. I find myself using Normans words and phrases when I talk to my Daughter. I was at a Bennigans in Florida with Norman and his family, when I bit into a chicken finger. the outside was golden brown but the inside was raw. I put the chicken finger aside and just picked up another piece to eat. When Norman saw the one I put down he said "Barbi what is wrong with that piece". I told him it was not cooked all the way. He said "are you going to tell the manager". I said I didn't want to bother him. Norman called the manager over and made me tell him what was wrong. Then he proceded to tell me he better never hear that I let something like that go in one of his restuarants, or I would be in trouble. Of course that was with his signature Norman Smile. I will miss him greatly.

I remember walking by Norman's office one day and overhearing his assistant, Margaret, telling a very insistent someone that Norman was in a meeting and couldn't be interrupted. I paused long enough for her to tell me that George was just going to have to wait. George? George Bush, Sr., vice president at the time, was just one more person trying to bend Norman's ear. After becoming president he got right through. Rank has its privileges.

I remember Norman coming over to my work area after work one day. He just came to shoot the breeze with us. I remember part of his conversation about how he had to drive another car that day because Marilyn Quayle had scratched his other car. He talked like it was everyday that the Vice President and his wife stayed with him! He was so down to earth and never felt that he was above anyone. That was one of the things that I liked most about Norman Brinker.

Success leaves clues and Norman has sprinkled leaders around the world!

I always thought Brinker was the greatest restaurant greatest restaurant company I had ever worked (1996-2001). Today I realize that it was because of the direct influence that Norman had on all of us and it reflected in the way that we the guests and each other. Indeed, his influence has and is felt throughout the industry.

I always thought it would be a fun exercise to draw a "family tree" with Norman Brinker at the top and all of the industry leaders he "raised" on the next level, and all the leaders they raised, and so on.