Most business owners are asking how AI can save them time. Chick-fil-A Operator Jon Harmeling is asking a different question: What are you going to do with the time AI gives back to you?
In this episode of Franchise Secrets, Erik Van Horn sits down with Jon Harmeling to discuss how he's using AI to automate repetitive administrative work while focusing on something much bigger than efficiency: leadership.
Jon explains how he uses AI to better understand and invest in his 88 team members, identify employees who may be overlooked, keep track of individual goals, and free himself from repetitive tasks so he can spend more time developing people.
They also dive into Chick-fil-A's unique Operator model, servant leadership, building a business that doesn't depend on the owner, experimenting with AI for employee scheduling, Claude Co-Work, and why business leaders need to start taking AI seriously.
Jon's central message is simple: Managers focus on tasks. Leaders focus on people. AI can help get the tasks done—but what you do with the time it gives back may be far more important.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Building a business that doesn't need you
04:01 The Chick-fil-A visit that changed Jon's life
09:02 How the Chick-fil-A Operator model actually works
13:20 Servant leadership and building the right culture
18:23 Working on the business vs. working in it
22:30 Can a Chick-fil-A Operator take a vacation?
26:56 How Jon is using AI in his business
28:46 Managers focus on tasks. Leaders focus on people.
32:21 Using AI for efficiency vs. significance
42:45 Preparing the next generation for AI
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