Taking a second look at that guy behind the fast food counter

If you’ve never watched “Jiro Dreams of Sushi,” do yourself a favor and watch the true story of a man who was forced to work at age 7 and left home at age 9. At 91, Jiro Ono still works and strives for perfection, though he generally is regarded as one of the world’s great chefs and greatest sushi chef.

The film’s message is that no matter what life hands you, it is the dream that matters and will lead you to a full life.

There was a small reminder of that recently when the daughter of a former Taco Bell employee said this: “This is an inspiration,” Ashley Garrett said as she sat in the coffee shop her father is preparing to open. “If he can do it, I know I can.”

Her dad, Bret Garrett, worked at Taco Bell. He saved money for his dream of owning his own business by working at a car rental company. Then he worked for Starbucks, specifically to learn their business model.

He wants a business, but he also wants to make a difference after a mission trip to Haiti following the earthquake in 2010. Ten percent of his profit from Remy Black Coffee will go to rebuilding the impoverished island nation.

“You have to work with purpose,” he said. “I know most people work for a check. My motivation was: ‘What am I going to do, since I’m here?’”

Come what may, Garrett’s drive and dream will serve him well in the business world. More importantly, he already is a success in the eyes of his eldest daughter.

What better dream than that?

This story was originally published October 9, 2017 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Taking a second look at that guy behind the fast food counter."