“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, patience, kindness, and goodness.” ~ Galatians 5:22
Twenty-five years ago, Jared Fogle became Subway’s
spokesperson after claiming he lost over 200 pounds by only eating sandwiches
from the fast-food chain. His wholesome image was shattered in 2015 after he
admitted to sexually abusing and exploiting children.
Despite consumers
largely separating Fogle's offensive behavior from Subway’s sandwiches, the
company struggled to improve its image. Enter a shy young man with Down
syndrome who began his career at a Subway franchise in Nebraska.
In 1990, decades before Jared Fogel, Jerry nervously
adjusted his Subway cap for his first day on the job. Menu prices were less
than $5.00, and deli sandwiches were wrapped in plain butcher paper.
Initially, Jerry stuck
to simple tasks: greeting customers, stocking disposables, and cleaning tables.
Before long, regular customers started coming in not just for their favorite
sandwiches, but for Jerry’s cheerful greetings, sincere compliments, and inspiring
work ethic. Eventually, he learned the art of making sandwiches to order and
loved every second of his job.
He started remembering
people’s orders before they even asked. He remembered their names and birthdays,
too. Sometimes he’d tell a joke. There was genuine kindness in his smile, a
gentleness that delighted even the most impatient guests.
Jerry became the face
and heart of that Subway. He had perfect attendance – even when it snowed, even
when he sprained his ankle, even when his Mom died. “She’d want me to be
here,” he whispered, straightening his cap through crestfallen tears.
He always offered kids
a smile and a cookie “on the house.” His friendship bracelet was woven with
threads of every coworker’s favorite color. He celebrated their milestones with
them and provided comfort when they needed it. Jerry’s presence turned a
fast-food joint into a family.
His story spread.
Local newspapers interviewed him. Customers brought him birthday and Christmas
cards. One even nominated him for the city’s Hero Award. But Jerry didn’t do it
for adulation; rather, “I just like making people happy. That’s all.”
So, after 33 years, making
thousands of sandwiches, Jerry stood smiling broadly in his Subway polo,
holding a Retirement Award plaque. Tears flooded his eyes, and joy poured from
his soul.
The Subway was packed,
not with food orders, but with friends, coworkers, and customers to wish him
well. Even the mayor dropped by. One of Jerry’s earliest customers, a grown man
with his own family, flew back to town just to shake his hand.
An irresistible smile
covered his face. “Thank you for giving me a chance. I gave it my best!”
With that, Jerry
retired. He left behind a legacy – living proof that kindness, consistency, and
community matter more than titles, logos, and policies.
