Upon receiving the award for Burger King Franchisee of the Year, Tom Barnett rewarded the people who earned it for him.
Barnett sold his prizes, a new Corvette and a Rolex, for $60,000, then personally matched that amount along with a business partner Shelley Krispin. He then distributed the $120,000 in various amounts of hundreds and thousands among more than 100 employees, according to the Arizona Republic.
"'I thought, 'I didn't clean up the restroom last week, and I didn't work two shifts because a manager called in sick,'" Barnett said to the paper, then continued about how giving the prize back was the only logical option.
A 15-year employee and current manager at one location, Charity Callahan, recalled Barnett showing employees a picture of the car during a meeting. He then revealed that he sold the car and instead had rewards for them.
Callahan told the local paper she felt appreciated and more excited to continue doing her work.
Another manager will be able to pay off his children's school bills and his car notes with the gift, according to People Magazine.
Barnett is the CEO of his own management company and owns 24 Burger King franchises in the Arizona area. He secured his first location 35 years ago. He also served as a fighter pilot in the Vietnam War and told the paper he believes ownership of a role makes a quality leader.
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