I had the great pleasure to celebrate my childhood best friend’s 40th Birthday at the Chocolate Spa located at the Hershey Hotel in Hershey, PA. The grounds were absolutely fabulous and the hotel staff treated us so well those couple of days.
After indulging in a half a day of spa treatments it was time to check out and leave the resort. Before we went our separate ways (at least that is what my BFF thought because her family had planned a surprise party for her the next day and I was right behind her on the way back to Maryland-tee hee), we stopped at the Hershey Chocolate Factory. This was my first time ever visiting Hershey, PA so I never really knew the story behind the chocolate empire.
While at the Chocolate Factory, we went to the tour of Hershey which told his story. He began making caramel candy first in which it was not a success. He didn’t allow his failure to stop him and later returned to PA to build a successful chocolate factory. What amazes me about his story is:
- He didn’t allow failure to stop him from following and pursuing his passion.
- He and his wife started an orphanage for boys because they could not have children of their own. Which later cared for minorities and girls in which Hershey Candy still funds.
- When building the factory he fired the bulldozers and hired individuals to clear the land and build the factory.
- Built a town around his company.
- He started Hershey during the Great Depression
After taking the tour I later thought about what a legacy he left behind; establishing a town and starting an orphanage. He had a heart for people and didn’t allow his wealth to allow him to become selfish. It makes me wonder about my business and it’s practices. What will my legacy be when I have passed on. Will I have built a company solely to make riches or will I have helped someone whether they were an employee or someone living in my community live a better life. It is my aspiration to be a blessing to someone else and to be known as a giver; for I believe the true blessing is for the giver.
What will be your legacy? Please share what you want your life story to say about you? I would love to hear. Please share below.
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Great article you wrote! He was truly a great leader in his day
You are right Rosie. What would America be like if more of “Corporate America” operated business like that.