Bob Farrell (motivational speaker)

Bob Farrell (Brooklyn, New York 1927- ) is an American motivational speaker and author, and founder of Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour and Restaurant.

Early life

Farrell's grandfather, Patrick Farrell, owned a successful auto parts company in Brooklyn. When the stock market crashed in 1929, it took its toll on the business and the family. Farrell's father committed suicide when Farrell was four, and his mother placed him and his sister in an orphanage. She remarried in 1934 and retrieved her children from the orphanage. Farrell left high school to join the Air Force in 1945. After World War II ended, Farrell served at radar stations throughout the Pacific Northwest. On leave, at a local ballroom, he met his future wife, Ramona, they married in 1946, and Farrell went back to school to finish his business degree. His first civilian job was with Heinz Foods; a year later, he approached their competitor, Libby Foods, and started his career as a salesman, serving "Mom and Pop" grocery stores, distinguishing himself by setting sales records, creative marketing and becoming regional sales manager. Farrell had three daughters during this period.

Ice cream

Farrell approached a friend, Ken McCarthy, to leave his job at Carnation and join him creating Farrell's Ice Cream Parlors, which they opened in Portland, Oregon, on September 13, 1963. In 1968, with six stores, Farrell decided to franchise his concept. He appeared on the Merv Griffin Show, received the Horatio Alger Award from Norman Vincent Peale, and built the "World's Largest Sundae" for the Guinness Book of World Records.

In 1973, Farrell sold his 55 store chain of ice cream parlors to the Marriott Corporation, but remained as its spokesperson and developed a speech for new employees called "Give 'em the Pickle!", based on a letter he received from a disappointed customer.

Motivational speaker

Since 1973, Farrell has been involved with the launch of several very successful restaurant chains. In 2002, he put his "Pickle" speech to video, followed by "The Leadership Pickles!"

Farrell resides in Portland, Oregon and is actively involved in Young Life.

References

*http://www.giveemthepickle.com/bob.htm