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Athlete / Entrepreneur
BUSINESSMAN
Diligence. Desire. Perseverance. Relationships. These are only a few of the tools George Tinsley, Sr. used to both carve his niche and obtain success in business.
Tinsley’s resume boasts three years as a teacher and coach; a one-year stint as an exhibition specialist for the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, and training as an FBI agent. However, Tinsley had a burning desire to earn more income for his family. During this time, he was presented with the ground floor opportunity to work as a training instructor for Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and start its formal training programs for new franchisees.
Being one of the first hired into the program afforded Tinsley the opportunity to assist with its development. “My business background was limited, but I had very good people skills,” he said. “And being a former professional athlete opened a lot of doors for interaction with both KFC corporate executives and franchisees.”
Although Tinsley’s rise through KFC’s corporate ranks was swift, he aspired to an opportunity without limitations; one that allowed him to reach his full potential. During an informal meeting with several high-level corporate executives, he said, “the idea came up that I should look at becoming a franchisee. So I seized the opportunity and asked them to put the offer in writing.”
This paved the way for Tinsley to become a franchisee, opening his first KFC restaurant in Auburndale, Fla. Both Tinsley and his wife, Seretha, quit their jobs, moved the family to Winter Haven, Fla., and embarked on the first of many entrepreneurial endeavors.
After their first year as a KFC franchisee, Tinsley said, “The restaurant developed into an outstanding success and spawned other opportunities.”
Tinsley developed two KFC restaurants within three years, and later assisted in developing KFC’s minority franchisee program.
After six years with KFC, he opened the first African-American owned T.G.I. Fridays® in the U.S.
“It became the No. 1 T.G.I. Fridays® in the U.S. for nine consecutive years, and continues to be a top performer,” he said. Continuing to diversify with other branded concepts, Tinsley Family Concessions now owns and operates more than 50 Florida franchises, with most locations in Miami and Tampa International Airports.
“We are expanding business interests outside of Florida and developing new food concepts at the Louisville International Airport in Kentucky,” said Tinsley. “Additionally, we are involved in a real estate development in New Orleans and telecommunications in Ft. Myers and Naples, Fla. with T-Mobile.”
1 Response to "Athlete / Entrepreneur"
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It is a tremendous honor that I recommend to you the election of GEORGE TINSLEY as an honoree in your Hall of Fame.
George Tinsley is the true example of success. His story represents class, integrity, high moral character, dedication, hard work and loyalty to his family, his friends, his coaches and his employees. You will never have a finer honoree than this young man from Louisville Male High School.
As the play-by-play radio broadcaster for Kentucky Wesleyan College basketball for now 49 years, I have known George Tinsley since his teenage days and have seen him develop into an exceptional individual.
He arrived at Kentucky Wesleyan College as a shy, quiet teenager. He graduated in four years with the respect of his teachers, his classmates and his friends.
During those four years at KWC he excelled on the basketball court, winning three NCAA Division II Championships and taking Third Place honors in the lone season his KWC team did not win the National Title.
George is able to make a claim which no other player in NCAA college basketball can top, namely that he won the final game in all four seasons that he played. These included national championships in 1966, 1968 and 1969, and third place honors in the 1967 consolation game. His record in NCAA post season play was 19-1 over his four year career at Kentucky Wesleyan College.
From a defensive specialist/rebounder as a freshman, George distinguished himself by developing his game through refined skills and became a First Team All American selection in his senior year. By the time he finished his playing days at Kentucky Wesleyan College, George had become the school’s number four all-time leading scorer with 2014 points. He averaged more than 22 points per game as a senior, scoring a career high of 43 points against Gannon Univ. George’s career rebounding total of 1115 remains KWC’s all-time best, even today.
His points and rebounding totals were exceptional achievements for George, but he took even greater pride in his defensive work, always drawing the other team’s top scorer with the challenge of shutting him down. George was Kentucky Wesleyan’s top player on both offense and defense. A truly exceptional feat.
A quiet, unassuming athlete, who was not a big scorer in high school, George’s dedication to hard work in the practice arena ultimately earned him First Team All-American Honors in 1969, the same year he was recognized MVP of the NCAA Finals.
Upon completion of his playing days at KWC, George had a brief career in professional basketball in the old ABA. When those days ended, George assumed a key role in the financial section of the pro basketball players association.
George subsequently entered the business world, beginning as a trainer for KFC, later becoming a multiple franchise owner in the restaurant industry. Today his operations employ hundreds of workers in various locations near his home in Florida.
Still married to his college sweetheart, George Tinsley’s life is a role model for today’s youth. His life and achievements are truly the story dreams are made of. You would be pleased if George Tinsley was your son, or was the man who married your daughter.
You will never induct a HOF member more deserving of the recognition and each of you will always be proud that you were the ones who elected George Tinsley to this place of high honor. He is first class.
Sincerely,
Joel D. Utley
Owensboro, KY