A discussion about business ethics, character traits, integrity, and values

Herb Leonard 1915 - 2006

I doubt whether Herb Leonard remembers my name, but he taught me an unforgettable lesson when he could have just as easily sent me to jail. Herb owned the Steak n Shake where I was the window guy. I received orders from outside and passed them on to the grill guy and the shake guy. A couple of the carhops began asking for their tickets back. I eventually realized that they were erasing big ticket orders and writing in small drink orders. They would report the 89 cents and keep the $22.

Of course, Herb Leonard caught them, and he knew the only way for the scam to work was if the window guy was in on it, so he invited me to his office. He made it clear that he could have me arrested – again – but he wanted my side of the story. I explained that I was aware of the situation but not involved. He asked why I didn’t say anything, and I replied that it wasn’t really any of my business. He looked at me a long time. “John,” he said, “anytime anyone steals from the man who signs your paycheck, they are stealing from you, too.”

In 30 years, I’ve not forgotten. Thanks, Herb.