Daniel Fitzpatrick, an extraordinarily successful CEO with over five decades of leadership experience in the food service industry, captivated students at Holy Cross College as part of President Marco Clark’s Lead 360 Executive Leadership Series on Dec 6.  

Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Fitzpatrick is the Chairman and CEO of Quality Dining, Inc., a major restaurant holding company with over 157 locations, including familiar brands like Burger King and Slim’s Chicken. Under his leadership, Quality Dining has become one of Indiana’s largest private companies, with an annual revenue of more than $300 million. 

In his talk called “Formula for Success,” Fitzpatrick shared invaluable insights on leadership, perseverance, and the importance of overcoming adversity. He began with a bold statement: “Success has 1,000 fathers; failure is always an orphan.” He explained that while many people are eager to claim success, few take responsibility when things go wrong. “Leaders long ago forfeited the right to blame anyone,” he said. For Fitzpatrick, true leadership means owning both successes and failures. 

The Role of Adversity in Leadership 

Fitzpatrick emphasized that success is never a straight line. “Success is always mixed with failure, trial and error, and pressure,” he shared. Reflecting on his journey, including the challenges of scaling Quality Dining, and managing diverse restaurant brands, Fitzpatrick said that confidence grows from learning through mistakes. “Losing and getting your butt kicked a little bit is central to what most leaders would tell you, that their path of success has been,” he added, reinforcing that setbacks are an integral part of leadership growth. 

Embracing Challenge 

For Fitzpatrick, adversity is not something to fear but something to embrace. “Adversity is something that should never be shied away from, but always embraced,” he urged. Drawing from his early life in Toledo, Fitzpatrick explained how facing hardship helped shape his resilience and drive. “Nothing in life is easy… particularly if you embrace it,” he advised, encouraging students to confront challenges directly as part of their leadership development. 

The Power of Your Personal Story 

Fitzpatrick also emphasized the power of understanding and sharing your personal story. “Where were you? Where are you? Where are you going?” he asked the students. He explained that knowing your story is essential for effective leadership. “You need to know your story,” he said. Leaders who share their experiences authentically create trust and motivate their teams. Fitzpatrick’s journey—from humble beginnings in Toledo to leading one of the largest franchisee operations in the U.S.—highlights the importance of resilience and continuous growth. 

Thinking Differently 

Fitzpatrick encouraged students to think creatively and seek opportunities where others see only challenges. “Look for the possibilities no one else can see,” he said. For Fitzpatrick, creative thinking and problem-solving are crucial components of leadership. “You get to decide how your story is going to play out,” he reminded the students, urging them to take control of their future. 

God’s Unique Imprint 

Fitzpatrick’s lifelong success is rooted in faith. He has been committed to the mission of Holy Cross as a member of the board of trustees for 20 years. He encouraged students to see the wonder in their creation and feel a renewed sense of purpose. 

“Your fingerprints and your handprints… no two found have ever been alike,” he said. “It’s that uniqueness that God clearly created for you and for me and to remind us that he expects much from us.”