Lead to Christ by his mother and inspired by the work of his son James in Sudan, J. Frank Harrison, III begin programs both at his company, Coca-Cola Consolidated, and in his personal life to help others. The chairman and CEO of the second largest distributor of Coke in the world was born and raised in Chattanooga and now lives in Charlotte, N.C. He leads the company that now has 14,000 employees nationwide.
James Harrison IV, his son who had a great love and compassion for the suffering people in Sudan, died in 2005 while serving there in relief efforts.
James laid the foundation for “With Open Eyes,” started by him and his father as an organization dedicated to serving those in need and equipping pastors to be able to move around in areas where that is difficult. Since the death of his son, the senior Harrison has also started a ministry. He said that he had wanted his son to join the family business but that God had a different plan. These organizations are dedicated to making an impact and difference n the world.
He told the large crowd at the 38th annual Chattanooga Area Leadership Prayer Breakfast Tuesday morning of the consistencies between his company and its faith-based practices.
His ministry has provided motorcycles and other transportation for clergy to be able to reach and to have an influence on remote, otherwise inaccessible areas that have never heard the gospel. There are now 300 “mobile messengers” who have led 180,000 people to Christ which has resulted in planting numerous churches in Sudan.
As he thought about legacies, he said, and what people leave behind, he began to understand that accountability should be before God. The first step in this direction was when he was given control of the company, a chaplain was put in the bottling plant in Charlotte. Today there are 50 chaplains throughout the company. He said their purpose, among other things, is to build relationships by putting back together marriages and dealing with other family issues, preventing suicides and bringing people to Christ.
Later, the stewardship program was started which encourages employees to get out in the community to serve others. This program provides services such as taking care of the homeless, offering prison ministries, and elder care.
The practice of giving was started 20 years ago at Coke Consolidated, he told those in the large crowd at the Convention Center. "It excites me to double and triple giving around the world. I want the company to be honored and blessed by God,” he said.
The most important quest in the world is to honor God in all we do, said Mr. Harrison. "Honesty, integrity and morality should be our values, without these there is no trust or any relationships," he stated.
Growth in mind, body and spirit is good and necessary, he said. Companies do not grow unless their employees grow individually. Four years ago, Coke Consolidated started a mentoring program. Each year eight men and eight women participate. Led by the company, they cover the key topics of life, said Mr. Harrison, and a little about business.
The company also sponsors “t-factor events” where 45 CEOs come together to hear about programs that Coke Consolidated has put in place to make a difference to the company and to individual employees.
When you serve others, said Mr. Harrison, it opens up opportunities.