“Ingredients” of Famous Amos Cookies ---Passion, Persistence, Attitude, and Teamwork

This evening, the Hospitality Management Association and the Entrepreneurship Club at SU co-hosted a guest speaker session. Mr. Wally Amos, the founder of Famous Amos Cookies spoke with SU students about his key “ingredients” of being a successful entrepreneur --- passion, persistence, attitude, and teamwork.

“Hold to your dream, be passionate about it, and don’t let anybody talk you out of it,” Mr. Amos said. “Have faith on yourself, don’t give up.” People might have failed a hundred, a thousand, or a million times, but they want to keep trying because they are passionate about what they are doing. If they give up, they will never succeed. If they don’t, they may succeed the next time they try. Those who laugh last laugh the longest and loudest, right?

Mr. Amos wore his beloved yellow t-shirt today, not because of its color, but because of the abbreviation of “AIE” on the shirt. AIE means “Attitude Is Everything,” and Mr. Amos wears this t-shirt often. We can see how important AIE is to Amos Cookies. I believe no one wants to be treated with attitudes. If that is the case, why would anyone bring his/her attitude to work and serve customers with attitudes?

Last but not least, Mr. Amos pointed out: “Do things (all) by yourself, and you will fail.” He suggested us to share credits and rewards with team members because that’s the way everyone will win. Being a team player is also important.

I cannot agree with Mr. Amos more. Famous Amos Cookies is famous because of these "ingredients." Do you agree? What other “ingredients” do you think are important in a successful hospitality career?