Josh Crowe, Owner/Operator

Marysville
For Josh Crowe, leadership has always been about people first. Josh began his Chick-fil-A journey at 16 years old in Nashville under long-time Operator Joel Benson, whose mentorship still shapes the way Josh leads today. After spending six years learning the business and growing as a leader, Josh stepped away to serve as a missionary in Japan for nine years. That experience deeply shaped his heart for relationships, intentional hospitality, mentorship, and community. When Josh returned to the United States in 2016, he re-entered Chick-fil-A leadership with a renewed passion for developing people and building culture. During his years serving in western North Carolina, he focused heavily on recruiting, hiring, leadership development, and helping team members discover growth potential within themselves. Josh is known for being highly relational, deeply present, and hands-on with his team. He believes leadership happens shoulder-to-shoulder, not from behind an office door. His leadership style emphasizes mentorship, encouragement, hospitality, and creating a culture where people genuinely feel valued and cared for.
Career Highlights
1996
Began working at Chick-fil-A in Nashville under Operator Joel Benson
2009–2016
Served as a missionary in Japan
2016
Returned to the United States and resumed Chick-fil-A leadership development
2016–2019
Served in western North Carolina with a focus on Talent, recruiting, hiring, and culture development
2020
Became Owner/Operator of Chick-fil-A at Market of Hilliard
2020–2026
Led significant culture growth and operational success in Hilliard
Chick-fil-A Story

Josh discovered early in his leadership journey that he was passionate about helping people grow. While serving as a Director in western North Carolina, he spent years focused on recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and leadership development. Through that experience, he developed a strong passion for identifying leadership potential and helping people become more than they thought possible.

One of Josh’s favorite examples of development is Emily, a Team Member he met when she was just 15 years old. Joshua intentionally invested in her growth over the years, eventually inviting her to relocate and join his leadership team when he became the Operator of Chick-fil-A at Market of Hilliard in 2019. Today, Emily serves as the Executive Director who oversees the entire operation and continues as a major contributor to the restaurant’s culture.

After successfully leading the Hilliard restaurant for seven years, Josh transitioned to opening the brand new Chick-fil-A Marysville location. The move aligned closely with his family’s desire for a smaller-town community atmosphere and created an opportunity to build a culture centered around belonging, growth, hospitality, and meaningful relationships.

Vision and Values

Josh’s leadership philosophy is centered around one simple but powerful mission:

“Win moments to change lives.”

He believes every interaction, whether serving a guest, encouraging a team member, or preparing a meal with excellence, creates an opportunity to positively impact someone’s life.

The culture at Chick-fil-A Marysville is intentionally built around five core values:

  • Belonging
  • Joy
  • Excellence
  • Growth
  • Legacy

 

Josh intentionally ties coaching, accountability, and leadership development back to these values daily. He is passionate about mentoring young leaders, helping people grow personally and professionally, and developing future Chick-fil-A leaders and Operators. His team focuses heavily on leadership development, mentorship, and internal growth opportunities. Josh and his team are passionate about building a strong small-town culture within Marysville through hospitality, mentorship, and meaningful relationships.

COMMUNITY IMPACT
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO MAKE CHICK-FIL-A A CAREER OR BECOME AN OWNER/OPERATOR?
“Win moments. Change lives.”
Josh Crowe
Career Opportunities