This year OED is recognizing and celebrating Frederick County’s young professionals who are leaders in their industry, give back to the community and add significant value to their company and its culture. Join us as we get to know our Top 50 Under 40.
Owner/Operator
Chick-fil-A Frederick
5501 Urbana Pike, Frederick
www.chick-fil-a.com
Aaron Crunkilton started as a teenager cleaning tables and taking out trash at Chick-fil-A Westminster. Now he owns and operates Chick-fil-A of Frederick on Urbana Pike, managing 120 staff. Aaron spends the majority of his time developing future leaders and those around him, paying it forward as a testament to the positive influence people have had on his life and career.
What leadership book would you recommend and why?
The Secret, What Great Leaders Know and Do by Mark Miller and Ken Blanchard. This book is the foundation of servant leadership. It has helped me so much as a leader and has very simple ideas to teach others.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
My greatest professional accomplishment would be being selected as the Owner/Operator of Chick-fil-A Frederick. Originally from Carroll County, being able to serve the community that I now call home is a dream.
Name one award you are most proud to have received.
One award that I am most proud of would be achieving the “Symbol of Success” award for Chick-fil-A in 2020. With such a challenging year with Covid-19 pandemic, our team was able to continue to provide so much for our community during that time.
What is your experience with volunteering and civic engagement?
We work directly with many of our local partners in Frederick to find opportunities to serve the community. Some of those partners include the YMCA, WFRE, American Red Cross, Frederick Keys and our local schools.
We at Chick-fil-A Frederick have found we best serve Frederick by first being a good neighbor and supporting when we can in ways that we excel! Whether it be catering a lunch for a non-profit or bringing the cow to visit kids and lift spirits.
What was your first job?
Chick-fil-A
What do you like to do for fun in Frederick County?
Play golf at all the local courses.