Mister Dr Pepper

I am a fan of Dr Pepper and not because I drink the bubbly brown beverage. My maiden name is Pepper. As kids my brother, sister and I promised each other we’d pursue PhDs. We were deeply disappointed that neither our dad or uncle had pursued theirs—didn’t they want to be Dr. Pepper? We would make up for their lack of commitment to what was clearly their calling and make things right in our generation.

Shawn and the girls and I arrived at the Dr Pepper Museum in downtown Waco hot, tired and just 40 minutes before closing. The cool wave of air conditioned air convinced us to purchase tickets in spite of the time crunch. We rushed past the old soda fountains and onto the displays. The old soda bottles, delivery trucks and advertising were fun to see. The history of the company and its ties to Texas was interesting, but what made me slow my hurried pace was the story of “Mister Dr Pepper.”

Woodrow Wilson “Foots” Clements started working for the soda company while he was a student at the University of Alabama. His first job was driving a delivery truck. He enjoyed his delivery route, but he felt he had the skillset for a higher position. Three times he applied for a management position and three times he was rejected.  He was undaunted, and in 1941 he jumped when he saw an opportunity. At a meeting at his local shop with Dr Pepper company executives, Foots spoke up. The executives were impressed by his smooth motivational sales talk. He finally got the promotion he’d been striving for. Foots quickly rose through the ranks and in 1969 became president and chief operating officer.

Foots was the quintessential company man. He was loyal to Dr Pepper and the people who worked for the company. When asked once to describe his priorities he listed them in this order: God, country, family, and Dr Pepper.  

Foots’ loyalty made him an exceptional manager, and his guiding principle made him and his company a success. His commitment to the brand earned him the nickname “Mister Dr Pepper”. His guiding principle? “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” 

The golden rule, as Matthew 7:12 has come to be known, is something we hear referenced frequently. It has almost become a cliché. Yet, how many individuals that talk about it genuinely adhere to it?  I include myself in that mix. If I daily focused on treating others as I would like to be treated, I believe I would be kinder, more compassionate and have more patience to understand the needs of the people I interact with. It was the key to Foots’ success and has the power to transform our lives, too, if we embrace it. 

So far neither my brother, sister or I have obtained a PhD. Perhaps my nephew, Ben, will make things right. I know a museum shop in Waco with just the right merchandise for his graduation celebration.

“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)