One CFO lost his cushy job for berating a Chik-fil-A employee. His online video went viral and garnered compassion for the young drive-through worker – even from people allied against Chick-fil-A in the controversy over marriage equality.
Adam Smith was the CFO of Vante Inc., an Arizona-based medical device manufacturer, when he drove his car up to a Tucson, Ariz. Chik-fil-A’s drive-through window to get free water on Wednesday, Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day.
Video camera in hand, Smith confronted the young female employee, Rachel, insulting and interrogating her.
“I don’t know how you live with yourself and work here,” he told the young woman after she said, “I’m really uncomfortable that you’re videotaping me.”
“I don’t understand it,” he continued. “This is a horrible corporation with horrible values.”
Smith told her that he ordered free water because “Chick-fil-A is a hateful corporation.”
“I disagree,” she responded. “We don’t treat any of our customers differently.”
When he accused the company of giving money to hate groups, she responded, “I’m staying neutral on this subject. My personal beliefs don’t belong in the workplace.”
The young woman told him to have a nice day numerous times and remained polite throughout the haranguing.
“I’m a nice guy by the way and I’m totally heterosexual,” he said before driving off. “Just can’t stand the hate.”
Vante Inc. fired Smith after his video went viral. “The actions of Mr. Smith do not reflect our corporate values in any manner,” the company released in a Marketwire statement. “Vante is an equal opportunity company with a diverse workforce, which holds diverse opinions. We respect the right of our employees and all Americans to hold and express their personal opinions, however, we also expect our company officers to behave in a manner commensurate with their position and in a respectful fashion that conveys these values of civility with others.”
Many gay rights advocates are upset with the fast food chain’s recently stated commitment to “traditional marriage” and have organized a Friday ‘kiss-in” to counter Wednesday’s successful Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day. Same Sex Kiss Day aims to spread love and compassion, say its organizers, as well as let the LGBT community – especially the young – know that they are not alone, despite pervasive bullying.
mwalsh@nydailynews.com
