Jimmy John Liautaud was selected as one of the 12 recipients of the 2018 Horatio Alger Award.  The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. is an educational nonprofit that encourages youth to pursue their dreams through higher education. The program is grounded in the belief of hard work, determination, and honesty can conquer all obstacles; values that have been the driving force behind Jimmy’s success. Since 1947, over 700 individuals from all walks of life have received the Horatio Alger Award that recognizes those who have overcome adversity to reach outstanding achievement.

Despite having a tough childhood, Jimmy John Liautaud was determined to not let those hardships limit him. He took the adversities that faced him and used it as motivation to create a life that he wanted. He spent years working 24/7/365 to grow his company into a national chain with nearly 2,800 locations. He sold majority stake in his company in 2015, and looking back on his career, he’s proud of the ups and downs that made him into the man he is today.

“I’ve battled my way through the ups and downs of my childhood, through being the fat kid, through bullying, through low self-confidence, and then through many business obstacles that come with the territory. Receiving this award for beating the odds and beating life challenges, wow! It’s amazing, absolutely amazing. I am so appreciative of this honor. I couldn’t have done it without the love and support from my wife, Leslie, and our children, Spencer, Lucy, and Fred. Thank you.” – Jimmy John Liautaud