TAMPA — More than 100 USF students attended a talk Tuesday at the Muma College of Business, where PDQ Chicken co-founder and CEO Nick Reader shared his experiences in business. The event was part of the Nault Center for Entrepreneurship’s Conversation with a Founder speaker series.
Reader discussed his career path, from working as an accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers to serving as the chief financial officer of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before co-founding PDQ.
He shared the difficulties of running a business and the persistence needed to succeed.
"To me, you really have to ask yourself—not just say, 'I want to be an entrepreneur,' but ask, 'Do I want to keep banging my head against the wall?'" Reader said.
"The lows are really low, and the highs are really high, so you just have to find the balance along the way."
The event also featured a catered lunch from PDQ Chicken, which was a hit among attendees. Students enjoyed a variety of the restaurant’s signature chicken tenders and sauces, adding to the spirited networking atmosphere.
Reader's visit left many students inspired and eager to pursue their own ideas. This enthusiasm was clear during the Q&A session, where students asked for guidance on their ventures.
Even after the event officially ended, Reader stayed well past the scheduled time to meet with students individually and offer personalized advice.
The next Conversation with a Founder event is set to take place on the USF St. Petersburg campus in early March, with more details to be announced soon. Students interested in attending can stay updated by following the Nault Center on social media and joining the center’s BullsConnect group.