Executive in Residence: Larry Thornton
Artist. Entrepreneur. Author. Servant Leader.
These are just a few words that describe Larry D. Thornton, Sr. You could also call him a father, grandfather, gamechanger, teacher and team player. Even though there are many words to describe Larry’s business prowess and leadership, hearing his life story puts everything in perspective.
Inclusion is the "I" in WIN!Bridging the Gap
Larry Thornton is President and Owner of Thornton Enterprises, Inc. He serves on the Board of Directors for Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc., Synovus Bank, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta - Birmingham Branch, The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Foundation, Freshwater Land Trust, and Birmingham Botanical Gardens. He is primarily known as a businessman and artist; however, in April 2019, he released his first book, "Why Not Win?", a reflection on his fifty-year journey from the Jim Crow South to America's boardrooms and what it can teach us all.
Why not win?! Institute.
The Why Not Win Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that develops and cultivates individual excellence by bringing leaders and key leadership topics to current and future leaders, based on the lessons in the book Why Not Win? by Larry Thornton. The Why Not Win Institute launched in November of 2019 and has been delivered at colleges and universities. The Institute has also presented to corporations to include, Harris Corporation, Alabama Power Company and a 6-part series with Coca-Cola Bottling Company United (Atlanta).
Upcoming Events
First Year Experience Day
November 8, 2024 | Richards College of Business | Roy Richards Sr. Hall 122
Join us for an inspiring and insightful session with Larry Thornton, the visionary founder of the Why Not Win Institute, which helps prepare young minds for the workplace. Larry’s prowess as a businessman led him to become the first black McDonald’s franchise owner in the state of Alabama. He eventually owned several. Larry’s business acumen and experience have led him to serve on the Board of Directors for Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. and First Commercial Bank (Synovus). Known primarily as a business man and artist, Larry has established himself as an author with the release of his first book, Why Not Win?, a Reflection on his fifty-year journey from the segregated South to America’s boardrooms – and what It teaches us all.
Larry is returning to campus to share his journey and wisdom with our first-year seminar students. This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable life lessons from a successful entrepreneur, artist, and author who has made a significant impact on countless lives.