In he walks, like a caricature. You can hear him before you can even see him. What is that sound you ask yourself? A kazoo. When you turn around to look at him, there is a 6 foot something, skinny, African-American man wearing a watermelon hat, a watermelon shirt, black slacks, and watermelon shoes.
That, my friends, is Wally “Famous” Amos in a nutshell. This exuberant positive energy exudes the room, lighting up everyone who sets eyes on him.
I had the pleasure of meeting “Famous” Amos, founder of “Famous” Amos Cookies, and hearing him speak at the INPEX show the other week. Here are the important points from his improvised talk.
Wally on History
Wally started with a history lesson, telling us that Ruth Wakefield invented chocolate chip cookies in the 19th century. She owned an in called Toll House, and her cookies became known as Toll House Cookies (like the brand that exists today).
Wally on His Life
Before starting retail stores that sold chocolate chip cookies, Wally worked in the entertainment business. As an agent for various entertainers – he booked the Supremes and other well known acts – he needed a way to stand out. Using a recipe given to him by his mother, Wally started baking chocolate chip cookies and using them as his calling card. Now he was memorable.
One thing led to another, and Wally became better known for his cookies over time. Quincy Jones suggested he open a store. After finding, losing, and re-finding investors (including Marvin Gaye) to back the first store to sell cookies, “Famous” Amos Cookies was born.
From what I gathered, his business was successful. However, somewhere along the way he didn’t manage the business properly and was removed by the company. Now a major conglomerate owns his name “Famous” Amos and has even sued Wally over trademark infringement.
After losing his business, Wally was in a rut. However, he pulled himself out of the rut by merely changing his attitude from one of negativity, to one of positivity. He has been the kazoo-blowing, watermelon wearing Wally ever since.
He has used his fame to improve literacy rates among children. Recently he has decided to again open retail stores selling cookies and toys. Find out more at www.chipandcookiestore.com.
Wally’s Words of Wisdom
- Life is funny. Life takes unintended directions. But that’s okay, just keep a good attitude and you’ll pull through.
- Work together – “I am more than I am, but less than we are”
- The small person wants credit, the big person wants nothing
- Everyone has access to the same resources he did, just look around, ask the right questions.
- Don’t worry about what others think – use that energy instead to move your product forward
- Don’t be defined by stuff, what you do, friends, or status – what really matters is that you know yourself.
- Everyone is unique. Everyone is a collector’s item.
- Giving is receiving
When a cell phone went off in the room. In true Wally fashion, he hummed his kazoo to the ringtone melody.
We briefly spoke to Wally and he agreed to do an interview with us. Stay tuned for more Wally!
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