Harding students have greatly benefitted from the friendship they share with local Sonic Drive-Ins’ sponsoring partner Gene Morris. While overseeing five restaurants in the White County area, Morris still finds time to connect with students and provide a place for them to be together.
Morris has always been in the sales field, and after leaving Truman-Baker Dodge in Searcy in 2013, he became a Sonic franchise partner with a friend. Later that year, Morris took over five stores as a supervisor: three in Searcy, one in Bald Knob and one in McCrory.
Morris, who was raised in Cabot, said he has always been close to the Harding community.
“Harding has always been in my family,” Morris said. “It has always had a special place in my heart.”
Even though he never attended school at Harding, Morris has various family connections and ties to the university. His father and brother both attended Harding and his grandparents were major supporters.
Morris’ love for Harding at a young age has translated into his professional career. He has even employed several students who paid their way through school by working for him.
“We love when y’all come over,” Morris said. “You are our lifeblood. We know that you are not only an important part of our business but also an important part of Searcy.”
In the summer months, when the vast majority of students are away from campus, their presence is missed by local businesses. Their absence, according to Morris, makes the school year even more important.
“It has become a very good relationship,” Morris said.
Last fall, Sonic began to sponsor various campus events by giving out bottled water and coupons.
“We try to make a difference in people’s lives everyday, and faith is a big part of our business,” Morris said. “I get to come to work everyday and not only touch the lives of the people inside my store but the customers as well. That’s what I love most about my job.”
Morris said Sonic strives to uphold strong moral values, and he wants people to know what they believe by sharing a smile and a good attitude.
“They are adamant that you know that they are glad you are there,” senior Lindsey Sloan said. “They have good attitudes, which is directly related to my good experience there.”
Not only does Morris want to offer the best service possible at his restaurant, but he also wants students to feel like it’s their space to be together.
“Sonic is just the place to go,” Sloan said. “It’s the place you go after functions; it’s the place you go after Spring Sing practice; it’s the place you go after basketball games; it’s the place you go to just be with people.”
Morris said he loves getting to know Harding students and being a positive presence in their time spent in Searcy.
“Service with a smile goes a long way,” Sloan said. “There’s a reason they are always busy.”
