Dr. Jonathan E. Byrd

Accomplishments

Owned and operated numerous KFC franchises in central Indiana from 1976 to 1987.

Owner of Jonathan Byrd’s Cafeteria, the world’s largest cafeteria. Over 10 million customers have passed through its doors since opening in 1988.

Opened a Holiday Inn Express in Goodyear, Arizona In 1996. Opened a Hawthorn Suites in Chandler, Arizona in 1998. In January of 2000, opened a Hampton Inn & Suites in Goodyear, Arizona. Added the nation’s first Wingate Inn & Suites (now a Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites), also in Goodyear, Arizona, in September of 2002. Added a Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in Peoria, Arizona in November of 2003. Opened a Residence Inn by Marriott in Goodyear, Arizona in December of 2004. Opened a Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in Washington City, Utah, in August of 2007.

Owner of Jonathan Byrd’s Rare Books & Bibles.

As director of Byrd Enterprises Advertising Agency, has produced over 2,000 television programs, and 25 nationwide primetime television specials.

Founder and former owner of television stations in Minneapolis and Charlotte.

Has participated in the placement of over 500 million copies of Scripture worldwide, and has been honored by The Bible League, The World Bible Society, and the State Legislature of Indiana for his work in the spread of the Gospel.

Recognized by Hopegivers International Ministries for support of Bible Colleges, orphanages, schools, leper colonies, printing presses, radio broadcasting and churches in India.

Has founded over a dozen Christian schools and Universities throughout the United States.

Recipient of an honorary doctorate in the humanities from Heritage Baptist University and a doctorate of theology from Emmanuel Ministries.

Featured in the book Rediscovering American Values written by former Amway President, Dick Devos.

Featured in Guidepost Magazine in article entitled “Failure Was Not On the Menu.”

Co-author of "The Forbidden Book," a book on the history of the English Bible.

Special recognitions include placements in “Who’s Who In Finance & Industry”, “Who’s Who Worldwide”, and the “Who’s Who Registry”.

Named 2002 City of Goodyear, AZ “Man of the Year” in recognition of his role in the city’s economic and community development.

Received Westmarc’s“Best of the West” Award in October of 2003 in the category of businesses that employ more than fifty people. This award is presented to one business in the West Valley of Phoenix each year.

Auto Racing Highlights

Campaigned late model stock cars in the early 80’s, but turned to USAC Midgets in 1985. Teamed with the late, great Rich Vogler from 1985 to 1990. The pairing qualified for 5 Indianapolis 500’s, with a top finish of 8th in 1989. The Byrd / Vogler combination scored two USAC National Midget Championships and five ESPN television championships.

From 1991 to 2001, entered and qualified for the Indy 500 with drivers such as Stan Fox, Gordon Johncock, Buddy Lazier, Scott Brayton, John Andretti and Davy Jones, Arie Luyendyk, Mike Groff, and Jaques Lazier.

In 1994, teamed with the legendary A.J. Foyt, and allowed John Andretti to become the first, and one of only three drivers to compete in both the Indy 500 and Charlotte 600 on the same day. Andretti would later qualify the Jonathan Byrd entry in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s inaugural Brickyard 400.

Formed Indy Racing team with driver, Arie Luyendyk in 1996. Team scored a pole position and race victory at Phoenix International Raceway, and set the all-time qualifying speed records at both Phoenix International Raceway and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Placed fourth in the Indy car points championship in 1997, and captured a race victory with driver John Paul, Jr. in the 1998 Lone Star 500 at Texas Motor Speedway.

Has had sixteen cars compete in the Indianapolis 500, garnering seven top-ten finishes.