Ulysses (Junior) Bridgeman is the owner and President of Manna, Inc. and ERJ Inc. which currently oversees the administration and operation of 163 Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburger Restaurants in five states and 24 Chili’s Restaurants in four states. The restaurants presently employ approximately 7,500 employees.

Junior’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Louisville in 1975.

From 1975-1983 and from 1986-1987, Junior played professional basketball with the Milwaukee Bucks. During the interim of 1983-1986 he played for the Los Angeles Clippers.

During his professional basketball career, Junior worked as a Sales and Public Relations Representative for Howard Johnson in Milwaukee. His experience also includes holding a position as an analyst with Towers, Perrin, Crosby Insurance Consultants in Milwaukee.

Junior’s leadership skills have been further developed through his eleven years with the NBA Players Association. AS a Player Representative, he acted as a liaison between the players and management. He was directly involved in arbitration proceedings and also assisted with the implementation of specials programs such as Career Alternatives, Fitness and Wellness and Financial Planning. During his time with the Players Association, he held the title of Treasurer for three years and President for four years.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Fifth Third Bank; The Library Board, the West End School, Jackson Hewitt Board, Governors Rider Cup, Governors Scholar Program, Louisville Community Initiative, National Basketball Retired Players Association, Crusade for Children Foundation and Wendy’s National Advertising Board. He is Capital Campaign Co-Chair for the African American Heritage Foundation and serves as Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees University of Louisville and Chair of the Grand Gala Derby Event.

Bridgeman Foods has received the following prestigious awards from Wendy’s International: The Diamond Award (most effective neighborhood marketer); the Wendy Award (exemplary performance by a franchisee); the Founder’s Award (recognizing operational excellence by a franchisee) and the Jim Near Legacy Award (for employer of choice). In October 1999, Bridgeman Foods received the Hall of Fame Award (for overall achievement).

Junior has personally received many awards including the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame; volunteers of America, Tribute award for outstanding Service to the Commonwealth of Kentucky; John Thompson Foundation outstanding achievement award; Jim Near Legacy Award; Coach Wooden Key to Life Award and many others.

Center Stage Magazine Interview