Bob Thomson, a Subway franchisee who has worked for the chain for 22 years, is turning 86. He bought his first Subway franchise at age 64.
"Bob certainly has an inspiring story, and we are proud of the fact that he, like many Subway franchisees, chose Subway to kick off his second career," chief development officer Don Fertman said in a press release.
Thomson studied business at the University of Minnesota after serving two years in the Navy during World War II. A job with a chamber of commerce brought him to Iowa, where he later owned several Ben Franklin stores before buying his first Subway franchise in 1990.
Thomson owns the most Subway locations in the northern Iowa territory along with his partner George Slattery, with 24. The restaurants provide the community with about 250 jobs.
"The first Subway I saw was in Hawaii," Thomson said in the release. "I went in, grabbed a sandwich, and was immediately sold on the program. I knew I wanted to become a franchisee for this company that I knew would grow in the years to follow."