Day by Day: The Story of Cecil B. Day and His Simple Formula for Success

Cecil B. Day, founder of Days Inns, represents the American dream personified. One of his mottos, "Find a need, then fill it," guided him throughout his life and was the counsel he offered aspiring entrepreneurs.

Having experienced the usual ups and downs of one whose mind is set on a business career, it occurred to Cecil Day that affordable lodging accommodations were in short supply in America. To fill the void, he set out to provide motels with clean, comfortable, moderately priced rooms. In 1970 Cecil started his business with one simple motel, and within eight short years more than three hundred Days Inns dotted the American and Canadian landscapes. Today, Days Inns is still the world's fastest growing motel chain. Cecil Day possessed natural business acumen. That, coupled with a fantastic imagination and extraordinary perseverance, were prime ingredients in his march toward success. "Keep on keepin' on!" was his father's sage advice, and Cecil took these words to heart as he indefatigably pursued his dream.

One final ingredient in Cecil B. Day's success story was his unshakable belief in Judeo-Christian values. To Cecil this meant treating everyone--from the most modest employee to the shrewdest banker--with dignity, respect, and fairness.

By the time of Cecil B. Day's death at age forty-four, he had amassed a multimillion dollar fortune, half of which he generously shared with churches and other charitable institutions.

C. BURKE DAY, JR., learned the motel business first as a maid and subsequently as assistant to Cecil B. Day, Sr., founder and chairman of the board of Days Inns. Working in the latter capacity until the family business was sold in 1984 afforded Burke the opportunity to not only learn more about Cecil Day as a father, but also as a successful entrepreneur and employer.

Today, Burke is a self-employed investor, speaker, and published writer. His articles have been featured in national magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post and numerous international publications and newspapers.

The 1990s introduced Burke to another full-time job: politics. Having served as a city councilman and police commissioner, Burke was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1994. He is currently completing his third consecutive term.

Mr. Day is married to his high school sweetheart, Sally. They have three sons and live near Savannah, Georgia.

JOHN C. MCCOLLISTER has authored thirteen books, including The Christian Book of Why, The Sky Is Home, Writing for Dollars, The Story of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and The Tigers and Their Den. Over five hundred of his articles have appeared in publications such as The Boston Globe, Lady's Circle, Science Digest, Entrepreneur, Plane and Pilot, and The Saturday Evening Post.

A Christian pastor and university professor, Dr. McCollister graduated from Capital University and Trinity Lutheran Seminary, both in Columbus, Ohio. He earned his Ph.D. from Michigan State University and has engaged in post-graduate study at Union Theological Seminary and the University of Michigan.

Founder and president of the American Writers Institute, Dr. McCollister currently travels the nation presenting his popular seminar, "How to Make Money by Writing."