About Wesley
Wesley Key is a husband, father, Chick-fil-A Operator, mentor, and youth leader whose life story is marked
by grace, perseverance, and redemption. For nearly thirty years, Wes has served within the Chick-fil-A organization, where he has grown leaders, developed thriving teams, and built a culture rooted in excellence, care, and purpose.
But beyond his career, Wes is a man shaped by God’s relentless pursuit. From growing up in a pastor’s home, to wrestling with doubt and identity in seminary, to finding his faith again in the most unexpected ways, Wes’s journey is a testament to the God who heals, transforms, and restores.
Wes serves as a youth leader at Emmanuel Church alongside his wife, Kelly. Together, they invest deeply in the next generation — speaking encouragement, truth, and purpose into the lives of students navigating their own stories. More recently he began leading the Connection Group ministry at Emmanuel.
He lives in Bloomington, Indiana, where he owns two Chick-fil-A restaurants, mentors young adults, plays a mean game of basketball with his Emmanuel & SOCC crews, and continues discovering what it means to live free, love deeply, and walk faithfully with Jesus.
This is his first book — the fulfillment of a dream God planted in his heart over a decade ago. His only other printed publication was in Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse magazine when he was 8 or 9 years old. It was a simple Christmas story that was chosen to be published. A slight
difference in the number of words.
Endorsements
Dan T. Cathy
Chairman of Chick-fil-A, Inc., Founder & Chief Visionary of Trilith
I trust you’ll be inspired by the transformational ideas throughout Wesley Key’s Inspire. Nourish. Cultivate. These ideas remind us that the way we think and act today can lead to generational change for a better world - one to which we are called to faithful stewardship.
Mark Miller,
Former Vice President of High Performance Leadership for Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of Culture Rules
Sharing your story takes courage. Sharing it honestly takes a freedom that few can muster. Even if you appear to have little in common with Wes, you likely have more in common than you think. His story is an invitation – to think deeply and honestly about your own. That kind of reflection is always worth your time.
Shawn Green
Lead Minister for Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
This is more than a book. It’s a testimony of God’s faithfulness and it reads like sitting across the table from a friend who’s willing to talk about the things most of us keep quiet. With honesty and humility, Wes invites you into his story of breakdown, healing, and transformation. His words are raw, hopeful, and deeply encouraging. If you’re trying to make sense of your story, or learning to trust God in the midst of pain, this book will meet you right where you are and gently nudge you toward your next step of surrender to the Lord.
Luke Zeller
Former NBA Player & Certified Gallup Strength Coach
Having walked alongside Wes Key for close to a decade—most notably as a coach for his team through the immense pressures of the pandemic—I have had a front-row seat to leadership that transcends business. In Inspire. Nourish. Cultivate., Wes offers a vulnerable and masterfully told account of a life refined by God’s faithfulness, moving from the 'wilderness' of doubt to a place of radical purpose. Wes doesn't just manage a brand; he stewards a calling to nourish the souls of everyone he leads. This book is a must-read for anyone who feels like a 'reluctant leader' or finds themselves in a valley, proving that our hardest chapters are often the ones that prepare us for our greatest callings.
Tim Woodcock
Lead Pastor for Glad Tidings Church in Ontario, Canada
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Wes for many years, and he is a powerful reminder that God often breaks the mold in how He raises up leaders. Wes leads with a quiet humility and steady faithfulness, and his commitment to transparency and vulnerability builds deep trust in every sphere he influences.
What stands out most is his intentionality in lifting others up—creating spaces where people feel supported, valued, and championed. Our world needs more leaders like Wes Key.
I highly recommend this book. It offers an honest look into some of the darkest moments of Wes’s life, while revealing God’s hand at work through it all as he continually surrendered to the Holy Spirit. His writing is clear and memorable, making this a journey worth taking.
Contacting Wesley
Whether you’re interested in a speaking event, podcast, or would just like to leave a message, Wesley would love to hear from you.