The Jenny Craig Story: How One Woman Changes Millions of Lives

"A fascinating insight into the world of big business and how a little Cajun girl from New Orleans can achieve great success in this country." —Dick Van Patten, actor (Eight Is Enough) "Jenny Craig′s story is a splendid example of what can be accomplished in our entrepreneurial society with dedication and hard work. Jenny′s spirit, determination, and focus on providing service to her clients enabled her to create a leading weight–control company and help millions of people. Her journey is an American success story." —Steven N. Blair, President and CEO, The Cooper Institute "Jenny Craig is a pioneer in delivering nutritious, portion–controlled food, now recognized as one of the most powerful dietary weight–loss tools, in the context of a comprehensive program to change one′s lifestyle. The story of her success in building a multinational weight–management program can serve as an inspiration to other women (and men) who have the capacity for the hard work needed to carry their creative ideas to fruition. This is a book well worth reading." —Frank Greenway, MD, Medical Director and Professor Pennington Biomedical Research Center "Reading the story of Jenny Craig′s personal journey is a truly inspirational experience. Her persistence and adaptation to change in all aspects of her life, ranging from her personal relationships and professional activities to coping with health problems in later years, provide an exemplary model of self–actualization and compassion for others." —G. Alan Marlatt, PhD, Director, Addictive Behaviors Research Center Professor of Psychology, University of Washington

Introduction. 1. Early Years. " I learned very early that work was not a dirty four–letter word". 2. First Foray into Entrepreneurship. "You can do anything and be anything you want". 3. Researching New Franchise Opportunities. "I was open to anything that was available." 4. Negotiating a Buyout. "I′d rather be in jail than be here." 5. The Beginning of Jenny Craig, Inc. "A Company that would incorporate all the necessary benefits of successful weight management. 6. Starting Over: Back in the United States. "We were both only 52–and ready for a new challenge." 7. Health Troubles and Legal Problems. "Surely there′s something or someone out there that has the answer." 8. The Challenge of Succession Planning. "I have always believed we should have a woman in charge of all field operations." 9. Moving On and Looking Ahead. "I devoted most of my adult life to helping people make positive changes." Final Thoughts. "I can′t wait for tomorrow." Index.

JENNY CRAIG, founder of the eponymous weight–loss centers, is well known to many people from her appearances in ads for her company. She began working in the weight–management industry when she was trying to lose weight gained during pregnancy. She went on to work as a top executive for a chain of centers that was sold to NutriSystem, then, along with her husband Sid, relaunched Jenny Craig Systems in Australia—bringing it back to the United States in the mid–1980s. Today, Jenny Craig, Inc., is one of the largest weight–management companies in the world.