Leading one of the largest bottlers in the US, Frank Harrison, CEO of Coca-Cola Consolidated, is driven by a personal mission to integrate Christian values into his company's operations.

In December, nothing signals that Christmas is just around the corner better than Home Alone starting to air on TV, families deciding on presents, and, of course, the all-time favorite jingle, ‘Holidays are coming, Holidays are coming, Holidays are coming…’

This Coca-Cola song, accompanied by the image of a huge red lorry, has truly become a symbol of the Christmas season. But when you think about who’s bringing Coca-Cola bottles to your local store, it’s not the original Coca-Cola company itself – it's the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the U.S., Coca-Cola Consolidated.

Founded in 1902, Coca-Cola Consolidated now provides over 300 brands and flavors to 60 million consumers across 14 U.S. states, serving approximately 20% of the country’s population.

A legacy spanning centuries

A typical working day for Frank Harrison in the early years of his career at Coca-Cola Consolidated involved running routes and operating bottling lines. Forty-seven years later, he is still running, but now it's the company, overseeing 17,000 employees.

J. Frank Harrison III, Chairman and CEO, represents the fourth generation of the Harrison family to lead Coca-Cola Consolidated. His Coca-Cola journey began in 1977, but his family’s ties to the brand go back to 1902, when his great-grandfather, J.B. Harrison, brought Coca-Cola to the Carolinas.

“We are a publicly traded, family-controlled company, and fifth-generation family members are also working in the business,” says Dave Katz, President and COO of Coca-Cola Consolidated.

Frank Harrison, CEO of Coca-Cola Consolidated. Credits: The Business Journals

Another enduring element of this company is its purpose: “To honor God in all we do, to serve others, to pursue excellence, and to grow profitably.” 

Some time ago, a religious leader shared a profound observation with Frank Harrison: 'People in areas like Sudan drink Coke, but don’t know who Jesus is.' This statement struck a chord with Harrison. He realized that Coca-Cola's immense global reach, already evident in places like Sudan, presented a unique opportunity: to spread Christian values alongside its products.

Spreading His Kingdom

Beyond Coca-Cola's global reach, Harrison and his late son James founded Open Eyes, a ministry dedicated to spreading the Gospel in underserved regions. Operating in 18 countries, Open Eyes equips local leaders to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with remote communities. This ministry has impacted thousands of lives, supporting indigenous Christian leaders, distributing Bibles, and providing aid to those in need.

This same spirit of service is reflected in Coca-Cola Consolidated's T-Factor initiative, which encourages businesses to infuse their workplace culture with Christian values, fostering an environment built on integrity, compassion, and service.

Here's how it works:

• Leaders are trained to prioritize ethical decision-making and support their teams.

• Employees are empowered through volunteer programs, professional development, and initiatives that foster a strong sense of community.

• Companies are encouraged to prioritize sustainability, give back to their communities, and operate with honesty and transparency.

The goal? A workplace that's not just profitable, but also meaningful for employees and the communities they serve.

Over 100 companies have adopted the initiative, impacting 30+ million employees across 75 countries and reaching over 8,310 attendees, extending its influence well beyond Coca-Cola Consolidated’s own operations.

More than just a job

The company doesn’t just care for the world outside its doors – it also looks after its staff. The company has partnered with Corporate Chaplains of America to provide chaplain services across its sites. Harrison is a strong advocate of this initiative, believing in the power of spiritual support for employees. 

Through this service, staff can access pastoral care, reflecting the company’s Christian values of compassion and support. Coca-Cola Consolidated offers pastoral care to both employees and their families. 

Each year, chaplains conduct approximately 2,000 pastoral visits and provide over 5,000 employee care sessions. Over 90% of those who use the opportunity report a positive experience.

Coca-Cola bottles produced by Coca-Cola Consolidated. Credits: Luke Sharrett / Bloomberg

“The next revival in America is going to be in the workplace. If you’re not getting strong for God today, when will you? Whatever you’re going to do for Jesus, do it now – because culture eats strategy!” says Frank Harrison in one of his many speeches.

When talking about company culture, he sums it up: “Our culture is our purpose. Our purpose is to honor God in all we do.”

Harrison believes that companies don’t grow; people within companies do. “Growth is godly,” he says, and encourages employees to take action and make a difference for God’s purpose. 

“Sometimes, you just need to take a good, godly risk and move forward. Don’t be afraid – start a mentoring program, start a chaplaincy program, start a prayer group,” he advises.

Beyond Profit

Coca-Cola Consolidated is reaping the rewards of its efforts. As of December 9, 2024, the company boasts a market cap of $11.31 billion, reflecting a remarkable 65.70% increase in just one year.

However, financial growth isn’t the primary focus for those behind the company. If Christian principles in finance had an embodiment, it would be Coca-Cola Consolidated – firmly grounded in the belief that stewardship of the resources God has given us can make the world a better place.