The Waffle House is as much a part of Southern culture as SEC Football and NASCAR. Bert Thornton was part of the iconic restaurant for nearly four decades, starting as manager trainee and climbing through the executive ranks becoming President and Chief Operating Officer. His imprint on the company is such that one of their popular menu items bears his name - Bert?s Chili. Now retired from day to day activities with Waffle House, Thornton is intent on leaving a positive impact on up and comers. He recently penned a book entitled ? Find an Old Gorilla: Pathways through the Jungle of Business and Life. ? The book zeros in on how finding the right mentor can make a monumental difference in your life and career.