(Undated) -- A Cedar Rapids man known for his bar-b-que is one Fortune magazine's 50-Greatest Leaders. Willie Ray Fairly, of Willie Ray's Q Shack, made the list because of his efforts after last year's devastating derecho. Fairly gave hundreds of free meals to those impacted by the August storm, for several weeks. He also took a team to Texas to feed people after a winter storm left many without power.
“Fairley’s generosity may have cut into his profits, but it has endeared him to a community where he’s now a celebrated household name. (A billboard in Cedar Rapids encourages citizens to “Be a Willie,” and he’s been recognized by Discover, the credit card company, and actor Will Smith, among others.) In Iowa, in a year defined by the pandemic, disaster, and bitter political division, Fairley, who was recognized by Gov. Kim Reynolds in her annual January address, was the rare hero who transcended all that.”
(Photo from KCRG TV 9)