McDonald’s Corporation boasts the distinction of helping to create more African American entrepreneurs and millionaires than any other company in the world. Three McDonald’s owners-operators took time to speak with rolling out at the McDonald’s Black 365 Awards during the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans to share how they became franchise owners.
John Mayer, owner of six McDonald’s stores in Tidewater, Va.:
“I graduated from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J., and started off as a software engineer. I did that for 16, 17 years. Then, I developed a relationship with gentleman who was an operator in the San Jose, [Calif.], market named James Henley. So I owe him a debt of gratitude. He introduced me to the [McDonald’s] program. I went through several interviews. Then I got accepted into the Registered Applicant Program. I started off as a regular crew person.”
Ralph Gann: owner-operator of five stores, Kansas City, Mo.:
“Back in 1983, when I was looking to see what I could do and leave the corporate world, I looked at several franchisees and got involved with several people who were involved with McDonald’s. And I was very enthused about the system and how it worked. And at that point, I became a Registered Applicant.”
Ken Brown, author, motivational speaker and one of the youngest McDonald’s owners-operators, Michigan:
“I always had a dream of owning my own business. So I positioned myself so I could learn the food service business. I started working in food service restaurants, and in 2001, I had a date with destiny. I was serving tables at a restaurant and a VP of McDonald’s saw me and she said, ‘Something is different about you.’ She gave me a golden opportunity to learn the McDonald’s system. [Eventually] I became so proficient at it [that] she said, ‘I need you to become an owner.’ So I moved from Chicago to Michigan.”
What is the best part of being a franchise owner in the McDonald’s system?
Mayer: “[It’s a] great process for individuals, especially African Americans, who want to start their own businesses. We get a chance to develop ourselves. We get a chance to grow in a professional environment. And additionally, we get a chance to give back to the community. And that’s very gratifying.”
All three owners praised McDonald’s unmatched corporate support system that helps aspiring owners start and maintain a thriving franchise. –terry shropshire
