Monique Vann Brown is the owner of two McDonald’s franchises in the Detroit metropolitan region. She became an owner operator in the world’s largest and most recognized fast food chain after completing a fast track owner/operator training program. Ms. Brown served as a panelist recently at the McDonald’s sponsored Female Success Factor 2009 in Detroit. Following the energetic and highly interactive session Brown talked with rolling out about the experience. “I knew that the culture I worked in [before McDonald’s] was not trying to develop me or have my best interest in mind,” says Brown who switched gears and followed her parents lead, by becoming a McDonald’s franchisee. “For an investment that may not require huge capital, this economy is ripe for someone to take that risk and take their destiny into their own hands,” Brown adds.
McDonald’s has been exemplary as a pioneer in the area of diversity initiatives, and owner/operator Savarior Moss-Service owner of 17 stores and former president of the Black McDonald’s Operator’s Association has focused on creating an even brighter future for franchisees with the company. “I came up through McDonald’s, having been with them [22] years, and I’ve given back throughout my career. … someone looked out for me. So it’s my pleasure to give back in that regard … as well as making sure that we’re giving people the tools needed to succeed. McDonald’s is making sure that it’s all happening.”
The energy and power generated by these McDonald’s owner/operators on the move is a force to be reckoned with, and when African American women get together there is no end to the feats they might accomplish and the heights they can attain.
McDonald’s is the world’s largest global food-service retailer, with nearly 25,000 restaurants serving over 40 million people each day in 115 countries. Approximately 85 percent of McDonald’s U.S. restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees. –roz edward
