How did you determine your career path?
I was good in math and science, so my high school counselor steered me toward engineering as a college major. I earned a Bachelors degree in accounting and engineering. After nearly two decades with Exxon, I realized I was not fulfilling my passion of serving people.
I started applying to places where I could follow my passion. I looked at Subway, Blimpie, Jiffy Lube and Burger King. Some of them declined me, but Burger King accepted me. However, the cost was phenomenal. I did not feel comfortable starting my own business, but I liked the franchise concept. Still, I didn’t think I would ever be a McDonald’s franchisee. I looked at McDonald’s as the old standard of franchising and quick serve restaurant. I applied to McDonald’s at the 10-year mark and they sent me a professional letter stating ‘we decline at this time..if you desire to apply in the future.’ So, I continued to save money and work at my engineering job. Two years later I again applied to McDonald’s. I went in and we did a real nice interview. But, once more I got the decline letter. So, again I continued to work and save. At this point, I am at 16 years on my job.
For a third time, I filled out the application with McDonald’s and they called me in for an interview followed by a job evalution. McDonald’s needed to know I was serious about owning a store. I very much was and they brought me in for a 1-year applicant training program. Essentially, you keep your day job, but work 20 hours in the restaurant. I often worked 30 hours. I just kept coming in shift after shift to learn. I had no idea that the then-vice president and manager, Larry Zimmerman, was watching me. After my completion of Hamburger University I was offered stores in other cities. That made me nervous, I wanted something in the Houston area. Zimmerman offered me my first store.
How many stores do you own and how long have you been a owner/operator?
I have three stores in the Houston area and have been an owner/operator since July 3, 2001
What skill set helped you prepare?
I am a perpetual learner. While an engineer, I earned a MBA. That made me comfortable reading profit & loss statements, balance sheets. General education will help you prepare.
What advice would give someone who wants to be a McDonald’s owner/operator?
First, have faith. Second, possess discipline in your personal financial life. This discipline will expand to your professional life. I met with a financial planner to help me save money monthly each year before opening my first McDonald’s. Lastly, have the ability to communicate.
How do you approach business challenges?
Depending on what the challenge may be, each one has to be evaluated. The greater the challenge the more task oriented I become. Pray, analyze the situation, then pray some more. Each challenge makes me stronger.
How do you measure success?
The lower the stress, the higher my success. I am a modest person. Secondly, actively helping others. Many of my employees are pursuing higher education. So, I offer a scholarship from my organization (this is not a McDonald’s scholarship). This helps me measure my success. Giving back to the community. I provide breakfast at my church every Easter. Some of Houston’s owners/operators and myself did a summit at Prairie View to let the business students know they too can be a McDonald’s owner/operator.
