Talk about your upbringing and how you were groomed for McDonald’s ownership.
I started working in our mother ship store at 12 years old. My parents were very intentional because they wanted us to grow up knowing the value of working hard and being in a service-dominated industry. Because we grew up in Detroit public schools, our schools were right around the corner. My parents would pick us up from school, we’d sit in the lobby and do our homework, and when we finished, we got two towels, one for the table and one for the chairs, and we proceeded to clean the lobby. So, that’s how we grew up.
You became a lawyer before you became a franchise owner. Tell us why.
I went off to law school and practiced law for about 10 years, and then came back into the family business. I wanted to come back with a value-add for the family. I felt like getting a law degree, practicing law, and making those connections were the best way that I could add value to my family’s business.
Do you still practice law?
I still get a chance to practice law in the family business. I wanted to make sure I had the experience so, I practiced with a large law firm here in Michigan for 10 years before I came back into the business.
What does 313 Day mean to you and why did you decide to host a pop-up event?
It’s a celebration of Detroit, it’s a celebration of history. I would say over the last 80 or so years, it’s really been a celebration of us, Black folks. With respect to a celebration for people who look like me, I want to be a part of it.
It’s Women’s History Month. Who would you like to pay homage to?
The first person that comes to mind is my mom, just because she’s mom. But when I think about who’s recently done some awesome things, I would honestly expect most of us to say Michelle Obama. She has been super authentic in every moment, in everything she’s touched, and she has truly been an advocate for Black folks, and that’s something that I admire.
