AH: I’ve worked a few different places and even spent roughly seven years in corporate America. This was before I decided to come into [the] business with my mom. Unlike you, my path was a little different because I wasn’t born into this. My mother worked in corporate America for many, many years. Her and I always had entrepreneurial spirits.
AH: What does balancing family and business in a 24/7 business enterprise mean to you?
JS: It means a lot. You take care of your business and your business takes care of your family, but your family takes care of you. You have to find that balance. I have three small children, and they need my time and my attention. They need me to pour into them. Then, I’ve got stores filled with employees who need the same thing. So you know, you got your family and your McDonald’s family. I think the balance comes in just recognizing everybody’s needs.
It’s really learning people and learning what they need, and just being there for them when they need you. And I think if you can do that for your people, and for your family, they’ll have a lot of respect for you. They’ll respect when you have to put that boundary up. Today is my day, where I’m going to be immersed with my family. Try not to bother me if it’s not critical. You want your family to understand the same thing. You know, today, I have a lot of meetings to take care of. I’d appreciate it if we could keep things civil.
