In 2002, my high school friend Gina Otto inspired me to write a book. Gina had just published Cassandra’s Angel, and during our conversation, I mentioned that I had been thinking about writing for years but hadn’t yet settled on a topic. My drive to become an author intensified after reading Mentor: The Kid and the CEO by Tom Pace. The book emphasized perseverance in achieving goals and featured a six-page list of qualities for being a continuous learner. One goal stood out to me: “Write a book.” Now, I just needed the right topic
Gina suggested I write about McDonald’s. We had both worked there in the 1980s, and she knew firsthand the valuable lessons and experiences the restaurants offered. Her suggestion struck a chord, and I spent the next couple of years exploring how to tell the true story of being a McDonald’s employee.
A significant challenge I aimed to address was the misrepresentation of McDonald’s jobs, particularly following the introduction of the term “McJob” in 1986. That same year, the Washington Post published the headline, “The fast-food factories: McJobs are detrimental to kids,” which undermined the perceived value of these positions. Interestingly, 1986 was also the year I graduated from college with a degree in Marketing and Accounting.
When faced with multiple job offers, I chose to stay with McDonald’s as an Assistant Manager. The decision was clear: McDonald’s offered a higher salary and a better career path. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. I soon outearned many of my peers and embarked on an extraordinary journey of professional growth.
Conversations with McDonald’s thought partners and colleagues made me realize I wanted to challenge the stereotypes and set the record straight.
Did you know that one in eight U.S. workers has worked at McDonald’s at some point? The company hires around one million people yearly—more than any other American organization. Whether held for a year or pursued as a career, McDonald’s jobs provide transferable skills that contribute to success across various industries.
Rick Colón’s journey from a teenage crew member at McDonald’s to COO of Dunkin’ exemplifies the power of perseverance and leadership. Raised in Connecticut after moving from Puerto Rico, Colón began his career cleaning floors and flipping burgers before rising through the ranks at McDonald’s to oversee 4,000 restaurants and $11 billion in sales. After retiring at 54, he was drawn back into the industry by Dunkin’s culture, joining as Senior Vice President of U.S. Operations and Development. At Dunkin’, he has helped modernize the brand while preserving its traditional appeal, introducing innovations to attract younger consumers. His success is grounded in mentorship, humility, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Jeff Bezos began his working life as a cook at McDonald’s, where he learned the value of efficiency and systems—lessons that later influenced his business ventures. After earning degrees in electrical engineering and computer science from Princeton, he worked on Wall Street before launching Amazon in 1994 as an online bookstore. Under his leadership, Amazon grew into a global powerhouse in e-commerce and cloud computing. In 2000, he founded Blue Origin to pursue his vision of accessible space travel. Looking toward 2025, Bezos continues to invest heavily in Blue Origin. He also remains active in media and philanthropy, reshaping The Washington Post and continuing to impact industries far beyond retail.
Kyong Kapalczynski’s journey from a new immigrant to a successful McDonald’s franchise owner is a testament to determination and hard work. After moving to the U.S. from South Korea in the mid-1990s with her husband, a U.S. Army recruiter, she began working at McDonald’s in Missoula, Montana, starting with making biscuits and cleaning floors. Through dedication and perseverance, she advanced to managerial roles and completed training at McDonald’s Hamburger University, eventually purchasing all four McDonald’s locations in Missoula by 2005. In 2022, Kyong and her husband relocated to Queen Creek, Arizona, where they opened a new McDonald’s restaurant in February 2025, continuing their commitment to community involvement, service excellence, and generational succession. Kyong’s story exemplifies the opportunities available through hard work and the support of internal programs that foster employee growth.
Karen Wells began her career at McDonald’s in 1992 and rose through leadership roles, including Vice President of Nutrition and Menu Strategy, where she shaped menu offerings across 14,000 U.S. restaurants. After more than two decades with the company, she transitioned to the nonprofit sector as CEO of Bridge Communities, helping families experiencing homelessness. In 2023, she became Chief Strategy Officer at Make-A-Wish America. Wells also founded The AIW Group, a consulting firm focused on leadership development and cultural transformation. Her journey reflects a commitment to innovation, equity, and community impact across both corporate and nonprofit sectors.
I retired as the U.S. Officer for Franchise Relations. Today, my journey has come full circle. I’m dedicated to celebrating first-time jobs and the invaluable skills they teach us.
I’d love to hear your first job story—what you learned, how it shaped you, and the successes it brought. Please share your experience with me at [email protected]. Many people overlook minimum-wage jobs, not realizing how much they can both learn and contribute.
Gratitude and Acknowledgments
This book wouldn’t have been possible without McDonald’s support. I extend my deepest thanks to:
