How franchising can build multi-generational wealth
Aug 14, 2024
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Kerri Harper-Howie, a second-generation McDonald's franchisee and author of 'The Family Secret,' shares her journey of building generational wealth through franchising. She discusses the profound influence of her mother on their family's success and the lessons learned in the fast-food industry. Kerri highlights the benefits and challenges of operating a franchise in California, including the economic pressures and the importance of succession planning. This insightful conversation offers valuable perspectives on creating a lasting family legacy through business.
Operating a franchise like McDonald's can transform family economic situations, enabling generational wealth through strategic investments and perseverance.
Franchise ownership significantly impacts community growth by providing employees with essential training and career advancement opportunities, fostering personal and professional development.
Deep dives
The Journey to Franchise Success
Operating a franchise, particularly a McDonald's, can provide a pathway to generational wealth. Carrie Harper-Howie's family entered the franchise business in the early 1980s when her parents became one of the first African-American franchisees. They took a significant financial risk by cashing in their retirements to invest in the venture, demonstrating the determination and grit required to succeed. This foundational choice not only transformed their family's economic situation but also set the stage for Carrie and her sister to continue the legacy, showcasing the potential of franchising as a sustainable business model.
Legacy and Personal Growth
Carrie's story reflects a profound personal evolution regarding legacy following the birth of her first son. Initially uninterested in the family business, she experienced a shift in perspective that led her to leave her successful career as a lawyer to work alongside her mother and sister in the restaurants. This transition allowed her to contribute to the family's legacy while cultivating a strong sense of responsibility and connection to her heritage. The decision to return to the business was driven by a desire to create a lasting impact and legacy for her own children, mirroring her mother’s journey of building generational wealth.
Community Impact and Career Development
The influence of restaurant ownership extends beyond just profit; it significantly shapes the lives of employees who often view McDonald's as their first job. The franchise provides essential training and development opportunities, allowing individuals to climb the career ladder from entry-level positions to management roles. Carrie shared the inspiring story of her director of operations, who began as a non-English speaking employee and ultimately achieved career success through hard work and guidance. This transformative potential illustrates the broader societal role that franchise owners play in fostering community growth and providing crucial career stepping stones.
Navigating the Challenges of California's Business Landscape
Franchise operators in California face numerous challenges, particularly with increasing labor costs stemming from regulations such as the $20 minimum wage for fast food workers. This development has led to tough decisions regarding pricing strategies, employee hours, and overall operational sustainability. Carrie highlighted how external pressures have impacted customer behavior, resulting in reduced sales and less frequent patronage despite raising prices. These challenges underscore the resilience required to thrive in a competitive, often restrictive business environment while reminding the public that franchise owners, like her family, are local businesses dedicated to serving their communities amidst increasing operational complexities.
How can operating a franchise lead to multi-generational success?
This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Kerri Harper-Howie, a second-generation McDonald's franchisee out of Los Angeles.
We talk extensively about her mother and the impact she had, both on the family and on the people who worked with her.
We also talk about the benefits of getting into a franchise like McDonald’s and all kinds of other things such as the number of eggs I can crack at one time.
And we also talk about the operating environment out in California and what it takes to succeed there.
This is a great conversation about operating a McDonald’s on A Deeper Dive so please check it out.
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