The Dirt Dog Pod Holding Up to The Golden Arches Standard - Bob O'Connell, Former Senior Real Estate Manager for McDonald's
May 30, 2025
Bob O'Connell, a recently retired Senior Real Estate Manager at McDonald's, shares fascinating insights from his 32-year career. He discusses how McDonald's uses its rich history and extensive data for location scouting. Bob explains the rigorous site selection process, which helps prevent the need for closures. He also highlights the evolving business landscape while emphasizing the enduring importance of personal connections in real estate. The complexities of managing locations in U.S. territories, including unique challenges, are also explored.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Cherished Travel and Teamwork
- Bob O'Connell cherished the travel aspect of his job, enjoying scenic drives through diverse American landscapes.
- He valued the people he worked with, highlighting the strong relationships formed on the road.
Leverage Local Broker Partnerships
- Engage dedicated brokers locally to extend your reach across vast real estate markets.
- Relationships with brokers help efficiently identify and track potential sites.
Fieldwork Complements Analytics
- McDonald's excels by combining deep analytics with on-the-ground market experience.
- Field visits and understanding existing store performance are vital in site selection.