Mark Garrison: Area Supervisor

"I work for McDonald’s."

Before you began working for McDonald’s, whenever you heard that statement, you probably thought '"May l take your order?” “Would you like fries with that?”

Once you began working for McDonald’s, more than likely, as a crew member, you probably thought it was just a part-time job to either get a certain something you wanted or until you got something "better''. You probably never thought there were “better" jobs at McDonald’s.

Guess what? I did, too! I started working for McDonald’s in April of 1984. I was in 10th grade at Port Allen High School. Back then, I wanted a truck. So, I worked to get it, earning $3.25 an hour.

After school, when most of my friends hung out, I went to work. I worked the grill, I fried fries; I even took out trash and cleaned the parking lot. During football season, I went to work after practice and after work, I studied. And yes, I did get teased about working at McDonald’s.

Around this time, I realized two things:

1- There are opportunities to advance at McDonald’s

2- All you need to do is want it, work for it, and have the positive attitude and determination to get it.

After getting my truck, I didn't quit. While attending college, I continued to work for McDonald’s, but I also set goals. I was eventually promoted to swing manager, then 2nd assistant, then 1st assistant, eventually becoming store manager. By the way, I've worked at various locations!

This path was not easy. It required dedication, commitment, and sometimes sacrifices. It also required learning through numerous trainings such as Hamburger University, BOC, BSM, IOC, AOC and equipment classes.

I continued along my path, being promoted a few more times, becoming responsible for up to 6 different restaurants at one time. I've received numerous awards and been called upon to assist with the openings of new stores and the remodeling of existing stores. This eventually led me to my current position as Area Supervisor.

I no longer work the grill - I no longer fry fries - I no longer clean the parking lot. If you ask some of my employees, they would tell you all I do is ride around and tell them what to do. That's true, but I actually do more than that. As an Area Supervisor, I now spend most of my time leading, teaching and motivating my employees.

When I was working on the grill, frying fries, and taking the trash out, I always thought of it as my pathway to something better- and it was. My job with McDonald’s turned into a career with McDonald’s.