Shameela Awan-Patel

I am a Franchisee. This is my McDonald’s.

      

Before McDonald’s 

I worked in the IT sector in sales. It was fun and it’s where I learned the value of working closely and creating a true partnership with clients and my team. When I had my 5th birthday party at McDonald’s in Southend, I told people that I owned that McDonald’s and from then I had the notion in my head that I would. I had no idea at the time what it meant as I believed that Ronald McDonald owned all the McDonald’s restaurants and knew nothing about Franchising, it was just a dream as my parents would say. As I grew up I never let go of my dream, I always kept it alive. 

My connection with McDonald’s 

Ever since I can remember McDonald’s has been a part of my life. When I was growing up, it was an affordable treat and I have memories of going with my parents for a family meal, or getting breakfast or dinner on the way to or from school. It’s where I had my own and attended birthday parties of friends and it’s where my husband had his first part time job. I didn’t know him then but he still shares his fond memories of his time there even now, and when I told him what my dream was, he understood completely. 

What inspired me to become a McDonald’s Franchisee 

For me, that happened after I had my second son. How was I supposed to be a role model for my two boys if I didn’t live by what I said, follow your dreams and be whoever you want to be as long as you are happy. It inspired me - that application that I had opened and closed so many times before,  I opened it and filled it in and thought that if now isn’t the right time, it will never be. Best decision I made!

 McDonald’s has always been in my life in some shape or form from such a young age and I want my children to see and understand why I have such a passion for the brand. My McDonald’s is not just a business, it’s my family.

Top insight 

To always have the confidence to trust and believe in myself because I have a real opportunity to be a key part of the community I serve. Don’t wait for as long as I did to apply, if you have the passion and know what you can offer to the brand, go ahead and send off that application! Becoming a McDonald’s Franchisee was the golden opportunity Shameela Awan-Patel needed to thrive in a career that would allow her to balance work and a growing family.

Becoming a McDonald’s Franchisee was the golden opportunity that I needed to thrive in a career that would allow me to balance work and a growing family.   

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