Mike Bolton spent the majority of his career with McDonald’s, first as an accountant in his early 20s, then as a senior executive and finally a licensee. 

The veteran licensee, who was involved in bringing the McCafe brand to Australia, retired at the end of July after 33 years with the brand. 

In that time he has seen the company’s offering evolve to include a breakfast menu, drive-thru facilities, 24/7 stores and more. 

Mike retells his story and offers potential franchisees advice around what to look for in a brand, as well as important factors to consider in the operation of a franchise business. 

WHY FRANCHISING?

Mike had worked his way up the management ranks internally at McDonald’s, so why the desire to move into the franchising realm?

“I wanted to stop travelling and have a more settled family lifestyle, so when the opportunity to become a licensee came up my wife Jan and I decided to take it,” he says.

“We liked the idea of owning a business with the benefits of seeing our direct actions pay off.”

MCDONALD’S: THE BENEFITS

Mike says there are many benefits associated with becoming a McDonald’s franchisee, and highlights some of the key aspects potential franchisees should look for in any brand:

• It’s a globally recognised company that people all over the world are familiar with
• McDonald’s has the best supply chain, real estate and business systems

CHALLENGES + ADVICE

He explains the couple’s biggest challenge revolved around increasing their year-on-year sales. “During the global financial crisis (GFC) my staff members were concerned that it would impact on our stores.”

The solution? Adopt an optimistic attitude. “I’d experienced peaks and troughs over decades in the lead up to this so I was able to remain positive. By having a positive outlook I was able to keep staff morale high,” Mike says. 

He adds it’s important to ensure franchisees are able to manage their staff effectively. “Knowing how to delegate to well-trained staff members is the key to successful operations of any business.”

By delegating, franchisees are able to focus on their business as a whole, rather than the day-to-day. “You can’t allow yourself to get bogged down in every aspect of your business so having the ability to trust your team is incredibly important,” Mike says.

It’s also important to pay close attention to cash flow. “Manage cash flow to reduce debt quickly, so you are ready for future opportunities.”

WHAT’S AN AVERAGE DAY?

The couple owned a total of six restaurants, so it comes as no surprise that no two days were ever the same.

“I always enjoyed being in the restaurants talking to managers, crew members and regular customers.

Of course there were admin tasks that I preferred to delegate and many meetings were spent planning the next month and year with corporation sub committees,” Mike recalls.

THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Mike and Jan’s restaurants contributed to the local communities in which they operated in more ways than one.

“In peak times, our restaurants provided employment and training opportunities to more than 650 local people at any one time,” says Mike.

“Jan and I have also donated tens of thousands of dollars to local sporting clubs and school sporting teams, which we are very proud of. 

“McHappy Day, an annual event held across the country to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities, has always been a great way for us to meet our customers and to see the amazing work they do in their local community.”