SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Bill Matthews began working at McDonald's back in 1973. Fifty years later, Matthews now owns 35 McDonald's restaurants in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.
At the first location he purchased on Thompson Street in Springdale, McDonald's held a surprise party on Jan. 22 to celebrate Matthews' 40 years as an owner-operator.
Matthews was gifted a "One in Eight" jacket, signifying that he is part of the 12.5% of Americans who started as a crew member with McDonald's.
Today, he employs almost 2,000 people.
"When I started with McDonald's as a crew person, I never thought that I'd ever become a manager or certainly not an owner-operator of McDonald's," Matthews said. "I think it just goes to show you that if you stick with things, sometimes tremendous opportunities open up for you."
Matthews has been recognized by the McDonald's corporation for excellence in his business practices and achievements.
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