Jordan Ruiz: “Building People-First Leadership in Franchise Operations”

Title: Owner Operator
Organization: McDonald’s
Age: 39

Jordan Ruiz is a second-generation McDonald’s Owner/Operator, entrepreneur, and people-first leader known for building high-performing teams and strong organizational culture. He became a McDonald’s franchisee in 2013 at just 26 years old, continuing his family’s legacy while bringing a fresh vision for growth, operational excellence, and leadership development.

Under Jordan’s leadership, the Ruiz family organization has expanded from 7 restaurants to 18 locations across California’s Northern Valley. Having personally worked his way through every position in the restaurant—from crew member to leadership—Jordan maintains a deep respect for the demands placed on restaurant teams. That firsthand experience shapes his leadership philosophy: lead with empathy, develop great people, and constantly improve the systems that allow teams to succeed.

Driven by a commitment to operational innovation, Jordan helped create a full-service internal facilities division within the organization, employing HVAC technicians and a skilled maintenance team dedicated to supporting restaurant operations. What began as a solution to improve efficiency and reduce costly service interruptions has grown into a thriving service operation that now supports more than 30 restaurants, assisting fellow franchisees and strengthening operational reliability across the region.

Jordan is deeply committed to developing future leaders. Several leaders who during their careers spent time employed by the Ruiz Organization have gone on to become McDonald’s Owner/Operators themselves. They often credit the culture of mentorship, accountability, and opportunity that Jordan helped cultivate as a critical part of their journey to ownership.

Community engagement is another cornerstone of Jordan’s leadership. Through initiatives such as McTeacher Nights, Little League McCoach Nights, school partnerships, and youth sponsorships, the Ruiz Organization contributes more than $50,000 annually to support schools, athletic programs, and youth development throughout the communities they serve.

Despite leading a growing organization, Jordan’s proudest role is at home. He and his wife Amelia—his high school sweetheart—are raising their eleven children in Lincoln, California. On their six-acre property, the Ruiz family enjoys a hands-on lifestyle raising pigs, goats, and chickens while maintaining a large homegrown garden, reflecting the same values of hard work, humility, and family that guide Jordan’s leadership every day.