“Shoulder to Shoulder”: A leader who flips burgers alongside his team

By Elena Ferrarin

After a 36-year career, David Garcia is quick to answer when asked what led him to stick with McDonald’s for the entirety of his professional life.

“It’s seeing others succeed, being able to develop people and watch them grow into leaders,” said Garcia, a McDonald’s franchisee based in Houston. “That’s what keeps me motivated as a franchisee. I have the privilege of helping others realize their potential, while also giving back to the communities that support us.”

Born in New Jersey, Garcia grew up in Miami and started working part-time as a crew member at the local McDonald’s in his neighborhood while in high school.

Over time, he learned the ins and outs of managing a restaurant, working his way into supervisory roles and eventually becoming a field service manager, director of operations, and, later, Vice President of Operations and Franchising for Latin America. 

Garcia credits his successful career to the many resources and training programs offered by McDonald’s, a company he described as deeply committed to the professional growth of its employees through mentorship and leadership development.

“I’ve had a lot of leaders and people that have helped me along the way and pulled me up so that I could be where I am today as a franchisee,” he said. “My goal is to pay it forward and do the same.”

McDonald’s and its franchisees also offer programs like Archways to Opportunity, which helps corporate and franchisee employees attain a high school diploma, work toward a college degree, and enroll in training and certificate programs at accred

ited schools. Archways to Opportunity also includes a program called “English Under the Arches” for corporate and franchisee employees and their family members who want to learn English.

Another major motivating factor for Garcia was McDonald’s commitment to helping local communities through its volunteer and charity programs.

“That’s what really drove me into becoming a franchisee,” he said. “The impact that you can have, not just in the restaurant, but in the community, supporting your local school, sponsoring youth programs, giving back.”

Garcia relocated six times with his wife and three children during his career: first from Miami to Houston, then to New York, Chicago, Ohio, Dallas and finally back to Houston.

While in Chicago, Garcia oversaw operations and franchising for 29 countries across Latin America, a job that he said he loved.

“I was exposed to different cultures, different business challenges, different leadership styles, and it was a constant learning experience for me, which also helped me realize the power of the McDonald’s brand and what it symbolizes and how strong it is,” he said.

After four years in the vice president role and traveling up to 80% of the time, Garcia chose to be assigned to a U.S.-based position so he could spend more time with his family.

He became a franchisee in 2023, an extremely rewarding role that nevertheless demands a strong commitment. “It’s hands-on. It requires strong financial acumen, leadership, but most importantly, really a deep focus on people, including employees and customers,” he said.

Garcia oversees two restaurants and 112 restaurant employees, and makes it a point to connect with them on a personal level, he said. “I know all my employees’ names. I know their children. I know what matters to them. You have to show that you care about your people.”

So, when was the last time he flipped a burger?

“A couple of days ago!” he said. “I work in the kitchen with my team. I love running the drive-thru. The more involved you are in the day-to-day operations, the more people will do for you. If I have to sweep, I sweep. If I have to take a tray out, I take a tray out. I think it’s important to be there, shoulder to shoulder, with your employees.”

Garcia’s drive to succeed comes from the example set by his family, who migrated from Cuba in the 1970s.

“My grandparents and my parents… they started from the ground up, working two jobs. Seeing their commitment to excel and to provide for our family at an early age was a foundation for us,” he said. “It’s crazy how you, as a child, try to emulate what your parents do. I see it with my kids now, and their work ethic.”

In fact, it appears that a second Garcia generation may be on its way to forging a career with McDonald’s. 

After starting as a crew member two years ago, Garcia’s oldest son, Michael, worked his way up to supervisor and is hoping to begin the process of becoming a franchisee through McDonald’s “Next Generation” program soon.