Local McDonald's® Franchisee Receives Elite Golden Arch Award

May 7, 2012 - PRLog -- On his way to a career as a commercial pilot, Ricky Wade’s career took a sharp turn – and then took flight. Today, Wade and his wife Lissette are McDonald’s owner operators and the latest recipients of the corporation’s elite Golden Arch Award. The award is the honor of a lifetime, earned by less than 1% of McDonald’s franchisees at its 33,000 restaurants around the world.

The Wades’ organization, “B”ing the Best, Inc., owns 11 McDonald’s restaurants, employing more than 500 people in northern Palm Beach County, and a recently opened Hobe Sound location in Martin County.  The corporate name reflects the philosophy the couple instills in their McDonald’s team, their family and the community. “We are passionate about McDonald’s, as a business and as a contributor to the communities we call home,” said Ricky Wade. “It is an honor to receive the Golden Arch Award and to share it with everyone on our team.”

The Golden Arch Award recognizes a relentless focus and outstanding dedication to customer service, significant community involvement, exceptional achievements in all aspects of McDonald’s business goals, and contributions to positive brand image and trust. “These operators truly embody what the system is all about … their passion, their energy, and their commitment for the business and this great brand is what makes them leaders,” said Karen King, McDonald’s East Division President.

“We admire Ricky for what he has achieved for his customers, his crew, and for brand McDonald’s,”  said Bianca Olivas, Vice President, Florida Region. “The Wades give generously of their time, talent and wisdom and deliver an exceptional customer experience.”

After leaving aviation behind, Ricky Wade took a corporate position with McDonald’s in 1981 and became a franchisee in 2001. Lissette Wade was certified as an owner operator in 2002.  While operating high-performing restaurants, the Wades are extremely involved in regional and national McDonald’s leadership and as role models in their community.

Wade is known as a business leader and as a mentor for youth throughout his community. He has devoted his talents to 15 community boards, from the Urban League and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to United Way and The Arc of Palm Beach County. He is a frequent speaker at youth-oriented events, and was honored with a visit to the Whitehouse in 2007 as a McDonald’s representative for Black History Month.  

The Wades have three children and live in West Palm Beach.  The couple recently received the Golden Arch award at McDonald’s annual Worldwide Convention in Orlando, Florida.

About McDonald’s
McDonald’s USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome food made from quality ingredients to more than 26 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local business men and women.  Customers can now log online for free at any of the 12,000 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald’s U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter (@McDonalds) and Facebook (Facebook.com/McDonalds) for updates on our business, promotions and products.