In a heartfelt celebration of dedication and loyalty, an Indian-origin employee of a Massachusetts McDonald’s, Balbir Singh, was honored by his franchise owner for achieving a remarkable 40 years of service with the company.
Singh, who arrived at the event venue in Saugus, Massachusetts, in a limousine and was greeted with a red carpet rolled out by his co-workers, received a service award, a commemorative jacket, and a generous cheque for $40,000.
A Career Built from the Ground Up
Balbir Singh began his McDonald’s career in 1985 shortly after relocating to the United States from India. He started at an outlet in Somerville, and his early days were spent mastering the foundational tasks of the restaurant.
Recalling his career journey, Singh said:
“I first started as crew. I worked in the kitchen and helped in the back… I tried to do everything.”
He slowly and steadily made his way up the corporate ladder. Today, Singh holds a senior leadership position, running four of franchise owner Lindsay Wallin’s nine McDonald’s restaurants.
A Legacy of Loyalty and Excellence
Franchise owner Lindsay Wallin, who inherited the business from her father, Bob King, was excited to celebrate Singh’s milestone. Wallin lauded Singh as someone who has “helped shape the heart and soul of our organization.”
- Family Values: Wallin recalled that her father’s vision was to build a “family” instead of just a business, a legacy she is proud to continue. She noted that Singh was part of that original team. Colleagues reportedly call Singh affectionately by the nickname “Papa Bear,” reflecting the warmth he brings to the workplace.
- Work Ethic: Wallin praised Singh’s operational success and unwavering focus on people, stating that he doesn’t just oversee operations but “supports our entire nine-restaurant team.”
- Embracing Growth: She also highlighted Singh’s positive attitude, particularly his embrace of the company motto: “Why not? Why not try something new? Why not grow? Why not push for better?” Wallin attributes their collective success and the doors opened for other employees to this positive attitude.
The Special Recognition
The celebration, which included a surprise party for Singh, culminated in a series of honors:
- Service Award
- A commemorative “One in Eight” jacket, named after the statistic that one in eight Americans has worked at a McDonald’s franchise.
- A cheque for $40,000, symbolically representing his 40 years of dedicated service.
Singh concluded the event by expressing his profound satisfaction with his career: “I’m really, really proud to work for this company.”In a heartfelt celebration of dedication and loyalty, an Indian-origin employee of a Massachusetts McDonald’s, Balbir Singh, was honored by his franchise owner for achieving a remarkable 40 years of service with the company.
Singh, who arrived at the event venue in Saugus, Massachusetts, in a limousine and was greeted with a red carpet rolled out by his co-workers, received a service award, a commemorative jacket, and a generous cheque for $40,000.
A Career Built from the Ground Up
Balbir Singh began his McDonald’s career in 1985 shortly after relocating to the United States from India. He started at an outlet in Somerville, and his early days were spent mastering the foundational tasks of the restaurant.
Recalling his career journey, Singh said:
“I first started as crew. I worked in the kitchen and helped in the back… I tried to do everything.”
He slowly and steadily made his way up the corporate ladder. Today, Singh holds a senior leadership position, running four of franchise owner Lindsay Wallin’s nine McDonald’s restaurants.
A Legacy of Loyalty and Excellence
Franchise owner Lindsay Wallin, who inherited the business from her father, Bob King, was excited to celebrate Singh’s milestone. Wallin lauded Singh as someone who has “helped shape the heart and soul of our organization.”
- Family Values: Wallin recalled that her father’s vision was to build a “family” instead of just a business, a legacy she is proud to continue. She noted that Singh was part of that original team. Colleagues reportedly call Singh affectionately by the nickname “Papa Bear,” reflecting the warmth he brings to the workplace.
- Work Ethic: Wallin praised Singh’s operational success and unwavering focus on people, stating that he doesn’t just oversee operations but “supports our entire nine-restaurant team.”
- Embracing Growth: She also highlighted Singh’s positive attitude, particularly his embrace of the company motto: “Why not? Why not try something new? Why not grow? Why not push for better?” Wallin attributes their collective success and the doors opened for other employees to this positive attitude.
The Special Recognition
The celebration, which included a surprise party for Singh, culminated in a series of honors:
- Service Award
- A commemorative “One in Eight” jacket, named after the statistic that one in eight Americans has worked at a McDonald’s franchise.
- A cheque for $40,000, symbolically representing his 40 years of dedicated service.
Singh concluded the event by expressing his profound satisfaction with his career: “I’m really, really proud to work for this company.”