Letter to the Editor - Van Horn: Manager makes work at McDonald’s fun

It’s been about a year and a half since there was a change in leadership at the Brandon McDonald’s. Suzette Rivera, who had been the General Manager for two years, was transferred to the new Hart2Hart Inc. building. Noemhy Orellena, who had been the Lead Department Manager, was promoted to General Manager in September 2024. 

And since then, I think she has done a fantastic job managing the store! She strives to ensure customers leave with a smile. She knows how to be serious, but she also knows how to have fun at work. 

During my time working at McDonald’s, we have had plenty of fun. For example, having pizza day, pajama day, weird hat day, ice cream day, and secret Santa. All sorts of fun stuff. That’s what I love about the job: we know how to be serious and how to have fun. 

I have worked at McDonald’s for the last three and a half years. It was a job I got as a senior in high school. Suzette was my first General Manager. She was an awesome manager. After high school, I was taking online community college classes through North Iowa Area Community College. And thanks to McDonald’s Tuition Program, Archways to Opportunity, McDonald’s helped pay for most of my tuition. I had the opportunity to try college and walked away with no student loan debt. They cover $2,500 a year. 

Additionally, I served as a Development Manager for nine months, otherwise known as the crew trainer. I was promoted to that role in August 2024. As a development manager, my biggest task was training new employees. Another of my responsibilities was delegating tasks to other employees. For example, politely asking an employee to sweep the floor, wipe down the counters, or stock their station. As a development manager, I was there to assist the shift manager in making sure the shift was running smoothly. 

I would highly recommend working at McDonald’s. It is a great first job for high school students and college kids. The starting pay is $15 an hour, with opportunities for advancement. There are free meals and a 30 percent discount. Insurance for eligible employees, flexible scheduling, and earning PTO. To apply go to Hart2HartInc.com. 

For me I do not look at my fellow employees as just co-workers, I think of them as family.

Sawyer Van Horn

Brandon