Episode notes
What does it take to leave a successful corporate career, navigate unimaginable loss, lead multiple businesses, and still put people first?
In this episode of the FocalFlip Podcast, I sit down with Emily Kasselmann, owner/operator of eight Kasselmann Family McDonald's restaurants, to discuss leadership, faith, family, grief, and purpose.
Emily shares her incredible journey from spending 10 years at Procter & Gamble to walking away from corporate America at just 30 years old to learn the family business under her father—a longtime McDonald's owner/operator who once operated 17 restaurants. After six years of learning every aspect of the business, Emily became an owner/operator herself in 2017.
Together, we dive into:
- Growing up in a McDonald's family business
- Why she fell in love with retail and restaurants at Blockbuster and as an hourly McDonald's crew member
- The transition from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship
- Opening and remodeling a restaurant during COVID—only to be forced to shut down
- Building a business alongside her husband and balancing marriage with partnership
- Learning to delegate by hiring Director of Operations Michael Baker
- Why putting people first has always been the Kasselmann family philosophy
- How her coming to faith transformed her life in 2017
- Navigating the heartbreaking loss of both of her brothers
- Aligning her future with purpose, priorities, and creating opportunities for others
Emily's story is a powerful reminder that great leadership isn't measured by the number of restaurants you run.... it's measured by the lives you impact along the way.
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