ASHLAND — After only two years as a manager for the McDonald’s, at 740 U.S. 250 E. in Ashland, Eva Kingan was surprised to learn she’s already among the top one percent of the fast-food empire’s managers.
In October, the longtime Ashland resident was informed she won a Ray Kroc Award, an accolade that recognizes the top performing McDonald’s Restaurant Managers globally.
Kingan was one of 340 McDonald’s managers around the world from 60 markets to receive the honor, which includes a cash prize and a trophy.
“Working at McDonald’s has given me an opportunity to get involved with the community and lead my crew through example,” Kingan said. “I’ve learned that hard work and loving what you do pays off.”
She started at McDonald’s in 1998 as a crew member. Her children were young then, and she liked the flexible scheduling.
She steadily climbed the ladder, moving to two different Wooster locations, and later to Ashland, where she worked as a “general manager in training” in Oct. 2014. In 2015, she became the full-time manager.
“I’m a firm believer that people work better with you than for you,” Kingan said of her management technique. “I don’t ask them to do anything I wouldn’t do myself.”
It’s her crew, she says, that make her look good. She thanked them and the customers.
Kingan will be awarded her prize on April 18, 2018 at the Ray Kroc Awards Gala in Orlando, Florida.
“I’m super excited. I can’t wait to go,” Kingan said.
