Olds McDonalds Manager Richelle Waldner has been recognized with a Manager of the Year award.
The award, described as “pretty prestigious” by Olds, Sundre, and Innisfail Operations Supervisor Martin Bock, aims to recognize some of the best McDonalds Managers from across the country for their leadership.
In Olds, Waldner is known for her presence in the community even outside the restaurant, and Bock says in just his first year as Operations Supervisor, he could tell Waldner fit the bill.
“ I’ve only been in my role actually for coming up on a year now, and we’ve had Olds as a part of our market for that same timeframe, so it’s a pretty interesting experience for me and it’s pretty cool to have one of my managers win that in, in the first year,” he says. “Really, it doesn’t have anything to do with me, it has everything to do with her, and everything she does in the restaurant every day.”
With more than 1,400 locations across Canada, Bock says it’s a big deal when Managers are recognized, especially when they are as involved in the communities they serve as Waldner is.
“It’s a pretty prestigious award for someone to win because there’s over 1,400 restaurants across Canada and only 90 people can win that award,” he says. “ You do have to be pretty great at what you’re doing and she obviously does well in her role.”
“The big focus is on role modeling our values while driving business results, so some of those values for McDonald’s are serving inclusion, integrity, community, family, and having diversity, equity and inclusion within the restaurants, and those are all things that Richelle role models every single day,” he adds.
Waldner is known for her involvement in the restaurant, often found speaking with guests or delivering coffee to the nearest non-profit event – which Bock says is critical in a community like Olds.
“ I think anybody that goes into the restaurant sees that when they’re there because she’s always out in the lobby speaking with the guests and trying to make them feel comfortable, taking care of the kids, making sure they have something to do so the parents can relax and enjoy a meal and just doing everything she can to be a great part of the community,” he says. “Olds is an incredible community and you feel that close-knit community when you’re there, so she definitely fits that bill for sure.”
Waldner received her award in April of this year.
