McDonald’s 1 in 8

Did you know that 1 in 8 Americans have worked at a McDonald’s? Pharrell, Lin Manuel-Miranda, Jay Leno and many more have all gotten their start there. But we still view a job at McDonald’s as a “McJob” — a low paying, low skill work. When really it’s a launch pad for something much more.

It was our job to transform perceptions of the 1 in 8 by creating an ongoing employee program that celebrated current and former employees and transformed public opinion about what it means to have worked at McDonald’s.

Role: Associate Creative Director

Employees Only

To honor the 1 in 8, we launched an "Employees Only" event series just for Crew past and present. We kicked off in Chicago with exclusive swag and unparalleled networking with accomplished alumni like comedian Chris Redd, chef Kwame Onwuachi and Emmy Award winner Clarissa Molina.

The Results

Our goal was to turn a job at McDonald’s from something to hide to something to put on your sleeve with pride — and we did. 100% of people who attended said the event made them feel proud to work at McDonald’s.

Awards

• PRovokeSabre Awards – Shortlist, McDonald’s “The Power of 1 in 8,” Employee Communications

• Best in Employee Engagement, PRweek – McDonald's "The Power of 1 in 8"

The Buzz

• Food & Wine: McDonald’s Is Giving Something Back to Everyone Who Has Ever Worked There 

• The Takeout: The Lessons That Top Chef Kwame Onwuachi Learned From Working At McDonald's 

• Spoon University: Chef Kwame Onwuachi Got His Start In The Food World At McDonald’s

• NY Post: McDonald’s reveals special perk for past and present employees: ‘McD’s always had my back’ 

• Food Sided: Comedian Chris Redd explains how McDonald’s influenced his work ethic, interview 

The Hype Video: