Ash Rafiq worked as an NHS dentist, running several practices. Now he’s a McDonald’s franchisee, with two sites in Lancashire
Before becoming a franchisee, you were an NHS dentist with your own chain of practices, how did you pivot from that to becoming an owner- operator with McDonald’s? I came to a crossroads where I needed flexibility to spend some more time with family. Plus, I’d achieved all I wanted to in dentistry, and reached a point where growth wasn’t an option anymore. I’m the kind of person who seeks constant growth … I didn’t want to plateau where I was. I needed something that would allow me to achieve my goals and ambitions and carry on growing the business and a legacy. At that time, I came into contact with Ronald McDonald House Charities UK – my niece was very poorly and we, as a family, got to spend some time at the Ronald McDonald House in Manchester. I always knew the link with McDonald’s because of the name, but I never really knew how it worked. I started looking into it, and that’s when it came to me, I thought: “Do you know what? I’d like to be part of this!”.
How was it going from running a business in healthcare to operating a restaurant, and with one of the world’s most recognised brands at that? There were similarities, actually! As a dentist, my own practice on the high street was still within the framework of the NHS. There were parallels with McDonald’s – even when you run your own restaurants, you’re still under that family umbrella of the brand. Having a global name like McDonald’s behind you means there’s a huge infrastructure of support and a proven system, but with opportunity to grow and the chance to engage with our communities by giving back – that is a massive part of what you gain. It’s this aspect of being a McDonald’s franchisee that I really value.
Tell us about the application process, the training ... what it’s like to get your own store? You know, following my experience with
“My crew members range from 16 years old to 70 ... It’s an incredible mix of personalities and life experiences, so I really value engaging with them – that’s what keeps me young!”
Ronald McDonald House in Manchester, I didn’t look at any other franchise model or brand I knew straight away that I wanted to partner with McDonald’s. Going through that series of interviews
for McDonald’s wasn’t easy. It’s an incredibly thorough process that asks some very challenging questions, and you ask a lot of questions of yourself. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done – compared to this getting into dental school, was easy! Honestly, just the whole recruitment process for me was a journey, an emotional roller coaster, and when I got the call to say I’d succeeded, it just didn’t sink in! Looking back, I can understand why
the process is so tough – it ensures that the brand partners up with the right people, those that are going to do the best by the brand, and that due diligence has to be respected. Because ultimately, you’ve got a partnership that could last at least 20 years.
It’s a watershed moment isn’t it? Almost like life was ‘before’ and ‘after’ running your business? I think that’s a testament to the training process. The whole model, including the training, has been set up to instil confidence. It really sets you up for success, but it also allows you to keep learning. I’ve been running my restaurants now for just over 18 months and I learn something new every day and some of those are big lessons! It’s the same for other franchisees who have been in the business for over 20 years! For me, McDonald’s really is a family. I can pick up the phone to any franchisee in the country, and I’ll be welcomed with open arms! I can get any advice that I need, and that support has been phenomenal. The whole culture, the open-door policy, the honesty, and the real advice that you get from fellow franchisees, head office, and the consultants that we all partner with is second to none. I’ve never experienced that in any other industry.
How many stores do you run now? I run two stores … my previous career and business set me up for operating in this way – so I don’t really know any different! I’d love to have more – I want to grow into a sizeable organisation in the northwest.
What’s a typical day like for you in your business? It’s a cliché, but there’s no such thing as a typical day! I could be working on the shop floor one minute, fulfilling orders to the next. I can quickly be hands-on and I’m always keen to jump in and give the team a hand. I usually have meetings with my managers, company representatives and training sessions and I’m focussed on regularly engaging with my crew. I’ll always try and have lunch with one of the crew members, so that’s a massive part of what I do. The other part is engaging with stakeholders and working in the community. We’ve got partnerships with our local university and other community groups. As a brand ambassador of McDonald’s locally, I engage with all those different entities … so in terms of ‘typical day’ – it’s an amalgamation of all those things – as well as running a business!
What’s the one thing that really reminds you of why you do this? I employ about 300 people, ranging from the 16 years old up to 70. I don’t think I’ll ever get over hearing their stories and the different backgrounds they come from. It’s an incredible mix of personalities and life experiences so I really value engaging with them – that’s what keeps me going. It keeps me young, keeps me alive! It is absolutely brilliant to operate with such a diverse workforce. Another part of my job is being a talent spotter and making people aware of the incredible opportunities on offer at McDonald’s. The brand really helps its employees to grow and develop confidence, which helps in terms of job
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