Fast-Food
Favor Fortune
By: Francheska “Fancy” Felder
DR. Mya SMITH EDMONDS w hile many dream of doing great feats for their communities
and being of service to their loved ones, the ability to realistically position oneself financially and philanthropically to give back is of great significance. Dr. Mya Smith-Edmonds, owner and operator of nine McDonald’s franchises, is fortunate to be a blessing to others.
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eautiful, intelligent, classy, grounded, and passionate about her work and faith is how Dr. Mya Smith-Edmonds can be described. The oldest of eight children, Smith-Edmonds recalls striving to be a good role model to her siblings. By the age of 13, she worked in a McDonald’s owned and operated by her father. She knew from a very early age that she wanted to own a business, employ others, and consequently support families. It seemed only logical to her that she would start working towards becoming a successful McDonald’s owner/operator immediately after graduating from high school.
Iwork t was Smith-Edmonds’s father, whose ethic, business savvy and style that
inspired her dreams. He suggested that she first go to college and try her hand at a profession unrelated to McDonald’s. If she still felt interested in owning a McDonald’s after those endeavors, he would agree to support her 110%.
T he Houston native graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston
with a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting and a minor in African-American studies. She was a CPA with Deloitte & Touche, one of the world's largest accounting firms, before deciding to take a position as Program Director with KCOH Radio Station. It was her love for people that would lead her back to McDonald’s.
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efore becoming a franchise owner, Smith-Edmonds completed a required 2-5 year training program in less than 12 months. While working as a general manager, she was awarded the Ray Kroc Award. This honor is earned by the top 1% performers of the McDonald's leadership system. SwagHer Magazine
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