Local Business Owners' 2nd Chance Opportunity Enters 4th Decade

NYACK, NY —When Nellie Thomas and her husband Herbert embarked 33 years ago on their adventure as McDonald’s owner/operators in Rockland County, they set out not only to build a successful business, but also to give back to their communities.

Now, three decades later, and with eateries in Nyack, Nanuet, Spring Valley and northern New Jersey, they have a long list of local young people whose futures were changed by their compassion.

In a program they dubbed "Second Chance Opportunity," they work with local officials to hire young people who were previously in prison and needed a second chance in life. Over the years the culture of growth and mentoring that the Thomases' restaurants provide enabled many local young to develop essential values and skills. Many eventually became managers.

Nellie Thomas talked to Patch about the long-running program and other community initiatives the family has undertaken through the years.

Patch: Tell me about the history of the Second Chance Opportunity.

Thomas: As McDonald’s owner/operators, my husband Herbert and I have implemented various community initiatives over the years, and the Second Chance Opportunity program is something we’ve been doing for almost our entire careers within McDonald’s. As part of this initiative, we work with local officials on an ongoing basis to identify people in the community who have been previously incarcerated and need a second chance in life. This is something we do across all of our restaurants, including here in Nyack, as well as in Nanuet, Spring Valley, and at our New Jersey locations.

Patch: Can you share one or two success stories?

Thomas: This initiative is all about providing people with opportunities to achieve their greatest potential in life. Over the years, a number of individuals have entered this program uncertain of their future, and through our training, we have been able to help them develop the skills, confidence, and perseverance to truly excel in their roles – it’s been amazing to witness the transformation and growth firsthand.

One of our current New York employees was hired through our Second Chance Opportunity program three years ago. He began as a crewmember and experienced comprehensive training and mentoring that helped him ultimately grow into a management role. Today, this gentleman is incredibly successful and leads one of our busiest restaurants. I’m so proud of all he has achieved so far, and I know he will continue to excel in his career with McDonald’s.

Patch: You do other things to give back to the community, both through the business and outside it. Can you tell me a little about that?

Thomas: When Herbert and I began our careers as McDonald’s owner/operators 33 years ago, it was important to us that we’d not only build a successful business, but also give back to our communities. McDonald’s provides owner/operators with so many opportunities to create a sense of community in our restaurants and give back to the people we serve, and it’s been incredibly rewarding over the years.

My husband and I have always been very creative, and it’s been wonderful to take our ideas and bring them to life. We have implemented various exciting initiatives within our organization:

• Through the Spring Valley Mayor's office, we provide turkeys for the community at Thanksgiving.
• Health workshop with the Mayor's office.
• Nyack High School Quarterback Organization.
• Nanuet High School sponsor of children's books, clothing, and toys.
• Sponsor of Little Leagues and scholarship funds for various organizations.

Patch: What has been the greatest challenge?

Thomas: One of the challenges has been helping people realize their full potential, as well as the possibilities that lie ahead for their future. Many individuals who begin working with us aren’t necessarily sure of who they want to be in life; they may not realize that they have the ability to pursue a long-term, successful career. Herbert and I believe it’s our responsibility to not only provide the training and skills needed to be successful in their current roles, but to also empower them to develop goals for the future, grow into managerial roles, and ultimately achieve their utmost potential in life.

Patch: What's been the greatest reward?

Thomas: Witnessing people achieve success. When we hire someone who may lack confidence, and then they receive training, guidance and mentoring, and then do such an outstanding job – these individuals are so proud of themselves, and they realize that this is just the beginning of something they never thought was possible. When people come to work for us, we work hard to give them skills that they can use throughout their entire lives. This is one of my favorite parts of my job, and it makes us so proud of the work we do day-in-and-day-out.

Patch: What are the benefits and risks of running your own business?

Thomas: We purchased our New York restaurants when we moved to Rockland County in 1994. We currently live in Essex County, New Jersey. Our son also recently became a McDonald’s owner/operator, and we are so proud of this growing family business.

As a business owner, one of the biggest challenges is that you are responsible for other peoples’ livelihoods – you’re not just working for yourself. Throughout this time, we’ve worked very hard to ensure that we can continue to create a safe and welcoming environment for our employees, while also continuing to provide our customers with the top service and quality that they know and love.