The Inter-Mountain photos by Beth Henry-Vance John Ebert, the owner/operator of 41 McDonald’s franchises, speaks during the Barbour County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet at Alderson Broaddus University.

PHILIPPI — A Bridgeport businessman who owns 41 McDonald’s franchises shared his tips for success with members and guests attending the recent Barbour County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet.

As the keynote speaker, John Ebert shared lessons he learned in the restaurant business as well as stories from his studies at the University of Notre Dame and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Ebert shared a presentation based on a pyramid that shows steps to becoming successful, such as hard work and preparation; positive thinking/confidence; and listening to customers.

“If you want to do something extraordinary … really dig in, and try to reach your potential,” he said, suggesting that students should take the hardest classes and employees who want to move ahead should volunteer for the hardest jobs in order to learn as much as possible.

He said a great deal of his success as a franchise owner came from being accepted into a challenging McDonald’s training program in Dallas, Texas, in 1988, and learning every aspect of the business. In fact, the program required him to work for 2,000 hours for no pay.

“I literally learned everything” about working at a McDonald’s before completing the program, he said. Ebert then purchased his first franchise in 1990 in Bridgeport.

He now owns franchises throughout the region, including the McDonald’s locations in Philippi, Parsons, Elkins and Buckhannon.

Ebert is a former winner of the Golden Arch Award, which is presented to less than 1 percent of McDonald’s owners/operators. In 2016, he received the Al Golin Brand Trust Award by McDonald’s Corp., which is presented to one operator per year and recognizes recipients for outstanding commitment to their local communities, employees and customers.

He anticipates serving 16 million customers at his locations next year, and he has 2,200 employees.

Ebert said part of his success can be attributed to finding great leaders for his team. He also makes a point to focus on helping others — he sponsors ACT prep math programs for students, as well as leadership and baseball classes.

“If you guys remember one thing from tonight, it’s the power of positive thinking. Have confidence in yourself, and believe in yourself. … There is unlimited potential for all of us.”

Ebert’s presentation was part of Thursday’s Barbour County Chamber of Commerce Banquet, which took place at Alderson Broaddus University. Ebert has served on AB’s Board of Trustees since 2014.

The Chamber of Commerce Banquet also featured a range of awards designed to honor positive works in the local community from 2017.

They included the following presentations:

2017 Corporate Citizen of the Year — John Marshall Mosesso, who was described as a business owner who cares deeply about the community. “He is the perfect choice for this award because as a resident investing in many independent businesses, he demonstrates that he is fully committed to the area,” a nominator said about Mosesso, who owns and operates restaurants, a laundromat and bowling alley, and supports a range of youth programs.

2017 Community Service Award — Jeff Rogers, who has made a positive impact on the quality of life in Barbour County through service on numerous boards and organizations, as well as support of basketball and baseball programs. Rogers was described as one of the most active volunteers in the community, and a nominator said, “It is long past due that we recognize him.”

2017 Chamber President’s Award — Barbour County Commission, including Commissioners Susie Cvechko, Tim McDaniel and Phil Hart, who were honored for their contribution to the overall growth of the county and the work in county government and many community organizations. “The commissioners’ time is not their own. They work countless extra hours each week while attending state meetings as well,” said Reg Trefethen, the 2017 president of the Chamber of Commerce, in his nomination.

Directors Special Awards were presented to: Carla Skidmore, of Freedom Bank; Twila Smith, Barbour County’s 2017 Teacher of the Year; Kevin Snider, the 2017 Barbour County Service Person of the Year; Melody Jones, Chamber treasurer and certified public accountant; and the Barbour County Development Authority, for ongoing work on projects to benefit the community.

Thursday’s program included entertainment by Rick Kennedy as well as the Haven of Hope Praise Band. Students from Philip Barbour High School’s FBLA group assisted with distributing door prizes.