Customer service runs in the family
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John Ebert, one of West Virginia's largest private employers, was recently recognized for his outstanding service to the McDonald's brand with the Ronald Award.
The esteemed Ronald Award is presented to the top one percent of Owner/Operators across the country who have made outstanding contributions to strengthening McDonald's brand while serving their customers, employees and local communities.
Ebert, who operates 40 restaurants in West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, employs more than 2,000 local residents who collectively serve about 15 million customers each year.
This is the second time Ebert has achieved the esteemed honor -- his first was bestowed in 2000 -- and the third Ronald Award for his family. Ebert's sister Christine Nevant, a 12-restaurant McDonald's Owner/Operator in North Carolina, was a Ronald Award recipient in 2020.
It's rare for siblings who did not train under the Arches together or grow up within the McDonald's business to earn such tremendous success. The two attribute their achievements to a strong upraising.
"John and I learned the same values growing up," Nevant said. "Our parents taught us to work hard, treat people well, give back to our community and -- most importantly -- maintain a positive attitude. Those same attributes help us succeed with McDonald's today."
"Family is important at McDonald's. My family has been vital to my growth as an Owner/Operator," explained Ebert. "My parents were present every day after I opened my first restaurant in Bridgeport. My brother Jim runs our most successful restaurant in Elkins. I've learned so much observing the wonderful way my sister interacts with her customers and employees."
While the two siblings delight in supporting each other, they also enjoy a healthy sibling rivalry too. A recent example? After losing a bet on the fastest drive thru times, John ended up sitting at the kids' table for Thanksgiving!
"John Ebert and Christine Nevant are pillars within the McDonald's family and outstanding community leaders," said Charlie Newberger, McDonald's Field Vice President. "We are grateful for their leadership and commitment to strengthening the McDonald's brand."
A 30-year veteran McDonald's franchisee, Ebert is the vice chair of Columbus' FAC operator body. He is also a recipient of the Al Golin Brand Trust Award, McDonald's highest honor for outstanding commitment to community, employees and customers.
Since 2012, Ebert's signature program -- the Math ACT prep class -- has helped more than 3600 students improve their standardized math test scores by an average of three points. Annually, the improved scores enable about 50 students to earn West Virginia's $19,000 Promise Scholarship.
Ebert serves as a Director of MVB Financial Corporation, a member of the Board of Trustees of Alderson Broaddus University, and co-chairman of the Clarksburg 10-K Committee.
Ebert played four years of varsity baseball on scholarship for the University of Notre Dame and has completed two marathons and more than 30 triathlons -- most recently the Muncie Half Ironman in October 2022.