Chris Boon left school when he was 15 and started working for a Dunedin tyre shop with few career prospects in his future.
But then he met Peter Shepherd, who opened Dunedin’s first McDonald’s restaurant, and was asked to apply for a job there.
"I was the first crew person hired — it was on October 28, 1988 and I was 17," he recalled.
Thirty-six years later, Mr Boon and his wife Liz own five McDonald’s franchises in the Lower Hutt area and were recently given the Fred L Turner Golden Arch Award at the 2024 McDonald’s Worldwide Convention, in Barcelona, Spain.
"I’m very excited, emotional and humbled to receive this prestigious award — and to have our children there to be a part of this occasion was incredibly special.
"We put our success down to a love for the brand and the people whom have been on my 21-year journey with me as a franchisee.
He said he and his wife owed some of their success to their investment in their people.
"After 36 years in McDonald’s, I still enjoy helping first-time employees grow and develop within the business.
"Both my children are currently working through their own McDonald’s development journey, which I’m very proud of."
The international award is the highest recognitions for a McDonald’s franchisee, and celebrates individuals who put their customers and people first, lead with integrity, promote inclusion in their community and champion the McDonald’s system.
Mr Boon quickly moved up the ranks at the George St restaurant and was promoted to restaurant manager before becoming the operations manager for the three Dunedin restaurants in 2000.
"In February 2004, we then purchased Wainuiomata, in 2008 we purchased Upper Hutt and Silverstream, and 2018 we purchased Lower Hutt."
At present, they employ 450 staff in their restaurants.
"We run a charity golf tournament for Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand each year, which raises over $100,000 and is now the biggest golf day in Wellington.
"We are very fortunate as well to have one of the highest payroll donations to RMHC annually — our staff voluntarily opt to donate whatever they are able to from their weekly wages.
"We are extremely proud that our staff embrace the support, not only to RMHC, but all else that we can do in the community."
These were some of the contributors to achieving the award, he said.
The duo inject a lot of energy and charisma into their business and have built a culture that has seen them win many of the McDonald’s New Zealand top franchisee, restaurant manager and restaurant awards.
A McDonald’s New Zealand statement said the Boons were role models to their people and other franchisees. It said after 36 years with McDonald’s, Mr Boon continued to lead the way.
"Chris stands out as the true embodiment of a franchisee who has lived our purpose, our mission, and our values for over three decades.
"There is no doubt that the New Zealand and global business is better off because of Chris Boon’s contributions."
