Dayton manager earns McDonald's Kroc Award

DAYTON, Tenn. -- Lori Clift followed in her mother's footsteps when she went to work at McDonald's when she was just a 14-year-old girl.

Her mother was a store manager at the 130 Abel Drive restaurant in Dayton, but the young Ms. Clift had no idea what she wanted to be, but 17 years later the 31-year-old is among the company's elite restaurant managers.

She recently received the Ray Kroc Award, presented annually in honor of the company's founder, Ray A. Kroc, and given to the top 1 percent of all McDonald's managers.

"It's a very big honor to receive something like that," Ms. Clift said.

She was one of 139 managers who received the award at a ceremony in Chicago.

"We are proud to pay a tribute to this select group of managers that play a critical role in the McDonald's system," Don Thompson, president of McDonald's USA, said in a written statement. "Each of these managers truly raise the bar in delivering an outstanding restaurant experience for our customers and creating a positive work environment for their fellow employees."

Bill Moore, who owns the McDonald's franchise in Dayton as well as others in Pikeville and Dunlap, said Ms. Clift was recognized for the profitability of her restaurant, her people skills, customer satisfaction and the overall operation of the store that Ms. Clift estimates serves up to 18,000 people a day.

"We are always excited when someone like Lori is recognized," Mr. Moore said. "It is the greatest recognition a store manager can receive."

Ms. Clift said she initially was recognized at a banquet in Atlanta, but was then flown to Chicago where she received a plaque, a gold pin and $2,500.

She said she couldn't take credit for the award and quickly acknowledged her staff of about 72 employees.

"I don't want to take all the credit for it," she said. My employees helped me obtain these goals. It was a team effort."