Pietronirohas receives Ray Kroc Award

Date: 3/20/2014

HOLYOKE – James Pietronirohas received the Ray Kroc Award, an annual performance-based award that recognizes the top 1 percent of McDonald’s restaurant managers in the country.

Named after McDonald’s corporate founder Ray Kroc, the award is given to managers who deliver superior results in selected areas of performance and operational excellence, reinforce McDonald’s commitment to people, and build the business. Pietroniro will be honored for his contributions that have continued Kroc’s legacy, which began over fifty years ago, at an awards banquet in Chicago in March. He was the only winner from the Connecticut/Western Massachusetts area to receive this honor. Pietroniro will also receive a cash prize and trophy for his hard work and dedication to the Holyoke restaurant on Maple Street.

“James is just the best!” said Jorge Gomez, local McDonald’s owner/operator, who nominated Pietroniro for the award. “He truly sets the bar for our industry and can do anything he puts his mind to. He runs his restaurant like a well-oiled machine and it is truly fitting that he is being honored with the Ray Kroc Award.”

Pietroniro began his career with McDonald’s five years ago as a crew person at a restaurant in New York. An Agawam native, Pietroniro returned to his hometown to pursue career growth after learning of advancement opportunities with McDonald’s Owner/Operator Jorge Gomez. He worked his way from assistant manager to manager in a few months time and now also serves as a training manager for Gomez’s restaurants.

Pietroniro is passionate about his employee’s growth and is proud to be grooming the next generation of McDonald’s leaders.

“I ask everyone in my management class, ‘Why do you love your McJob?’” Pietroniro said. When asked this same question, he responded “I love the continued opportunities. You can take your career as far as you want. Never stop dreaming.”

As a new father, Pietroniro continues to work hard towards his ultimate dream of becoming a McDonald’s owner/operator.

Ray Kroc, who founded McDonald’s at age 52, when most people his age were considering retirement, built the McDonald’s business on the belief that greatness can only be achieved through the dedication and support of a company’s people. The award was named after him based on his commitment to people and recognizing their contributions to the organization he helped establish.

The Connecticut and Western Massachusetts McDonald’s Owner/Operator Association is comprised of local McDonald’s restaurant owners who are community and industry leaders.