Kerri Harper-Howie is a dynamic entrepreneur, attorney, author, and public speaker. She co-owns 21 McDonald’s franchises in Los Angeles with her sister, Nicole Harper Rawlins. Together, they employ over 1,100 people and have built a thriving business empire rooted in family values and community impact.

Subscribe to EOFire

Apple | Spotify | iHeart

Guest Resources

Patricia G. Williams Family Foundation – Supporting small but mighty community organizations through microgrants.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California – Learn more and support families with sick children.

International Franchise Association – Explore franchise opportunities, check out the website.

McDonald’s Franchise Opportunities – As you heard from Kerri during this episode, owning a McDonald’s franchise means you’re investing in yourself, your future, and your community. It’s more than a business; it’s joining a powerful network focused on your growth and success. Why McDonald’s? You can invest in a long-term opportunity that can create tangible benefits for you and your family, access world-class training designed to prepare you for every aspect of restaurant ownership, and engage deeply with your community by giving back and becoming a local leader. Ready to turn your ambitions into opportunities? Learn how McDonald’s franchise ownership can empower you to lead, grow, and aim for success on your own terms.

3 Value Bombs

1. Be intentional in growth. Scaling with purpose means delegating, training, and letting go so your organization and people can thrive.

2. Lead with integrity. Always do the right thing even when no one’s watching. That principle sustains true leadership and legacy.

3. Keep learning. The moment you feel stagnant, seek new knowledge. Curiosity fuels growth, adaptability, and long-term success.

Show Notes

**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.

Today’s Audio MASTERCLASS: Owning the Golden Arches: Kerri’s Journey from Entrepreneur to Empire Builder

[1:36] – Kerri shares something she believes about becoming successful that most people disagree with.

Entrepreneurship rarely works the first time. It’s built through multiple attempts and lessons learned.
It’s not about the final outcome, but the journey toward success.

[2:46] – Kerri shares how her family started their McDonald’s legacy.

In the early 1980s, her parents, a police officer and a social worker, cashed in their pensions to become franchisees.
Their leap of faith created generational opportunity.
For years, she pursued law before joining the family business after the birth of her son, realizing her mother’s legacy was also her own.

[5:41] – Kerri talks about scaling with purpose.

When she joined, the family owned 13 restaurants; today, she and her sister own 21 across Los Angeles.
Growth required intention; delegating, training new leaders, and balancing emotional connection with scale.
You must let go of what you love doing so your organization can grow.

[8:42] – Kerri shares community impact beyond the Golden Arches.

Inspired by their mother’s heart for service, she and her sister are the largest McDonald’s franchise fundraisers for the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House.
They created the Patricia G. Williams Family Foundation, offering microgrants to nonprofits serving local communities.
Partner with local leaders recently supporting a backpack giveaway with free haircuts for kids and breakfast donations for Compton’s holiday events.
“We show up for our community because it’s who we are.”

[11:59] – A timeout to thank our sponsors.

Quo: The modern alternative to run your business communications. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to Quo.com/fire!
Cape: Cape is a privacy-first mobile carrier, built from the ground up with security as the priority. Visit Cape.co/fire to sign up today!
HighLevel: The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies! Learn more at HighLevelFire.com!

[15:49] – Kerri talks about challenges and grit.

Transitioning from attorney to franchise operator was humbling.
She thought being a lawyer was the hardest job until she worked the fry station.
Learning every station firsthand built empathy and respect for every employee’s contribution.

[19:08] – Kerri gives her franchise advice for aspiring owners.

Franchising is more than food. There are countless opportunities in logistics, fitness, retail, and more.
Be in business for yourself, not by yourself.
Start your search at the International Franchise Association website for credible guidance and opportunities.

[2:08] – Kerri talks about leadership and legacy.

Integrity is non-negotiable.
True leadership means doing the right thing, even when shortcuts seem tempting.
Integrity inspires trust among employees, partners, and customers alike.

[22:32] – Call to action.

Never stop learning.
The moment you feel stagnant, seek something new to learn. You’ll never know it all and that’s the beauty of growth.
Patricia G. Williams Family Foundation – Supporting small but mighty community organizations through microgrants.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California – Learn more and support families with sick children.
International Franchise Association – Explore franchise opportunities, check out the website.
McDonald’s Franchise Opportunities – As you heard from Kerri during this episode, owning a McDonald’s franchise means you’re investing in yourself, your future, and your community. It’s more than a business; it’s joining a powerful network focused on your growth and success. Why McDonald’s? You can invest in a long-term opportunity that can create tangible benefits for you and your family, access world-class training designed to prepare you for every aspect of restaurant ownership, and engage deeply with your community by giving back and becoming a local leader. Ready to turn your ambitions into opportunities? Learn how McDonald’s franchise ownership can empower you to lead, grow, and aim for success on your own terms.

[23:58] – Thank you to our Sponsors!

Cape: Cape is a privacy-first mobile carrier, built from the ground up with security as the priority. Visit Cape.co/fire to sign up today!
HighLevel: The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies! Learn more at HighLevelFire.com!

Killer Resources!

1) The Common Path to Uncommon Success: JLD’s 1st traditionally published book! Over 3000 interviews with the world’s most successful Entrepreneurs compiled into a 17-step roadmap to financial freedom and fulfillment!

2) Free Podcast Course: Learn from JLD how to create and launch your podcast!

3) Podcasters’ Paradise: The #1 podcasting community in the world!