Reginald Webb is creating a generational legacy with two of his children. Between the three of them, the family owns 16 McDonald’s restaurant locations in the Inland Empire.
Webb worked with the McDonald’s corporation as the regional vice-president and the company presented him with the opportunity to own a location of his own. After owning six locations, Webb’s daughter decided that she wanted to join him. A few years later, his son came on board to the family business.
“We let them come to the conclusion themselves,” said Webb. “We wanted to make sure that they were educated but they had to make the decision to join the business on their own.”
After graduating college, Webb’s children worked for other companies initially. His daughter Kiana owned a clothing store while his son Kyle worked for ABC. The siblings came to the conclusion that the family business was what they would enjoy most. They applied to and completed the McDonald’s Second Generation Program for certification. Kiana works as the chief operating officer while Kyle works as the chief financial officer.
“Since our children have come into the business, the number of restaurants has more than doubled because they bring passion and expertise,” said Webb. “They’re so much closer in age to the people who work at the restaurant and they just bring a tremendous amount of skill and energy that has allowed our business to flourish.”
The family has other business ventures through their company Webb Family Investments. They also have an organization called the Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement, geared towards turning the dollar back in to the Black community. This organization provides entrepreneurial workshops and support to Black businessowners. Along with business ventures, the Webb family also gives back by providing scholarships and funding to high schools in the Inland Empire.
Webb encourages anyone in business to have a generational succession plan, but it starts with the children wanting to join on their own. Webb’s oldest son, Kareem, decided to go a different route, opting to own a few Buffalo Wild Wings, and not following his siblings. Webb says it is imperative that children are prepared and willing to put in the work it takes to make the business successful.
“I always wanted to be sure that my children wanted to be in this business and that they could add value to it. Once that occurred, I was able to be that mentor and give up power as quickly as my children could handle it,” said Webb. “Now, I’m almost retired because they worked me out of a job. They do it better than I ever could.”
When it comes to business, Webb says that it is important to tie your star to a star that is going somewhere. With McDonald’s being one of the largest food chains in history, Webb has been able to expand just as the company has. Webb’s children plan to continue growing the business and implementing the tools their father has given them.
