Back in the 1970s, teenagers were vying for a chance to earn $1.85 an hour and indulge in endless servings of french fries at McDonald's (NYSE: MCD). One such teenager was Paul Hendel, who embarked on his journey at a McDonald's outlet in Merrick, New York, at the age of 16.
Little did he know that this seemingly ordinary part-time job would ultimately shape his destiny.
Hendel, now 66, recalled this era to CNBC. He initially joined the restaurant, thanks to a recommendation from his brother, who worked in the kitchen. Although Hendel never envisioned a long-term career at McDonald's, his life took an unexpected turn when he was offered a promotion in 1975.
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He was preparing to leave his job at the Merrick McDonald's to start college when his boss proposed a life-changing opportunity: McDonald's was opening a new location in Glen Cove, and they desperately needed an assistant manager. Hendel accepted the offer, ...