Q+A: TIM THOMAS:

Local McDonald’s magnate: ‘Dreams are good, but business plans are better’

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L.E. Baskow

Tim Thomas worked for McDonald’s for 23 years and then moved up to own his own franchises, this one located along W. Cheyenne Ave.

Sun, Sep 21, 2014 (2 a.m.)

Tim Thomas is president of Thomas Enterprises Inc., which owns 10 McDonald’s restaurant franchises in Southern Nevada. He began his career with McDonald’s in 1968, rising quickly through the ranks and learning the industry from, among others, Ray Kroc. Kroc joined McDonald’s in 1954 and is credited for building it into the most successful fast-food operation in the world. Thomas’ newest store created 55 jobs in Southern Nevada.

What is the best business advice you’ve received?

The best piece of business advice I’ve ever received came from Ray Kroc himself at an operation and sales meeting. He said, “If you continue to build top-line sales, you will not have to worry about the bottom line.”

At that time, I was an operation consultant with McDonald’s, in charge of helping franchisees fine-tune their operations with a focus on customer service, including friendliness, speed and accuracy.

How did you come to own your own McDonald’s?

After 23 years with the McDonald’s Corp., I pursued and qualified to be a licensee with McDonald’s. After several months of checking out available locations, we purchased two McDonald’s restaurants in Arkansas in 1992, in the small towns of Pocahontas and Walnut Ridge. Later we added a third store in Newport, Ark.

After 16 years, we were ready to move back to a big city, and Las Vegas was our first choice. We sold our three locations in Arkansas and purchased seven stores in the valley in December 2008. Since then, we have added three more restaurants in Southern Nevada. We recently opened our newest store at 8620 W. Cheyenne Ave., Las Vegas.

How did you know you were ready to expand?

Expansion was easy for my franchise. The key is having the capacity within your company to deal with the challenges of growing. If your goal is to grow your business, then it is important to train employees who will make the best decisions for the company — and empower them to do so.

For example, I brought my supervisor from Arkansas to Las Vegas, because he was instrumental in helping me build a great reputation in the South. Now he is helping me build one in the valley.

Any advice for other franchise or would-be franchise owners?

Dreams are good, but business plans are better. It is important to stick with what you know and what you are good at.

Create a three-year business plan that includes miscellaneous costs you may not be aware of starting out, and make sure you have back-up capital available. Know every aspect of the business before you commit, such as factors that affect your business in a positive way and in a negative way. Visualize ways you can build on the positives and minimize the negatives.

If you could change one thing about Las Vegas, what would it be?

It would be mandatory for all young men to wear and use belts.

What are you reading right now?

“The Bear and the Dragon,” by Tom Clancy.

What do you do after work?

I like to golf and relax at home with my wife and three dogs. I also enjoy watching adventure movies occasionally.

Describe your management style.

I employ both the push or autocratic style and pull or diplomatic style. My experience has shown me that one style cannot be applied to all store managers. Some managers are more self-reliant and assertive, so I can be more diplomatic with them, while others need more supervision and direction. In my organization, we leave the stronger managers alone and focus on assisting the managers who need training and help.

In addition to maintaining a well-trained staff, I believe in motivation, and I practice the three-R philosophy: result, recognition and reward. While I own the business, I allow my managers to own the store operations. I emphasize that their results reflect their efforts. When my managers succeed, I succeed, so I make sure those who do well receive the recognition and rewards they deserve.

Where do you see your company in 10 years?

I see my company growing, going strong and continuously striving to be the best that we can be. I foresee my current director of operations becoming an owner operator.

What is your dream job, outside of your current field?

I love animals, so I would love to be a zoo administrator.

Whom do you admire and why?

My wife, Shirley. We have been happily married for 44 years, and like most marriages, she has endured the ups and downs of our relationship. I admire her for her patience and loyalty and the fact that she has supported me every step of the way.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People texting and not paying attention while driving, especially when they are in turn lanes.

What is something that people might not know about you?

I did not attend college.

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