13 And Counting Patricia Williams And Her Daughters Are Creating An Empire Of McDonald's Franchises

ALL SORTS OF IMAGES COME TO MIND WHEN YOU HEAR the name Compton, “legacy” not usually being one of them. But for Patricia Williams, the McDonald’s franchise has enabled her to build an empire of 13 locations across Los Angeles, employing more than 700 people in the community. It’s also allowed her to work alongside her daughters, Nicole Enearu and Kerri Harper-Howie, who are already in position to carry on her legacy.

- Nancy E. Williams

Entering The Lucrative World of Big Macs and Fries

Over 30 years ago, Williams was inspired by other family members who also owned a few McDonald’s locations. They encouraged her to take the leap, and leave her career as a rehabilitation therapist behind. She and her husband, an LAPD officer at the time, cashed out their 401(k)s and took out a small business loan, purchasing their first McDonald’s location as a resale in Los Angeles and taking required classes to become a certified McDonald’s owner.