Jim Sonnenberg

Ray Kroc famously said, "Look after the customer and the business will take care of itself."

For the past 50 years, I have dedicated myself to supporting McDonald's recognition awards and needs. As seen in the 1975 photo, I’m standing in front of the Award Concepts offices and manufacturing facility, which was then known as Lenox Awards. In 1985, the name changed to Award Concepts, reflecting the company’s growth and evolution. Over the years, the same skilled artisans and craftsmen have continued their legacy, passing their expertise to new generations as the company matured and expanded.

It has been an honor to partner with McDonald's for five decades, serving as a coach, counselor, and consultant. I've also had the privilege of delivering hundreds of presentations to inspire the McDonald’s community, encouraging them to explore and enhance recognition opportunities for their employees and company.

As I reflect on this journey, I can only hope I’ve aged as well as McDonald’s has.