More to the Story with Staley: Father-Son Duo
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) — With Father’s Day only a week away, there are many good stories of sons and fathers working together. But none better than the Goodwins.
They embody the spirit of love, respect and hard work.
Rob and A.J Goodwin, hanging out at this Mickey D’s.
No surprise. They own the franchise.
You see, for 61-year-old Rob, it’s the only company he’s ever worked for, or with.
From 16 years old in 1978 flipping burgers, he, his son and son-in-law now own 19 McDonald’s franchises in our area.
Of Rob’s five kids, 30-year-old A.J. is the one who wanted exactly what his dad has.
“My five children have all worked in the business. I gave them all opportunities. It’s a difficult business,” Rob Goodwin said. “It’s not for everyone. But A.J.’s the only one who really grabbed it. And really wanted it. 100 percent. He’s a mini-me!”
A.J. started working for his dad when he was only 13. Except for a brief military stint, McDonald’s is the only place he has ever worked.
The two certainly keep it in the family. And family extends to the hundreds of their employees as well. They say the team is at the heart of their success.
“It’s incredible to take people who maybe haven’t had that much. And then train and develop them into being phenomenal leaders,” A.J. Goodwin said. “It’s a really amazing experience.”
“If one of our employees need something, we do everything to help them get it. Whether it be education, financially or something at home, we try our best to go through it with them,” Rob added.
From nothing to something. The Goodwins have built a multi-million-dollar company.
Rob will retire soon. A.J. says he feels a responsibility to keep his dad’s dream alive. But they are careful mixing business and family.
“It’s harder than people think,” A.J. said. “You have to be careful. Business and family. We keep business a high priority. But our relationship is even higher. And I think we’ve done a good job with that.”
A.J. says he has plans for his dad come Father’s Day. But it’s a secret.
