JAN. 21, 2014 — Carolyn Hunter, president of C&A Unlimited, Inc. and owner-operator of three local McDonald’s locations, joined the Club this week to share her story and thoughts on a successful life. Ms. Hunter serves on the boards of Trident Technical College Foundation, Charleston Southern University Board of Visitors, Trident United Way, and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston.
A Business Management graduate of a two-year community college in Virginia, Ms. Hunter began working at McDonald’s as a grill cook straight out of college. The job wouldn’t have been her first choice, but was suggested by a trusted family member. Like many, Ms. Hunter initially felt that working in fast food was a low pay, low skill job with no future. However, she is very glad she went against her instincts because it set her on the path to where she is today. She encouraged Club members to not make decisions about your future based on how you think or feel – get the facts.
Surprised at how much she enjoyed the activity in the kitchen, Ms. Hunter quickly moved into the McDonald’s management training program. In a few short years, at age 25, she began planning and saving for her own franchise. Key to this growth was a mentor named Lee Dunham, who very bluntly told her that she first needed to save $50,000 – the franchise price at the time (now $500,000). Through his career, Mr. Dunham has helped 16 people become owners themselves. Ms. Hunter bought her first franchise 6 years later, in Moncks Corner, South Carolina.
Now the owner of three McDonalds (she sold one on John’s Island in 2003) with more than 200 employees, Ms. Hunter didn’t forget Lee Dunham’s example. She set a personal goal to help at least 100 people with education, housing, and business opportunities. Along with other philanthropic activities, Ms. Hunter established the Rachel Hunter Thompson Memorial Scholarship Fund at Trident Technical College (TTC) in honor of her mother. This fund provides five $1,000 scholarships to TTC students each year. Not satisfied that she was meeting her personal goal quickly enough, in 2011 she pledged a gift of $1 million to the TTC Foundation. She stressed the need to create community investments today for tomorrow’s workforce.
Next steps include the opening of the C&A Center; a multi-function building that will house company headquarters, but also an educational lab to provide tutorial assistance to her employees, and Cissy’s Closet, a non-profit that will support Trident Technical College, Teacher’s Supply Closet, and the Ronald McDonald House.
Ms. Hunter closed with a quote from Maya Angelou, stating “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” She added that it’s good if you can also make a living at it!
— Tammy Coghill, Keyway Committee