McDonald's manager named best in Canada
Alex Bornilla has worked for company since he was 15-years old
Robin Grant
Northern News Services
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Alex Bornilla, the manager of the McDonald's on Old Airport Road, is a people person.
Alex Bornilla, the manager of the McDonald's on Old Airport Road, was awarded the Outstanding Manager of the Year Award from McDonald's Canada last October. He said he enjoys the work culture at McDonald's, which encourages working as a team. - Robin Grant/NNSL photo |
Being blessed with this quality - as well as a passion for the job - is why he said he earned the Outstanding Manager of the Year Award from McDonald's Canada last October.
But the 34-year-old said it all wouldn't have been possible without his team.
"It's always been about the crew - my people," he said.
McDonald's Canada presents the award to select restaurant managers across Canada for consistent and outstanding performance.
The recognition was also possible, Bornilla said, because of the leadership skills he has learned from working at the popular fast food chain over the years. He said he learned that by giving 100 per cent, he could inspire his team to give 100 per cent too. And keeping them happy helps.
"To me, as long as my crew is smiling, the guests smile as well. It's a simple policy, but it works," he said.
Bornilla immigrated to Canada from the Philippines when he was 13-years old. Two years later, he started at McDonald's and hasn't looked back.
"Families bicker and fight, but at the end of the day, we have each other's back. We succeed together, and if we fail, we also fail together," he said of his relationship with his employees.
In 2003, he and his wife, Sousanh Chanthalangsy - the well-known local chef and owner of food truck One of a Thai - decided to move to Yellowknife for an adventure. The couple stayed because he said they like small cities, the sense of community and beautiful location.
"This city is so awesome," he said. "(The community) supports local businesses. With One of a Thai, my wife's business, all the support she gets from Yellowknife is amazing. It's awesome to just have that support from your own local people."
Bornilla has been managing the restaurant since moving to the city and said he still finds it rewarding.
"I love being with a crew - I love training people," he said.
Another reward, he said, is hearing how working at McDonald's has helped employees succeed in other areas of life.
In fact, McDonald's Restaurants of Canada has made it onto the Canada's 50 Best Employers list compiled by Aon Hewitt, a global HR consulting firm, for the past 13 years.
The company is lauded for its promote-from-within culture which means that 90 per cent of its restaurant managers, half of the franchisees and more than two-thirds of top managers started from behind the counter.
"A lot of the university kids that we have who have gone to university and come back every summer, say working at McDonald's has helped them gain confidence in other areas," he said.
As part of the Outstanding Manager of the Year Award, Bornilla received a plaque, a glass trophy and a $700 bonus.
