NAPPANEE – Billy Boldt Jr., a longtime member of the McDonald’s family, has officially become the owner and operator of the McDonald’s restaurant in Nappanee, 1540 E. Market St.
Boldt, who brings over 30 years of experience in the industry, grew up working in the family business.
Boldt’s time with McDonald's began at the age of 9, when his father, a McDonald's franchisee, gave him his first job at the family-owned restaurant in Utah.
"I started working in the gardens, washing windows and doing all the small tasks that nobody else wanted to do. From there, I worked my way up," Boldt said.
Over the years, Boldt has worked in many capacities within the business, from maintenance to swing management.
Before taking on his new role as owner and operator, Boldt served in various leadership positions, including general manager and supervisor for several McDonald’s locations in Indiana. His experience also includes technology, having earned an associate's degree in software engineering, allowing for operational efficiencies and IT solutions across the restaurants he’s managed.
"Being in the McDonald's business is more than just flipping burgers - it's about creating meaningful relationships, whether with customers or employees," Boldt stated. "I want my employees to feel respected and valued. I lead by example, whether that means working alongside my team or listening to their feedback.
"My dad taught me the importance of hard work and loyalty. He also encouraged me to pursue a college education before joining the business,” said Boldt.
The Nappanee McDonald's marks the next milestone in the Boldt family’s relationship with McDonald's, which dates back over 30 years. Boldt’s father opened his first McDonald’s restaurant in the late 1980s in Utah, before expanding into Indiana.
Now, Boldt is committed to giving back to the Nappanee community, joining the Nappanee Chamber of Commerce.
"We’ve had a great relationship with the Nappanee community over the years," Boldt stated. "I’m excited to be here, serve the community and contribute to its growth. I’m here for the long haul. I want to build something that lasts and continues to serve this community for generations to come."
Boldt is keeping his family engaged in the business. His daughter Lilly is a manager at the McDonald’s in Knox.