From the Philipines to Canada, Medicine Hat McDonald’s restaurant manager receives national award

He made a decision in 2013 to move to Canada for more opportunity.

Platon started with McDonald’s in Medicine Hat in 2013 and was promoted to restaurant manager in 2014.

“Born in a third world country, of course, there are hardships and all that. I’m not saying that there’s no hardship here, but it’s more of like opportunities can open up here in Canada,” Platon said.

“I started as a foreign worker. Now I’ve been here for a permanent resident status. So that’s one thing that sets apart the thing that I was thinking about moving here in Canada,” he added.

“With the kids, the opportunities the learning and all that.”

Platon chose Medicine Hat initially because the size of the city.

“It’s more laid back. It’s a small town compared to Edmonton and all that,” Platon said.

“I love the people here because it’s a close knit community that you can talk to someone today and follow up a conversation the next day,” he added.

“It’s easy to build relationships with schools, with with the people that’s coming inside the restaurant and all that. It’s a close knit town. I love it here.”

Since he began managing the McDonald’s restaurant on Dunmore Road in Medicine Hat, Platon has had the opportunity to further grow and develop his skillset as a senior restaurant manager.

The company said in a release that Platon has also been integral in training other restaurant managers in the area, offering plenty of guidance and support.

“I didn’t expect it! I really enjoy what I do and this was like the icing on the cake,” Platon said about winning the award.

“McDonald’s is definitely a people business and I really treasure the relationships that I’ve built here with management, crew and our guests.”

Every year, McDonald’s franchisees and regional management nominate restaurant managers across the country for the Outstanding Manager of the Year award to recognize their hard work, dedication and commitment to McDonald’s Canada and its guests.

“He works so well with his people and has a knack for developing a positive, cohesive team, he really excels at that,” said Jordy Gauf, McDonald’s market supervisor in a news release.

“This award is a great honour and for Patric to be recognized for Outstanding Manager of the Year is so well-deserved,” he added.

“His influence on other team members has been huge, he really encourages junior managers to step up and he’s a great teacher.”

The company said the award shows its commitment to giving employees opportunities to grow and foster their talents, while also creating memorable employment opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Platons said one thing he enjoys most about his job is reaching out to the community.

“I always look forward to every time May approaches. McHappy Day, part of the things that you’re doing is for the Ronald McDonald’s house that helps sick kids not to be away from their families and all that,” Platon said.

“We do have the local Ronald McDonald’s house here in Medicine Hat. So it’s a good thing. It’s a feel good,” he added.

“It’s a wow moment for me with those ones. And then reaching out to the Stampede, local hockey teams.”

Platon found out about the award earlier this year and then got the opportunity to receive his award at the bi-annual McDonald’s convention that was held in Vancouver in May.

With McDonald’s being a multi-billion dollar international brand Platon said it helped open opportunities for him and can be a stepping stone for others.

Platon moved back to the Philipines from 2016 to 2019, as he dealt with going from holding a work permit to becoming a permanent resident in Canada.

The 52-year-old was approved by the government to bring both of his sons to Canada from the Philipines in 2019.

He said the three years he had been away from them had been challenging but he relied on technology.

“Technology gives you an opportunity to touch base with your kids, with your family, with your mom, with your dad,” Platon said.

“If you want to move forward, you have to sacrifice something. I mean, that’s one thing,” he added.

“To keep focused on your goal. Thinking that this is for the family and eventually, that’s what happened to me.”

Paton said he will be applying to be a Canadian citizen within the next year.

McDonald’s said in a news release that they strive to give employees the skills and experience they need to grow in their careers, such as prioritizing tasks and managing money and operations.