Epitomizing the American Dream, from Lebanon to an Award-Winning Career with McDonalds
Written By: Tim Herrmann, Rotary Club of Florence
Join the Rotary Club of Florence, serving all of Boone County (@FlorenceRotary), on Monday, May 13, 2024, at noon to hear George Saliba, retired President of Saliba LLC, dba McDonald’s, share his personal journey from civil war-torn Lebanon to the American Dream.
Before beginning his McDonald’s career, George grew up in Lebanon helping his father at their winery. He migrated to the U.S during the Lebanese Civil War in 1997 at the age of 21, unable to speak one word of English, but through hard work and dedication he graduated top of his class in two years from the University of Dayton and received his MBA two years later.
George began his award-winning career in 1985 working with McDonald’s USA. He transitioned to the owner operator side of business with award winning operator Paul Groen in 1997 and became an owner operator in 2012. He and his daughter Emily owned 17 restaurants before he decided to start downsizing.
George’s leadership abilities have been utilized in many ways. He served as the Indianapolis Region Profit Lead, and the Louisville and BOA Business Unit president for three terms. George is the recipient of multiple McDonald’s awards, including the Fred Turner Golden Award, Ronald McDonald’s award, Alpha award, Outstanding Operations, Profit Excellence, Leading Edge Operator, and Street Fighter awards. He was also selected as the Grand Marshal by the city of Campbellsburg for their Campbellsburg Day Parade for his contributions to the community.
After retirement, George intends to spend more time with family and friends. He is committed to continue to help others by paying it forward as a gesture of thanks to all the people that have helped him along the way. George is forever thankful to his family and all the people that he had the privilege to work with. He is honored and thankful to have had the opportunity to be part of the McDonald’s family.
George is a master gardener, beekeeper, and a member of Friends of the Arboretum. He is fluent in English, Arabic, and French. A family man with strong values and connection to the family’s heritage, he is dedicated to making a positive difference in his restaurants, communities, and McDonald’s system. George is very active in the Lebanese Christian Church in Dayton, Ohio.
Guests are always welcome to join, meet members and learn about the club.
Members – Please share this information via email and social media. Invite a friend!
Please help us plan for seating and food by RSVPing at: https://tinyurl.com/rcofky-rsvp.
Date: Monday, May 13, 2024
Meeting Hosts: Team #3
LOCATION: Northern Kentucky Area Development District (NKADD), 22 Spiral Drive, Florence, KY 41042
Live Streamed on the club’s YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@rotaryclubofflorenceky
11:45 am – Lunch Buffet $13/person
12:00 pm – Meeting Begins, Greeting, Prayer-Reflection-Inspiration, Pledge & 4-Way Test
12:15 pm – Program Begins
1:00 pm – Meeting Adjourned
#FloRo #Rotary #ServiceAboveSelf #PeopleofAction #CreateHope #Entrepreneurship #AmericanDream #HardWork #Immigrants #Lebanon #McDonalds
