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The Family That Invented the Egg McMuffin — and a Partnership That's Lasted 25 Years
David Peterson has been part of the McDonald's system since he was 10 years old — his family's legacy includes inventing the Egg McMuffin. For over 25 years, he's trusted James Howard, and now Kelly+Partners, with the finances behind his restaurants in Goleta, California.
Years in
Business
A multi-generational connection to the McDonald's brand, going back to some of its earliest days.
Restaurants Owned
David sold four other locations with Kelly+Partners's support — calling it total peace of mind.
Year Relationship with Accountant
James Howard was found through a referral and has been working with David's family ever since.
Client Description
David Peterson operates two McDonald's restaurants in Goleta, California — but his connection to the brand goes back much further than that. He's been part of the McDonald's system since he was 10 years old, and his family's legacy includes his father's invention of the Egg McMuffin.
Around 25 to 30 years ago, David went looking for an accountant who actually understood the McDonald's business — not just general accounting. Other owner-operators pointed him toward James Howard, and David describes it as "love at first connection."
The Challenge
Before working with James Howard, David worked with a local accountant who didn't understand the specifics of the McDonald's business — down to details as granular as what a shake machine or an air conditioner actually costs to run and replace. Generic accounting advice wasn't enough for a business with McDonald's-specific expenses, reporting standards, and constant system-wide changes.
David needed a partner who understood the McDonald's system as intimately as he did — someone connected to the meetings, the conventions, and the new initiatives, so nothing about his business ever came as a surprise.
"Selling four restaurants had incredible peace of mind, knowing that Jim Howard was behind me all the way.
If I called Jim right now, he'd pick up the phone and answer — basically 24/7"
— David Peterson, McDonald's Owner-Operator, Goleta, CA
The Kelly+Partners Approach
James Howard's connection to the McDonald's system goes far beyond accounting. He's present at the meetings and conventions, tracks new initiatives as they happen, and understands exactly what a McDonald's P&L should look like — which means David's business runs with zero surprises. When a price increase is coming, David knows well in advance.
That level of service is personal, not just professional. David describes James as a great friend — someone who cares about the business and about him personally, in a relationship built over decades. As the practice has grown into Kelly+Partners, that same personal attention has continued through even as the firm has grown.
Ready to get started?
It starts with a conversation. At Kelly+Partners, we deliver expert advice tailored to your personal, business, wealth, and estate needs—backed by structured systems and year-round support.
