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Celebrating (F)un+Finance 2025
Relive the moments from the 2025 McDonald’s Owner-Operators (F)un+Finance Meeting.
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Celebrating (F)un+Finance 2025
McDonald’s Owner-Operators from across Australia and the United States came together at The Breakers Resort in Palm Beach, Florida, from Wednesday 7 May to Friday 9 May 2025 for the inaugural Kelly+Partners (F)un+Finance Meeting.
The event felt like a family reunion — three days of connection, learning, and celebration, where McDonald’s Owner-Operators focused on strengthening their health, wealth, and wisdom, celebrating shared successes, and planning for the future.
We’d like to thank everyone who made the effort to join us for this special event, and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming McDonald’s gatherings and client experiences.
We hope you enjoy exploring this event recap page, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Day 1: Igniting Our Connection
Where the Fun Began
The inaugural (F)un+Finance Meeting began with a warm welcome at The Breakers Palm Beach as McDonald’s Owner-Operators from across Australia and the United States reconnected under the Florida sun. The afternoon saw friendly competition on the Ocean Course and tennis courts, with the first official Golf & Tennis Competition setting the stage for a new tradition at every future event.
It was a day for reconnecting with familiar faces and building new relationships that will strengthen the McDonald’s community for years to come.
As evening fell, guests gathered on the Ocean Lawn for a relaxed welcome reception before heading to Echo Restaurant for dinner and conversation. It was the perfect start to three days of learning, connection, and celebration.
Pictures from day 1
Day 2: Powering Our Future
Where the Future Took Focus
DDay 2 was filled with energy, insight, and inspiration. From mindset mastery with Chelsea Pottenger to an unforgettable live podcast with “The Great One,” Wayne Gretzky, McDonald’s Owner-Operators explored what it takes to perform at the highest level.
The afternoon sessions brought together industry leaders and advisors, including Andrew Charles, CFA; John Raymond and Sean Langton from Nelson Mullins; and Michael Rainey and Wayne Randall from Rainey & Randall Wealth Advisors — each sharing strategies to build and protect long-term success.
The day wrapped up with an engaging panel discussion featuring McDonald’s Owner-Operators Ricky Wade and Jeff Stanton, joined by Joan Gibbons, Partner at Kelly+Partners FRS. Together, they explored real-world approaches to cost management, efficiency, and sustainable growth within the McDonald’s system.
The big ideas from day 2
Wayne Gretzky
"You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take."
It wasn’t just about scoring goals — it was about courage, preparation, and seizing opportunities when they appear. From a small-town rink to the world stage, his story reminded guests that success isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up, putting in the work, and taking your shot.
Chelsea Pottenger - EQ Minds
"If you don’t take care of your wellness every day, you’ll be forced to take care of your illness."
Establishing sustainable habits — like regular breaks, quality sleep, and mental wellness practices — helps you prevent burnout, sharpen focus, and strengthen your leadership.
Andrew Charles - TD Cowen
"The harder you push value, the less it seems to work."
Charles highlighted that while value remains essential, it’s no longer the answer to sustainable growth. He encouraged operators to look beyond discounting and focus on innovation, smarter menu design, and high-margin opportunities such as beverages and digital ordering.
John Raymond, Esq. - Nelson Mullins
"The maneuver of tax and estate planning is really simple — a clear plan shows exactly what happens, when, and to whom."
The key to preserving wealth is structure, not size. By using well-designed trusts, families can protect assets, avoid unnecessary tax, and ensure a smooth transfer of ownership across generations.
Sean Langton, Esq- Nelson Mullins
"A revocable trust is the cornerstone of every good estate plan."
When you structure your assets clearly and proactively, you protect your business, your family and your future — without creating unnecessary complexity.
Michael Rainey - Rainey & Randall
"Real wealth isn’t built in moments — it’s built in mindset."
Lasting success comes from patience, balance, and emotional discipline. By staying focused through market cycles and making calm, informed decisions, you create financial stability that endures for generations.
Wayne Randall - Rainey & Randall
"The key to long-term success is staying calm when everyone else is reacting."
True financial leadership comes from discipline, not prediction. By focusing on strategy over emotion and trusting a consistent process, you build resilience that protects wealth through every market cycle.
Ricky Wade - McDonald's Owner-Operator
"Culture isn’t created by policy — it’s built by people who lead with purpose."
When leaders invest in their teams and model the right values, culture becomes a living system that drives performance, strengthens connection, and sustains growth.
Jeff Stanton- McDonald's Owner-Operator
"A leader must be inspired by people before a leader can inspire people."
Leadership begins with connection. When you focus on culture, purpose, and the people you serve, performance follows — driving both happiness and long-term business success.
Day 3: Building Our Legacy
Where Leadership Became Legacy
The final day focused on wisdom, experience and what it means to lead with purpose. Martha Ford, Senior Partner at Kelly+Partners FRS, opened with practical tax insights before Australian Owner-Operator Mark Halford shared lessons from running McDonald’s restaurants outside the U.S. and the strength of values-driven teams.
The day concluded with an inspiring fireside chat featuring Joel Pellicci Sr., a McDonald’s Owner-Operator of more than 48 years, whose journey from Navy pilot to industry leader embodied true legacy in action.
A final lunch on the Ocean Lawn brought the event to a close, offering a moment to connect, reflect and celebrate three remarkable days of learning and leadership.
The big ideas from day 3
Joel Pellicci - Former McDonald's Owner-Operators
"Persistence and determination are omnipotent — they outlast luck, talent, and timing."
Success in business, and in life, comes down to consistency and discipline. When you keep showing up, leading your people, and making sound decisions — even through setbacks — you build a legacy that stands the test of time.
Martha Ford - KellyPartners+FRS
"Smart tax planning starts long before tax season."
Building forward-looking tax habits—like managing debt, planning reinvestments and updating estate strategies—helps protect cash flow, reduce surprises and create lasting financial stability.
Mark Halford - McDonald's Owner-Operator
"You can’t move forward by standing still."
Focusing on alignment, innovation and strong operator leadership creates lasting momentum. Open communication and decisive action build trust, drive results and keep the business moving forward together.
Brett Kelly - Kelly+Partners
"If you want to change the world, start with one person — yourself."
Leading with clarity, consistency and purpose sets the standard for others to follow. When values shape decisions and systems empower people, businesses grow stronger, teams stay aligned and progress becomes unstoppable.
Upcoming Events
McDonald's Global Conference 2026: Client Welcome Party
We’re delighted to invite you to a special Kelly+Partners Dinner for our McDonald’s Owner-Operator clients, held on the eve of the 2026 Global McDonald’s Conference in Las Vegas.
Join us for an evening of great food, conversation and connection with fellow Owner-Operators as we come together to celebrate and look ahead to an inspiring global event.
📍 Location: Hell’s Kitchen, Las Vegas
📅 Date: Sunday, 31 May 2026
🕗 Start time: 7.00 pm
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McDonald's Owners (F)un+Finance Meeting 2027
After an unforgettable 2025 event, we’re bringing the energy back to The Breakers, Palm Beach, for the next McDonald’s Owner-Operators Fun + Finance Meeting in 2027.
Over three dynamic days, Owner-Operators from around the world will connect, share, and grow. Expect fresh ideas, practical insights, and real strategies to strengthen your business and your people — today and for the long term.
Want to be part of it? Click below to let our events team know you’re interested.
