Meet Keith Joseph, a 17-year-old high school junior whose ambitions are as expansive as his creativity. For the past three years, he has been honing his skills at a local McDonald’s in Franklin, Massachusetts, but his sights are set much higher. “I might even want to be a franchisee someday,” he shares, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit.
A Bright Future Begins with DECA
Joseph’s journey is just getting started. As a member of King Phillip Regional High School’s DECA club, he is immersing himself in the essentials of marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Recently, he represented his school at the DECA International Career Development Conference in Orlando, showcasing his business acumen in the Franchise Business Plan competition.
Impressive Achievements at DECA
With overwhelming success, Joseph emerged victorious at multiple levels: “I placed first in my district, then state, and finally secured a spot in the top ten internationally,” he proudly recounts. The competition selected only the top 20 finalists globally, with the best ten crowned as champions. This achievement speaks volumes about his dedication and talent.
Crafting the CosMc’s Concept
To reach the championship stage, Joseph crafted an impressive 20-page business proposal accompanied by a polished 15-minute oral presentation. His proposed venture? A new CosMc’s location in Massachusetts—a concept restaurant currently being tested by McDonald’s in select states. “I detail the ideal location and feasibility of my plan, diving into franchising and day-to-day operations, as well as marketing and finance,” he explains.
Positioned as a potential competitor against Massachusetts-based Dunkin’ Donuts, his pitch emphasizes what makes CosMc’s stand out: “Instead of just coffee, they focus on innovative beverage options,” Joseph elaborates. His entrepreneurial insight showcases not only his marketing prowess but also a keen understanding of market dynamics.
Support from the Community
While Joseph’s venture may initially appear as an after-school project, his employer sees much more potential. Richard Hogan, owner/operator of New England McDonald’s, recognizes Joseph’s commitment: “It’s a remarkable achievement. He’s invested so much time and energy into this, and the final product is outstanding. It blows my mind,” Hogan praises.
Hogan even facilitated introductions for Joseph with corporate-level executives to refine his business plan further. “I’m not sure I could do something like this. It’s refreshing to have talent like Keith on my team,” he adds, highlighting the mentorship opportunities that have arisen from this initiative.
A Bright Path Ahead
Before joining the McDonald’s team, Joseph grappled with uncertainty about his future, stating, “I was unsure of what I wanted to do.” However, the blend of hands-on experience in the culinary world and his compelling business project has illuminated his path. “Now, I’m excited to combine my passion for culinary arts with my interest in business,” he says, showcasing the unique fusion of skills that could shape his career trajectory.
Keith Joseph’s story serves as an inspiring illustration of how ambition, education, and community support can foster the next generation of business leaders. As he continues to navigate his journey, one thing is clear: this young entrepreneur is destined for great things.
