Nicole Harper Rawlins is a respected woman in Los Angeles’s business world.
She and her sister, Kerri Harper-Howie own 24 McDonald’s restaurants throughout Los Angeles County, building a business empire one restaurant at a time.
A dedicated community developer, Harper Rawlins, will be honored at the Los Angeles Urban League’s 50th anniversary Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards and Celebration on June 11 at the Skirball Cultural Center.
Harper Rawlins, 53, who went through the McDonald’s franchise training program for owners before helming her first McDonald’s in 2007, will receive the Trailblazer Award for entrepreneurship.
The sisters’ fast-food story began in the 1980s, when their mother, Patricia Williams, owned a franchise.
Initially, neither sister opted to follow in their mother’s footsteps. Instead, Harper-Howie became an attorney, and Harper Rawlins became a social worker.
Today, the sisters, who took over their mother’s restaurants, have become integrated into the community they serve. They support local sports teams, churches and schools and are involved in charitable organizations and community boards. They run their business with a team of majority female leaders.
The CEO of Nicker Management (a fast-food franchise operator), Harper Rawlins has broken down barriers and created opportunities in the fast food industry for hundreds of people in South Los Angeles.
I recently spoke to her about her professional journey and imminent recognition.
DD: What was your initial thought when you heard you were getting an award from the Los Angeles Urban League?
NHR: I was shocked. I’m humbled and just appreciative. I get up with the agenda for what I have to do that day. I do leadership and participate fully on the boards I’m on. In my business, it’s about operational things. We are very intentional about running great operations. I don’t do anything with the thought that there will be some benefit or recognition. Something like this is not in my mind. An organization with this kind of history is honoring me. It’s wonderful.
DD: What does this award mean to you, and how do you think your work embodies the trailblazing spirit?
NHR: It’s always my goal to carry on the legacy of my mom, a trailblazer. She was one of a few single, female, Black franchisees. I want to carry out her legacy. I hope I live up to what she has created and blaze my trails. We have more than doubled in size. We’re always looking to do something better.
DD: Talk about the importance of the Los Angeles Urban League.
NHR: I was born and raised in Los Angeles. The work they do to enrich communities is something I recognize from being a child living in the neighborhood. I understand what they do to lift the community. It’s a great organization that tries to improve communities. My mom said when you are in a neighborhood, you can’t “just take,” you have to bring something back.
DD: What message would you like to share with the community and future generations of entrepreneurs and leaders?
NHR: Number one, if you have a passion, anything you can dream about that you want to go after, if you put in all your effort, you can do it. Align yourself with wonderful organizations like the Urban League. Learn to enrich the community. It comes back to you. You reap the benefits.
DD: Initially, was it scary operating a franchise on your own?
NHR: Very scary because most people don’t enter the business in the second generation. The idea is that you’re coming into your parents’ organization, and eventually, they will retire and you will run their restaurant. I had an opportunity to work separately from my mom. I was licensed for two restaurants at the airport. It was scary, but great. I didn’t have my mom as a backup. I had to prove to McDonald’s and myself that I would be great on my own.
DD: Can you describe your experience building and managing a portfolio of 24 McDonald’s franchises with your sister?
NHR: We started with two. You build over time. You get systems and teams together. You get your finances together, which you’re building over time. Put yourself in a position to acquire more. It’s all about family with us. We have been blessed. Our management team has an average of 15 years of working with us.
DD: How many more franchises will you have in the future?
NHR: Oh, gosh. If you had asked me that four years ago, it wouldn’t have been 24. We evaluate each acquisition on a case-by-case basis. Does it make sense? Do we have the people to run them? There is a lot of consideration. We don’t have a number in mind.
DD: What lessons have you learned along the way, and how have you applied them to your business strategy?
NHR: The biggest lesson I’ve learned is do the right thing and everything will be fine. With 24 restaurants, something is going to go wrong. Just try to do the right thing in every decision you make.
DD: How has your life changed?
NHR: Interesting question. I don’t know. Maybe I have a larger influence over people. Dealing with delicate things, I dealt with in social services, I wanted to have a positive impact on people’s lives. I work with a great brand like McDonald’s. I am on the board for Ronald McDonald House, a charity I like.
DD: As the CEO of Nicker Management, what approach do you take to leadership, and how do you motivate your team?
NHR: My leadership is one of collaboration. It is an open door. Just have a conversation. No question is a stupid question.
DD: What initiatives or programs have you implemented to drive growth and success in your franchises?
NHR: The main thing that makes us successful is good systems. It helps when people know what you expect of them and what they can expect from us. We are all accountable. Most important is to have good systems for operations, food safety and whatever we are working on.
DD: What is your favorite McDonald’s meal?
NHR: I eat nuggets and French fries. I’ll have a McMuffin for breakfast, and for lunch, I’ll have a Filet-O-Fish. We have chicken strips that I like. I love McDonald’s. If I eat fast food, I will always choose McDonald’s.
DD: What advice would you give about obtaining success?
NHR: Find something you’re passionate about. It’s important. Otherwise, it’s not worth it.
Darlene Donloe is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers South Los Angeles. She can be reached at ddonloe@gmail.com.
