Meet Carlos Mateos Sr., Owner/Operator of MCD Mateos (his philanthropic work knows no boundaries)
During Hispanic Heritage Month, we talked to Carlos Mateos Sr., owner/operator of MCD Mateos which owns 20 McDonalds locations in the DMV region. He and his team are always looking for ways to support their community and their philanthropic work knows no boundaries. Check out our Q&A below!
Answered by Carlos Mateos Sr., MCD Mateos // @mcdmateos
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Tell us about your family’s background and where they’re from.
To me, Hispanic Heritage Month means recognizing and celebrating the Hispanic community's achievements and contributions. Our stories make us who we are, and my story began when my family and I immigrated from Cuba to the United States when I was 7 years old.
How were you and your family able to grow such a successful business? What inspired you to get started
When we came to America, my mother worked in a factory and my father was a bus driver. Being raised with the mentality of hard work taught me the true meaning of sacrifice and giving back. Through this, I knew that dedication was something I would want to replicate in my own life with my own business. We began our business by starting small. We opened up our first business in Rosslyn and that one business turned into two, and two turned into four. Today we proudly operate 20 restaurants across the DMV.
You and your team do a ton of community outreach and philanthropic work. Why is that important to you? Who are some of your top partners and why do you support them?
When I first moved to the DMV area, I only knew a few people. I was trying to find balance with a new business and a young family. What got me through that time was the support of my community. I feel so grateful for the opportunity I was given that it only seems right to do my best to extend that privilege to others. Our philanthropic work spans a wide spectrum. Our partners range from sponsoring the Animal Welfare League of Arlington to feeding families stationed at the Fort Myer military base. We want to show our support to all areas of the place we call home.
Is there any advice you're willing to share with young Latino/Latinas?
Know where you are, know where you are heading; but never forget where you came from. Never stop working hard, even if those around you don't take notice right away. And lastly, when you make it to where you are going, don't forget to turn around and offer a hand to the people who helped you along the way.
