Nearly three decades later, his name is closely linked with the brand in Bloemfontein and Kimberley. What started as a part-time job has turned into a career built on resilience, community and a love for people. In the mid-1990s, while completing his masters degree in human resources, Bakkes joined his brother as a shift leader at a McDonald’s restaurant.
He quickly advanced to restaurant leader and later received a one-year rental agreement to test his readiness as a franchisee. “It was a steep learning curve,” he recalls. “Working in the restaurants gave me a deep respect for what shift leaders and crew face every day.” His first store in Fleurdal struggled and closed within months, a humbling lesson in perseverance.
Bakkes then took over the Zastron Street restaurant, which for several years was the only McDonald’s in Bloemfontein, before gradually expanding. “I’m grateful for the slow growth,” he says. “It taught me patience, responsibility and how to build strong teams.” Bakkes believes McDonald’s success comes from its systems and people.
Read Full Article on The Citizen
[paywall]
“I probably made every mistake you can make as a shift or restaurant leader,” he laughs. “I tried to reinvent the wheel, only to learn the system works for a reason. You can question it, but you also need to accept the wisdom behind it.” That belief still guides his leadership today.
“I tell my managers: I might not agree with your approach, but try it. If you learn from it and reach the right answer faster, that’s growth.” Many of his senior team members started as part-time crew and have been with him for over 15 years. Watching them buy homes, start families and provide for their children remains his greatest reward.
“Seeing a manager move onto medical aid or send their kids to good schools — that’s success.” For Bakkes, business and community go hand in hand. He supports local sports across Bloemfontein, believing family sports create happiness and positivity.
[/paywall]
