McDonald's franchisee Eddie Leligdowicz has come a long way in 20 years.
The grandad-of-one has gone from working in various roles at international computer business ICL to running 13 McDonald's franchises in North Staffordshire and South Cheshire - employing 1,650 staff.
Here the man who is responsible for all but one of the fast food chain's branches in Stoke-on-Trent reveals all about his growing McDonald's empire.
"Prior to McDonald’s I was working at ICL" Eddie told .
"I ended up being sent over to Australia for four-and-a-half years as part of my role there and when I returned home I looked at doing something different; that’s when I found McDonald’s - or should I say, McDonald’s found me."
After taking part in an intense eight-month training course which required him to do everything from flipping burgers to serving customers, Eddie took on his first franchise in Newcastle-under-Lyme high street in 1999.
"The Newcastle store was where I learned to cut my teeth as a franchisee. It was an interesting time, especially because the Wolstanton store opened soon afterwards. I had to deal with the challenge of the impact that had in terms of footfall, but it was good and it helped me learn how to deal with competition.
"We had a lot more freedom in terms of menu choices and promotions back then – we could do what we wanted."
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Over the next 12 years, Eddie's portfolio of branches grew to 10 restaurants in North Staffordshire, South Cheshire and Derby - including those in Hanley, Crewe and Congleton.
By 2017 he had sold his three Derby stores as part of a franchisee to franchisee deal - and took on a further three branches in Festival Park, Fenton and Tunstall in Stoke-on-Trent.
He said: "Twenty years seems to have gone in a flash and McDonald’s has transformed considerably from the day I joined.
"Everything is different, from the way we prepare our food and serve our customers to how orders are made and our menu choices.
"At McDonald’s our customers are at the heart of everything we do so we have to constantly think of ways that we can adapt to suit their needs such as installing new technology and introducing new healthy eating options on the menu.
"Staff training and flexible working are also key to everything that we do. One of my favourite parts of my job is seeing staff progress up the ranks.
"I am very proud and privileged to have so many employees – even if they do try to keep me out of the kitchen as much as possible!"
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And Eddie - whose favourite dish is a quarter pounder with cheese - already has his sights on further growth in 2020 and beyond.
He added: "There are other opportunities for expansion into neighbouring areas such as the Staffordshire Moorlands – in particular Leek – and further into Cheshire. Growing the business will allow me to employ more people and give staff more rewarding job roles."
"If you told me 25 years ago that I would be the franchisee of 13 McDonald's stores I would never have believed it, but it has been a fantastic career – and I’m lovin’ it."