Last updated on: 3/23/2016 | Author: ProCon.org

Ed Rensi Biography

Title:
Former CEO of McDonald's USA
Position:
Con to the question "Should the Federal Minimum Wage Be Increased?"
Reasoning:

“The one thing you need to know about the minimum wage, it was designed for entry-level jobs that teach people soft work skills. It was never meant to be a career, it’s meant to be a career starter… If they did this minimum wage thing, I’m telling you there’d be another 15 to 20 percent [of small businesses] that are going to go away… You can’t afford it.”

“Would a Minimum Wage Increase Be a Jobs Killer?,” foxbusiness.com, Aug. 20, 2013
Involvement and Affiliations:
  • CEO, Rensi Consulting, June 2015-present
  • Member of the Board, McDonald’s USA, 1982-present
  • Member, International Advisory Board, Ronald McDonald House Program
  • CEO, Famous Dave’s of America, 2014-2015
  • Co-owner, Team Rensi Motorsports, 1998-Dec. 2010
  • CEO, McDonald’s USA, 1991-Aug. 1999
  • President and Chief Operating Officer, McDonald’s USA, 1984-1991
  • Senior Executive Vice President, McDonald’s USA, 1982-1984
  • Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, McDonald’s USA, 1980-1982
  • Vice President of Operations and Training, McDonald’s USA, 1978-1980
  • Philadelphia District Manager, Regional Manager, and Regional Vice President, McDonald’s, 1972-1978
  • Restaurant Manager, McDonald’s, 1966-1972
  • Grill-man and Trainee Manager, McDonald’s, 1965-1966
  • Former Chairman, National Hispanic Corporate Council Institute
  • Former Member, Board of Governors, American National Red Cross
Education:
  • BS, Business, Ohio State University, 1985
Other:
  • Twitter handle: @edrensi
  • Represented by Premier Speaker’s Bureau for speaking engagements
  • Recipient, honorary doctorate in business, Norwich University, 2012
  • Recipient, Chicago Italian-American Man of the Year Award, 1995
  • Recipient, Italian-American Award, 1994
  • Recipient, Good Samaritan of the Year Award from Good Samaritan Hospital, 1991
  • Recipient, Prince Matchabelli National Hero Award, 1989
  • Recipient, Distinguished President’s Volunteer Award, 1988
  • Recipient, Leadership Award from Restaurant Business magazine, 1988
  • Recipient, Porvello Award from the University of Steubenville, 1985
  • Has been listed in Who’s Who in America since 1976
  • Was instrumental in the development of the first Ronald McDonald House, a temporary residence for families of children with serious illnesses
  • Introduced the McRib, McChicken sandwich, chicken McNuggets, and the Extra Value Meal
Quoted in:
Pro & Con Quotes: Should the Federal Minimum Wage Be Increased?