Blog

Character — not color: A tribute to Bob Beavers

Bob Beavers rose rapidly to become the first African-American senior officer at McDonald's and a 17-year member of its board of directors.

September 8, 2015

By Barry Klein

When Robert M. Beavers passed away Aug. 19 at age 71, it was a major loss for the foodservice industry, although not many people knew of his accomplishments and prominence. Never a seeker of publicity, acclaim, or even recognition of his achievements, Bob was content in the knowledge that his close circle of friends and his family were well aware of his remarkable life and inordinately successful foodservice and business career.

While in college, Bob took a job as an hourly employee in a Washington, D.C. McDonald’s and made it his profession. He rose rapidly to become the first African-American senior officer and a 17-year member of its board of directors. Bob Beavers believed that what drove his success was not his color, but his character, along with his remarkable people skills. An individual’s character was always the most important judgment he made about people, and those who lived up to his standards became friends forever.   

His own character was so well-respected at McDonald’s because the executives knew that no matter how difficult the situation, territory, franchisee or fellow employee, if they asked Bob Beavers to handle it, the issue was resolved. From the day-to-day complications of heading an important market such as New York or Washington, D.C. to resolving conflicts involving franchisee or community problems, Bob was assigned the most difficult tasks and resolved them to everyone’s satisfaction.

Upon his retirement, Bob became a supplier to McDonald’s by acquiring a bun supplier that became Best Harvest Bakeries, servicing the Kansas City market. His company, Beavers Holdings, has grown to be an important purveyor of products and services to the foodservice industry — again with little fanfare or personal recognition.

Bob’s love for his family was the primary focus of his life. In 2014, he and his wife Josephine celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Hawaii with all four of their children and their families. His family is totally involved in the Beavers Holdings operating entities and will continue to operate them with the same character that guided his remarkable life.

When I first met Bob Beavers in the late 1960’s he was an assistant manager at a D.C. McDonald’s. Bless you, Bob. It is an honor and privilege to call you “friend.”