US employer honours Indian-origin employee for 40 years of service, gives Rs 35 lakh cheque

Lindsay Wallin noted that Balbir Singh had originally worked under her father, Bob King, who founded the family’s franchise business before she assumed leadership.

An Indian-origin employee at a McDonald’s outlet in Massachusetts was formally recognised by the franchise owner after completing four decades with the company. Balbir Singh, who began his career at the restaurant soon after emigrating from India, marked the milestone at a celebratory event where he arrived in a limousine, walked a red carpet, and was presented with a cheque for USD 40,000 (Rs 35,45, 768 approximately).

The ceremony was hosted by franchise owner Lindsay Wallin, who operates nine McDonald’s restaurants in the region. She told the Daily Item that acknowledging Singh’s long service was significant not only for her, but for many staff members who had worked with him over several decades.

Reflecting on his contribution, she said: “Forty years of service for someone who has helped shape the heart and soul of our organisation. Balbir started his McDonald’s career 40 years ago, shortly after moving to the United States from India.”

Wallin noted that Singh had originally worked under her father, Bob King, who founded the family’s franchise business before she assumed leadership. “Many of the people standing here were part of that original team, including Balbir,” she said. She added that her father had aimed to create a workplace that felt like a community rather than a purely commercial enterprise, and she hoped she was maintaining that approach.

Discussing Singh’s responsibilities, Wallin stated: “Having Balbir starting his 40th year with me is something that means more than I can put into words. Today, Balbir runs four of our nine restaurants with excellence, humility, and unwavering focus on people. He doesn’t just oversee our operations. He supports our entire nine-restaurant team.”

She emphasised that Singh’s attitude had played a central role in the organisation’s culture. “One of the things that I admire most about Balbir is that he has embraced our company motto of ‘Why not?’ Why not try something new? Why not grow? Why not push for better? That attitude has fuelled our success and opened doors for so many of our employees.”

Singh, who began working in Somerville in 1985, started in the kitchen and assisted with a range of tasks before moving into supervisory roles. Recalling his early days, he said: “I first started as crew. I worked in the kitchen and helped in the back… I tried to do everything.”

He later added: “I’m really, really proud to work for this company.”

At the event, Singh received a long-service award, a “One in Eight” commemorative jacket, and the USD 40,000 cheque.