Balbir Singh, an Indian American, received a grand red-carpet welcome to celebrate 40 years of unwavering service at McDonald’s in Saugus, near Boston. Arriving in a limousine and greeted with cheers and pom-poms, Singh was honored with a $40K cheque and a special dinner, marking a milestone that reflects dedication, commitment, and hard work rather than corporate status. His journey resonates as a true embodiment of the American Dream for immigrants.
Singh’s story stands out amid news of layoffs in the US tech sector. Arriving in America in the early 1980s, well before H1B visas and nonstop Air India flights to the US, he quietly built a steady career far from the skyscrapers of Silicon Valley. Starting in 1985 with kitchen duties, Singh’s discipline and work ethic propelled him into supervisory positions. Today, he manages four McDonald’s outlets, leading teams with humility, empathy, and a meticulous approach. Colleagues affectionately call him “papa bear” for his nurturing leadership.
Lindsay Wallin, owner of nine McDonald’s outlets, praised Singh for shaping “the heart and soul of the organization over four decades.” She highlighted his embrace of the company motto, “Why not?”—a mindset that encouraged growth, experimentation, and excellence. Singh’s journey began with Wallin’s father, Bob King, who envisioned building a ‘McFamily’ rather than just a business. Singh fondly recalled his early days in the kitchen and back, expressing pride in being part of the McDonald’s family.
The celebration included a surprise collage of Singh’s photos, evoking emotional memories of his early days in the US. For Singh, the tribute symbolized warmth, stability, and a sense of family found in his adopted home. His story serves as an inspiring example of dedication, loyalty, and the opportunities that define the American Dream for immigrants.
