Kari Swenson, co-owner of 5 McDonald’s in Montgomery County, talked about owning a McDonald’s franchise.  Her father was an administrator of a community college, and a long time Rotarian, in Northern California.  She graduated from the University of VT.  After teaching English in a Czech Republic school, she got an MBA degree and was an owner of a small organic cafe.  Her husband’s mother operated a one store McDonald’s franchise for 17 years.  Seven years ago she and her husband bought the five store McDonald’s franchise.  There is a 4 year approval trial period.  Costs per store are between $500k and $2m, with a 25% cash requirement and a 7 year note.  McDonald’s Corporation’s revenue only comes from the real estate’s lease.  All products and supplies come from a DC area coop.  Kari spends most of her time on financial management and the “McDonald’s (customer satisfaction) Score Card”. .