When I last spoke to Matt Dodd last year, he was in the process of shaping a new kind of business leadership — quietly, deliberately, and on his own terms. One year later that vision has only come further into focus. As the owner-operator of 17 McDonald’s locations and the employer of more than 1,000 people, Dodd’s work is more than just managing fast food restaurants: he’s building a company where queer identity, community investment, and operational excellence go hand-in-hand.

“Honestly, talking about [the past year makes me realize] it was kind of more crazy than it sounded like [at the time].”

The milestones begin to stack up. He now oversees over thirty director- and supervisor-level employees, has sponsored senior breakfasts at over 10 schools in the Louisville area, launched a 1,500-backpack giveaway for this upcoming back-to-school season, and maintains a presence at most of the regional Pride celebrations in June. In the past year alone, he was named in Louisville Business First’s 2024 40 Under 40, and received the Ronald Award — an honor given to the top 10 percent of McDonald’s owner-operators.

Matt Dodd and his McDonald’s team. Photo provided by McDonald’s

It’s easy to assume Dodd’s trajectory was smooth, but his dream of becoming an owner-operator seemed out of reach for nearly a decade. “I told myself if I didn’t become an operator by the time I was 40, I wasn’t going to try anymore,” he said. The opportunity finally came when a set of struggling restaurants were seeking new ownership. No one else wanted them, but Dodd did.

Growth brings accolades, of course, but it also makes things more complicated. While Dodd may not be in the kitchen flipping burgers, his responsibilities have shifted to building a leadership structure grounded in shared principles.

“[Our work] with the community is extremely important. I’m not sending a representative. I’m not just sending a check. You know, I’m volunteering, I’m part of the tent [at pride]. That’s what is really keeping the culture alive.”

While working behind the facade of a large corporation like McDonald’s, it can be easy to forget that there are members of our community who keep the lights on. Dodd clarifies, “they don’t realize that 95% of our organizations are franchised. We’re all small businesses, and we’re all in our community.”

That distinction matters to him, especially when relationships shape reputations. “The schools come to me, the city comes to me and [asks for help]. It’s what we have to do as successful business owners: you have to give back to the communities.”

One moment from the past year stands out: a young team member in the middle of their gender transition confided with the leadership team about tensions. Through McDonald’s support network, Dodd was able to connect the team member to affirming resources. It’s a small but significant example of the kind of organizational culture Dodd has been building over the past year.

Matt Dodd with Ronald McDonald and other team members. Photo provided by McDonald’s

“It was wonderful, and it was exactly what I wanted the organization to feel like,” Dodd said. “I want people to realize who we are … and I want them to know that we’ve been through these same things you’re going through.”

This philosophy extends outward. In addition to school sponsorships and pride events, Dodd is eyeing a deeper civic role. With his board term at the Ronald McDonald House ending this fall, he hopes to transition into a leadership role with the Louisville Pride Foundation. It’s a move that reflects his north star: showing up and showing out with excellence.

Still, there are challenges. As with many overachieving gays, Dodd feels the pressure to keep outperforming. “I always feel the need to do better. I think it’s probably the best part of me, but also the worst.” he admits. The goal is more floats, more donations, more appearances. 

But he’s trying to recenter. “Making sure we maintain our values as a larger organization [is the most important thing].”

Leadership doesn’t have to be loud to be transformative. It can look like a backpack giveaway, a safe workplace, or a seat on a local board. In our state, queer leadership isn’t always visible, but Dodd’s approach rewrites the narrative of what success means — not just in metrics, but in meaning.

As he continues to grow his organization, he’s keeping one thing constant: a commitment to integrity, empathy, and a deep belief in showing up. For Matt Dodd, building a business has never just been the goal. Building a legacy is.

“I want to be a great community partner. I want people to recognize me as more than just a McDonald’s operator, [but as] a person that truly cared about community.”

Catch Matt’s tent at Kentuckiana Pride this month to see what showing up really looks like.