From Airplanes to Big Macs: McDonald’s Employee Celebrates 20th Anniversary and 95th Birthday on Christmas Day!

Harriett Clopper is a very special employee who works as a lobby greeter in Hagerstown, Maryland. Not only is Harriett celebrating her 20thanniversary with McDonald’s this December, she’s also celebrating her 95th Birthday on Christmas Day!  On December 21, friends, family and restaurant staff held a huge surprise party in her honor.

Before joining McDonald’s, Harriett had a career building airplanes. She realized after retirement she didn’t like not having a job. In 1995, at age 75, she applied for a part-time position at the McDonald’s restaurant near her home.
 
“People love Harriett because she makes them feel special the minute they walk in the door,” said Mark Levine, Franchisee. “She’s young at heart, has a great sense of humor, and is proud of the fact that she works at McDonald’s. In essence, she is our brand.”
 
Levine says he wishes he had 1,000 Harrietts because customers gravitate to her and ask for her by name. Recently, a couple from New York who met Harriett on the first leg of their trip made a special effort to stop back on their way home just to see her again.
 
“I encourage my co-workers to be friendly, positive, helpful and caring,” Clopper says. “Doing these things brings customers back and keeps me happy, too. The young people look up to me and I appreciate that they also look out for me by helping me empty the trash and making sure I arrive home safely in bad weather.”
 
Harriett loves Mocha Frappes, avidly collects McDonald’s lapel pins (she has well over 80 of them), and says that the secret to longevity is to keep working.
 
Congratulations Harriett!