45 years at the golden arches

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - At 22 years-old Debra Harens walked into the Fairmont McDonalds to start her first day as a crew member.

“I enjoy my job,” she said.

45 years later she’s still there as a manager.

“It doesn’t seem that long,”" Harens continued.

Harens started doing maintenance for the fast-food restaurant but was quickly noticed by former owner Wes Clerc after a contest was held to determine the best employee at every station.

“And she actually won all the events. And I looked at our management team at the time and said, ‘Why should student maintenance? She has so much to offer us,’” former owner Wes Clerc said.

The Clercs have known Harens since 1980 when they took over ownership of the Fairmont McDonalds.

“She’s very dedicated, very hard working, very conscientious and great employee to have as part of our staff and part of our family,” Wes Clerc said.

“It’s been a great, great honor to have her work for us,” owner Rick Clerc said.

And she never left for another job. At times Harens would change her schedule, but she stayed because she loved who she worked for and with.

“Wes is very good to his crew. Rick has now taken over. He’s also just like his father,” she said.

In her time, she’s learned that it isn’t just knowing how to make the perfect burger that gets you far...

“You just learn the personality all the people how to how to work with them as everybody’s different,” she said.

Harens received an award recognizing her hard work and dedication from the Clercs and says she looks forward to working there for many years to come.

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