After he graduated North Catholic in 1966, Paul paved his path with a degree in accounting from Biscayne College in Florida.  

He then proceeded to launch his own company: Tri County Management. Under Paul’s steady leadership, Tri County has employed thousands of local residents in both part-time jobs and full-time careers. The company has also strongly supported each of the communities surrounding its 19 restaurants through sponsorships, donations and other philanthropic outreach.

The McDonald’s system has also tapped Paul’s expertise to benefit restaurants across the country. Paul is the former chair of McDonald’s national advertising coalition and served on that board for more than 20 years. He’s also chaired the regional operator group and the regional marketing leadership committee. Local McDonald’s Owner/Operators entrusted him to lead their association for more than two dozen years. 

During his half-century under the Golden Arches, McDonald’s Corporation has recognized Paul’s tremendous contributions with numerous awards. He twice earned the coveted Ronald Award for outstanding community support and restaurant operations. Paul is also a recipient of the Fred L. Turner Golden Arch Award, the most prestigious recognition for a McDonald’s Owner/Operator. Only the top 1% of McDonald’s franchisees earn this high honor that recognizes a relentless dedication to customer service, exceptional achievement in business, and significant community involvement.

Within the McDonald’s family, Paul is especially admired for his relentless focus on customer service, unflappable professional ethics, and commitment to employee development.

But Paul’s efforts don’t end at the front counter. He’s also served millions through his tireless philanthropic commitments.  

Sweeney serves as chairman of the board for Gateway Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh. He has also provided volunteer leadership to the boards of McGuire Memorial Home, Camp Kon O Kwee, Muscular Dystrophy Association, and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh. He’s the founding organizer and 45-year-member of the local Jaycees. And he’s served in officer positions with many Beaver County non-profit organizations including the Beaver County Foundation, the Beaver County Planning Commission, Beaver Rotary Association, Beaver County Development Commission, the Parks and Recreation Association, Contact Beaver County and the Beaver County Industrial Museum.

Back at home, Paul serves as an involved father and mentor to his three daughters: Lisa, Stacey and Meghan. And as enthusiastic, doting grandfather to six adored grandchildren. 

As a young girl, Meghan often accompanied her father on early morning restaurants visits. During those visits, Meghan gained her first insights into the inner workings of McDonald’s operations and first witnessed the grace of respectable leadership. Meghan would watch her father roll up his sleeves and do whatever was necessary at each restaurant they visited. Whether that meant working the prep line or delegating responsibilities to crew members, Paul’s example taught Meghan how to manage people and promote a team environment in the restaurants.

Meghan graduated from Seneca Valley High School and the University of Maryland. After completing her education, she was named Assistant Athletic Director of Robert Morris University. In that role, she supported 17 coaches and 581 athletes across 23 sports. Meghan also sat on Financial Aid Review Board and chaired the Student/Athlete Advisory Committee at the Division One school.  

After five years with RMU, Meghan returned to the family business in 2008. Starting at the bottom, she built Big Macs, poured shakes, and served up America’s favorite French fries. She then worked her way through levels of restaurant management positions while also attending McDonald’s Hamburger University. Meghan quickly demonstrated intelligence and business sense faster than anyone had expected. A natural leader, Meghan proved she could manage multiple tasks and high stress situations with a level head and an eye on the bottom line.

Meghan bought her first McDonald’s restaurant in 2012. Since then, Meghan has become highly engaged with initiatives that improve the entire McDonald’s system. She serves on the Leadership Team of McDonald’s Restaurant Technology Board; leads the Technology Supplier Summit; sits on the Executive Committee of the Women’s Operator Network; and is a member of McDonald’s Owner/Operator Pride Network. Meghan previously served on Pittsburgh’s Regional Leadership Committee and her co-op’s People Team.

Meghan is equally engaged with her community away from the Golden Arches. She is a very active supporter of first responders, military personnel and U.S. veterans. Meghan is also a member of the Fundraising Committee for the Friends of the Zelienople Park and the Beaver County Foundation. She previously was a youth coach for the local YMCA’s basketball, soccer and T-ball teams.

Meghan is married and the mother of two delightful Happy Meal eaters.