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McDonald Companies has supported more than 60 organizations

Employees bring ideas to table, company responds

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November 4, 2024

GREEN BAY – When Lindsay Immel, brand marketing coordinator for McDonald Companies (1032 Bay Beach Road) first stepped into the building for the job interview more than three years ago, she said she sensed a warm and welcoming environment right away. 

“When I walked into the office, I just got that feeling,” she said. “It’s kind of like when we were searching for the right house. You just get a vibe immediately when you walk in the door of a new home. It’s a ‘yes’ or ‘no.’” 

Immel said she had that same feeling during her first interactions with McDonald Companies.

“Everyone, from the front desk person to the five-person interview team, were interested in me,” she said. “They were interested in my family, too.” 

Immel said the community spirit is alive and well for the company’s almost 300 employees from the top down.

McDonald Companies is comprised of three companies: the McDonald Companies, WSW Logistics and South Bay Marina.

“We have a diverse group of business units that range from supply chain to construction and property maintenance to the marina,” she said. “We hit a lot of different industries, yet we’ve somehow found and created an environment where we can operate closely together to all reach that same goal of sharing wins with the community. Our vision is to grow as the community grows.”

A culture of giving

With origins dating back to 1882, Immel said for as long as the company has been in existence, “we’ve worked hand-in-hand with our community to help develop structures, support organizations (at large) and individuals in Northeastern Wisconsin.”

Not only has the company done this through the work it does, but also through its giving back efforts.

Many of the organizations or initiatives McDonald Companies supports, Lindsay Immel said, are inspired by the interests, involvement and passion of company employees. Submitted Photo

“When people come to us, we rarely say no to helping out in our community,” he said.

Immel said McDonald Companies recently responded to the needs of many people in the South affected by the recent hurricanes.

“We sent a truck and trailer down to Tennessee filled with food, water, paper products and other needed supplies,” she said. “This is yet another example of going above and beyond what is expected, which is really our mission.”

Immel said many of the giving initiatives McDonald Companies supports are a direct result of employee interest, involvement or passion.

“We want to get to know our employees and their interests outside of work,” she said. “That is how we determine who we will support. We have a number of internal employees who are coaches for local teams whom we back, and they range in age from youngsters through high school.”

Other youth-oriented groups the company supports, Immel said, include the Green Bay Sail and Paddle, Hands On Deck, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, the Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA.

With a large portion of its employees being veterans, Immel said supporting active military and veteran-focused organizations is important to the McDonald Companies.

One such organization, she said, is H.O.O.A.H. WI (Helping Out Our American Heroes), an organization focused on eliminating suicide with a proactive approach to the overall wellness of service members, veterans and their support systems through programs and certified professionals.

“I have a friend who leads this group – I have learned a lot from her,” she said. “We have always supported our veterans and celebrated Veterans Day, but we wanted to do more. And that’s my role – figuring out what else we can do to support the things we are passionate about. We wanted to go above and beyond to show our support. We are a sponsor for the organization’s walk and intend to rally internal employees to sign up and show our support.”

Immel said McDonald Companies annual Dunk Tank Fundraiser – where the leadership team takes turns in the tank – raises funds to support the fight against breast cancer.

McDonald Companies annual Dunk Tank Fundraiser – where the leadership team takes turns in the tank – raises funds to support the fight against breast cancer. Submitted Photo

“It’s a fun way for employees to try to dunk their managers,” she said. “A handful of people came up to me after that day and said, ‘this is my favorite day of the year. I always look forward to it.’ It’s very popular.”

The cause, Immel said, is near and dear to McDonald Companies as it has and continues to directly impact many of its employees and their families.

Though company giving will continue to be inspired by the passions and interests of employees, Immel said a plan is in the works to further formalize the evaluation process.

“We are planning on establishing a committee to filter out and vote on future community support initiatives,” she said.

The power of gratitude

In her role as brand marketing coordinator, Immel said she has the opportunity to hear firsthand the appreciation from the community regarding the company’s focus on giving.

“I receive emails, texts and phone calls from all over saying how much their organization appreciates us for all the help that we give to their cause,” she said. “(Recipients of our support) can’t believe that we continue to be there for them, time and time again.”

TBN
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