Metro Disposal honors Henry Coaxum

(September 2007) -- This month, Metro Disposal Incorporated honors New Orleans' McDonald Owner/Operator Henry Coaxum who also serves as chairperson for the 20th Annual UNCF 5K Run/Walk fundraiser which takes place on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007 on the Riverview directly behind Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Henry and his wife Karen Nabonne Coaxum has demonstrated their commitment to the rebuilding of New Orleans by their actions. Earlier this year, Henry Coaxum was recognized as the Nation's Restaurant News' 2007 Franchisee Star at the annual Restaurant Leadership Conference held in Scottsdale, Arizona. This award honors a restaurant franchisee that has attained profitability, operational excellence, and food and service success.

The National Black Chamber of Commerce presented Coaxum with their their Entrepreneur of the Year Award during their annual conference which was held in New Orleans on July, 31, 2007. On August 11, 2007, Henry & Karen were the first couple to be honored as Young Leadership Council Role Models.

Just 24 months ago, Henry's organization was swept away with Hurricane Katrina, but today he has seven restaurants open for business with a renewed determination to rebuild the McDonald's brand recognition in New Orleans.

Henry reflects, "Last year around this time I was just getting back into business after losing three of my restaurants, office complex and my own home to Hurricane Katrina . . . With over 22 years with McDonald's, I am approaching my 5th year as a franchisee. One thing I've learned along the way is how "collaboration is key" to a franchisee's success. We, at Coaxum Enterprises could not have achieved all that we have in the areas of people, profitability and operational excellence without McDonald's being a partner along the way. And, this is even more so in the post-Katrina business environment . . .

From day one, I had a vision that our restaurants would not just be a place for customers to grab their Big Mac and Fries and run, but rather a "destination" that technology plays a large role in . . . We wanted to stay ahead of the curve and bring technology to our guests allowing them to watch TV and access the internet in a contemporary, comfortable environment . . . We wanted to be different and our restaurants have always reflected this . . .

Katrina affected more than 100 McDonald's locations . . . Employees were scattered across the Country . . . Schools, homes, businesses and hope were washed away. I was one of 4 franchisees who were taken completely out of business. I was down for 6 months. But I am happy to report that together my fellow operators, our supplier partners and the McDonald's corporation helped bring the market back in a New . . . Different and Better way.

One thing that I've learned is personal commitment and presence makes a world of difference . . .You cannot just be the owner; you must be the operator and a role model! When I see my employees, who often have lost the little that they had in the storm, you have to realize that it takes time to get over that . . .

But when they see my wife, Karen and I who share hope for the future; who show them the respect they deserve; who lift their spirits up, they become much more committed to the business than they would be working in a job that didn't show them that . . .

Knowing that I am giving back to a community that has given so much to me, wakes me up early to face each day . . . New, Different, and Better. "

Metro Disposal Incorporated is proud to present Henry Coaxum of Coaxum Enterprises with . . .