Rob Elwell

About Rob Elwell

I started working at 14 for one simple reason: I loved working with my hands—and I wanted my own money. Cars, tools, figuring out how things work and how to fix them always made more sense to me than a classroom ever did. I knew early on that formal, continued education wasn’t my path. Building skills through real work was.My first job was at McDonald’s, working alongside my older sister. Between home and work, I quickly realized I needed to find my own lane—one where I could grow independently, learn on my own terms, and prove what I was capable of.That path led me to The Home Depot, initially as a lot associate. It was a way to work outside, earn good money, and be around people I knew. When a supervisor needed help cashiering, my McDonald’s experience came into play—and it turned out I had a knack for it. That opened the door to front-end leadership, though at the time, I wasn’t sure management was what I wanted. I was drawn to the sales floor—forklifts, tools, merchandising, and the hands-on work that energized me.Once I made that move, everything clicked.I discovered that I loved working with people just as much as working with my hands—helping customers solve problems, planning and executing seasonal resets, merchandising, operating heavy equipment, and understanding the psychology behind how and why people buy. I grew quickly into department leadership and eventually became an assistant manager, acting as the manager on duty and supporting the entire store team.Over nearly 20 years, I built deep experience in operations, leadership, problem-solving, planning, and people development. I learned how to run a business from the ground up—by doing the work, leading teams, and helping others succeed.Eventually, I was invited to join the family business at McDonald’s. Despite ongoing “sibling encouragement” (and the occasional reminder to post on LinkedIn), I was excited to bring the skills I had developed over two decades back to where it all started—along with a wealth of hands-on knowledge, operational leadership, and a genuine love for the work.And yes, the employee discount on the McRib didn’t hurt either.Today, I’m proud to be part of BFRx Hospitality, where I get to combine what I’ve spent a lifetime learning—building strong teams, building great operations, and building things that last.

Experience

1. Director of Facilities & Construction

   Bfrx Hospitality

   Jan 2026 — Present · South Elgin, IL, US