Interview with this year’s Buddy McClain Hall of Fame winner
Ricky Newton, Eupora, MS Sonic (pictured above):
Question: “How and when did you get involved in Sonic?”
Answer: “When I was in the 7th grade, my family moved to Talladega, AL, where I began working at the Sonic my family owned. Three years later they bought the Sonic in Eupora, MS. After working with my father until 1990, he sold the Sonic to Ernie Jacobson. I continued to work at the Sonic for Ernie until 2012, at which time MVP Sonic Group bought the Eupora Sonic, and I have continued to run the Eupora Sonic to this day. This year makes the 48th year I have been in Sonic!”
Question: “Who were your Sonic mentors and how did he/she help you?”
Answer: “James Newton, Ernie Jacobson, and Bruce Vaughn. These three men were dedicated and believed in me!”
Question: “Are you affiliated with any volunteer groups or non profits?”
Answer: “Yes, I help with the Catch-A-Dream Foundation. Our group of men in Eupora has raised over a million dollars for this foundation over the last dozen years. It is a true blessing for us and kids we help.”
Question:” When you are not a Sonic, where can you be found?”
Answer: “I enjoy being outside cutting grass and hunting. I also enjoy meeting people and being an Alderman for the City of Eupora.”
Question: “What is your favorite Sonic menu item?”
Answer: “My favorite item at Sonic is the Jr. Burger, but of course everything else is great as well.”
Question:” What is one of your favorite things about your Sonic crew?”
Answer: “My Sonic crew takes care of customers with great friendly service!”
Question: “If you could give advice to a new manager, what would it be?”
Answer: “Always keep your store clean inside and out. Always train your people to be better and better. And remember you are in the FAST food business.”
Question: How many years have you been married?
Answer: “I have been married 41 years to my beautiful wife.”
Question:How many kids do you have?
Answer: ”I have twin boys, Jesse and Justin, that are 29 years old. Both of our boys worked at the Sonic growing up.”
Question: “Is there anything else you would like to say?”
Answer: “If you are in the Sonic Drive In business, do the best you can because this is a 24/7 job. You are the key piece that makes or breaks a drive in. My goal is to be very successful in the Sonic business for over 50 years. I enjoy working for MVP. I am very appreciative of the Buddy McClain Hall of Fame Award! This recognition means so much to me. ASK ME WHAT TIME IT IS!”