Editors’ Note

As a member of the Reno, Nevada, business community, Luther Mack has served in many capacities, including as Chair of the University of Nevada, Reno Foundation board; a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Tax Policy; as Chairman of the Reno Airport Authority; as a member of the Standing Committee on Judicial Ethics and Election Practices; as a member of the Community Boards for Wells Fargo Bank; and most recently, as an appointed member to the Board of Directors for the Boyd Gaming Corporation. The owner of 11 McDonald’s franchises, he was a member of the Nevada Athletic Commission for 14 years, and in 2007, he was inducted into the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Business Hall of Fame. He holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Nevada, Reno.

You have lived in Nevada since you were an infant, you attended the University of Nevada, Reno, and, for the past 34 years, you have been one of the state’s most successful and admired business leaders. Yet, you are as humble as apple pie. When people say that your life story is inspirational, what is your reaction?

Hearing those words just makes me want to work harder. The reason I do so much for the community is that it keeps me humble. I see people, not any better than me, who maybe aren’t quite as fortunate. That makes me want to work harder, so I can give more.

Since 1974, Mack Associates has owned and operated a large number of McDonald’s franchises in Nevada. What factors are instrumental in building a successful franchise business?

Building a successful business doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years of planning, training, and discipline. It is a large commitment, but once you make it, you should never give up, nor ever be satisfied with number two. Always surround yourself with genuine, good people.

You have been involved in other businesses. Other than McDonald’s franchises, what has been the most challenging?

In 1995, a small group of investors and I acquired a license to start up a Fox television station in Reno. It was the first VHF station to be built in 20 years. It was exciting because it was an unfamiliar area for me. Since it was a station that had never been on the air before, we had to learn the ins and outs of actually building a station from the ground up, from the antenna placement and lease agreements, to purchasing the broadcast equipment, to choosing shows and programs for viewers. I also appeared before the FCC to get approval to move forward and to turn the station on. In order to be that representative, I had to learn the day-to-day operation of a television station, even though I wasn’t there day to day. It was a huge educational experience for me. Though I was proud to be the CEO and General Manager, it made me realize how much there is that I still don’t know.

The University of Nevada, Reno, named you a “Distinguished Nevadan” in 1989, as well as a foundation trustee for three terms, and the board Chair in 1997. You have served on several advisory boards for the university and have donated countless hours fundraising for them, especially for their 1997 annual banquet, where you raised more money for the foundation than it had raised in its 27-year history. Why is supporting the university so important to you?

Education is everything. It’s a strong component for success in today’s world. Whether it’s with a university or a specialized school or training within an organization, education is what helps you stay ahead, and it’s important to surround yourself with people who feel the same way. When there is more than one of you supporting something, the impact is greater. It was my affiliation with the Cosby family that enabled us to have Bill Cosby speak at the banquet, and that raised so much for the foundation. On another occasion, Frank Hawkins and I were able to pledge a gift to the Knowledge Center at the university. The university was proud to have him be a part of the center. It showed how important the school still was to him. It wasn’t just me: it was several of us working towards the same vision – helping education.

It must be difficult to juggle your professional and personal interests. How do you keep the scale balanced?

To start, my family is a strong support. I have a lot to be grateful for there. Through thick and thin, I can count on my family. Exercise is also important. I work out very early in the morning with a small group of people. We’re a kind of support to each other. We meet at the gym, work out, and get on with our days. It’s easy to have a balanced life when you have that.

There are so many awards on your walls. Is there a particular recognition you have received that really stands out to you?

I am honored to receive any recognition, but if I had to choose, I would say that the three Ronald McDonald awards I have received stand out in my mind. These are probably the most difficult awards to receive out of everything I have accomplished. You have to run your business nearly perfectly to receive just one of these, and I have received three. Every time I look at them, it makes me feel proud to have the career that I have.