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McDonald's franchise owner Kevin Dobski credits BDV Solutions (a Vanteo company) with helping his McDonald's operations survive labor shortages, maintain a 95% quality employee retention rate, and fast-track dozens of international hires into management roles over five to seven years.
When COVID hit, Kevin Dobski was managing one of the most labor-intensive operations in the country.
As a McDonald's owner-operator across Lawrence and Topeka, Kansas, Kevin oversees roughly 1,200 employees spanning restaurants, offices, maintenance, and landscaping. When traditional labor pipelines dried up, he needed a different approach fast.
He found Vanteo (previously BDV Solutions Enterprise). And it changed how he runs his business.
The Problem: A Labor Model That No Longer Worked
Multi-unit franchise operators know the math. High turnover, thin margins, and a shrinking local labor pool make staffing a full-time strategic challenge. COVID compressed all that pressure into a single, urgent moment.
"COVID really changed a lot," Kevin said. "Thinking outside the box became a necessity."
For Kevin, that meant looking at international hiring as a serious operational tool, not a last resort.
The Solution: EB-3 and a Start-to-Finish Visa Partner
Vanteo offers what Kevin calls a "one-stop immigration concierge" model. From initial candidate identification through placement, compliance, and ongoing support, we handle the complexity that typically stops employers from hiring foreign nationals through EB-3 visas in the first place.
The scale of the program gave Kevin confidence, as we have worked with more than 300 visa sponsors across more than 100 countries.
"It was a leap of faith on both sides," he said. "That truly worked out."
The Results: Seven Years of Measurable Impact with International Talent
Kevin has been working with Vanteo since 2018. The outcomes speak clearly. He reports:
- 95% quality employee rate across all international placements over five to seven years
- Dozens of international hires fast-tracked from crew into McDonald's management programs
- Multiple career paths developed within the organization, with some employees holding three to four distinct roles
- Multilingual team members adding operational and customer service value across locations
- Ongoing relationships with former employees who have moved on and stayed in touch
"I'd say our candidates over the last five to seven years have been 95% quality employees that we've had nothing but positive moments developing," Kevin said.
What Sets the EB-3 Visa Program Apart
Most employers hesitate on international hiring because of complexity. Visa requirements, legal compliance, and cultural integration all create friction. Vanteo removes that friction by managing the full lifecycle.
For the employees themselves, the EB-3 visa program represents something significant. Many have waited years to work toward this opportunity. Kevin's team has seen individuals who had never held a job rise through McDonald's management hierarchy.
"Some that hadn’t ever had a job have gone all the way up our hierarchy," Kevin said. "That's what we're looking for."
That motivation translates directly into performance. These are employees who are fully committed, deeply grateful, and ready to grow.
Learn how international talent can turn constant turnover into a competitive advantage. Download our free guide, A Step-by-Step Guide to Sponsoring Candidates Through the EB-3 Program.
Why Businesses Should Pay Attention to International Talent
If you are a franchise owner—or any business owner—facing a labor shortage, the EB-3 visa offers a real alternative to the typical cycle of job postings, high turnover, and unfilled shifts.
Kevin's advice is direct: "It's never been easier to just pick up the phone and have an honest conversation. This is a great program if you're looking for alternative ideas with labor staffing."
Sponsoring EB-3 international talent is worth serious consideration if you are:
- Operating in a high-turnover labor environment
- Struggling to fill consistent, reliable roles at scale
- Open to a structured, compliant international hiring program
- Looking for employees who are motivated to build long-term careers
International Talent Strategy: The Bigger Picture
Kevin describes watching his international employees reach their goals as one of the most rewarding parts of his work.
"To hear what they have in store next is really interesting. It's that real American dream."
For a franchise owner managing 1,200 employees across multiple locations, that kind of mutual investment creates something that transcends a typical employer-employee relationship. It builds a workforce that is loyal, growth-oriented, and genuinely proud of where they work.
Since 2018, Kevin has been consistently satisfied with his international employees. The relationships continue long after placements end.
Interested in learning whether international hiring is right for your operation? Contact Vanteo to start the conversation.
About Vanteo
Vanteo serves as the parent company for a comprehensive family of brands specializing in workforce solutions, cultural exchange programs, and process management, each benefiting from our integrated approach.
Permanent Workers
BDV Solutions (BDV) operates as our EB-3 permanent residence visa specialist, focusing on long-term workforce solutions for organizations seeking to build lasting international talent partnerships. BDV handles the complex process of securing permanent residence visas for essential workers across various industries.
Vanteo is not a law firm, and this information should not be considered legal advice. Participation in U.S. visa programs is subject to eligibility, regulatory requirements, and government approval. Past performance does not guarantee future outcomes.
