​Carla Gamble on the Future of Black Business Ownership and the Power of Opportunity

​Carla Gamble has made it a point for the future of Black business ownership to mean more than just a seat at the table; it is about ensuring the next generation knows the opportunities that exist, understands what it takes to pursue them, and recognizes that there are people willing to help along that journey.

​“We’re strong because of those who fought the good fight before us,” Gamble said.

​As executive director of the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association (NBMOA), Gamble leads an organization that embodies those values. Through the early efforts of Herman Petty, the first Black McDonald’s owner-operator, the organization has created a space for Black entrepreneurs to build their businesses while navigating challenges with robust community support. NBMOA supports roughly 200 owner-operators who collectively oversee more than 1,500 restaurants. Gamble refers to NBMOA as a self-help organization. As members continue to grow through legacy and strength, they prosper by coming together to navigate the current economic environment.

Guided by the organization’s core pillars, Gamble keeps advocacy at the forefront of her leadership. Those pillars include the continuous promotion of fairness, the elimination of operator disparities, wealth building, and economic growth for Black America. Many people may not realize that NBMOA extends far beyond serving as representation for franchisees; building the next generation of owner-operators and helping candidates reach that level is another primary focus.

​Some prospective owners struggle with operational hurdles or simply figuring out how to scale their businesses. Gamble ensures that she remains accessible to members to tackle those discussions, answer complex questions, and offer complete transparency regarding the realities of entrepreneurship.

​“We want to see others become McDonald’s franchisees,” Gamble said.

​Another key component of NBMOA’s mission is fostering compelling communication to ensure the communities it serves know what resources are available. Individuals who show initial interest in becoming a McDonald’s franchise owner are connected directly with existing operators to learn what the process is truly like. That honesty is vital for anyone considering business ownership, helping make the journey feel more palpable. For Gamble, thorough preparation makes opportunity real. Access to information helps people understand the required steps, but they also need the resources to act on what they learn.

​However, rapid technological growth brings new challenges. Gamble notes that artificial intelligence and other tools can streamline learning processes, but implementation introduces extra costs and complications. That is why access to capital remains crucial for organizations like NBMOA. An opportunity exists, but business owners still need funding to pursue it.

​“I want to encourage hope and confidence. There are opportunities. Don’t be afraid to capture them,” Gamble said.

Gamble referenced NBMOA’s current chairwoman, Tanya Hill-Holliday, who started at McDonald’s as a crew member and now owns 13 McDonald's restaurants in Pennsylvania. When she visits schools to share her story, many students remark that they have never seen someone who looks like them in that leadership position.

​Ultimately, that visibility reflects the heartbeat of NBMOA and guides Gamble’s leadership. Representation changes how young people imagine their own futures. For Gamble, the work ahead is about ensuring the next generation sees business ownership as an attainable goal backed by a community ready to help them succeed.