CONTRIBUTED PHOTO — The Marshalltown McDonald’s recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of employee Vance Backoff. Pictured from left to right are: Amanda Spain, HR partner; Justin Macchione, operations manager; Steve Thatcher, operations officer and Backoff, crew trainer.

On May 21, the McDonald’s in Marshalltown and a crowd of about 20 people rallied to recognize Vance Backoff for his 25 years of service to the restaurant and to the community of Marshalltown even throughout the severe weather that was had that day. During the celebration, Backoff was presented a coveted 1 in 8 jacket.

Backoff began his journey with McDonald’s in 1999 in Marshalltown. Over his 25 years, he has become an expert in every area of the restaurant. If people ask him, though, he’ll admit that it’s a toss up between fries and drive thru when it comes to his favorite spot to work.

“I like the challenge of keeping up with the fries during lunch, but even more working in drive thru and handing people their orders,” Backoff said.

It’s true, as a lifelong resident and graduate of Marshalltown High, he knows so many members of the community. When he works the drive thru, he is really in his element. Backoff is also a crew trainer. In that role, he helps to onboard, train and mentor new team members. He always says, “You better believe, if something is wrong I’m going to fix it, and fast!”

Several local customers come to the restaurant daily just to see Backoff.

In his 25 years of service, he has rarely missed work and is always willing to step in wherever and whenever needed.

Backoff’s favorite McDonald’s meal is the breakfast burrito, even during lunch.