ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Women’s history month is celebrated nationally during the month of March, and McDonald’s is proud to have many outstanding female employees, franchisees, and suppliers among its leaders.

In the United States, women own and operate 30% of all McDonald’s restaurants. One of those is located right in Belmont County.

Amanda Stoltz-Moore is a second-generation operator, who began working in her father’s store when she was young. After starting as a crewmember and working her way up to general manager, Stoltz-Moore purchased her first McDonald’s in 2012, now owning eight across Ohio.

“I love what I do because I’m able to help people out and help my community and see the achievements firsthand,” Stoltz-Moore said. “I have good people. I have a good support group. I have been able to fulfill my dreams as well as have a family and raise my children at the same time.”

Stoltz-Moore has dealt with breast cancer twice in her career. She has continued her work throughout chemotherapy treatment, and she believes that her perseverance is just part of her life as a woman.

“I have a schedule. I’m very routine oriented, and it doesn’t slow me down,” she said. “If you let your mind go through all of it, then that’s the hardest part. You gotta keep your mind straight.”

Stoltz-Moore’s brother, Bob Stoltz, owns four McDonald’s in West Virginia, and both of her children work in McDonald’s restaurants. Her son hopes to follow in his mother’s footsteps and become an owner/operator in the future.

“I love to give back and I love to help out my community, and I love to support other women,” Stoltz-Moore said. “I’m one to encourage women to know that they can have a family, raise children and keep doing what they love to do. I’m just happy that in my position and my occupation and my life and what’s been given, what I’ve worked for, I’m able to give back to women. That’s the best part.”

Stoltz-Moore owns and operates the McDonald’s restaurants in St. Clairsville, Martins Ferry, Belmont, Bellaire, Barnesville, Woodsfield, Caldwell and New Lexington.