Pastor Robert Pyles of Abundant Faith Church of Integrity and owner of 12 McDonald’s restaurants in Milwaukee and Menomonee Falls was honored by Pastors United during the organizations second annual Dinner Gala and Awards Banquet held at the Italian Community Center on Saturday, April 4, 2015. The Dinner Gala and Awards banquet theme was: Moving Forward – Empowering Families. Pastors Pyles’ career began when he enlisted to serve in the U.S. Air Force after high school. Honorably discharged, Pastor Pyles left military service and began working at a McDonalds when the owner, Jack Priess, suggested he consider becoming a McDonald’s owner. Pastor Pyles accepted the offer and traveled to Denver, Colorado with Priess. Soon after meeting other owner/operators, Pastor Pyles decided he wanted to become an owner/operator. In February of 1998, Pastor Pyles and his wife, Betty, bought their first McDonald’s restaurant on 76th ad Mill Road. They view their restaurants as ministry opportunities for their employees. Pastor Pyles is the first African President of the Milwaukee co-op. Pastor Pyles and Lady Betty Pyles have initiated innovative ways to improve the community by offering individual hope through helping them to move from poverty to prosperity, which Pastor Pyles refers to as his “Up and Out” philosophy. Pictured presenting Pastor Pyles the award (from left to right) are: Pastors United Dinner Chairman Apostle Charles Watson, Pastor Robert Pyles and Pastors United President, Minister Greg Lewis.