Julio Morgan Gillis is a product of Asbury Park, New Jersey.

Julio earned a BS in Computer Science Information Systems from Stockton University (formerly The Richard Stockton College of NJ) and a Master's in Business Administration from Eastern University.

After completing his undergraduate degree, Julio went to work for the Division of Gaming Enforcement and the Casino Control Commission. He was responsible for conducting information technology security reviews in an industry that generated over $5 billion in gaming revenue.

Julio began his McDonald's career at 15, working in his mother, Marty Gillis' first location in Neptune, NJ. He worked through high school, eventually promoted to shift manager during his senior year.

After a couple of years of working in the casino gaming industry, Julio knew his real calling was to become a McDonald's Owner/Operator. While working in his field, he took McDonald's management training classes. In 2012, after much discussion with his family, he left his job to join the family business with no guarantees.

Julio started as the General Manager of the exact Neptune location he began in when he was 15. Marty clarified that he would only grow within the company if he could develop the business and his replacement. So, over the next six years, Julio focused on creating a robust infrastructure that focused on the development and growth of the employees within the Gillis Organization. This focus allowed the organization to grow from 5 to 11 restaurants.

In 2018, Julio became an approved next-generation Owner/Operator. With his mother’s guiding principles of a people-first culture, Julio grew the Gillis Organization to 17 locations in 2021 by purchasing his first 6 locations in the Empire Business Unit, Upstate New York. Today, mother and son own and operate 22 McDonald's restaurants throughout New Jersey (Monmouth, Middlesex, Somerset, Ocean, and Bergen County) and Upstate New York Markets. Julio prides himself in running outstanding restaurants, giving back to the communities they do business, and creating opportunities for other young men and women.

He is currently the Chief Operating Officer of the Gillis Organization. He is responsible for developing and executing the company's strategic plan for growth in sales and guest counts, profitability, an evolving people-first culture, and reinvestment. In addition, Julio is the Chair of the McDonald’s Stamford Field Office and served as the Treasurer of the National Black McDonald’s Owner/Operator Association.

Julio is married to Larissa Morgan, a Manager for Clinical Talent Acquisition at Penn Medicine. They have two beautiful girls, Brielle and Saige.