Border Foods’ annual golf fundraiser, Swinging for Scholarships, was yet another big hit! Celebrating its second year, the charity event played host to almost 30 foursomes at Bunker Hills Golf Club while raising more than $130,000 for the company’s educational scholarships.
Swinging for Scholarships has allowed Border Foods to make a bigger impact on recipients’ lives.
This is a huge part of what we hope to carry forward every year because it does make a difference.
Mollie Sommer, Border Foods’ Outreach Specialist
Event Highlights
We were delighted to have several of our vendor partners participate in the golf tournament this year. Company Founders Jeff and Lee Engler both stopped by the event, as well as former COO Jeff Williams and daughter Krysta Corrigan. We also enjoyed visiting with a few of our friends from the Taco Bell Foundation.
According to Mollie, this year’s event had more giveaways and games. First Place winners each received custom Border Foods and Taco Bell-branded golf bags. Another lucky someone went home with a robot mower from one of our raffle drawings. Fifteen out of the 18 holes were enhanced by activities, raffles and games, including a new Hole-in-One Car Contest. A big thanks to staff volunteers for facilitating these!
To all who participated, attended, sponsored or volunteered, thank you for helping Border Foods make lives better!
In the fast-paced world of quick-service restaurants, success hinges on more than just serving great food; it’s about creating a seamless, efficient, and welcoming environment. For Kelly Vik, the Restaurant General Manager (RGM) at the new Lakeville Theater Taco Bell in Lakeville, MN, this journey has been both a challenge and a rewarding experience.
Kelly entered Border Foods with fresh eyes and a wealth of experience from the restaurant and bar industry. “This is the first quick-service restaurant I have ever worked at,” Kelly shares. Transitioning from a full-service environment to the fast-paced world of Taco Bell, has been a significant shift. Yet, it’s a change she’s embraced wholeheartedly.
In the quick-service industry, every second counts. “I go from having a half hour to make an impression with a guest to seconds,” Kelly says. This condensed timeframe makes it crucial for her team to be on point the moment a customer steps through the door. Creating a positive experience quickly is a challenge she’s taken seriously.
Opening a new store is no small feat, and for Kelly, organization has been the key to success.
“For opening a new store, be organized, be organized, and follow up with people,” she advises. This attention to detail hasn’t gone unnoticed. “My AGM said, ‘Wow, I think you’re one of the most organized people I have ever met.’ I don’t think I’m that organized, but it felt really good to hear,” Kelly recalls.
Building Upon a Winning Team Culture
One of the most significant challenges Kelly faced was building a team from the ground up. I had to take a hard look at what kind of culture we wanted to build and how to get there,” she shares. Choosing the right people and igniting passion within the team has been a top priority. “It’s about bringing that excitement of like, ‘Hey, this isn’t just a job, we’re all in this together,’” she explains.
As the Lakeville Theater Taco Bell prepares to open its doors, Kelly is most looking forward to bringing the entire team together. “Since I’ve had people training at three different locations, I’m excited to assess those skill sets, see where we can help and empower people,” she shares. The enthusiasm within the team is palpable, with multiple team members already stepping up and asking about how they can advance within the company. “That’s the biggest compliment to my training stores—they have built this love all around Taco Bell,” Kelly says proudly.
With 36 staff members and seven managers already on board, the Lakeville Theater Taco Bell is off to a strong start. Kelly is especially appreciative of the support system at Border Foods, which stood out from the very beginning. “One thing that drew me into Taco Bell and specifically Border Foods, is that I could tell that they really do have a family culture,” she explains. “Not every restaurant chain has everything like that.”
Embracing Innovation with AI Technology
One of the most exciting aspects of the new Lakeville Theater Taco Bell is the upcoming implementation of AI technology, making it one of the first Border Foods’ Taco Bell locations to do so. “We won’t open with it, but we are going to be having the new AI technology,” Kelly reveals. The team is thrilled about this innovation, which has also influenced the hiring process.
Meet Ariana Abad Romero, a Shift Lead at our UlyssesTaco Bell who not only manages shifts but also dreams big. Ariana is the recipient of the Border Foods Scholarship, and says the money will have a huge impact on her financially.
For Ari, working at Taco Bellisn’t just about punching the clock.“My favorite part of the job is definitely interacting with my coworkers,” she says.Ari’s team has become more than colleagues, a sentiment many Border Foods employees can resonate with.
We’re all a big family.
Ariana Abad Romero, Shift Lead
A Surprise Like No Other
With the encouragement of her General Manager and Area Coach, Ari applied for the Border Foods Scholarship.
“My Area Coach knows I’m always seeking scholarships and everything, and she told me about these scholarship opportunities,” Ari recalls. The moment she found out she was a recipient, she was filled with shock and immense gratitude.“I was definitely super surprised. I didn’t expect it at all,” shesays.“I’m really, really grateful.”
It feels good thatTaco Bell is supporting me to keep pursuing my degree.
Ariana Abad Romero, Shift Lead
The Border Foods Scholarship is more than just financial aid; it’s a lifeline for students like Ari who juggle work and school. Ari, a marketing major, plans to put the scholarship towards her tuition. As a first-generation college student, this scholarship significantly eases the financial burden, allowing Ari to focus more on her studies and less on the stress of tuition fees.
Dreams On The Horizon
With aspirations of working remotely and traveling the world, Ari’s dreams are big and bold — just like our Taco Bell menu items!
Receiving the Border Foods Scholarship has motivated Ari to excel both academically and professionally.“Overall, I feel like it’s going to help motivate me to do more in school and more at Taco Bell,” she says. This dual reward system fosters a sense of accomplishment and motivation that is truly inspiring!
And, of course, no story about a Taco Bell employee would be complete without a mention of a favorite menu item. For Ari, it’s the Cantina Quesadilla. A delicious choice, indeed!
“I gave it a shot and here we are!” Here is Mariam Abdalla, a Food Service Championat Border Foods’ Woodbury, MNTaco Bell, who was recently surprised with a Carol Williams Scholarship(for the second time.). Despite being a previous scholarship recipient, Mariam did not see this award coming!
“It opens up so many opportunities and I’m just so grateful,” Mariam shares.
Mariam has big dreams and her recent scholarship win will help her make progress toward those goals.“The plan is to become a pediatrician one day,” she shares.
[The scholarship] allows me to really dive into my dream, and my passions.
Mariam Abdalla, Food Service Champion
Aside from being awarded financial support for school, Mariam has also learned valuable life skills during her time with us. Two of her top takeaways are the art of people skills and understanding the importance of good communication.
Chase Your Dreams!
“There’s no chance that I’m gonna win.” We often hear from our winners that they had feelings of self doubt before applying, and Mariam was no exception. She encourages others to go for their dreams, too!
Area Coach(AC) Amanda Hobbs joined our company as a Restaurant General Manager(RGM) in 2012 and swiftly moved up the ladder. Today, with 20 years of experience with multiple restaurant brands, she oversees all of our Taco Bells from Mounds View, MN up to Andover. It didn’t take her long to get in a groove and discover her passions.
“I really love the fact that we have the chance to change people’s lives,” she says.
Amanda is passionate about Border Foods’ internal promotion process. She says watching others get promoted is what motivated her to work hard and set goals. We promote from within all the time — check out Hamdi Abshir’s story or Dominic Pagan’s journey with Taco Bell!
“It is achievable,” she says. Her advice? Work hard, don’t be afraid of feedback and be open to mentoring.
Then & Now
Amanda admits that she was once a little“spicy.” She says having people take time to“chip away” at her roughness allowed her to grow and had a really big impact on her life. Now, she’s paying it forward!
“There[isn’t] really a cap on promoting and developing,” she shares.“I really want to help develop people to be managers … support people through their lives so they shine bright.”
If you train your people to use tools and follow the routines, they can achieve amazing things.
Amanda Hobbs, Area Coach
Amanda touts Border Foods’ culture of believing in people and equipping them with the right tools to lead. Our new EmpowHER women’s initiative is a clear example. Amanda is especially grateful that she’s been empowered to run Area 9 the way she wants with the guidance of our core values.
“Being able to use what I know, and what I’m passionate about … I really love that about Border,” she shares.“I love my job.”
Amanda admits she hopes to be named“Area Coach of the Year” someday. For now, she’s focusing on fine tuning routines and continuing to instill excellence in her teams. Not a bad idea. Keep it up, Amanda!
Evan Schoff is a Restaurant General Manager(RGM) for our Taco Bell in Houghton, MI who was drawn to food management at a young age.
When Evan was just eight yearsold, he watched a mother-figure in his life managing concession stands in his community, and felt inspired.
“I just kind of fell in love with making people happy by putting something that tastes good in their bellies,” he says.
That formative experience set the stage for a future in the service industry.“I’ve been working in kitchens since I was 14 yearsold,” he shares. He then managed his first kitchen at 18.
Evan also has an impressive background in social services, preparing adults with special needs for getting jobs in the community. Evan says this experience has given him the skills to be able to understand someone’s learning style and adapt as their leader — an invaluable asset as an RGM!
The minute that we’re not growing and achieving, I don’t think we’re living.
Evan Schoff, RGM
This U.P. Kid is Is Moving Up!
Born and raised in Escanaba, MI, Evan was thrilled with the opportunity to move to Houghton, MI.“It’s just a beautiful place to live,” he shares.
He joined Border Foods in 2022 of which he says,“my life was changed from there.”
Evan’s favorite part of his job is the variety.“I never get bored at this job,” he says.
There’s always something to grow and achieve.
Evan Schoff, RGM
Evan’s crew is all about teamwork, inside and outside of the restaurant. Only about one-third of his team members have cars, he says, so it’s not uncommon for people to carpool to work. Speaking of cars, while oil changes and tire replacements aren’t officially part of the RGM role, Evan has performed both to help out members of his team!
“We’re family,” he asserts.“We treat each other with the love that we would to our own family.”
Evan’s career goal is to become an Above Store Leader(ASL).“I would love to grow in this company,” Evan shares.“To put that spark that’s in my store into other stores.” We’re lucky to have this kind of passion igniting our teams!
Restaurant General Manager(RGM)Hamdi Abshir started with Border Foods Taco Bell when she was just 16 years old, in part, because our Northtown Mall restaurant in Blaine, MN was close to her home. Nine years later, she’s still going strong!
Hamdi joined as a team member and quickly moved up to a Shift Lead and then Assistant General Manager(AGM), before scoring the RGM role. And she did a lot of growing along the way.“A lot of the people I’ve met I feel like have turned me into the person I am today,” Hamdi says.
I see[work] as a place where I can check my worries at the door and just go in and have a great day.
Hamdi Abshir, RGM
As an RGM, Hamdi is responsible for interviewing, scheduling, training, and of course, making the delicious tacos and burritos Taco Bell is known for.
“My personal philosophy is to take pride in your work no matter what it is,” Hamdi says.
Team Spirit & Support
Aside from the variety of work, Hamdi also appreciates Border Foods’ competitive wages, benefits and unfailing support.“When you work in our company, the first thing people will say is,‘whenever you need me, I can help you,’” she says.
Which aligns with the advice Hamdi gives to future leaders:“Be there for your team because they’ll be there for you.”
This is something Hamdi experienced firsthand recently. Upon reaching an important life milestone — purchasing her first home — she says her boss was one of the people proudest of her achievement.
“They’re all really celebratory,” she says of her entire team atNorthtown Mall.
“It’s a good feeling to know you can try as hard as you can, but there are people who will cheer you on even if you fail,” Hamdi shares.
There’s always something this job can teach you.
Hamdi Abshir, RGM
As for the future, Hamdi has her sights set on the Training Manager role.“I really like developing people and showing them what they’re capable of,” she shares. We’ll be here cheering you on along the way!
Dominic Pagan is the Restaurant General Manager(RGM)for Border Foods’ Taco Bell restaurant in Byron Center, MI. You could say he grew up with Taco Bell, having started with us at 16 years old.
Dominic was having lunch at Taco Bell with his dad when they learned thatthe restaurant was out of his favorite menu item. When asked by a team member what they could do to make up for it, Dominic’s dad said,“Get this kid a job.” And just like that, a career in quick service was born!
“I’ve been with Taco Bell for 13 years now,” Dominic says.
Pursuing A Passion
Dominic’s career trajectory can be described as a steady climb. He worked at the Grand Rapids, MI Taco Bell through high school, and was promoted to a Shift Lead at age 18. From there, he made a swift transition to the management track, working as an Assistant General Manager(AGM) and then RGM. Two of his stores were restaurant training locations, which Dominic quickly learned is where he shines.
“That’s really my passion right there:training and developing,” he shares.
Dominic says his appreciation for Border Foods stems from the fact that he has consistently found a welcoming family atmosphere in the workplace. He was also motivated to work hard early on by good feedback from management that helped grow his confidence on the job. The job perks don’t end there!
Great benefits here,great bonuses.
Dominic Pagan, RGM
Dominic acknowledges that generous benefits are a driving force in his loyalty to the company.“That’s huge for me and huge for my family,” he says.
Dominic’s wife, five-year-old son and two-year-old daughter are a big influence on him bringing his best selfto the job every day.
“Obviously they’re my whole life,” he gushes.“Really big motivators for me to do the best I can.”
Sparking Joy
Part of being the best for Dominic means making sure the people on his team find joy in their work.“I like to make sure people enjoy their job,” he says.
I try to make sure there’s a good work–life balance for everyone.
Dominic Pagan, RGM
As for his future with Border Foods, Dominic has his sights set on continued growth. He’s currently focused on empowering his team to lead the restaurant, in order to give him the freedom to be more accessible to the company and other Taco Bell locations, as needed.
Dominic’s long–term goal is to grow into a developing role in the Area Coach(AC) program.“That’s definitely what I’m striving for,” he shares. We can’t wait to read the next chapter in your Border Foods story!
But this year, we proudly take it to the next level with a new women’s initiative entitled EmpowHER, thanks to Teri Staggemeyer, Border Foods’ Vice President of Finance and Accounting.
“We’re ahead of the game when it comes to male/female leadership,” Teri says.“What we need to focus on is building confidence. Some women tend to go silent in certain environments.”
EmpowHER is designed to empower and elevate the skills of current women leaders.
Teri, who’s been with the company for six years, shares how EmpowHER was ultimately born out of her own desire for more support. She says she reached out to Sharla, as a female peer at Border Foods, to get some time on the calendar to talk about leadership, and managing the never-ending demands of work and family. That was in February 2024.
“I was having some struggles,” Teri shares.“I had great male leadership around me, but sometimes it takes a different view … or different conversations. I wanted to know if I was alone or if these were some of the same struggles that other women were going through.”
Discussions between Teri and Sharla helped Teri realize if she was needing these types of conversations, other female leaders at Border Foods probably were, too. The bond between the two has launched an initiative that will now benefit many!
“It’s important to us to help develop leadership,” Teri says.
Teri and Sharla put their ideas in writing, drafting a formal proposal. Sharla presented on EmpowHER to company leadership. With leadership support, an engagement survey was emailed to more than 90 female above restaurant leaders(ARL) and office women to assess interest level.
EmpowHER Takes Off
The survey confirmed that many of Border Foods’ rising women were, in fact, interested in networking, group learning, and stronger work relationships. Thirty women submitted responses. Good reason to launch EmpowHER!
In May 2024, 26 of our fantastic female leaders came together for an engaging EmpowHER kickoff event.
“It was a pretty fun day,” Teri says of EmpowHER’s first in-person event. The inaugural gathering focused on defining leadership, personal branding and helping participants identify their individual leadership style. Business CoachCarolien Moors facilitated part of the discussion, helping keep the conversation meaningful and productive.
EmpowHER is about effective communication, equal voices, and strong female leadership.
Teri says the goal for the first meeting was just getting women together and comfortable talking, and to begin building and strengthening relationships.
“We’ve got to get people on board,“ Teri says.“I was very happy to see 30 women interested.”
Attendees received Neil Pasricha’s journaling book,“Two Minute Mornings: A Journal to Win Your Day Every Day.” Teri says the main message here is, take a little time in your day to focus on the positive, recalibrate and be intentional.
What’s Next
EmpowHER will reconvene August 6 for this year’s second and final event. Our more than 90 female(ARL) and office women have been invited to attend! Topics will include building self-confidence and women stereotypes.
In 2025, Teri says there will be two meetings planned and several group activities sprinkled throughout the year. While the specifics are still being developed, the EmpowHER wish list includes a possible mentorship program, outside speakers, workshops and webinars, and more.
Quinn Ohlemacher-Lonetti is a Team Trainer at the Border Foods Taco Bell location in Buffalo, MN. And he’s also a two-time Carol Williams scholarship recipient!
I didn’t think I had a chance of winning, and here I am winning it twice!
Quinn Ohlemacher-Lonetti, Team Trainer
Quinn is studying to earn a degree in construction management and also works as a Resident Advisor(RA) on campus. A true leader at heart!
“It means a lot to me,” Quinn says of securing the scholarship for a second time.
Border Foods offers two different company scholarships programs: The Carol Williams Scholarship and the Border Foods Scholarship.When it comes to our team members, we’ll do just about anything to support their passions. Knowledge is power and we believe furthering education can open the door to opportunities with us and beyond.
The Life of a Working Student
With multiple scholarships secured, Quinn has been able to pay off two years of schooling, which will send him into to the post-college world on a strong foot.
Quinn followed his big brother to Taco Bell, joining the team as a freshman in high school. Their parents, Dick and Amy, appreciate how supportive Quinn’s managers have been, working around his schedule so he can juggle work and school.
“It’s just incredible how generous Taco Bell has been to him; helping him to continue on with his education.” – Dick Ohlemacher-Lonetti, Quinn’s Dad
A flexible schedule and positive attitude are incredibly helpful for setting working students up for success in pursuing higher education. While working for Border Foods, Quinn says he’s learned,“If you keep a positive attitude and you just keep the morale high, you have a good time and the shift goes super fast.
Quinn’s advice to other team members thinking about applying for our scholarships is,“Just do it!”
