Before there were 250+ Border Foods Taco Bells, Director of Operations Gay Demaree was a young woman launching her career with Taco Bell. Hired directly out of college, she started as an Assistant Restaurant Manager (AGM) and then was later promoted to General Manager (GM). In 1995, Corporate put the Minneapolis market up for sale and lives changed.

With one famous transaction between Taco Bell Corporate and the Engler brothers, our company went from owning 13 Taco Bells to 76 overnight. And Gay, known as one of our “originals,” came along for what she says was an amazing ride.

Gay spent 34 years with Taco Bell, 30 of which were with our company. She’s opened new restaurants, participated in acquisitions, visited most of our restaurants, trained and developed countless people, planned large company meetings, helped launch our successful Swinging for Scholarships fundraiser, attended nearly every reward trip we’ve hosted, and traveled extensively.

“[I] have enjoyed the career of a lifetime,” she shares. “It has been fun. Amazing, rewarding — so many adjectives, not sure where to start and stop.”

A Look Back

Gay’s career really took off once she joined us. When we acquired her Taco Bell location in 1996, it was already a certified training restaurant. She stepped into the role of Area Training Manager alongside a colleague, spending most of her time in the restaurants. Soon, it became clear that this was not the most efficient way to train company leaders. The role was no longer needed.

But having become close with the late Carol Williams, our former VP of Operations, Gay stayed and took on her next position as an Area Coach. After a couple of years, she was promoted to what is known today as Region Coach, a position she maintained for 15 or so years.

When Carol passed, Gay was promoted to Director of Ops Excellence, a brand new position.

“I was kind of the liaison between Taco Bell Corporate and Border Foods,” she explains. In this role, she supported our former Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams (Carol’s husband) in his restaurant visits. 

Today, Gay leaves behind the post of Director of Operations for Territory 1, where she most recently oversaw a third of the company’s operations (restaurants in six of 10 states).

She shares what she’s loved about it. “You didn’t even know you were doing it, but you were creating that footprint of what a great organization is,” she remarks, referencing Border Foods’ longtime commitment to “making lives better.”

Region Coach Jarret Persons, who’s worked with Gay for 10 years, says she’s been a hands-on leader who very much enjoyed being in the restaurants.

“What I’ve learned most from [Gay] is around people and culture,” he says. “The personal relationships she has built, the way she truly knows her team, and the culture she has created are impressive. She has mentored me in understanding the importance of personalization, especially when it comes to recognition … that level of care really makes a difference.”

If there’s one thing I hope people remember, it’s that we built more than a company — we built a culture.

– Gay Demaree, Director of Operations

“When you look at her time with Border Foods, it’s incredible to think about how many people she has hired, trained, promoted, and developed,” Jarret says. “But more than just numbers, it’s the impact behind those names. She believes in people, sometimes before they fully believe in themselves. She trusts them to run the business, to lead teams, and to grow into roles.”

“Sometimes you have to help them find their strengths,” Gay says. 

Director of Operations Ken Lund says elevating our teams’ experiences will be Gay’s legacy at Border Foods.

Transition Time

“It will be a big change, I am sure,” Gay says of retirement, now just days away. She’s always been a go, go, go person but she’s had no problem pulling together a list of things to occupy her newfound time!

She says she’s excited for long walks with her fur baby, Bella; more time with husband Jon, son Tate and soon-to-be daughter-in-law Hattie, her parents and in-laws; scrapbooking; exercising; house projects; the list goes on!

“I hope to get a lot of “Therapy” – the name of our boat – on the St Croix,” she says comically. 

“I know what I won’t miss – living out of a suitcase; having a computer on my lap, on the couch, on the boat. Or working Sunday nights,” she quips. “‘But I am certain that I will miss the people – the connection, the fun, the interaction.” 

She’s approaching this major life transition with positivity. “I leave with immense gratitude and a full heart.”

Meanwhile, we at Border Foods have big shoes to fill! Gay, thank you for dedicating so much of your life to our company, culture and people. You will be missed!

After 34 years with Border Foods, I can honestly say it’s been more than a career — it’s been a privilege. To help shape the company from the beginning, to build lifelong relationships, and to work alongside leaders who inspired me every day … that’s something few people get to experience. I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve had on so many lives, and deeply grateful for every person who was part of the journey.

– Gay Demaree, Director of Operations

Thirty-five years – that’s a whole lot of time and energy devoted to one company and brand! Today, we tip our tacos to two remarkable men who’ve been a part of shaping culture at Border Foods and growing people daily for countless years.  

Ziggy Arrington started his career with Taco Bell in 1991, and came over to Border Foods from another family owned franchisee in 2015. He’s been a General Manager (GM) ever since and continues to lead our East 10th Street location in Sioux Falls, SD.

I’m right where I’m supposed to be, doing the things that I love.

-Ziggy Arrington, GM

Ken Lund is one of our esteemed Directors of Operations who celebrates 35 years with our company! Ken began his career as a team member and has progressed steadily to where he leads today. He also happens to be a member of our Culture Committee.

I feel fortunate to have worked with the Engler family over the years … The Englers, along with Carol and Jeff Williams, established a strong culture from the beginning that makes people want to be part of Border Foods … [It’s] why our company remains exceptional.

– Ken Lund, Director of Operations

We quizzed these two legends to get a sense for what they love, what they’ve seen and where they’re looking for joy in 2026. 

Q: What’s the best part about your job?

Ziggy: The best part about this job I think is not just my own growth, but watching everybody around me grow.

Ken: [It’s] undoubtedly the opportunity to work with so many fantastic individuals, from our dedicated team members and restaurant management teams to our above restaurant leaders, peers, and the leadership team – everyone contributes to making lives better on a daily basis.

I am surrounded by the best people, and I feel truly blessed.

– Ken Lund, Director of Operations

Q: How has Border Foods made your life better?

Ziggy: I mean, I kind of pinch myself, you know, as far as how far I’ve come in my life … it’s beyond my wildest dreams with this company.

Ken: In countless ways, it’s truly hard to quantify. Border Foods has provided me with the opportunity to grow within the company, offering coaching, development and the support needed to excel in my role. They have invested not only in my growth but also in the development of everyone within the company.

What keeps me young, it’s all the people … it’s the culture.

– Ziggy Arrington, GM

Q: Reflect on Border Foods’ evolution since you joined. What stands out? How’s this the same great company as always?

Ziggy: I go back to family. It’s just so awesome to see two brothers work together and have that vision …  working with family. Sometimes I’m overwhelmed by the emotions – that’s what I would want for my family.

Ken: I was part of an acquisition by the Engler brothers in 1992. When we first met, Lee assured me that he would teach me how to run the business at a high level, manage financials and help me grow – and that’s exactly what he did. Lee and Jeff took me in like family … they have taken great care of their team and me, which is why I’m still here.

Q: What’s your proudest achievement?

Ziggy: [It’s] just being somewhere, able to work; being valued, appreciated, seen every day. Watching the growth from a professional level.

Ken: It’s hard to define really one … I have a few … I think of all of the people we have been able to impact, making their lives better through development and promotions. And receiving the Heart of Border Foods Award, which reflects the values that Border Foods has instilled in me.

Q: Any good lessons learned on the job?

Ziggy: The lesson in life to treat people the way you want to be treated.

Ken: It starts with integrity and personal accountability. Control what you can, namely yourself, and your actions and your reactions. When you do that, you can navigate any situation. 

When you take care of your team, they will take care of your guests.

– Ken Lund, Director of Operations

Q: What do you look forward to in 2026? How do you keep things exciting?

Ziggy: I think what keeps it exciting for me is again, continuing to watch a new group of people come in – or people internally – [who] are still growing.

Knowing the company and the people we have, I feel like we’re in good hands.

– Ziggy Arrington, GM

Ken: l’m really looking forward to our company’s growth. What keeps this exciting is our ability to adapt to situations and make the best of whatever comes our way. It’s like coaching a team in the Super Bowl, making adjustments to ensure our success. We’ve had fantastic years, and the challenge is to grow and adapt to surpass our previous achievements.

Q: Any famous words for aspiring future leaders?

Ziggy: You get to be who you are when you work for Border Foods. You get to show your talents, show exactly who you are. We embrace that.

Ken: Every one of us has the opportunity to make good decisions that benefit both ourselves and our teams. Love your team, coach them, support them and take care of them. When you do that, everything else usually falls into place.

For Hunter Charneski, Taco Bell General Manager (GM) is just the first in his long list of impressive titles. In addition to leading our Zeeland, MI team, Hunter is also a published author, professional athlete and motivational speaker. 

We sat down with Hunter to learn more about his many areas of expertise — and how his career at Border Foods has helped him achieve some of his biggest dreams.

Starting Over

Just a short while ago, Hunter’s career was in a very different spot. In September 2023, he hit six months of unemployment. While he had an impressive resume (master’s degree, record-breaking life insurance salesman, consultant for the NFL, Toastmaster’s public speaking champion, private training facility owner), none of his avenues of expertise seemed to be translating into professional success.

Hunter found himself at a crossroads. Leaning on his faith, he made the decision to take the one job he could find: a Subway Sandwich Artist role at the location near his Michigan home. 

Little did Hunter know that this choice would change the course of his career forever.

Fast food can fast track your dreams.

Hunter Charneski, Taco Bell General Manager

Stepping Stones

Hunter shares that his mental state at the time of his Subway start date ended up being a major advantage: “I had gone so long without being able to provide, I was humiliated — so I had a really good attitude!” 

Hunter’s positive energy, excitement about work and dedication to his role earned him a quick promotion to Senior District Manager for the Grand Rapids Subway market, a role that had him overseeing 16 stores. 

Looking to grow in the industry — and recognizing the opportunities for advancement that Border Foods is famous for — Hunter applied for a job with us and was hired as a Taco Bell GM in May 2025. After he completed 12 weeks of training, he began leading our Zeeland location. 

“Since then, we’ve been 100% green on all metrics,” Hunter shares. “I’m very excited about where the team is at.”

Finding Balance

It’s clear that Hunter has had a big impact on our business — but our business has also had a big impact on him! 

“The biggest difference between [my former employer] and Border Foods, has to be, without a doubt, the protection of my time,” Hunter says. Having more flexibility in his schedule has allowed Hunter to spend more time with his family and pursue other things he’s passionate about — which, right now, are mainly writing and football. 

Hunter is a published author and his first book, released in 2024, is titled The Way: Out of Self Sabotage into Self Mastery. It became a #1 Amazon bestseller in the Christian Men’s Living category. Hunter is now writing his second book, the working title of which is Please Dream Responsibly. In it, he hopes to address how the age of social media and instant gratification keeps men from their true purpose — and offer them ways to work through it.

Hunter also plays for the West Michigan Ironmen, a professional indoor football team that recently won the 2025 American Indoor Football (AIF) championship! 

Border’s support during these ventures has been “incomparable” Hunter says, who shares that his co-workers even come to his football games to cheer him on.

This company not only protects my time, but they push me to be great in the other arenas I have authority in.

Hunter Charneski, Taco Bell General Manager

Leading the Way

While Hunter’s day-to-day may seem wide-ranging, a lot of what he does overlaps. Hunter shares that his experiences in football and writing also help him in his role as GM. “I can use analogies and metaphors from the track, the gridiron, behind a keyboard, and then use them in a cogent, coherent message that aligns the teams that I lead,” he says.

Hunter’s advice for others in the same place he found himself in 2023? “When you chase your dreams instead of your duty, you get neither,” he says. “But when you chase your duty, your dreams start chasing you.” 

Hunter’s career in the quick service restaurant industry has given him a strong financial and professional foundation, allowing him to explore multiple interests. And he couldn’t be more grateful that he’s found himself here.

Hunter, we couldn’t be more impressed by all of your endeavors! Thank you for being such an incredible inspiration for all of us here at Border Foods.

After a very impressive tenure with Taco Bell, our very own Operations Services Manager is set to start a new life chapter: retirement! We sat down with Rhonda Topp to hear more about her incredible career — and what she has planned for life beyond her 9-5.

Crunching the Numbers

In 1992, right after graduating from college with an accounting degree, Rhonda started as a Taco Bell Assistant General Manager (AGM). Her original plan was to work there for a little while while she planned her wedding and studied to take the CPA exam.

It didn’t take long for Rhonda’s Restaurant General Manager (RGM) at the time, Carol Williams, to recognize her AGM’s incredible skill set. Carol took the time to ask Rhonda what she enjoyed doing most on the job and offered to help teach her anything else she wanted to learn. Rhonda took her up on the offer, and in the process, found out how rewarding running a restaurant can be! Rhonda says of her special bond with Carol: “When you find someone who cares about you and treats you like family, it becomes a reason to stay.”

Rhonda distinctly remembers one conversation with Carol that would change the course of her career forever. In it, Carol made the point that being an RGM is a lot like being the CEO of your own company. Not only do you get to call a lot of the shots, there’s also plenty of numbers and accounting to do! You might say it was a perfect fit for Rhonda.

Climbing Up the Career Ladder

After Rhonda’s stint as an AGM, she was promoted to RGM. And after that, she was a Multi-Unit Manager (a title that no longer exists), which is when Border Foods acquired the locations she oversaw. At Border, she became a District Manager, then an Area Manager, and finally, moved over to the corporate side and into her current position as Operations Services Manager.

Rhonda’s day to day largely involves vendor relations and managing contracts. From trash hauling to snow plowing, she keeps our businesses running smoothly! Rhonda is the lucky team member who gets to problem-solve QSR emergencies — like, for example, when a tree falls and blocks the drive-through at one of our restaurants!

“My favorite part of my career has been … the ever-changing adventure. There’s never the same day twice.”

Rhonda Topp, Operations Services Manager

We asked Rhonda what the wildest incident she’s dealt with has been. She shares that once, there was a huge snow storm at one of our locations. The snowplow assigned to the job wasn’t big enough for the amount of snow, and ended up plowing it all into the drive-through lane. Rhonda shares, “There was so much snow that it looked like a mountain!”

While challenges like these would stress a lot of people out, Rhonda thrives. “I’ve always liked that fast pace,” she says. “Nothing shocks me anymore!”

Trying Something New

It’s safe to say that Rhonda’s retirement will be a little less hectic than her current routine. She’s looking forward to slowing down, spending time with family, and working on mastering her newest hobby — baking sourdough!

“It’s going to be a change, that’s for sure,” Rhonda says of the transition. Luckily, Rhonda has a little bit of time to prepare for the adjustment — she won’t officially retire until June 2. 

Please join us in congratulating Rhonda on an incredible career! Rhonda, we’re so appreciative of all of your hard work and can’t wait to see the amazing things you’ll do next.