At Border Foods, hard work doesn’t go unnoticed, and this year’s Best of the Best (BOTB) trip was a true celebration of the people who make it all happen.
From April 15 to 19, our top performers RSVP’d ‘yes’ to sunshine and ocean views at the stunning Armony Miraval Resort in Punta Mita, Mexico. The trip brought together standout team members from across the organization for a well-earned getaway filled with R&R.
Celebrating Together
Throughout the trip, winners had plenty of opportunities to connect and celebrate. From the high-energy fun of Casino Night to a can’t-miss boat day out on the water, each moment brought the group closer together. Evenings were filled with live music, laughter and shared experiences that made the trip truly unforgettable.
A Night to Remember
On the final evening, the group gathered on the beach for a sunset toast and awards ceremony, arguably the most meaningful moment of the trip.
With an ocean as our backdrop and the sun dipping below the horizon, leaders recognized the incredible accomplishments of the past year. It was a well-deserved moment to recognize the dedication that earned each attendee their place on this special trip.
More Than a Reward
The BOTB trip is more than just a getaway, it’s a reflection of our commitment to recognizing excellence and investing in our people. From shared meals to shared memories, this year’s trip reminded everyone what’s possible when a team shows up and gives their best. Here’s to another incredible year, and to the next group of Best of the Best!
Live Más Scholarships, brought to eligible students around the country by Taco Bell Foundation, are truly life changing. This year we celebrate another 13 lucky recipients from Border Foods whose passions are real and whose futures are playing out right before our eyes with impressive momentum!
To me, “live más” means choosing courage over comfort … it means chasing a life with purpose.
-Samantha Maples, Healthcare
In total, a combined $170,000 in scholarship funds were dished out this year to Border Foods’ team members. Among the highlights:
TWO new $25,000 winners!
EIGHT scholarship renewals = repeat $$$
Overwhelming recipient interest in health, wellness and fitness
Choosing a Life with Purpose
Be inspired by our two first-time $25,000 scholarship recipients, both of whom turned personal heartache into good for others. Nina Stalsonburg’s interest is in pediatric occupational therapy and helping people live life to the fullest. Nina’s own severe head and neck injury several years ago, she says, only solidified her calling to help people gain independence.
Samantha Maples’ passion for healthcare is deeply personal. When she was just 16, her older sister passed away. “That loss has changed me in a way that nothing else has ever come close to,” Samantha admits. Today, she’s narrowed her degree focus to radiologic technology. “Seeing how healthcare workers showed compassion during the hardest moments made me realize I wanted to be one of those people,” she says.
Another first-time recipient is Madison Hennessy, who landed $10,000 to put toward her career as an aesthetician. Madison became a mom as a teenager. That not only pushed her to grow up faster than peers, but it also resulted in dreaming big and building a life with real purpose. Madison’s passion in the beauty industry is about building confidence in those who feel overlooked or “less than,” and it’s fueled by her own drive to push past limitations.
These scholarships change lives and make dreams possible. We’re so proud to be a part of the Taco Bell difference! Congratulations to this year’s new and returning winners:
$25,000
Nina Stalsonburg, Store #033075 Passion: Health, Wellness & Behavioral Health
Samantha Maples, Store #037588 Passion: Healthcare (Clinical & Allied Health)
$15,000
Rashida James*, Store #039130 Passion: Healthcare (Clinical & Allied Health)
$10,000
Brenden Ohlemacher-Lonetti*, Store #031015 Passion: Law, Government & Public Service
Daria Kianian*, Store #041408 Passion: Technology & Data
Hayden Cesena, Store #004900 Passion: Business, Finance & Entrepreneurship
Isabella Rodriguez*, Store #033013 Passion: Beauty, Wellness & Personal Services
Johnathan Tribby*, Store #023073 Passion: Education & Youth Development
Kaleb Teshome*, Store #040891 Passion: Technology & Data
Madison Hennessy, Store #033635 Passion: Beauty, Wellness & Personal Services
Mariam Abdalla*, Store #020000 Passion: Healthcare (Clinical & Allied Health)
Tamera Afraid of Lightening*, Store #027881 Passion: Healthcare (Clinical & Allied Health)
$5,000
Mason Hughes, Store #036360 Passion: Sports, Fitness & Recreation
At Border Foods, our success starts with our people. Today, we’re proud to recognize this year’s “Of the Year” award winners, an exceptional group of leaders who continue to raise the bar across our restaurants. Congratulations to each of you on this well-deserved honor!
AC of the Year
Melvin Mora
Melvin brings unmatched energy to everything he does. A top-performing Area Coach, he builds strong teams, inspires loyalty and delivers standout results year after year.
RC of the Year
Octivia Erickson
Octivia’s growth as a Region Coach reflects her commitment to people and performance. A creative, people-first leader, she empowers teams and embraces challenges with heart and enthusiasm.
GM of the Year
Mackenzie Hass
Mackenzie’s journey from Service Champion to General Manager reflects her dedication to growth and excellence. Leading our Willmar, MN team, she’s delivered top-tier results year after year, earning her General Manager of the Year.
Evan Hatton, Josh Miller, Manasseh Williams, and Teri Staggemeyer each represent what it means to go above and beyond at Border Foods. From delivering expert insights and supporting teams across the business, to leading with empathy, developing future leaders and strengthening critical systems behind the scenes, they each make a lasting impact in their own way.
Congrats to these Circle winners!
Evan Hatton, Business Intelligence Analyst
Evan is the go-to guy for store analytics — if you need a number, he either has it or gets it fast. He’s always helping others, easy to talk to and a huge support across both the office and the field. With a great mix of people skills and problem-solving, it’s no surprise he’s a Circle of Excellence winner.
Josh Miller, General Manager
Josh Miller is all about people. He’s a true team player who genuinely wants others to succeed and is always ready to step in and help. Known for his consistency, strong relationships and the way he leads with empathy and integrity, Josh makes a lasting impact on everyone around him.
Manasseh Williams, Area Coach
Manasseh Williams brings nonstop energy and positivity everywhere he goes, lifting up teams and inspiring those around him. He’s worked his way up through the company and is passionate about developing people, helping others grow into future leaders. Always on the move supporting and training across stores, Manasseh has made a huge impact in a short time.
Teri Staggemeyer, VP of Finance and Accounting
Teri goes above and beyond in every sense, playing a key role in keeping the accounting and finance team running smoothly while supporting teams across the organization. She combines strong technical expertise with a willingness to step up, lead and grow, making a real impact both behind the scenes and with others.
One of Kelly Lawver’s last big moments before retiring from Border Foods was publicly congratulating Market Training Manager (MTM) Laura Swenson for her unwavering excellence in 2025.
Laura says being honored by her Area Coach on his very last day was extra special.
“It’s always an amazing feeling getting recognized for all the hard work I put in,” she says. “We have been running the numbers year after year, and it has just become our expectation here at Perryville, [IL].”
Laura has worked at the Perryville Taco Bell her entire career – 15 years! She landed her first job there after securing a degree from a local community college. She says once she was promoted to Shift Lead in 2013, she was fully committed to “the Bell.” She’s continued advancing ever since.
Trade Secrets
We asked Laura, so what’s the secret formula for maintaining excellence in a restaurant all year long?
“I have been lucky enough to stay at the same location through my whole Taco Bell career,” she shares. “I feel like this is one of the reasons we do so well. A lot of my team has been with me for years and are high performers because of that.”
Another of Laura’s leadership secrets? Supporting her crew of superstars whenever, wherever.
“I never leave my team to struggle, I’ll always be right there with them to get through the day,” she says. “I like to try and make sure they are taken care of first and foremost. I think that is a big reason as to why we are such a high-performing store.”
“Laura leads with selflessness,” says Region Coach Jennifer Copeland. “Her dedication to developing future leaders in the region makes a lasting impact, and her contributions are invaluable! We are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team.”
I try my best to lead by example and put passion into my store and the team follows suit.
– Laura Swenson, Market Training Manager
The seriousness of work aside, we threw her into a quick round of this vs. that. Enjoy!
Q: Rush hour chaos or slow shift vibes? A: Rush hour chaos for sure. It helps the time fly by.
Q: Guest who orders EVERYTHING or one who can’t decide? A: One who orders everything – it keeps the team busy and the sales flowing.
Q: Free meal: tacos or burritos? A: Burritos. There are endless ways to change things up with them!
When Theresa Williams first clocked in as a late-night closer at a Taco Bell she had no plans of building a decades-long career. It was meant to be a part-time gig — nothing more. Four decades later, Theresa is still here, celebrating 40 years with the brand and a remarkable journey alongside Border Foods since its ‘90s inception.
“I had no intention of staying,” Theresa recalls. But stay, she did! Today, Theresa serves as our Employee Relations Specialist and works in the home office.
Career, Career, Career
Theresa’s career began at our Taco Bell on Rice Street in St. Paul, MN, where she was hired by fellow tenured staff member, Juli Sargent, who was General Manager (GM) at the time. When Juli was promoted and transferred to a different location, the revered late Carol Williams became Theresa’s manager. Carol changed many lives at Border Foods – Theresa’s was no different.
“She’s the reason I’m here.” Theresa says. “Carol wasn’t just my boss, she was my friend.”
Carol kept working with Theresa, developing and promoting her. This led to a steady rise from Shift Manager to Assistant General Manager (AGM) then GM (Carol’s role). But Theresa’s career climb doesn’t end there!
Over the years, Theresa continued evolving through a wide range of leadership positions, including Training Store Manager, Area Training Manager and District Manager, and then moved into facilities and recruiting. Each role brought new opportunities to learn.
Embracing Every Chapter
Choosing a favorite role of all time is difficult, Theresa says, because of how invested she gets in the moment.
Whatever I’m doing at the time is my favorite.
-Theresa Williams, Employee Relations Specialist
This incredible mindset carried her through one of the most demanding positions, leading the facilities department. There, she had to learn quickly. Managing five technicians at once was challenging but also gave her a new appreciation for problem solving and partnership.
“It was just fun to see all of the improvements that were made,” she says.
In the Moment
Today, with her focus on employee relations, Theresa’s work sits at the heart of our organization, where she supports both team members and leaders.
As Employee Relations Specialist, her role spans everything from guiding employee relations cases and supporting restaurant managers, to handling background checks, unemployment hearings, and legal claims. She most enjoys the variety and chance to partner across many departments.
The Power of Belief
For Theresa, Border Foods has been so much more than a workplace – it’s been a constant source of opportunity and stability.
“I’ve had all of these opportunities,” she says. “Whether or not I had the experience, the belief was there that I could do the job.”
“They’ve been there for me,” she says of Border Foods. “And I’ve been there for them.”
It’s this reciprocal loyalty that’s our super glue! Today, we celebrate Theresa’s 40 years of growth and unwavering commitment, and the legacy she continues to build every day. And if her story proves anything, it’s that belief in people and potential can shape a career that lasts a lifetime!Start your own career with Border Foods today!
Given to those who are shining examples of our values in action, our Heart of Border Foods (HOBF) Award is one of the highest honors a Border Foods team member can receive. Positivity, dedication and kindness define our 2026 recipients — and we couldn’t be more proud of all of their accomplishments.
A huge congratulations to this year’s deserving winners!
LouAnn Hansen, Region Coach (RC)
There’s one common thread among everything LouAnn’s colleagues say about her, and that’s her ability to take care of people. Every day, this RC puts ambition and kindness into perfect balance, a skill that makes her incredibly deserving of an HOBF Award.
https://borderfoods.wistia.com/medias/se8bpf67o3
Tranquility Devereaux, Territory Training Leader (TTL)
“She’s that person that saw something in me that I never saw in myself,” says one team member about Tranquility “Tran” Devereaux. With plenty of positive energy and a people-first attitude, this leader represents everything it means to be a great role model.
https://borderfoods.wistia.com/medias/lgrkkk5ydp
Vince Bosscher, Chief Operations Officer (COO)
Our very own COO leads with heart. Caring, empowering and a real team player, Vince is leadership at its best, and we couldn’t be more excited to recognize the dedication he brings to our company’s table.
One of our very own, Zach Zelickson, has been selected for the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s annual 40 Under 40 list, a prestigious list of local rising stars spanning a myriad of industries.
Zach is the driving force behind Border Foods’ record setting development growth.
Zach, who is Vice President of Development for Border Foods and our real estate arm, Marvin Development, says he thought the email announcement he received was junk at first! Once he took the news seriously, he immediately wondered who nominated him.
Truthfully, this well-deserved nomination came together with the help of several colleagues, both inside our company and beyond because so many think he’s the best at what he does.
Zach’s results speak for themselves: a track record of on time, on budget high-performing builds that have directly fueled Border’s growth.
– Aaron Engler, CEO & President
Fast Facts
Zach has been involved in real estate for more than a decade. He worked for a property management firm right after college, attended law school at the University of St. Thomas and gained real-world experience working for an REIT. His ties to our company are many – his dad formerly worked at Border Foods; he grew up in the same neighborhood as Founder Lee Engler’s family and therefore went to school with Mollie Sommer (Lee’s daughter and Border Foods’ Community Engagement Specialist); and eventually, he landed an externship with one of our law firm partners.
Zach joined Marvin Development in 2018 and today, has overseen the development of 30-plus Taco Bell locations across 10 states.
“Zach owns our entire development lifecycle: finding a site, navigating entitlements, managing construction and closing deals,” shares Aaron Engler, CEO and President. “He does this while maintaining a pace of roughly five to 10 restaurants a year, a cadence that would be difficult for even seasoned developers, let alone someone in their 30s.”
“Developing in QSR tends to be a grind,” Aaron continues. “Sites are competitive, municipalities are slow, timelines push and the margin for error is thin. What makes Zach exceptional is that he thrives in that environment.”
Zach believes success in his tight-knit industry can be measured by the relationships built and how they are managed. Personally, he gets his satisfaction from completing a build.
“We’re building real assets in the communities that we touch,” he says with pride.
Zach walks into every deal and market wearing more hats than most in similar roles. He’s a licensed attorney who understands real estate law … that legal ability combined with genuine development experience makes him unusually effective at getting deals done.
– Aaron Engler, CEO & President
The Real Deal
The Business Journal’s selection criteria for 40 Under 40 is based on merits, achievements, and professional and community contributions. Check out who made the 2026 list with Zach! But our nomination was about so much more than just Zach, the dealmaker.
“It felt really special that it was from people I work with,” Zach says of the nomination. As a subscriber of the journal, he skims it regularly. When he reviewed past honorees from the same industry, he was humbled to be included in the group.
But Zach is equally admired! Attorney Mary Taylor from Winthrop and Weinstine says of him, “He’s smart, funny, and extremely capable, with a great understanding of human nature that really helps him in negotiations with sellers and city officials.”
He is also an exceptional model of Border Foods’ culture and values.
“Zach is very easy to get along with and is very well connected, which in his role, is incredibly valuable,” says Max Corrigan, Vice President of Analytics and Marketing.
Up Next
Zach and his wife, along with several from Border Foods, will attend the 40 Under 40 awards ceremony April 23. In the meantime, Zach says construction season is about to start, which means he’s already moving full speed ahead on 2027 planning.
We say, get after it, Zach!
About Marvin Development
Founded in 1983 by Border Foods Founders Jeff and Lee Engler, Marvin Development is a commercial real estate developer and investment company specializing in quality retail development, including complex restaurant builds and quick service restaurant (QSR) development.
We’re turning up the heat! Border Foods has been selected to run a Cantina Chicken Bowl flavor test at all of our 56 Taco Bells in Grand Rapids, MI (along with surrounding franchisees). This is the first time this market has been selected by Taco Bell Corporate for what’s known in industry lingo as a Rapid Innovation Test (RIT). Read about another bold brand RIT we did.
Now through April 15, Grand Rapids locations will offer both the Chicken Cantina Bowl – Chili Lime and Chicken Cantina Bowl – Cotija. According to Region Coach LouAnn Hansen, the primary difference between the standard Chicken Cantina Bowl and these two test items is the finishing flavor component added during the final stage of assembly (either chili lime seasoning or fiery cotija cheese dip).
Why Grand Rapids?
According to LouAnn, Grand Rapids continues to be a strong test market due to:
Consistent operational execution;
High training compliance;
Reliable speed and accuracy metrics; and
A diverse guest base that provides meaningful feedback.
In addition, Grand Rapids has shown strong performance in Cantina Chicken and other flavor-forward limited time offerings, which makes it an ideal environment for testing these new flavor extensions.
“We anticipate [a] strong curiosity-driven trial followed by repeat purchase — particularly with the cotija build offering a more premium flavor profile,” LouAnn shares.
SIzzling Success
RITs are designed to evaluate new menu builds, operational feasibility and real-time guest response before Taco Bell considers a broader rollout. It’s important that there’s little to no impact on speed of service.
LouAnn says success for this Cantina Chicken Bowl flavor test will be evaluated based on:
Strong target setting with teams;
Proper deployment during peak hours;
Consistent execution of build standards; and
Guest engagement and accurate order taking.
As always, we’re proud of our innovative brand and pleased to partner with Taco Bell Corporate on taste test projects like this in an effort to make our menus better!
Big shoutout to our teams in Grand Rapids! Being selected for an RIT is a big deal! It’s your dedication, consistency in execution and demonstrated ability to take on new challenges that show Corporate we are a trusted partner for tasty real-world innovation tests.
In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting one of our very own incredible female leaders: Jerra Swenson!
As of January 28, 2026, Jerra is now our Director of Payroll and Benefits. This well-deserved promotion lines up perfectly with Jerra’s eight-year Border Foods anniversary. We sat down with Jerra to learn about her career journey, what a day in her life looks like and what she loves most about her new position.
Meant to Be
Jerra originally found herself at Border after a layoff from another food and beverage company. She recalls receiving a LinkedIn message from a Border recruiter a few months after she left her previous position, inquiring about her interest in a position with the company. Jerra immediately jumped at the opportunity.
Jerra shares that she was fearful she was being scammed — working at Border seemed almost too good to be true! She now knows that working here really is just that good.
During her onboarding, Jerra was immediately entrusted with a big responsibility: switching Border from one payroll software to another. Although the project was a lot of work, Jerra shares that creating things from the ground up truly made her an expert in the new system — an experience she’s still grateful for today.
Success is for everybody here.
Jerra Swenson, Director of Payroll and Benefits
Being Intentional
Rather than being quickly thrown into the Director role, Jerra’s transition was a slower, more relaxed one. Due to maternity leave and completing some additional training, Jerra’s promotion happened in stages. Doing it this way ensured that Jerra felt ready to take on the new title, and she appreciates that her promotion was conducted with such thought and care.
As a Director, Jerra now oversees four people: two Payroll Specialists, one Payroll/Benefits Specialist and a Benefits Manager. With such a robust team, we assumed it must be easy for things to get hectic, but Jerra assured us that that isn’t the case.
“They’re easy!” she says of her direct reports. “They’re such a good team.”
As for Jerra’s favorite part of the role? Problem solving! She loves to take a challenge, play around with it and find a solution that makes things easier for everyone.
Jerra, your promotion is so well deserved. We’re excited to see you grow and thrive as a Director!
