We are so excited to officially congratulate Aaron Engler on his promotion to Chief Executive Officer of Border Foods and Marvin Development. This is a new addition to his current role as President.

Aaron’s Taco Bell roots run deep. His dad, Jeff, and Uncle, Lee, co-founded Border Foods in the early ’90s. By the time Aaron was 15, he was working in the restaurants, learning the ins and outs of the business. In 2003, Aaron moved to Border Foods head quarters in New Hope, MN and worked in IT and Finance Departments while earning his degree from the University of Minnesota. Years later, Aaron moved to Border’s sister company, Delaget, and held roles in both product development and marketing. By 2016, the drive to be part of the family business pulled him back to Border Foods.

Since becoming President in 2019, and with guidance and support from the Board of Directors and the Border Foods team, Aaron has successfully led two acquisitions, built 38 restaurants and held focus on the things that matter most in our business: our teams and our people. In the last 5 years, Aaron’s implementation of our new core values and subsequent Culture Committee has helped turn the page on an important new chapter in the business — one with new leaders, and fresh perspective.

“Aaron spent several years building and shaping his leadership team,” says Lee, Border Foods Chairman of the Board.  “He selected and vetted each member, ensuring they worked together seamlessly, which enabled the growth momentum we have enjoyed over the last decade to continue.”

The change in CEO title from Lee to Aaron completes the Engler family’s vision for succession, from founders to the second-generation.

“Aaron has demonstrated excellent leadership as well as team building, and decision-making skills,” says Jeff, Border Foods Co-Founder. “His leadership as President and now as President and CEO, provides a superb path forward for the business.”

We look forward to a bright future full of growth and opportunity. Congratulations, Aaron! 

Restaurant General Manager (RGM) Manasseh Williams is in the unique position of managing two Taco Bell locations for us: our Minnetonka store off of Highway 7 and the Ridgedale location along Interstate 394. But before he took on that responsibility, Manasseh was like so many others we’ve interviewed — a 16-year-old kid looking to make some money.

Turns out, Taco Bell was the only job he ever needed. “I’ve been with Taco Bell and just thriving,” he says. The key to Manasseh’s success? He’s always game to take on new endeavors for the sake of growth. And he feels supported along the way. Perhaps thanks in part to our core values, something Manasseh said really align with his goals for the future.

“My bosses definitely empower me to take on challenges and roles that will elevate me for my future,” he shares.

I’m willing to always be coached and accept every challenge.

Manasseh Williams, RGM

Management Double Major

A self described “people person,” Manasseh excels with his busy schedule. In addition to RGM duties, he also attends school at the University of Minnesota (go Gophers!) where he’s majoring in business and marketing, with a minor in finance.

“It’s worth it,” he says about pulling double duty. “I’m making money and I’m doing school, so why not?”

Fortunately, Manasseh likes planning, so he’s adept at scheduling his life around school and work with his signature optimism.

Something to Sing About

Despite his busy schedule, Manasseh is committed to bringing his best to our restaurants every day. And he does it with style. “Once I walk through that door, I automatically want to bring the energy,” he says. For Manasseh, that means singing! He’s been known to break into song for team members and guests alike.

I want to put a smile on all of my employees’ face and the customers’.

Manasseh Williams, RGM

If Manasseh’s career journey with us was a song, it would clearly be sung in the key of MAJOR success!

Restaurant General Manager (RGM) Brittany Manor joined Border Foods as a nightlife-loving 20-something and currently finds herself in the role of “Taco Bell Mom” to the 20 Taco Bell “children” on her team. We recently caught up with Brittany before her shift at the Owatonna, MN Taco Bell over an order of her breakfast nachos, a personal creation not available on the menu.

“I was just 20, trying to figure out what to do with my life,” she says of the start of her career journey. Enter: Us! Brittany was hired as a Night Shift Closer, a position perfect for night owls who love the vibrant energy of the PM crowd. “It was definitely my scene,” she shares.

With a few years of late night under her belt, Brittany left Taco Bell to pursue a different path, but it didn’t feel like home. “I thought there was a better opportunity … clearly I was wrong,” she says.

People Person

After welcoming her second daughter, Brittany returned to the Border Foods fold. “I ended up coming back and it just felt right,” she shares. “People actually seemed like they cared instead of [feeling like] you were just a number.”

The people are definitely what keeps Brittany loyal to her job. “I absolutely love the people. It just feels like a family atmosphere,” she says. “[Like] getting paid to hang out with your friends.”

And true friends support one another. Before being hired in the RGM role, Brittany was working as an Assistant General Manager (AGM). Her RGM at the time encouraged her to keep climbing the career ladder. “I didn’t believe in myself; he believed in me,” she admits.

Brittany has been in the RGM position for a little over a year, and has big dreams for herself and the members of her team. “I probably wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for the people I work with,” she acknowledges.

Taco Bell Family

As an RGM, Brittany operates under the motto of “listen first” and says she feels like a mom to her team, which means looking out for them. This came into play recently when a team member received an unexpected bill and the team rallied together to get it paid.

This type of family-like support is something Brittany considers one of the best bonuses of the job. She shares that her Area Coach gives her strategies on how to best support her team and reach their goals for the restaurant, one of which is making it to Mexico for Border’s Best of The Best reward trip!

I believe in myself. I can go farther with Taco Bell.

Brittany Manor

When asked where she sees herself in the future Brittany says, “Sky’s the limit at this point.” Keep reaching for the stars!

In life, the path to success is rarely a straight line. For Courtney Schuneman, a Shift Lead at Taco Bell, the journey has been one filled with challenges, resilience, and a drive to succeed. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, support, and finding a company that values growth and second chances.

Courtney’s Border Foods story began during one of the most challenging times of her life. “I was homeless at the time with my two kids,” she recalls. After losing her previous job and her home, Courtney found herself desperate for stability. “I had a vehicle, but no place to lay our heads every night,” she shares. Despite these hardships, she knew she needed to provide for her family.

Determined to turn things around, Courtney walked into a nearby Taco Bell. “I knew I needed something,” she says. “Two days later, I started working.” It was a pivotal moment, one that would set her on a path of both personal and professional success.

From the very beginning, Courtney found something at Taco Bell that she hadn’t experienced elsewhere: support. “I’m very thankful for my manager,” she says. “He’s seen so much growth in me in the year I’ve been with the company.” She quickly realized that Taco Bell was more than just a job—it was an opportunity to rebuild her life.

After five months with the company, Courtney’s personal life took a positive turn. “I got into my apartment and got a new car,” she shares proudly. With the stability of a home and a job she enjoyed, Courtney found a sense of relief she hadn’t felt in a long time. But what stands out for her is the sense of family she found within her Taco Bell team. “I call them my family at Taco Bell. I have more of them than I do immediate family,” she says. The close-knit, supportive environment has become a pillar in her life, providing a place where she feels valued and understood.

One of the most significant impacts of Courtney’s journey at Taco Bell has been on her children. “They don’t have to deal with their mom constantly stressed out,” she says. “We have a stable home, a schedule, and it’s smooth sailing now.” She encourages others in tough spots to take a chance, just as she did. 

Taco Bell offers so much support. It really is a family.

Courtney, Shift Lead

For Courtney, the future looks bright. She was promoted from Team Member to Shift Lead during her first year on the job. She credits Taco Bell with providing a clear path to growth, one that’s available to anyone with the drive and determination to succeed.

Nothing is impossible with this company. If you want it, you’re going to get it.

Courtney, Shift Lead

Looking ahead, Courtney sees herself continuing to climb the ladder. “I definitely see myself moving up to an RGM position,” she says, noting that she’s excited about the possibility once her children are a bit older. “I’m too old to keep starting over,” she laughs. “I’m comfortable here”

Assistant General Manager (AGM) Sara Castellanos has worked at our Apple Valley, MN Taco Bell for nearly 19 years. She was on a job hunt when she discovered our opening, and was hired the same day she applied! “And here I am! Still working at Apple Valley,” she says. 

As you might imagine, there’ve been a lot of changes during the course of Sara’s impressive tenure — the addition of digital menu boards being one example. 

I’m learning every single day,

Sara Castellanos, AGM

Training The Next Generation

When Sara was new on the job, she herself was trained using textbooks, but now training courses are all online. Today, Sara is in charge of Border Foods’ Learning Zone, used to train new hires in the restaurant. Maybe she’s found her passion!

“I love training people. I love to show them what I’ve been learning in the company for all these years,” she says.

Sara finds it rewarding to share her knowledge with others. “It’s exciting for me that they learn something from me,” she says. “It’s really nice.”

You need to love what you’re doing, otherwise you’re not going to be successful.

Sara Castellanos, AGM

Finding Work-Life Balance

Sara was hired as a Team Member, then moved up the ranks to Team Trainer, followed by Shift Lead, before being promoted to the AGM role. “I love the company,” she says. One of Sara’s favorite benefits is the flexible schedule.

Sara lives with her parents in a house she was able to purchase using money she earned working overtime in her current position. Caring for her 85-year-old mom and 82-year-old dad means flexibility is key. Sara doesn’t work night shifts, allowing her to be at home with her parents. “That helps me a lot,” she says.

After nearly two decades with us, Sara has no plans to move on anytime soon. “In the moment, I enjoy what I do,” she says. And we enjoy having you as part of the team! 

It all starts with a quick and easy Live Más Scholarship video application. Believe in yourself and good things are sure to come your way!

For Team Trainer Tamera Afraid of Lightening, this year not only marked receipt of her first Taco Bell Foundation Live Más $5,000 scholarship, but it led to another unexpected opportunity — an all-expenses paid trip to San Diego, CA for networking and personal growth! Bonus: It was Tamera’s first time in California.

This opportunity is open to all Live Más Scholars,
you just have to apply and engage!

Tamera is the first from Border Foods to be invited and attend Taco Bell’s “Summer of Connection” Conference for Live Más scholars, which has only been around a few years. Out of 350 attendees, Tamera was one of just 77 Taco Bell team members from around the country.

“It’s crazy that not a lot of people know about it,” Tamera says of Live Más and the conference.

There are other opportunities out there as long as you put your foot forward.

Tamera Afraid of Lightening, Team Trainer

How It All Came Together

According to Tamera, as a scholarship recipient, she was automatically added to the Live Más Scholar Connect app, an exclusive social network for Live Más scholars around the country. Designed to inspire career building and engage recipients with the larger Live Más community, Tamera says the app is similar to Facebook, where you can update your status and share accomplishments, and also “like” or comment on other people’s updates.

At some point, Tamera heard about “Summer of Connection” and joined a Zoom call to find out more. She says she would have never known about this cool opportunity without engaging on the app! She submitted a quick and easy application, and was selected.

“Not everybody is chosen,” Tamera shares. She’s still unsure how she got selected. She says the rumor is that as long as you’re active on the app, you’ve got a shot at it.

Conference Highlights

The 2024 “Summer of Connection” Conference (SOC24) was hosted in July in San Diego. Attendance is growing; it went from approximately 150 attendees in 2023 to 350!

Participants enjoyed four days together with keynote speakers (Taco Bell CEO Sean Tresvant was there), a choice of fun activities and targeted workshops, a beach party, and a rewarding final day of service. Designed to cultivate career skills and connections, Tamera certainly made new friends!

It gave me a lot of insight in myself.

Tamera Afraid of Lightening, Team Trainer

Tamera says she met some great people: 18-year-olds who are starting businesses, a young woman who’s walked the red carpet and already won an Emmy. She says what she wants others to realize about this opportunity is how connection benefits everyone.

“Connections are important, especially when you come from small Midwest town like I do,” she says. 

She’s grateful to the brand and to Border Foods for believing in her and providing opportunity.

More About Tamera

Tamera works at our Rapid City, SD Taco Bell. She’s currently finishing up prerequisites at Oglala Lakota College and plans to start nursing classes in fall 2025. She says she’ll take a break from school in the spring to work full-time and focus on passing the entrance exam for her program. 

Will she apply for the scholarship again? Absolutely! As a single mom and working student, she says she appreciates not having to worry about the cost of school and supplies. According to her, she can also be considered again for the conference again.

Sound pretty amazing? Apply for the scholarship and chase those dreams! The Live Más application period opens in November!

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!