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

*Scholarship renewal

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 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, 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.

This month we bid farewell to loyal Taco Bell brand champion, Area Coach (AC) Kelly Lawver. Kelly retires from his post as AC of Territory 3, which covers the Rockford, IL DMA. He joined our company in 2015 with an acquisition and celebrates more than 35 years with the Taco Bell brand. Check out his career highlights!

We threw Kelly a surprise retirement party in early February. He was clearly touched and couldn’t believe how many people came. “It was awesome,” he shares. “It was quite the surprise to have the executive team show up.”

Kelly expresses pride in seeing people from his past at the party, all of whom found success in their current pursuits.

You don’t realize the impact you have on people.

-Kelly Lawver, Area Coach

Of course, we couldn’t let him go without a proper sendoff! Kelly is going to be missed around here. Kasey Baeza, Director of Operations, says endearingly that Kelly is “like the most loving and supportive version of everyone’s dad.”

Emotional Transitions

Retirement is bittersweet for this hardworking leader. In 2020, Kelly lost his wife unexpectedly. He says one of his biggest regrets is that she never got to retire. “That’s the emotional piece,” he shares.

“When my wife passed, I had to find a new norm,” he confesses. “It took over three years to adapt to that.” There were big changes – their daughter got married shortly thereafter and Kelly had to learn to live on his own for the first time at age 55!

Yet he admits he’s been planning for retirement for a long time and can also appreciate what’s coming:  “No more alarm clocks, no more meeting notices, no more calls in the middle of the night!”

What has he enjoyed the most? “I love being an Area Coach, but probably the job I loved the most was Market Training Manager because I had the ability to develop the new talent that was coming into the area,” Kelly says. “And I really enjoyed that, seeing them grow with the company and become big leaders.”

Teaching is Kelly’s passion. He’s able to unlock potential in his people who work for him because he truly cares about them as people.

-Kasey Baeza, Director of Operations

The Finale & New Beginnings

Kelly’s last day is February 24. AC Ann Kurich has been tapped to combine his territory with hers. He says that the people are what he will miss most, the daily interactions. Region Coach Jennifer Copeland says she’ll miss Kelly’s ability to connect and make his people feel important.

“I’m super close with my people,” he says. “It’s just going to be important to have that really strong conscious effort to stay in touch … see how people are doing.”

In the meantime, Kelly has a new special someone in his life, someone he ran into in October. Now dating, he’s excited to share retirement with his girlfriend. He plans to buy an RV so they can travel half the year, and spend the other half at home.

Kelly, we wish you the best! May you have lots of new adventures as you chase sunsets, explore new places and enjoy what the world has to offer. You will be missed!

We’re proud to ring in this year’s Golden Bell and Signature Restaurant winners. Five of our Midwest Taco Bells and their GMs were named Golden Bell recipients plus one exceptional Area Coach (AC), Kent Farris of Area 32! In addition, 148 Border Foods Taco Bells are 2025 Signature Restaurants.

Golden Bell represents the “best of the best” in the entire Taco Bell system, our famous brand’s highest honor. Being named as such means a restaurant has also achieved “signature status.” Top General Managers (GMs) and ACs are awarded a trip!

For Golden Bell consideration, restaurants and managers are evaluated on: Supreme 5-star ratings, transaction growth and guest reviews. Criteria for Area Coaches includes: 

• Highest number of restaurants
• Highest Supreme standing
• Most guests served
• Top-tier service (5% Bells)

Congratulations to the following good as gold winners (who are heading to Hawaii)! 

29904 Little Falls, MN
GM: Chad Zinda

37583 Jamestown, ND
AGM: Keily Mittleider

37588 Rock Island Place – Bismarck, ND
GM: Colleen Gruchow

38999 Stewartville, MN
GM: Alex Carda

40771 Victory Lane, MN
GM: Scott Squires

Kent Farris, Area 32 Coach

We’re pleased to give bragging rights to this year’s Best of the Best (BOTB) award trip winners! 

Each year we reward top performers with a much-deserved spot on Border Foods’ BOTB Mexico trip. Recognized recently during our first-ever “Rally Week,” these lucky people join a long list of past recipients who’ve worked hard to beach harder!

This April, we’ll whisk these winners away to Marival Resort & Spa’s five-star, all-inclusive Armony, located on Destiladeras Beach in Punta de Mita. Congratulations, you deserve this!

Region Coaches

Dawn VanMaanen, Region 7
Debra Fraser, Region 9
Jarret Persons, Region 8
Jennifer Copeland, Region 4
LouAnn Hansen, Region 6
Nathan Besler, Region 5
Octivia Erickson, Region 3
Steve Daggett, Region 2

Area Coaches

Alfredo Briones, Area 10
Alyse Eckert, Area 2
Amanda Hobbs, Area 9
Bobbie Hansen, Area 33
Chelsea James, Area 28
Constance Horan, Area 40
Dan Pesota, Area 6
Heather Aos, Area 31
Jacob Woltjer, Area 26
Jeremy Stepp, Area 7
Josh Miller, Area 21
Juli Froehlig, Area 45
Kent Farris, Area 32
Melvin Mora, Area 11
Nicole Davis, Area 4
Tina Brown, Area 39
Yasser Gharib, Area 8

General Managers

Alexander Joshua Bray, Cambridge, MN
Alicia Schaefer, Albertville, MN
Amy Dawson, Plymouth Station, MN
Andrea Ramirez, Fridley, MN
Angela Buffington, Crystal, MN
Araceli Aguilar, Hopkins, MN
Barb Bunney, North Street, SD
Brandon Rosillo, Fairmont, MN
Brittany Caldwell, Monmouth, IL
Cesar Figueroa, Nathan Lane, MN
Chad Zinda, Little Falls, MN
Christian Scribner, University, ND
Dakota Gleason, Sherman, MI
Douglas Sibley, Whitehall, MI
Edgar Medina Ortiz, Minnetonka, MN
Edna De Leon Sanchez, Edina, MN
Elizabeth Danielson, Northfield, MN
Ezra Young, Alexandria, MN
John Wen, Grandville, MI
Jordan Melaragno, Brookings, SD
Jose Jimenez, Woodbury, MN
Jose Tapia, Lakeville, MN
Justin Perry, Sturgis, MI
Kevin Stimeling, E Main Street, IL
Laura Swenson, Perryville, IL
Lindsay Stimeling, Henderson Street, IL
Luann Fuerstenberg, Sun Prairie, WI
Mackenzie Hass, Willmar, MN
Manasseh Williams, Ridgedale, MN
Martika Cox, Whitney Way, WI
Mary St. Clair, Maple Grove, MN
Matar Ndiaye, Roseville, MN
Matthew Hicks, Portage, MI
McKenzie Murphy, Andover, MN
Melinda Cegielski, Hudson , WI
Merlyn Rodas Martinez, Edinburgh, MN
Michelle Luoma, Grand Avenue, MN
Nid Lee, Vadnais Heights, MN
Purnell Moralez-Barnes, Cottage Grove, MN
Robert Ball, Fruitport, MI
Scott Squires, Victory Lane, MN
Seng Thao, Brooklyn Center, MN
Shane Huggins, Kalamazoo, MI
Tiffany Bowyer, Cedar Springs, MI
Timothy Wegler, Osseo, MN
Tracy Jackson, Apple Valley, MN
William White, Lowell, MI 

Support Staff

Kyra Hennek, Payroll Specialist
Logan Alderson, Loss Prevention Manager
Regina Zeddell, Payroll Specialist
Teri Staggemeyer, VP, Finance and Accounting
Evan Hatton, Business Intelligence Analyst

Heart of Border Foods

LouAnn Hansen, Region 6 Coach
Tranquility Deveroux, Territory Training Leader
Vince Bosscher, Chief Ops Officer

Core Value Award

Daniel Grovenstein, RGM

If we’ve learned anything here at Border Foods, it’s that decades-long Taco Bell careers aren’t an anomaly. However, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t all worth celebrating! 

One of our most recent work anniversaries is particularly special: Kelly Lawver, Area Coach (AC) in Rockford, IL, just celebrated 35 years with Taco Bell in July. We wanted to take a moment to congratulate him and spotlight all the incredible work he’s done over the last three decades!

Work Worth Aspiring to

What stands out when looking back at Kelly’s professional experience is just how quickly he was able to climb the career ladder. Kelly started out as a Taco Bell team member in July 1990, becoming an Assistant General Manager (AGM) just a year later. Then, shortly after his time as an AGM, he became a Restaurant General Manager (RGM). While he was an RGM, Kelly helped open three new restaurants in Perryville, Machesney Park and McFarland, IL. Talk about impressive!

Before Kelly was promoted to Area Coach, he was also Management Development Specialist for a year in Milwaukee, WI alongside Corinne Kindred, HR Business Partner. When we acquired his region in 2015, he officially joined the Border Foods family. 

The Only Constant is Change

A career as long as Kelly’s naturally sees a lot of changes, no matter the industry — but in QSR, things move especially fast. Kelly shares that the biggest challenge he’s faced over the last 35 years has been keeping up with all the latest restaurant developments, particularly those that involve new technology. He says that he believes leading is personal, and that implementing various software and systems can make it hard to maintain a personal touch. However, Kelly shares that he was able to ride the tech wave thanks to all of the support from his leaders.

Team is Everything

The people that Kelly has worked with over the last 35 years have left a big impact. He says that he loves the family culture he’s experienced at Border, and that he was particularly inspired by the leadership of Carol Williams, our former VP of Operations who sadly passed away in 2018. “I want to be for my people what she was for me,” Kelly says.

For anyone wanting to have a team-oriented career like Kelly’s, he gives the following advice: ”Surround yourself with great people and invest in them at all levels. It’s not what you accomplish, but the impact you make in people’s lives.” We couldn’t agree more!

35 Years Of Great Memories

When asked about his fondest Taco Bell memories, Kelly struggles to pick just one. He shares that winning the Eastern Division RGM of the Year Award was a particular standout, as was going to Mexico (seven times!) — trips that were rewards from us for all of his stellar work.

We’re so grateful to have Kelly on our team and want to congratulate him on such an incredible milestone!