We’ve been busy celebrating all the amazing people who help make us the best in the business year after year. Today we’re honoring our Heart of Border Foods (HOBF) winners for exemplifying the positive attitude, dedication and family culture at the core of our business. The Heart of Border Foods Award is one of the highest honors a person can achieve within our company. Huge congratulations to this year’s worthy winners!

Richelle Johnson

It’s no surprise that a woman described as having “the heart of the people” is one of our HOBF winners. Richelle is an authentic team player who’s developed an impressive career with Border Foods and now helps do the same for her peers.

Tony Christiansen

Tony is someone who makes everybody feel like a somebody. Whether you’re a team member or a guest, you can feel welcome in Tony’s orbit. This Taco Bell “father figure” embodies our family core value.

Brenda Foley

A 29-year veteran of Border Foods, Brenda has been described as the heart of our Stillwater Taco Bell. And it’s easy to see why! A consistent supporter of her community and “Taco Bell Mom,” Brenda is a caring mentor to anyone lucky enough to cross her path.

Congratulations are in order for this impressive group of Area Coaches (ACs) whose commitment and drive was recently honored with our Circle of Excellence Award! Positive, helpful, team player — these are all character traits shared by this special group of ACs. We could not be the best of the best at what we do without their hard work and dedication.

Constance “Connie” Horan

Connie truly goes above and beyond for her team AND other teams within the Border Foods family. And she does it all with a smile. Described as “a ray of sunshine,” there’s no day (or restaurant) she can’t brighten.  

Aaron Mechtel-Kilborn

Aaron sets career goals and immediately works hard to achieve them. And he doesn’t stop there! Aaron has established himself as a helper, often lending a hand to other Border Foods team members outside of his restaurant. Truly living our teamwork core value! 

Lori Sumner

Described as a passionate go-getter, Lori empowers her team to bring their best to the job every day. She embodies the growth mindset that helps everyone in her orbit succeed. Excellence personified!

LouAnn Hansen

A compassionate team player, LouAnn is dedicated to living out our core values in everything she does. She’s a natural–born teacher in the AC role and a fierce advocate for the Border Foods culture we’re so proud of. 

Recognition is one of the pillars to success here at Border Foods, which is why we’re thrilled to celebrate this year’s “of the year” award winners. Congratulations to the following hard working group of leaders!

AC of the Year

Angela Love-Hamlin

Genuine, willing to help, always smiling. These are common descriptors when talking about Area Coach Angela “AJ” Love–Hamlin, which makes it easy to see why she was awarded our AC of the Year accolade. We’re thankful to have you captain our team, Angela!

RC of the Year

Nathan Besler

Nathan Besler is a genuine leader who has truly blossomed in the Region Coach role. Nathan’s quiet confidence and excellent communication skills made him a natural choice for RC of the Year.

RGM of the Year

Brenda Gillispie

Restaurant General Manager Brenda Gillispie is a goal-oriented, avid learner with a gift for connection. Thank you for teaching us all how to be the best we can be, Brenda!

It’s the BEST time of the year! We get to celebrate our Best of the Best winners. This hard working group of people exemplifies the values we live by while serving the customers we love.

Since recognition is one of our favorite things, we’re showing our thanks in the form of sunshine! These deserving reward trip winners get to celebrate in style at Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres.

Congratulations are in order for the following:

Area Coaches

AJ Love-Hamlin: Area 36

Alfredo Briones: Area 10 

Alyse Eckert: Area 2    

Amanda Hobbs: Area 9 

Brad Halverson: Area 17   

Constance Horan: Area 40  

Deb Wilber: Area 35     

Donald Mendoza: Area 18 

Heather Aos: Area 31    

Hillary Roelse: Area 23   

Jeremy Stepp: Area 7    

Melvin Mora: Area 11     

Nicole Davis: Area 4

Pete Ledum: Area 37      

Tina Brown: Area 39     

Vince Monreal: Area 38 

Restaurant General Managers

Alicia Schaefer: Albertville      

Alyssa Harrison: Wyoming Blvd. 

Amy Dawson: Plymouth Station                   

Angela Buffington: Crystal  

Araceli Aguilar: Hopkins  

Barbara Bunney: North St.

Brandon Rosillo: Fairmont               

Brandon Wagner: Bettendorf  

Brenda Gillespie: Rockford MI 

Brittany Caldwell: Monmouth  

Calista Korbel: Buffalo  

Chad Zinda: Little Falls              

Christian Scribner: University                                   

Dakota Gleason: Sherman 

Daniele Oliver: Hwy 14         

Daniel Grovenstein: Laramie     

Daniel Mulhair: Spearfish    

Douglas Sibley: Whitehall 

Edna De Leon Sanchez: Edina   

Elizabeth Moody: Waverly    

Ethan Scribner: West Fargo  

Ezra Young: Alexandria  

Gerardo Dominguez: Lake and 35  

Jessica Miller: Cliff Road 

Jordan Melaragno: Brookings         

Jose Jimenez: Woodbury  

Juan Balbuena: Chanhassen  

Justin Perry: Sturgis                   

Kevin Stimeling: Henderson St.      

Laura Swenson: Perryville    

Lindsay Mitchell: East Main St. 

Lindsay Wuhrman: Marinette  

Luann Fuerstenberg: Sun Prairie                                                                           

Mackenzie Hass: Willmar   

Manasseh Williams: Ridgedale      

Maria Flores: Holiday Lane  

Martika Cox: Whitney Way           

Mary St Clair: Maple Grove

Matar Ndiaye: Roseville

McKenzie Murphy: Hanson Blvd.   

Nicholas Cochran: Wausau           

Nid Lee: Vadnais Heights

Pamela Burns: Standale              

Paula Volenski: Allegan    

Purnell Moralez-Barnes: Cottage Grove  

Sandy Avila: Richfield        

Shawn Mcaleese: Hastings                                                    

Stacy Kirkpatrick: Grand Rapids        

Tara Miles: Verona             

Tiffany Bowyer: Cedar Springs         

Tracy Broton: Coopersville          

William White: Lowell  

Support Staff   

Brandi Pearce 

Crystal Kovach    

Lynsey Lindholm 

Mollie Sommer   

 

 

 

 

When David Ziemer joined Border Foods in June 1994, he was simply looking for a summer job at a new Taco Bell in Cottage Grove, MN. “They were opening a Taco Bell a couple of blocks from my house,” he recalls. “There was a lot of buzz about it, and I was excited to work at a new restaurant.” Little did David know this first job would grow into a nearly 30-year career shaping the company’s technology.

Learning on the Fly in Cottage Grove

David’s early days were nothing short of hectic. With a brand-new crew and virtually no prior restaurant experience, it was trial by fire—long lines, frantic service, and a team figuring it all out on the go. “We had literally a line out the door from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.,” he laughs, recalling how their limited training led to extended wait times. Despite the chaos, David found it fun and rewarding. “Even with all that, we enjoyed it and obviously it got better.”

By the late ‘90s, Border Foods had purchased the market that included his store, and opportunity came knocking. David, then a Shift Manager, was offered a chance to move into a bigger role as Assistant General Manager (AGM). After helping out at “troubled” restaurants, he was asked to assist with the company’s new KFC acquisitions—an unexpected opportunity that set the stage for his future.

Embracing Tech, One Store at a Time

When KFC units joined the Border Foods family, they came with minimal technical infrastructure. David jumped at the chance to install much-needed software. “They were using a calculator and pencil the first day,” he says, “Give me eight hours and I can have software on these systems.” The project was a success, showcasing David’s natural knack for IT. Soon, he was splitting his time between operations and field tech work, honing a unique blend of restaurant expertise and technology support.

We no longer operate the KFC units, but fortunately for us, we retained David. Today, as the IT Operations Manager, David oversees everything from broadband connections and point-of-sale systems to security cameras and headsets. 

 I really enjoy making a difference and having a larger impact.

David Ziemer, IT Operations Manager

Why Stay So Long? The Culture

David never imagined sticking around for decades, but our culture and leadership gave him reasons to stay. “There’s just something different here,” he explains. “I have counterparts at other companies that don’t have this same feeling. We rally around each other when something happens” Over the years, David has seen firsthand how the leadership invests in people’s futures and treats everyone like family.

I’ve always loved working with IT

David Ziemer, IT Operations Manager

Reflecting on the nearly 30-year journey, David feels both proud and grateful. “I’m very blessed to be here,” he says. “My hope is to stay until I retire, if Border Foods will have me.” David’s story underscores the breadth of opportunity within Border Foods. What starts as a summer job might become a lifelong career.

 

It’s no wonder we’re one of the nation’s leading Taco Bell franchisees with results like these! We’re celebrating the Border Foods teams awarded Signature Restaurant status AND the Restaurant General Managers (RGMs) who have the impressive distinction of simultaneously receiving Taco Bell’s coveted Golden Bell award.

To become a Signature Restaurant, you must achieve five-star status all year long with a clear focus on people, customers, fundamentals and sales. Golden Bell winners represent the Top 100 RGMs in the Taco Bell system. Well done to all! Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.

2024 Signature Restaurants:

Store 27883 – Spearfish, SD

• *Restaurant General Manager: Daniel Mulhair
• Area Coach: Nic Gerry
• Region Coach: Pam Hare

Store 33000 – Coopersville, MI

• *Restaurant General Manager: Tracy Broton
• Area Coach: Connie Horan
• Region Coach: LouAnn Hansen

*Also a Golden Bell winner!

Meet Ariana Abad Romero, a Shift Lead at our Ulysses Taco 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 Bell isn’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,” she says. “I’m really, really grateful.”

It feels good that Taco 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 Champion at Border Foods’ Woodbury, MN Taco 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! 

Mariam’s advice? “There’s literally nothing to lose, so go for it!” She urges. Apply for one of our Scholarships today.

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!”

You heard him! But you can’t put in an application for a scholarship if you don’t first apply to join Border Foods’ Taco Bell team!

Congratulations to this year’s ambitious team members who are taking advantage of the scholarships we have to offer! The following individuals applied for one of two options: the Border Foods Scholarship or the Carol Williams Scholarship, named in honor of our late, great vice president of operations (learn more about Carol).

Border Foods supports YOU in your pursuit of higher education!

Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of the following individuals:

$12,500 Carol Williams Scholarship Recipients

Alivia Brainard, Northland, MI
Eric Dobberstein, Winona, MN
Madeline Helton, Cedar Springs, MI
Mariam Abdalla, Woodbury, MN

$8,000 Border Foods Scholarship Recipients

Ariana Abad Romero, Blaine, MN
Caleb Galvan, Albion, MI
Logan Gross, Little Falls, MN
Nichole Dittbrender, Superior, WI
Quinn Ohlemacher-Lonetti, Buffalo, MN
Theodore Skare, Stewartville, MN

Interested in applying? We’ve got all the details here. Check back in early 2025 to find out next year’s application deadlines.