Recognition is one of the pillars to success here at Border Foods, which is why our annual “Best of the Best (BOTB)” reward trip is a company highlight! While in Mexico for BOTB, we caught up with Area Coach Angela Love-Hamlin while she was basking in the glow of a job well done.

What’s Angela’s Mexico vibe? “Having the time of my life with my friends,” she effuses. “I’m excited to be here!”

I love the company!

Angela Love-Hamlin, Area Coach

Like any good coach, Angela recognizes that success is a team effort. She’s quick to give a shoutout to the Taco Bell crew in Area 36, the “Quad Cities Squad”: “I’m so proud of you guys!”

Angela’s goal for the rest of 2024 is to get more of her team to Mexico next year. “This is our year baby, let’s go!” she says. Consider that your Coach Angela pep talk!

If YOU want to work for a company that rewards hard work, consider joining Border Foods’ Taco Bell team!

 

 

Golden Bell is Taco Bell’s premier restaurant leadership award. To be selected among 8,000 restaurant managers and only 24 Area Coaches (ACs) nationwide is exceptional and we’re proud of the 11 individuals here at Border Foods who won this year. These special people have just returned from their celebratory trip to Hawaii!

This lifetime experience is available to all general managers.

Gay Demaree, Director of Operations

According to Gay Demaree, our Director of Operations, what’s especially exciting about this year’s winners is that we not only had eight Restaurant General Managers (RGMs) named to the top 100+ list, but three of only 24 ACs across the entire Taco Bell system were from Border Foods!

For context, there were no ACs from our company on the 2022 list and only one the previous year.

“That’s a really big deal,” Gay says. “Top 24 Area Coaches must have at least one Signature Restaurant in the Top 200 and achieve an “A” letter grade for their area.”

Letter grades, Gay says, speak to an AC’s consistency in performance across all of the restaurants in an area. Octavia Erickson from Area 2 doubles down on the accolades — she’s our AC of the Year, too!

Managers Make Más Happen

As for the stellar GMs who made Golden Bell, Border Foods is honored to have so many within our ranks. Selected managers also need to achieve “signature status” by following brand standards, committing to 5-star restaurant performance all year long, and maintaining a clear focus on people, guests, the fundamentals and sales.

“Golden Bell is Taco Bell’s way of adding más flavor to recognition culture by celebrating the success of the “best of the best” restaurants and leaders across the system,” Gay shares. 

As a company, let the record stand, we support our finest leaders in celebrating their achievements in big, bold ways! Beyond the brand’s Golden Bell accolade, Border Foods hosts its own annual “Best of the Best” reward trip to honor our top performers.

Congratulations to the following purveyors of operational and brand excellence!

 

General Managers	Area Coaches
Brittany Caldwell* Daniel Mulhair* Gayle Grigsby Jose Jimenez* Kaci Denman Lindsay Wuhrman* Paula Volenski* Tamaran Carlson	Heather Aos, Area 31* Hillary Roelse, Area 23 Octavia Erickson, Area 2* (also Border Foods’ AC of the Year!)

*Lucky to be treated to Border Foods’ Best of the Best trip in Cancún, Mexico, AND Taco Bell’s all-expenses-paid Golden Bell escape to Hawaii!

Border Foods’ Best of the Best 2024 reward trip represented a series of “firsts” for Restaurant General Manager (RGM) Skyla Behm: It was the first time she’s been to Mexico AND the first time leaving her 10 month-old baby girl. Skyla admits it was a challenge to leave the baby. Good thing she’s always up for a challenge!

Per Skyla’s own admission, the Rice Street Taco Bell location she manages can be difficult at times, but her hard–working team helped bring the restaurant from 116th place to the top 50, all while she was away on maternity leave!

“Honestly, I have my team to thank for this,” she shares. “They really went above above and beyond.”

Aside from R&R (emphasis on the rest, we imagine, with an infant at home), Skyla’s focus for her week away was to get to know new people and broaden her horizons — all with her little sister in tow as her “plus one”!

“It’s been super fun, super exciting,” she says.

Congratulations, Skyla! The sky’s the limit for what you can do with your career at Border Foods.

 

 

 

Ed Heskett has been our Loss Prevention Manager since May 2012, but to many, he’s “Mr. Ed” and so much more. As Ed prepares for retirement and handing the reigns over to Area Coach Logan Alderson, he remains revered for being a wonderful listener, friend and conversationalist, and a humble and trustworthy leader.

“Ed is what I like to call a ‘Border Foods soldier,’” company President Aaron Engler says. “He’s part of the family and our culture.”

“He treats everyone like an extension of his family,” shares Brian Davies, VP of Facilities.

Border Foods is a special place to be.

Ed Heskett, Retiring Loss Prevention Manager

Throughout the many years and variety of roles Ed has taken on at Border Foods, he’s always been a role model of Border Foods’ core values. In fact, it’s hard to pin just one value to him. Chief People Officer Sharla Hennek says Ed represents integrity, accountability and excellence, and “always does what he says he will do.”

“Ed shows the utmost integrity in our restaurants and the office,” Brian says.

What’s Ed’s perspective? “It really starts with family, not accountability,” he says. “You can’t have family without teamwork, accountability, integrity … that’s always been where I start.” 

Actually, Where He Really Started …

Ed’s career in foodservice began in 1973 when he was a bus boy and dish washer for an iconic burger chain. He went on to secure Above Restaurant Leader (ARL) positions, including franchise consultant there, then, at Wendy’s, Taco Bell Corporate, Boston Market and finally Border Foods.

He first joined our beloved brand in 1986, when he was hired by Taco Bell Corporate as a District Manager, overseeing six restaurants in Detroit, MI. Eventually the role expanded, giving him responsibility over 14 locations, and then there was talk of taking on 30! Ed claims he “wasn’t qualified” to oversee 30 Taco Bells and in 1991, his position was eliminated.

Approached next by Wendy’s, for whom he had previous ARL experience, he returned as a District Manager and later Director of Operations for the brand. Following his time with Wendy’s, Ed transitioned over to Boston Market first as a District Manager, then Regional Director of Operations, which took Ed and his family to Minneapolis. He says this was a turbulent period in his career as Boston Market eventually fell into bankruptcy. In March 1999, Ed was let go: “You can’t be a Regional Director of Operations without restaurants,” he says.

Boston Market’s COO implored him not to settle, saying something like, “Don’t do something that you’ve done before … find a new brand. Minneapolis is a mecca for new brands.” Then, a local recruiter mentioned Border Foods. 

Beginnings At Border

Ed’s first interview with our company was with HR and the late Carol Williams.

“I absolutely fell in love with Carol’s vision,” he says fondly. Co-founder Lee Engler remembers it similarly: “Ed was eager to be part of the newly formed Border team, led by Carol.”

After another round of interviews, Border Foods surprisingly, rejected him. A few days later, company personnel changed their mind and invited him back! Ed became the first above -restaurant leader hired from outside Border Foods. On realistic job preview day, he remembers walking into a Taco Bell that was short-handed and jumping into action. By the time the Senior District Manager arrived, Ed was already running the register.

“It was like I’d never left!” Ed quips. Current Senior Safety & Risk Manager Juli Sargent (also a Senior District Manager at the time) became his first supervisor. Fast forwarding through the years, Ed went on to serve as a District Manager, Area Coach and Area Manager (now called Region Coach) before assuming the role he’s preparing to depart.

I made a career out of Border Foods by saying ‘yes.’

Famous words by Ed Heskett

After many years in restaurant operations and management, Carol approached him about loss prevention in early 2012. 

”Ed had great knowledge of the systems and tools used in the restaurants, so it was easy for him to know where to look for losses, develop solutions to issues and mitigate risk,” says Sharla of Ed’s qualifications.

Passionate About Preventing Loss

Loss prevention quickly became Ed’s passion. He says there were a few years when he was asked to split time between Border Foods and Delagat, being intimately involved in developing Delagat’s Guard and Detect loss prevention tools. But once he returned to Border Foods full time, Ed built Border Foods’ Loss Prevention Department from the ground up, his greatest contribution to the company. Lee says he’s the best in the business!

“Our loss metrics are among the best in the Taco Bell System,” Ed shares. A sampling of Ed’s incredible work: 

• He developed a process to certify our managers to be loss prevention auditors (at time of print, includes 20);
• Every single restaurant received an audit in 2023;
• According to him, 800 people have taken loss prevention classes since 2018; and
• Armored car safes — which could save “hundreds of thousands of dollars in time and loss” — are being deployed for every location, a Border Foods standard.

Living Legend

It’s difficult to summarize such an extensive career. Mr. Ed celebrates 50 years in the industry and 25 fulfilling years with our company on June 2nd. He’s had such a big impact on our people and the security of our operations. 

“You feel safer knowing Ed is there for you whether it’s loss prevention or anything you need,” Brian says.

Ed says he’s grateful for the leadership and friendship of many; he’ll miss the people and relationships the most. Frequent travel to restaurants companywide has afforded him the opportunity to interact with teams all across the country.

“I’m proud to be one of the very few people in the company that everybody knows,” he says.

“I’m looking forward to retirement, not necessarily looking forward to not working,” he admits. His plans include plenty of reading, domestic travel, cycling, boating, fishing, volunteering and chasing around his 15 grandchildren. Sounds like Ed will be busier than the Taco Bell lunch rush!

It’s everyone’s favorite season! Live Más Scholarship winner announcements! And Border Foods is proud to reveal 13 winners from our very own Taco Bell restaurants. 

This is no ordinary scholarship, Live Más is a passion–based opportunity that allows recipients to make their dreams come true and, in the process, make the world around them a little better, too. Per Taco Bell requirements, applicants share their education plan and how it will enable them to pursue their passion and create a positive impact.

Recipient Rashida James, whose passion is medicine, has been with Border Foods for two years. In fact, working at Taco Bell was her first ever job! 

“A lot of my managers encouraged me that I should really take the opportunity to better my future,” Rashida shares. 

I’m overjoyed, excited and blessed to be here.

Rashida James, Team Member

Huge congratulations to Rashida and the rest of this year’s winners!

$25,000

Christopher Fytczyk

$12,500

Hailey Mitchell

$10,000

Danae Sauve
Jaydlyn Skinner
Margaret Muneton
Vanessa Hernandez

$7,500

Ethan Grilz
James Brillhart
Jayden Beach
Simon Minor

$5,000

Joey Aakre
Rashida James
Tamera Afraid of Lightening

Heather Schwartz has been to Mexico for the Best of the Best (BOTB) trip every year that she’s been employed with us. That’s eight times in a row! 

When she’s not at the pool, we assure you this gal keeps busy. Heather is Restaurant General Manager (RGM) of our Willmar, MN Taco Bell, which has been No. 1 companywide three of the last five years (just surpassed $2 million in sales at the end of fiscal 2023!)

You have to persevere through the hard times, not give up on yourself or your team.

Heather Schwartz, RGM

It’s All About The People

So what’s Heather’s secret? This repeat winner gives credit to her people!

“I obviously can’t do it alone,” she shares. “It’s about your team. None of it’s possible without them.” 

While Heather has certainly enjoyed traveling on BOTB trips, she looks forward to seeing others benefit.

 “I’m excited about hopefully having my own team of people to bring there and have the same experience that I’ve had,” she says. “When we can get that to more people … I think it just buys into Border Foods’ culture that they care.” 

Recognition is important to Heather. “It feels like all [of] your hard work and all the little extras you do … not giving up when the going gets tough … it’s all worth it,” she explains.

She says of course the trip is amazing, but it’s the recognition and acknowledgment that really matter.

It’s not always what you get, it’s about the purpose behind it.

Bonding Time

Purpose extends beyond recognition when it comes to reward trips. According to Heather, it’s a chance to bond and get to know people. Pool time is a perk!

This year, Heather will bring her best friend as her “plus one” to Mexico, someone who’s played an integral part in helping her have more flexibility while juggling young kids and a career.

But from now until departure time, she hopes to finish up Area Coach training and is already mentally preparing for summer, which is peak taco season in Willmar. Want to find your summer job? Apply today!

 

 

Announcing this year’s Heart of Border Foods recipients, honoring a small but mighty group of leaders who embody all that is good in the Border world. Congratulations to the following individuals!

Brian Axness, CFO

Brian is “a super inclusive leader” who “challenges everyone around him” and brings incredible enthusiasm (watch video to hear these sentiments for yourself). Need we say more?! Brian joined the company when payroll and accounting were brought in-house, hired a solid team and is credited for retaining all of those good people! This speaks to Brian’s ability to create great culture.

Andrea Ramirez, RGM

Andrea has trained loads of people at Border Foods with heart, incredible commitment and the “biggest smile on her face.” Quite simply, Andrea is pure joy to be around! She also models doing the right thing to those around her. “No one ever doubts her commitment,” one admirer shares. 

Juli Sargent, Safety & Risk Manager

We’ve had the pleasure of 40-plus years with this wonderful lady! In her role, Juli plays a big part in taking care of both individuals’ and Border’s best interests. She’s said to be “an incredible human being” and “the most caring, loving person in the company.” It’s her great big heart that makes her deserving of Heart of Border Foods!

Jackie Lamoureux, RGM

This Heart of Border Foods award, given posthumously, pulls at our heartstrings as we remember a beloved friend and compassionate co-worker. Jackie was said to light up the room and have an exceptional gift in her ability to connect with others. She touched so many at Border Foods, leaving a lasting impact. Her beautiful legacy lives on …

Josh Miller, Area Coach

Josh embodies all of our core values in incredible ways — as one colleague says, there’s no greater representation in the field! This guy is truly loved at all levels of the company and is known for being a humble, caring leader who shows a passion for the well-being of his team.

Danny Grovenstein, RGM

Danny is a leader who truly wants everyone to be successful! “He just gathers people around,” says one admirer. He emulates our core values of teamwork and family culture, and is always willing to help out wherever needed.

At Border Foods, we think our people are awesome sauce! And these folks are proof! Congratulations to another deserving crew of Heart of Border Foods people with big hearts. 

In January, we jumped right into fiesta mode with our company rally. Hosted every year to get us moving forward together in focused fashion — with a dash of spirit and celebration — we enjoyed our time together! Check it out on Instagram!

We Came, We Roared, We Rallied!

The fun always starts with excitement on our red carpet. “It’s about people,” says President Aaron Engler. We are nothing without our people!

Congratulations to this year’s deserving award recipients, including the esteemed:

RGM Circle Of Excellence

Tracy Broton, Cooperville

Stacy Kirkpatrick, Grand Rapids

AC Circle Of Excellence

Chris McElroy, Area 29

Hanna Wright, Area 24

AC Of The Year

Octivia Erickson, Area 2

RGM Of The Year

Brandan Wagner

RC Of The Year

Steve Daggett, Region 2

More From The Day’s Events

It didn’t stop there! Check out other highlights from the 2024 Rally:

• Keynote speaker Matt Maybery — author of “Culture is the Way” — spoke about the evolution of leadership;
• We were humbled by a touching tribute to friend and former co-worker Jackie Lamoureux, who was honored posthumously with our Heart of Border Foods Award;
• We introduced a new booth contest that brought office and restaurant staff together as department teams in a collaborative way. Meet the winning cross-company team that created the HR Technology Booth:
  • Corrine Kindred
  • Frank Tuka
  • Richelle Johnson
  • Jaycee Calendar
  • Brittany Roda
  • Theresa Williams
  • Jenni Bang
  • Heather Knight 
• A supreme number of sweeeeeet prizes were given out; and
• We revealed this year’s BOTB winners!

We all know that the best way to kick off any new year is with a plan. At Border Foods, this includes regular, intentional recognition. So, we make a big point to add performance recognition to the calendar. Up next? Our famous “Best of the Best” (BOTB) trip April 3-7!

“Best of the Best” is one of Border’s BEST traditions!

Congratulations to this year’s reward trip winners, a group of people who work hard to deliver on all of our core values, and serve as incredible examples to the rest of the Border Foods family. We are delighted to whisk you away for your little slice of paradise at:

BREATHLESS RIVIERA CANCÚN RESORT & SPA

REGION COACHES

Craig Curit: Region 5
Dawn VanMaanen: Region 7
Deb Fraser: Region 9
Jarret Persons: Region 10
Jen Copeland: Region 4
LouAnn Hansen: Region 6
Nathan Besler: Region 8
Pam Hare: Region 1
Steve Daggett: Region 2

AREA COACHES

Alfredo Briones: Area 10
Angela Love-Hamlin: Area 36
CJ Shreifels: Area 46
Constance Horan: Area 40
Dan Pesota: Area 6
Deb Wilber: Area 35
Edin Dedic: Area 27
Frank Tuka: Area 23
Heather Aos: Area 31
Jeremy Stepp: Area 7
Joshua Miller: Area 21
Juli Froehlig: Area 45
Melvin Mora: Area 11
Octivia Erickson: Area 2
Pete Ledum: Area 37
Tina Brown: Area 39

GENERAL MANAGERS

Alexander Joshua Bray: Cambridge
Alicia Shaefer: Albertville
Alyse Eckert: Hudson
Alyssa Harrison: Wyoming Blvd
Araceli Aguilar: Hopkins
Barb Bunney: North Street
Brandan Wagner: Bettendorf
Brandon Rosillo: Fairmont
Brittany Caldwell: Monmouth
Calista Korbel: Buffalo
Casey Bertrand: Rawlins
Cesar Figueroa: Nathan Lane
Chad Zinda: Little Falls
Chris Platz: Plainfield
CJ Scribner: University
Dakota Gleason: Sherman
Daniel Mulhair: Spearfish
Donald Mendoza: Brooklyn Center
Edgardo Muneton: Eden Prairie
Elizabeth Moody: Waverly
Ethan Scribner: West Fargo
Evea Owens: Rogers
Gerardo Dominquez: Lake & 35
Heather Schwartz: Willmar
Jason McNeil: Northland
Jose Jimenez: Woodbury
Juan Balbuena: Chanhassen
Kenneth Craft: Columbia Ave
Kevin Stimeling: Henderson Street
Kristy Shoemaker: Paw Paw
Laura Swenson: Perryville
Lindsey Wuhrman: Marinette
Luann Fuerstenburg: Sun Prairie
Martika Cox: Whitney Way
Mary St. Clair: Maple Grove
Nicholas Bebout: Milton Ave
Nicole Terry: Golden Valley
Nid Lee: Vadnais Heights
Paula Volenski: Allegan
Purnell Moralez-Barnes: Cottage Grove
Sandy Avila: Richfield
Shane Huggins: Kalamazoo
Skyla Behm: Rice Street
Stacey Hale: Deforest
Stacy Kirkpatrick: Grand Rapids
Timothy (TJ) Wegler: Osseo
Tracy Jackson: Apple Valley
William White: Lowell

SUPPORT STAFF

Aurora Tapia: Director of Training
Evan Hatton: Business Intelligence Analyst
Shannon Marcus: Real Estate Development Assistant

HEART OF BORDER FOODS

Andrea Ramirez: General Manager
Brian Axness: Chief Financial Officer
Danny Grovenstein: General Manager
Juli Sargent: Sr. Safety & Risk Manager