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!
