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.
