Dominic Pagan is the Restaurant General Manager (RGM) for Border Foods’ Taco Bell restaurant in Byron Center, MI. You could say he grew up with Taco Bell, having started with us at 16 years old.
Dominic was having lunch at Taco Bell with his dad when they learned that the restaurant was out of his favorite menu item. When asked by a team member what they could do to make up for it, Dominic’s dad said, “Get this kid a job.” And just like that, a career in quick service was born!
“I’ve been with Taco Bell for 13 years now,” Dominic says.
PURSUING A PASSION
Dominic’s career trajectory can be described as a steady climb. He worked at the Grand Rapids, MI Taco Bell through high school, and was promoted to a Shift Lead at age 18. From there, he made a swift transition to the management track, working as an Assistant General Manager (AGM) and then RGM. Two of his stores were restaurant training locations, which Dominic quickly learned is where he shines.
“That’s really my passion right there: training and developing,” he shares.
Dominic says his appreciation for Border Foods stems from the fact that he has consistently found a welcoming family atmosphere in the workplace. He was also motivated to work hard early on by good feedback from management that helped grow his confidence on the job. The job perks don’t end there!
“Great benefits here, great bonuses.” – Dominic Pagan, RGM
Dominic acknowledges that generous benefits are a driving force in his loyalty to the company. “That’s huge for me and huge for my family,” he says.
Dominic’s wife, five-year-old son and two-year-old daughter are a big influence on him bringing his best self to the job every day.
“Obviously they’re my whole life,” he gushes. “Really big motivators for me to do the best I can.”
SPARKING JOY
Part of being the best for Dominic means making sure the people on his team find joy in their work. “I like to make sure people enjoy their job,” he says.
“I try to make sure there’s a good work–life balance for everyone.” – Dominic Pagan, RGM
As for his future with Border Foods, Dominic has his sights set on continued growth. He’s currently focused on empowering his team to lead the restaurant, in order to give him the freedom to be more accessible to the company and other Taco Bell locations, as needed.
Dominic’s long–term goal is to grow into a developing role in the Area Coach (AC) program. “That’s definitely what I’m striving for,” he shares. We can’t wait to read the next chapter in your Border Foods story!
