Thirty-five years – that’s a whole lot of time and energy devoted to one company and brand! Today, we tip our tacos to two remarkable men who’ve been a part of shaping culture at Border Foods and growing people daily for countless years.
Ziggy Arrington started his career with Taco Bell in 1991, and came over to Border Foods from another family owned franchisee in 2015. He’s been a General Manager (GM) ever since and continues to lead our East 10th Street location in Sioux Falls, SD.
I’m right where I’m supposed to be, doing the things that I love.
-Ziggy Arrington, GM
Ken Lund is one of our esteemed Directors of Operations who celebrates 35 years with our company! Ken began his career as a team member and has progressed steadily to where he leads today. He also happens to be a member of our Culture Committee.
I feel fortunate to have worked with the Engler family over the years … The Englers, along with Carol and Jeff Williams, established a strong culture from the beginning that makes people want to be part of Border Foods … [It’s] why our company remains exceptional.
– Ken Lund, Director of Operations
We quizzed these two legends to get a sense for what they love, what they’ve seen and where they’re looking for joy in 2026.
Q: What’s the best part about your job?
Ziggy: The best part about this job I think is not just my own growth, but watching everybody around me grow.
Ken: [It’s] undoubtedly the opportunity to work with so many fantastic individuals, from our dedicated team members and restaurant management teams to our above restaurant leaders, peers, and the leadership team – everyone contributes to making lives better on a daily basis.
I am surrounded by the best people, and I feel truly blessed.
– Ken Lund, Director of Operations
Q: How has Border Foods made your life better?
Ziggy: I mean, I kind of pinch myself, you know, as far as how far I’ve come in my life … it’s beyond my wildest dreams with this company.
Ken: In countless ways, it’s truly hard to quantify. Border Foods has provided me with the opportunity to grow within the company, offering coaching, development and the support needed to excel in my role. They have invested not only in my growth but also in the development of everyone within the company.
What keeps me young, it’s all the people … it’s the culture.
– Ziggy Arrington, GM
Q: Reflect on Border Foods’ evolution since you joined. What stands out? How’s this the same great company as always?
Ziggy: I go back to family. It’s just so awesome to see two brothers work together and have that vision … working with family. Sometimes I’m overwhelmed by the emotions – that’s what I would want for my family.
Ken: I was part of an acquisition by the Engler brothers in 1992. When we first met, Lee assured me that he would teach me how to run the business at a high level, manage financials and help me grow – and that’s exactly what he did. Lee and Jeff took me in like family … they have taken great care of their team and me, which is why I’m still here.
Q: What’s your proudest achievement?
Ziggy: [It’s] just being somewhere, able to work; being valued, appreciated, seen every day. Watching the growth from a professional level.
Ken: It’s hard to define really one … I have a few … I think of all of the people we have been able to impact, making their lives better through development and promotions. And receiving the Heart of Border Foods Award, which reflects the values that Border Foods has instilled in me.
Q: Any good lessons learned on the job?
Ziggy: The lesson in life to treat people the way you want to be treated.
Ken: It starts with integrity and personal accountability. Control what you can, namely yourself, and your actions and your reactions. When you do that, you can navigate any situation.
When you take care of your team, they will take care of your guests.
– Ken Lund, Director of Operations
Q: What do you look forward to in 2026? How do you keep things exciting?
Ziggy: I think what keeps it exciting for me is again, continuing to watch a new group of people come in – or people internally – [who] are still growing.
Knowing the company and the people we have, I feel like we’re in good hands.
– Ziggy Arrington, GM
Ken: l’m really looking forward to our company’s growth. What keeps this exciting is our ability to adapt to situations and make the best of whatever comes our way. It’s like coaching a team in the Super Bowl, making adjustments to ensure our success. We’ve had fantastic years, and the challenge is to grow and adapt to surpass our previous achievements.
Q: Any famous words for aspiring future leaders?
Ziggy: You get to be who you are when you work for Border Foods. You get to show your talents, show exactly who you are. We embrace that.
Ken: Every one of us has the opportunity to make good decisions that benefit both ourselves and our teams. Love your team, coach them, support them and take care of them. When you do that, everything else usually falls into place.
