This month we bid beloved Region Coach Pam Hare farewell as she transitions from leading Border Foods’ Region 1 — which covers western South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska — to a sure-to-be fulfilling retirement with her husband Greg.
“I’m so proud to have played a part in the growth of Border Foods,” Pam says. When she joined us 14 years ago, we had just under 90 locations. Since then, Pam and her team have been involved in many acquisitions! She likes to say we “Border-rized” certain markets like Sioux Falls, SD; the Upper Peninsula of Michigan; the Quad Cities; North Dakota; Billings, MT; and Nebraska.
“Being a leader at Taco Bell completely changed my life.” – Pam Hare, Region Coach
Pam will be remembered for many things around here, not the least of which is for her positive energy and embodying our core value of treating people like family. She’s been described as “the mother” of her region, always leading with heart and taking care of her people. In fact, she was one of our very first Heart of Border Foods award recipients.
In her most recent role, Pam oversaw 23 restaurants in four states that employed roughly 800 team members. She swears she’s loved every minute of it!
“I honestly can’t think of a time where Pam wasn’t energized to be here,” says CEO and President Aaron Engler. “No matter the task, she shows up with joy, purpose and a genuine love for the work — leading, growing and building something with her team.”
A Brief Career Overview
Pam’s earliest passion was actually live animals, not tacos. Growing up, her dad worked for a veterinarian in their town. She remembers joining him on middle-of-the-night house calls to deliver baby farm animals and perform emergency surgeries.
“I was intrigued by all he could do to help or save animals,” she says, reflecting. Despite having dreamt of following in her father’s footsteps up until about age 14, she instead went on to work for her brother’s drive-in restaurant for the next eight years.
At 21, Pam decided to relocate to Rapid City, SD, and quickly realized she needed a job. After applying for an open position, she was contacted by the local Taco Bell franchisee.
“I had never even heard of Taco Bell,” Pam admits. But a 44-year career with our famous brand would take off from there, with her first position as a Shift Lead.
“I was given the opportunity to lead people with Taco Bell,” she shares. “Working side by side with great leaders who mentored me brought out my love for leading people and helping others be successful.”
Pam became a part of the Border Foods family in December 2011 when we acquired the Rapid City market.
“Pam’s ability to lead with compassion, care and consistency has shaped one of the most financially successful regions in our company for years. And it’s no accident,” Aaron says. “She treats her team like family, and they show up for her because of it.”
A Bright Light
People are paramount to the success of our company. And Pam has always taken that seriously. According to her, her leadership style is centered around believing in others, giving them room to grow and letting them shine.
“I encourage others to take the chance and be successful,” she shares. “What I do matters to me and I want it to matter to others. If I can help someone by having a conversation about my path to success, and give them the nudge to go for what they want, that’s great!”
“She lights up every room she walks into with her warmth, her smile and her presence.” – Aaron Engler, CEO & President
“Knowing you made an impact, no matter how small or large, is very gratifying,” she says of her time here.
Relishing Retirement?
Pam says people are what she’ll miss the most about this busy work life. “I will always value all the great relationships with my team, my guests, and my co-workers that I have made throughout my career.”
But she also has some great things to look forward to! Pam’s list so far for relishing retirement includes:
- coffee on the patio in the morning sunshine;
- no itinerary for the day;
- quality time with her husband, family and friends (and cats); and
- bucket list travel!
As for this last item, it turns out we have plenty of stops on the map! “It will be amazing to have so many people that I can visit on a personal level in 10 states,” Pam says, reflecting on how travel and her work family will continue to collide.
Until then, we wish Pam well in this next chapter. Congratulations on a celebrated career with Taco Bell and our company!
