If we’ve learned anything here at Border Foods, it’s that decades-long Taco Bell careers aren’t an anomaly. However, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t all worth celebrating!
One of our most recent work anniversaries is particularly special: Kelly Lawver, Area Coach (AC) in Rockford, IL, just celebrated 35 years with Taco Bell in July. We wanted to take a moment to congratulate him and spotlight all the incredible work he’s done over the last three decades!
Work Worth Aspiring to
What stands out when looking back at Kelly’s professional experience is just how quickly he was able to climb the career ladder. Kelly started out as a Taco Bell team member in July 1990, becoming an Assistant General Manager (AGM) just a year later. Then, shortly after his time as an AGM, he became a Restaurant General Manager (RGM). While he was an RGM, Kelly helped open three new restaurants in Perryville, Machesney Park and McFarland, IL. Talk about impressive!
Before Kelly was promoted to Area Coach, he was also Management Development Specialist for a year in Milwaukee, WI alongside Corinne Kindred, HR Business Partner. When we acquired his region in 2015, he officially joined the Border Foods family.
The Only Constant is Change
A career as long as Kelly’s naturally sees a lot of changes, no matter the industry — but in QSR, things move especially fast. Kelly shares that the biggest challenge he’s faced over the last 35 years has been keeping up with all the latest restaurant developments, particularly those that involve new technology. He says that he believes leading is personal, and that implementing various software and systems can make it hard to maintain a personal touch. However, Kelly shares that he was able to ride the tech wave thanks to all of the support from his leaders.
Team is Everything
The people that Kelly has worked with over the last 35 years have left a big impact. He says that he loves the family culture he’s experienced at Border, and that he was particularly inspired by the leadership of Carol Williams, our former VP of Operations who sadly passed away in 2018. “I want to be for my people what she was for me,” Kelly says.
For anyone wanting to have a team-oriented career like Kelly’s, he gives the following advice: ”Surround yourself with great people and invest in them at all levels. It’s not what you accomplish, but the impact you make in people’s lives.” We couldn’t agree more!
35 Years Of Great Memories
When asked about his fondest Taco Bell memories, Kelly struggles to pick just one. He shares that winning the Eastern Division RGM of the Year Award was a particular standout, as was going to Mexico (seven times!) — trips that were rewards from us for all of his stellar work.
We’re so grateful to have Kelly on our team and want to congratulate him on such an incredible milestone!
