Gustavo M. learned the importance of hard work at the early age of 10.
“Bueno, me gustaría contarles muchísimo sobre mi niñez ya que es parte importante del proceso de crecimiento personal de cada uno de nosotros, pero algo que se me vino a la cabeza en el momento de la pregunta, fue; cuando tenía apenas 10 años cuidaba a mi primo de 5 años, lo llevaba al kínder y lo recogía y mi tía me pagaba 2 dólares a la semana, esta parte, me empezó a enseñar la importancia del trabajo, ser responsable con el mismo y el pago o beneficio económico a través del mismo.”
I would really like to tell you about my childhood since it is an important part of everyone's growth. Something that comes to mind is when I was 10 years old, I would take care of my five -year-old cousin by taking him to kindergarten and picking him up. My aunt paid me two dollars a week for this, which taught me about the importance of work, responsibility, and finances.
He was just 1 7 years old when he started working at Taco Bell!
“Bueno a mis 17 años empecé a caminar y buscar trabajo, pasando por Taco Bell Tropicana había un rotulo de que se necesitaba personal, no lo pensé y me fui a preguntar de una vez que tenía que hacer, llené la solicitud de empleo y me llamaron.”
When I was 17, I started looking for work. As I was passing by a Taco Bell , there was a sign that said they needed staff. I didn't think twice and immediately went to find out what they needed help with. I filled out the job application and they hired me.
“Resumiendo un poco estos casi 15 años, inicie como ME en Taco Bell Tropicana, ahí logré ganar el primer Team Challenge que se realizó acá en CR, luego de ahí crecí a Líder de turno, me entrené en Paseo de las flores y me devolvieron como líder a Tropicana, luego estuve como asistente de gerencia en Taco Bell alajuela centro y de ahí me dieron la oportunidad para ser gerente de Taco Bell Grecia, estuve algunos meses y me devolvieron a Taco Bell Tropicana donde estuve alrededor de 10 años como Gerente de restaurante, fue increíble todo el aprendizaje y la cantidad de personas que lograron crecer este tiempo en la tienda, después de eso, en el 2023 enero, se dio la oportunidad de poder seguir creciendo y ahora estar en el puesto de Gerente de área, donde todos los días aprendo algo nuevo.
Ahora mi Rol es Gerente de Área, apoyar a todas las personas que tengo a cargo en la compañía, compartir mi conocimiento, experiencia y sobre todo guiarlos para seguir creciendo en el camino de Taco Bell.”
I started as a Team Member at Taco Bell Tropicana 15 years ago. My hard work allowed me to participate in the first Team Challenge in Costa Rica. Then, over the years, I was promoted to Shift Leader, Assistant Manager, and General Manager. I also had the opportunity to work and positively impact various locations in my market, such as Taco Bell Tropicana, Taco Bell Alajuala, and Taco Bell Grecia. The learnings and growth opportunities for all employees were amazing. Finally, in January of 2023, the opportunity arose to continue my growth when I got promoted to Area Coach.
Now, as an Area Coach, I enjoy supporting my teams, sharing my knowledge and experience, and mentoring them to continue growing at Taco Bell.
As Gustavo mentioned, he had the opportunity to attend Team Challenge early on in his career! Team Challenge is a regional competition celebrating the brand and the Restaurant Teams’ knowledge about Taco Bell brand standards inclusive of product building and food safety. This year, it was held in El Salvador which Gustavo participated in! Click here to see the video!
“Siempre es algo que me marcó muchísimo mi trayectoria en Taco Bell. El espíritu de competitividad es enorme, la experiencia de Team Challenge es única, la viviría siempre, me encanta ser el protagonista de la historia.”
Siempre es importante para mí poder estar presente en Team Challenge, este año en el salvador era algo que había soñado durante mucho tiempo, poder asistir, competir, ganar y volver con el trofeo.”
Team Challenge has always left a deep mark on my career at Taco Bell. It's always important for me to be part of Team Challenge because the Team Challenge experience is a unique competitive experience, and I love being part of that. Going to El Salvador for the Team Challenge was something I had dreamed of for a long time – especially being able to attend, compete, win, and return with the trophy.
Speaking of challenges, when it comes to facing some in life and/or work, Gustavo firmly believes in never giving up and powering through.
“Creo que personalmente me identifico muchísimo con la palabra de inquebrantables, siempre digo que no nos debemos de quebrar y seguir intentándolo, si hoy no se pudo quizá mañana si, nunca sabremos lo cerca que estamos de algo, siempre debemos de seguir intentándolo, tener metas a corto y mediano plazo es de suma importancia para mantenerse alertas.”
I personally identify myself with the word “unbreakable”. I always say that we should not break down and keep trying. If it wasn't possible today, maybe it will be possible tomorrow. We will never know how close we are to something unless we keep trying. Having short and long-term goals is important to stay alert and continue growing.
In all his years of service, Gustavo has loved the inviting and inclusive environment that comes with working at Taco Bell.
“Amo Taco Bell, es mi empresa, es mi vida, siempre la voy a defender sobre cualquier cosa y cualquier persona, la inclusividad en taco es algo extraordinario, es lo que nos hace diferentes, ser inclusivo con todas las personas de nuestra compañía y con nuestro cliente interno y externo es una característica diferente, llevamos la salsa mild en las venas.”
I love Taco Bell, it's my company, it's my life, and I will always defend it over everything. Inclusivity in Taco Bell is something extraordinary because it's what makes us different. We take pride in being inclusive with all the people in our company and with our internal and external customers. We have mild sauce in our veins!
Looking to the future, Gustavo hopes to leave a legacy of mentorship and support.
“Me gustaría que siempre me recuerde como una persona esforzada, dura con las cosas no negociables pero suave con las personas, una persona que siempre daba todo y más para lograr los objetivos planteados, me encantaría ser un ejemplo de superación personal para todas las personas que están conmigo y que sepan que conmigo siempre pueden contar para lo que necesiten, ese mentor que ayuda a los demás a crecer siempre.”
I would like to be remembered as a hard-working person, tough with non-negotiable values but gentle. A person who always gave everything and more to achieve his objectives and goals. I would love to be an example of personal/professional growth for all Team Members. I would also like to be remembered as a mentor who supported the future’s growth and development.