McKenzie H.,Training Coordinator, and Raul D., Service Desk Team Lead, met at Taco Bell and ended up getting married in their living room during the pandemic!
Before this, McKenzie grew up in the “middle of nowhere” as she proclaimed, in Minnesota. She wanted to be a vet when she was younger, but couldn’t dissect animals in biology class so she set out on a different path. She ended up going to college for a brief period of time for elementary/special education before switching careers and getting a degree in graphic design. While she was looking for jobs, McKenzie followed her brother to California, who worked for a company that managed the Service Desk for Taco Bell. Soon after, McKenzie ended up joining the Service Desk as well!
At the same time, Raul was working up to three jobs, anything from QSR to warehouse and contractor work to help his single mother pay bills. He ended up going to school in Anaheim for a seven-month career training program which is how he got into the technology space. This is when he got the opportunity to work for Taco Bell on the Service Desk.
"I met McKenzie at an offsite welcome dinner and the rest is history. We ended up dating, then getting married during the pandemic and welcomed a little girl shortly after,” said Raul.
Over McKenzie’s five-year journey and Raul’s nine-year journey at The Bell, they both have been able to craft their careers that aligns with their passions...
McKenzie said, “The good thing about Taco Bell is that you don’t have to stay in the same department to reach your goals! I ended up going from the Service Desk in Technology to becoming a Training Coordinator in People & Culture to further my passion for learning and development. Taco Bell helped me pave the way to do what I’m passionate about.”
...and the same goes for Raul!
“Taco Bell was the first place I worked at where people were eager to help me grow. My manager and peers really helped me take control of my career and showed me what I needed to do to get ahead. I truly learned how to advance my career here.”
Since navigating multiple jobs and having a child, both McKenzie and Raul have changed their outlook on life, especially as working parents.
"Work is important, but family is irreplaceable. Jobs come and go, but family presence is ever lasting. Set healthy boundaries because work will still be there tomorrow, but your child needs you today. Prioritize what truly matters,” said McKenzie.
Raul added, “We're so used to running at 100 miles an hour at the Service Desk since there is always an issue or call going on. But the flexibility and support of Taco Bell has helped me understand that it is okay to create boundaries.”
With both their unique backgrounds, Mckenzie and Raul suggest the following for navigating careers - no matter what job it is.
"The journey is more important than where you end up because the more you learn, the faster you’re able to figure out what you want to do. Be open to opportunities and take advantage of company resources," said McKenzie.
“Truly take the time out to understand what you want to do. It wasn't until I came to Taco Bell that I realized what I wanted to do. I always limited myself to the options in front of me, but Taco Bell changed my perspective,” said Raul.
When McKenzie and Raul aren’t working or picking up their daughter from the Irvine Campus childcare, you can find them going to swap meets, getting shaved ice and snacks, visiting coffee shops and playing building blocks with their daughter.