Aaron Engler, president of Border Foods, on grinding toward success

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From chasing a girl from California to Minnesota to working his way up the ladder at his family’s company, Border Foods, Aaron Engler has always been what his parents call a “grinder.” 

His hard work and persistence paid off: that California girl has been his wife since 2008, and Engler is now the president of Border Foods. But getting to that career status certainly wasn’t easy, he said. 

“In my experience, it was harder (to succeed at Border) being a family member than not being a family member. The expectations were harder,” Engler admits in the latest episode of the Off the Record podcast, brought to you by Platinum Bank. 

Listen to Engler’s conversation with hosts Dave Faust, president and CEO of Platinum Bank, and Jen Hellman, CEO of Goff Public, to learn more about: 

• What it’s like to run Border Foods and operate over 250 Taco Bell franchises (10:37)
• Workforce changes Engler has noticed during his career in the restaurant world (12:36)
• How Border Foods distinguishes its company culture from that of other QSRs and fast casual eateries (16:34)
• Engler’s favorite Taco Bell menu item (20:18)
• Ways restaurants are being built now to accommodate advancements in digital tools and post-pandemic delivery options (21:41)
• Getting comfortable “being uncomfortable” in a new executive role (27:06)
• What Engler loves about fitness and how he’s gearing up for his fourth marathon (28:30)

Leaders like Engler understand the value of moving quickly and acting creatively, just like Platinum Bank. Learn more about business banking with a different kind of bank.