In August 2025, we interviewed Payroll Director Lesa Hummel about her impressive 30 years with Desert de Oro Foods (DDO). Lesa is DDO’s longest tenured employee aside from our company founders! We only had 13 Taco Bells when she joined the team.
The four-time grandma says this makes her feel a little old. We say that’s an excellent reason to hear more about what it’s been like to be part of DDO for so long! We caught up with Lesa following her leadership on an important payroll system upgrade.
Enjoy more insights from this amazingly loyal member of our team:
Q: You started in a DDO Taco Bell. Tell us about your career path.
A: I started as part of the opening crew for 15902 (Stockton Hill Taco Bell in Kingman, AZ) as a team member. I worked in eight different locations in many different roles; my favorite and final role in the store was an MTM (Market Training Manager).
Q: How has having restaurant experience helped you connect with the people you serve every day throughout DDO operations?
A: It really helped when I first started payroll, as I knew the BOH (back of house) system and could support the manager if I needed anything; understood what was going on in the restaurant; and helped HR build and streamline payroll practices.
Q: If you could travel back in time to your first week on the job, what advice would you give yourself?
A: Never stop asking questions and having those random conversations with coworkers and customers. The lessons you’ll learn from others (and they’ll learn from you) are priceless.
Q: Thirty-year reflection: In your opinion, what’s the same around DDO?
A: Dedication from the owners and their belief in people.
Q: You’ve experienced the early days and our transition to second-generation leadership (President of Development & Operations Chad Burge and President of Real Estate & Investments Tiffany Oder). What’s that been like?
A: It’s inspiring and captivating to see leadership develop, and the company strive to become stronger.
Q: When you look back, what are some of your favorite memories, milestones, or events from your time at DDO?
A: I have many amazing memories: From my first store as an RGM throwing me a baby shower … earning Golden Bell, and working with people from all walks of life who have touched my life in some way.
Q: Which is your favorite DDO restaurant and why?
A: I always love Taco Bell, but my husband and I enjoy going up to the Hualalai Mountain Resort [for] wonderful weather and scenery.
Q: Favorite menu item(s)?
A: Hualalai Mountain Resort: Prime Rib; Taco Bell: Mexican Pizza.
Q: Why have you stayed all of these years?
A: I enjoy what I do and who I work for.