Desert de Oro Foods (DDO) is celebrating the career of our first ever recipient of the Wallie Jaso Growing People Award: Laura Quintero! Laura joined us in March 2015 as a Shift Lead, and has been part of the DDO fold for over nine years. In those nine years, Laura has held a variety of positions, proving herself to be a hard worker and fast learner. She worked her way up the career ladder to Assistant General Manager (AGM), then Restaurant General Manager (RGM), as well as Market Training Manager (MTM) and Regional Training Leader (RTL). Laura is currently an Area Coach (AC) in Region 6 in San Antonio, TX for the KFC side of our business.
“DDO puts their employees first and shows how much they appreciate all our hard work.” – Laura Quintero, Area Coach
Laura was encouraged to apply for the AC opportunity by Director of Operations Greg Jackson, and has been in the role since August 2024. She wasted no time making a name for herself! She was drawn to the AC role at the thought of being able to share the knowledge she acquired during her time as an RGM.
“I really enjoy training and helping my fellow peers understand and accomplish the goals that have been put before us,” she shares.
AWARD-WINNING CULTURE
Laura says her favorite thing about DDO is the culture, influenced heavily by leaders like her recent accolade namesake, Wallie Jaso. Wallie was our KFC/Taco Bell Region 6 Training Coach. Laura worked side by side with Wallie for a little over two years in the RTL position. “We worked as a team,” Laura shares. “It’s sad to not have her guidance anymore.”
Wallie was a valued advisor during Laura’s career journey. “She knew what goals I had for myself, and she believed in me,” Laura says. “She will always be remembered.”
“To be put in the same category as Wallie means that I have accomplished great things in my career. – Laura Quintero, Area Coach
For Laura, winning the Wallie Award was an emotional experience. “I was so proud to be recognized in her name. She was a great leader.” It’s clear Laura is on track to be the same!