Welcome to DDO, Jeana!
We’d like you to meet Jeana Gould, our new Corrigo Administrator. After commuting the last six years from Kingman, AZ to Nevada for her previous employer, this Kingman resident is happy to now work closer to home! She joins our administrative team at the Restaurant Support Center (RSC) in the desert town of our original office.
“The vibe in Kingman is great,” says Fred Bendel, VP of Operations. “It’s a small town where most everyone knows everyone, so our staff there is a tight knit group.”
Jeana joined Desert De Oro Foods (DDO) February 1st. At the time of our interview, she’d only been with the company six weeks and while feeling comfortable with her daily responsibilities, acknowledged there was still a learning curve associated with understanding the facilities realm in its entirety — but she’s enjoying it.
The Stars Align
Jeana says she’s been trying to land a job at DDO for some time! She was eventually recruited by her predecessor (a friend) who’d convinced her that DDO is a great company to work for: fun events, genuine appreciation for its employees, and more.
Jeana’s most recent employment experience, prior to joining us, is incredibly unique. She worked in the auto industry for 13 years, many of which were devoted to vehicle testing. The last six years, she was testing self-driving vehicles on The Strip in Las Vegas!
It required the use of multiple software platforms, which prepared her for the Corrigo role perfectly!
Vice President of Operations Fred Bendel shares the significance of this software-specific position. “This admin position is vital to keeping our work orders flowing so we can get things fixed timely and reasonably,” he says.
According to Fred, Jeana will be responsible for handling the vendors assigned to work orders for all three of our brands (Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC) and will need to understand each of the markets in which DDO operates restaurants. And we’re now in nine states!
A Change of Pace
Jeana appreciates the change to a quieter, calmer pace, but says the change of scenery — from the road to an office — has been the bigger adjustment for her. But it beats the commute! After all, home for Jeana is a beautiful hobby farm full of animals that require her care.
Given the office is in her hometown of Kingman, a small ranching community, Jeana came in already knowing some DDO people. She says it’s been a very welcoming experience.
“I like the [rapport] that my teammates have,” Jeana says. “They bring a family-type experience that is so valued, yet not as common these days.”
“I feel like the people that work here … they all seem to want the best for the company,” she continues. “And feel they are a big part of keeping things working in a way they can be proud of.” Already, Jeana has witnessed our core values in action!
What wonderful observations. Jeana, we’re happy you’re here and hope you, too, find great pride in being part of the DDO family!