Fred Bendel is VP of Operations by day and devoted husband by night. Of course, these haven’t always been Fred’s main “shifts.”
Like many at Desert de Oro Foods (DDO), Fred’s successful career and launch into restaurant operations leadership started out working inside a Taco Bell restaurant. Early on, he’d work night shifts at Taco Bell while juggling various day jobs (roofing and warehouse work, he says).
Without realizing it, Fred was following in the footsteps of his grandfather, his role model, who also took on odd jobs. According to Fred, he instilled two very important concepts in Fred: First, that you can make money anywhere. Secondly, that you should make the most of whatever position you’re given.
Today, Fred credits his grandfather for inspiring excellence in him. This excellence transcends at every level touched by Fred’s leadership with our organization!
As a leader at DDO, Fred believes it’s all about bringing people with you.
DDO Drives it Home
Fred knows his job at DDO is all about the people. He lives by the Golden Rule of treating people the way you’d like to be treated and appreciates the culture Co-founders Mark Peterson and Krystal Burge have built here – one that nurtures individuals and allows team members to flourish.
Like many at DDO, Fred Bendel started out in the restaurant and worked his way up, up, up!
The Personal Side
Fred grew up in Chula Vista, CA and moved to Arizona when he was 17. He and wife Celeste, who also works for DDO, met during his senior year of high school and worked together for a while at Taco Bell. They’ve been together for 35 years!
Fred has many interests outside of work: beach volleyball, movies, going to concerts; fishing in the ocean; following the San Diego Padres, Chargers and San Antonio Spurs; hiking with Celeste; and there’s always lots of travel for work and pleasure.
Fred says both Bendels pour everything into their work, so when it comes to getting away from it all, it’s considered a real treat. Vacation for Fred and Celeste is time with friends and family (they have four children and three grandchildren). They especially cherish international travel, where they can adventure like locals and experience other cultures. It’s not unusual to find Fred checking emails even on vacation with a cup of coffee in hand while enjoying the view.
At DDO, we’re lucky every time Fred returns from a trip reenergized because there’s certainly plenty going on around here!