A Culture of Growth: Ahmed M.’s Journey with Summerwood Taco Bell

Success is often built on the foundation of strong leadership, dedicated team members, and a culture that truly cares about its people. For Ahmed M., the Restaurant General Manager (RGM) at Summerwood Taco Bell, this has made all the difference in his 17-year career. His journey from a team member to the leader of his store is one of growth, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to both his team and the company.

A Journey That Began in 2006

Ahmed’s Taco Bell journey began in 2006, with the simple motivation of finding a job. “I was just looking to make money,” he recalls. But what started as a temporary position quickly evolved into something much more meaningful. “After I started, I liked Taco Bell, and I saw the opportunity to grow,” Ahmed says. He remained committed to the brand, valuing the potential for growth and the supportive environment he found within the team.

In 2019, the store Ahmed was managing was acquired by Summerwood. From the start, he was impressed by how much Summerwood cared for its people. “When you care about your people, they’re going to work for you, and they’re going to stay longer,” he explains. This philosophy has been a guiding principle for Ahmed throughout his time with the company, allowing him to lead with compassion and care.

A Culture of Care and Support

One of the most striking elements of Ahmed’s Summerwood experience is our unwavering commitment to our employees. He recalls a time when another company offered him a $30,000 pay increase to leave Taco Bell. Despite the financial incentive, Ahmed chose to stay. “For me, it’s about peace of mind,” he says. 

“The way Summerwood treats us, the way the bosses coach us—it’s not just about business; they care about people.”

Top performing managers are awarded with perks like vacations, cruises, and other unique experiences. Ahmed himself has enjoyed these benefits, taking his family to the Summerwood shore house recently. “My family was so happy,” he shares. “They told me, ‘No other company would do this for you.’” It’s these personal touches that have solidified Ahmed’s loyalty to Summerwood

We are also proud to offer a variety of wellness programs, fitness classes, and financial planning sessions to support both the physical and financial health of its employees. Ahmed appreciates these initiatives, noting how much they add to his overall well-being. “Summerwood isn’t just about work—it’s about making sure we’re healthy and prepared for the future,” he says.

A Bright Future with Summerwood

Looking ahead, Ahmed is excited to continue his journey with Summerwood Taco Bell. “For me, I want to stay with Summerwood as long as they’ll have me,” he says with a laugh. “It’s a good place to work, with great bonuses and support.”

With such a comprehensive approach to employee care, it’s no wonder Ahmed feels so at home at Summerwood!