Best of the Best: Kristin R. Brings Home Another Incredible Achievement
Area Coach (AC) Kristin R. recently earned a spot on Summerwood’s Best of the Best reward trip to Hawaii, recognizing her outstanding performance and leadership. We caught up with Kristin to learn what the experience meant to her, the people who helped her get there and the advice she has for others hoping to follow in her footsteps.
“To be the best out of so many great people in a high-performing company is always an amazing experience.” – Kristin R., Area Coach
A Competitive Spirit that Never Settles
Kristin has been part of the Summerwood family since 2021, when we acquired her restaurant – though her journey with Taco Bell began in 2005. Today, she serves as AC for Area 25 in West Virginia, where she oversees eight Taco Bell locations.
When Kristin learned she had qualified for the trip to Hawaii, her reaction was simple: excitement!
For Kristin, the recognition represents more than a reward. It’s validation that hard work and strong leadership make a difference.
“I’m very competitive,” she says. “It’s not optional to succeed.”
Success Starts with Great People
Kristin is quick to credit the people around her for helping her reach this milestone. She points to the support and coaching of her Region Coach, Bryon T., as a key part of her growth over the past several years. Learning how to better connect with and develop her teams has helped create more consistent results across her restaurants. She also recognizes the role her restaurant teams play every day.
“They continue to deliver great customer service by focusing on their people,” she says.
That people-first mindset has helped fuel the performance needed to earn one of our highest honors.
Memories that Matter
While the recognition itself was meaningful, Kristin says the greatest part of the experience was sharing it with her husband while exploring the beauty of Hawaii.
Beyond the destination, the trip reinforced what makes Summerwood special.
“It means my family can experience vacations that we wouldn’t be able to experience otherwise,” she shares. “Being able to create awesome family memories is priceless.”
She also appreciated celebrating alongside top-performing Taco Bell leaders, saying it’s always rewarding to see others succeed.
Advice for Future Best of the Best Winners
Kristin’s message for anyone hoping to earn a future Best of the Best trip is straightforward: consistency is everything. Invest in your people, celebrate what it means to be part of Summerwood and bring your team along with you.
“Summerwood really knows how to create a wonderful experience for the Best of the Best.” – Kristin R., Area Coach
For new team members just beginning their journey, she offers one more piece of advice.
“You never know where life will take you,” Kristin shares. “Keep your options open but really dig in when you find a great company.”
With a passion for developing people, a drive to keep improving and a commitment to her teams, it’s easy to see why Kristin continues to represent Summerwood among Taco Bell’s very best!
