Jay H. Elevates Elkin, WV to No. 2 – Celebrates in Maui!

Before applying for a job with Taco Bell, Jay H. ran his own pizzeria for several years. But the COVID pandemic was incredibly hard on the business, so he was forced to pivot. Now, he’s one of Summerwood’s top performing managers!

As the story goes, Jay applied for a Restaurant General Manager (RGM) position with Taco Bell, but he was skeptical. “I didn’t think I’d get the position because I didn’t have any experience,” he shares. But at Summerwood, we’re committed to training!

“I found something special here. This job has changed my life.”
– Jay H., RGM

In 2022, Jay became RGM of our Elkin, WV location. He says Elkin’s ranking was pretty low at the time – No. 165 out of 208 Summerwood Taco Bells. With the support of his Area Coach Kristin R. and Region Coach Bryon T., Jay and his team rose to spot 19 his first year! As a reward, he received a week’s vacation at Summerwood’s Shore House condo in Ocean City, NJ.

Then in 2024, Elkin climbed even higher to become the No. 2 Taco Bell companywide, becoming one of our Best of the Best winners. That’s exceptional progress! “I mainly give all the credit to my crew,” Jay says of the accomplishment. 

We couldn’t let this achievement go by without celebrating!

Hooray for Jay!

At Summerwood, we find great joy in recognizing our people. It’s an essential part of our culture.

Every year, our top 10 managers receive a destination trip of their choice on us. It’s like a “choose your own adventure” opportunity where recipients get to pick their destination.

For Jay, this translated into eight blissful days on the island of Maui, HI with his son Elijah H. and fiance Danielle M. We took care of airfare, their rental car and five-star accommodations, and they set out to find their fun. Trip highlights included:

• Visiting Maui Gold Pineapple Farm;
• A tour of a pineapple vodka distillery;
• Relaxing on the beach and looking for seashells;
• Learning a bit of the Hawaiian language;
• Visiting Maui Ocean Center;

Eating amazing food;“I’m so thankful for Summerwood,” he says. “It was unreal.”

A Supportive Culture

So how did Jay land these incredible trips? Becoming a top manager doesn’t happen overnight. Jay says he’s always felt the support all the way from the top down. And working in a positive environment is motivating.

“Summerwood is just an amazing company,” he says. “They care for everyone here like it’s their family.”

Jay has found continuous support in his AC and it’s had an influence on his own leadership approach. He says he’s learned how to develop people and train them according to their personalities.

Jay’s ultimate goal is to make the Elkin Taco Bell a place with a culture where people want to work for him and Summerwood. Would you like to be a part of that? Apply now!

We are lucky to have leaders like Jay in our ranks, where their success is truly our success!