RGM Course Spotlight: Building People & Operations Capabilities
Summerwood Academy, established in 2025, is all about changing lives and making advancement possible. Thoughtfully designed to go beyond the basics offered by other QSR employers, we provide ambitious individuals with access to top tier leadership courses designed to move them up the career ladder.
“The Academy focuses on developing us as leaders — not only teaching operational procedures, but also strengthening our communication, decision-making and ability to develop our teams.” – Nyseem D., Taco Bell ARM
Associate Restaurant General Manager (ARM) Nyseem D., who joined Summerwood in 2021 at just 15 years old, has experienced the Academy impact firsthand.
“The greatest thing Summerwood and its leadership have done for me is give me opportunities to grow and prove myself,” he shares. “That support has had a major impact on my confidence and has shown me what I am capable of accomplishing.”
Nyseem gave us an overview of his most recent course experience.
Inside the Training
Nyseem attended our Building RGM People & Operations Capabilities session, a two-day, two-course offering designed to prepare restaurant manager candidates for the HR-function of managing a team, while deepening an understanding of scheduling and finances.
“As an ARM, I am responsible for more than completing tasks,” he explains. “I also have to develop people, reinforce standards, solve problems and help improve the restaurant’s results. The Academy helps connect those responsibilities and gives me more confidence in the decisions I make as a leader.”
Q: What made you register for these courses?
A: I signed up because I am serious about continuing to grow within Summerwood. I wanted to strengthen my understanding of restaurant operations and learn how to become a more effective leader. Since becoming an RGM is my next goal, I saw the course as another opportunity to prepare myself for that level of responsibility and beyond.
Q: What was the class setup?
A: The class was held in person in a structured and professional environment. It gave us an opportunity to step away from the normal pace of restaurant operations and focus completely on learning and development. The setup encouraged participation, questions and discussions with other leaders … [and] made it easier to stay engaged and learn from the different experiences shared throughout the class.
Q: What were your biggest takeaways?
A: One of my biggest takeaways was that strong restaurant results begin with strong people and consistent leadership. Leaders must communicate expectations clearly, follow up, recognize good performance and address issues when standards are not being met. I also learned more about the importance of developing others instead of trying to handle everything myself.
Q: What are your aspirations at Summerwood or beyond?
A. My next goal is to become an RGM, but that is not my final goal. I want to continue growing into an above-store leadership position where I can support multiple restaurants, develop future RGMs, and improve operations across a larger area. I am especially interested in training, leadership development, food safety and helping restaurants build stronger teams. Ultimately, I want to use everything I learn at the restaurant level to make a greater impact throughout the company.
“The investment in training gives me confidence, strengthens my leadership abilities and allows me to see a real career path for myself.” says Nyseem D., Taco Bell ARM.