How long have you been with Portillo’s and what made you come work for us?
I will be celebrating 20 years with Portillo’s in September 2024!
I graduated college with a degree in Business in the Spring of 2004. After many interviews and let downs due to lack of experience, I was teetering the idea of going back for my masters….. in Teaching! I felt defeated. Sherri Abruscato, former COO of Portillo’s (also the wife of my employer through high school/college), offered me the opportunity as Receptionist for Portillo’s. Never did I imagine that I would be with the company as long as I have been – it was intended to be a steppingstone to give me the experience needed to build on my career journey.
P.S. I would have been a terrible teacher 😊
What do you love about Portillo’s?
The answer to this question has changed over the years, but it always comes back to the people. I love the people that I get the opportunity to work with every day – many of them are now friends and some have become like family. But I also love the way that we get to make people feel through our food – this shows through the drive thru lines that wrap around our buildings at any time of day. It makes me smile when I see those long lines, with TMs outside hustling and taking orders and then the guy next door has but only a single car in the parking lot.
What was your first position here and what position did you get promoted to?
I was hired as a Receptionist in 2004. I have filled many roles and responsibilities in my 20 year tenure, but today I fill the role of Sr Manager of Strategic Sourcing.
What do you love about your position?
I love that I get the opportunity to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to help support our company initiatives and drive success. I also love that my position allows me to consistently learn, think outside of the box and make “magic” happen. There isn’t a day in Supply Chain that is boring.
What advice would you give to someone at Portillo’s looking to move up?
Ask questions: Anyone that knows me, knows that I ask a lot of questions. Your questions should be carefully thought out, based on what you need to know (not what you want to know) to help guide you in your thought and decision process as it applies to your role and what you are trying to achieve.
Embrace Change: Sometimes change is necessary to support continued success. Fighting change will not only limit your opportunity for growth, but it will hinder your ability to see things from a new perspective. Embracing change will help lead not only to your personal success, but the overall company success too.
Build Relationships: With people at all levels. It is amazing how much you can learn from your peers. Leverage those relationships to help strengthen your skills and continue to grow personally and professionally.
Go For The Opportunity: You never know unless you try.
Where do see yourself growing in this company?
More than anything, I would like to be perceived as a trusted leader within Portillo’s. It isn’t so much about the title, but about the respect you earn from your peers and the view that leaders have on you as a member of the team and the contributions that you make to the company.