Rustum Sayyed is an Area Director (AD) who’s been with us since 1997. Originally from Palestine on the West Bank of Jordan, Rustum came to the United States for family and opportunity, and found his first job here with Taco Bell. “To start again fresh, was a good idea,” he says.

Rustum joined Taco Bell in 1994 as a team member and had already been promoted to Shift Lead when Shamrock acquired the restaurant in 1997. “They gave me my chance and I took it,” he says of Taco Bell. “I liked it and I kept growing.”

Grow he did! Rustum was soon asked to apply for the Assistant General Manager (AGM) position. At that time, Shamrock was under the leadership of company Founder Steve McGue, whom Rustum describes was “fair and strong.” Under Steve’s guidance, Rustum says that the pay and treatment was good. 

“With Shamrock, we feel that our job is secure … just do what you’re doing and you’re okay.”

– Rustum Sayyed, AD

GROWING WITH GRACE

The Restaurant General Manager (RGM) role was not far behind for Rustum. It was followed by a promotion to Operations Specialist and Area Manager on his swift climb up the Shamrock career ladder. Now as an AD, Rustum says his job is to be in the restaurants four to five times per week for routine visits. “I work with 85% of all [of] Shamrock’s managers,” he says.

Understandably, everyone’s managerial style is different, which is why Rustum says, “You have to listen first.” He tries to meet people where they are, knowing everyone’s circumstances are different. No matter what, “We treat them like family. And we always support them,” he says.

Support and guidance is a major part of the job. “Anything they want … we will give them; we will help them to achieve it,” he says. “Because somebody gave me that chance.”

“If you want to have a future [at Shamrock], we’ll give you that chance.”

– Rustum Sayyed, AD

LEAVING A LEGACY

A company is only as great as its leader. Now operating under Steve’s son, Dan McGue, Rustum feels he and his colleagues are in good hands. “He leads with passion,” Rustum says, “He wants his father’s legacy to continue.” 

And what about Rustum’s legacy? “Never stop,” he says with confidence. He says he feels appreciated by Shamrock, which makes him eager to stay employed with us. “I have what I need here,” he affirms. We must be doing something right!