Joining the likes of COO Rob Russ and CFO John Mlinarcik, Taco Bell Director Marcial Hernandez is our third incredibly deserving recipient of the prestigious new award created in our late Founder’s namesake.

“I think my dad would be incredibly proud that we have employees that are willing to put the team before themselves because we asked them to do it.” Dan McGue, President & CEO

The Steve McGue Leadership Award is about exemplifying the ideal qualities for any rising leader: maintaining calm in the face of challenges, building people up and developing them to be successful, being persistent and dedicated, and so much more. 

Area Director Ulises Hernandez admits that it’s because Marcial believed in him that he received a promotion for Shift Leader, now a few career steps behind his current role.

Marcial has proven himself to be a man you can rely on to stay positive and see things through.

President and CEO Dan McGue recalls when in 2024, Shamrock’s Wisconsin Taco Bell business was struggling. Marcial was asked to turn things around and without hesitation, said “yes.” 

“Marcial truly embodies Shamrock’s mission to to grow people and achieve their full potential because he is a perfect example of it.” -John Mlinarcik, CFO

“He’s like the epitome of a team player,” says John. “Will always jump in to help no matter how big, no matter how small the task is.

Rustum Sayyed, VP of Taco Bell Operations, says Marcial’s is a success story – taking on position after position and working as hard as he can to make it all happen.

“To watch him grow as a person,” Rob begins. “From this guy who came out of the restaurants to a multiunit manager running five to seven stores, and how smart he is about the business, has been fantastic.”

It’s been a fun year introducing our new award and showcasing the people who’ve helped define it by setting incredible examples.