TJ Gorski’s journey into the restaurant industry began with a simple goal: do things differently. Now, as a Taco Bell Area Director for Shamrock Company, it’s clear he succeeded! But as the saying goes, the path to success is rarely a straight line. In Tony’s case, the journey involved three states and multiple quick-service franchises.
After facing instability early in life, TJ entered the workforce determined to find a place where he could grow and eventually lead. “I wanted to go someplace where I could be a manager and treat people differently,” he shares. So TJ started at ground level as a team member in a Taco Bell for another franchisee, taking on the kind of work that often goes unnoticed.
“The tough times make you better, and if you invest in people, they’ll invest in you too.”
– TJ Gorksi, Taco Bell Area Director
TJ didn’t begin in leadership, he earned it. From cleaning floors and working late-night shifts to learning every role in the restaurant, TJ built his career step by step. Along the way, mentors saw his drive and helped open doors that would shape his future.
By the age of 21, TJ was running his first restaurant as a Restaurant General Manager (RGM).
Learning to Lead
Early leadership came with challenges. TJ’s experience as an RGM tested him in ways he didn’t expect, pushing him to work long hours and navigate difficult conditions. But those moments became defining ones.
Over time, he realized that success wasn’t about having all of the answers. It was about how he showed up for his team.
“Whatever I can do to help every person on my team, I’m gonna do.”
– TJ Gorksi, Taco Bell Area Director
That mindset became the foundation of TJ’s leadership style as he transitioned into an Area Coach (AC) role at just 24 years old. Whether stepping into struggling locations or building teams from the ground up, TJ always focuses on one thing first: people.
“I think that having a good relationship with your team …” he shares,” … and really being there to support them and go through the tough times — give them the tools, knowledge and skills necessary — is the difference between people who are successful and people who aren’t.”
TJ believes that when leaders genuinely care about their teams, everything else follows: Performance improves. Culture strengthens. Results come naturally.
Building Teams That Thrive
Throughout his career, TJ has been known for turning around underperforming restaurants. His approach is straightforward but powerful. It starts with showing people they matter.
For TJ, leadership is about more than managing operations, it’s about helping individuals see what’s possible for themselves and giving them the support to get there.
“There’s just something special about watching people grow into what they’re doing,” he says.
He describes his role simply: helping people bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be.
Choosing Shamrock
After nearly a decade with the Taco Bell brand, TJ reached a turning point. He wasn’t just looking for a new role, he was looking for a supportive culture that aligned with his values. That search led him to Shamrock Company!
From his first conversations with leadership, something stood out. The values weren’t just lip service, they were lived out in how people were treated and supported.
Despite having a competing opportunity for a higher position, TJ chose Shamrock because of the people. Here, TJ saw a team he could trust, a culture he believed in and an opportunity to make a difference.
Our offer was so compelling, in fact, that TJ was willing to move his family from Florida to Wisconsin, in February! TJ not only stepped into much colder temps, he also stepped into restaurants that were short-staffed and in need of support. Instead of seeing obstacles, he saw potential.
He got to work building relationships and creating stability within his teams. For TJ, the most rewarding part of his job isn’t the turnaround itself, it’s what happens to the people along the way.
Leading with Purpose
Today, TJ continues to focus on what matters most: people. He believes that work plays a major role in overall quality of life. By creating positive, supportive environments, he’s helping his teams succeed both inside and outside the restaurant.
At Shamrock Company, leaders like TJ are shaping a brighter future for all!