After nearly three decades since first joining MRCO, Jerry Shelton’s career has come full circle. Jerry recently stepped into the role of Area Coach (AC) for our South Georgia market area. While the title may be new, his passion for developing people and serving others has been a constant throughout his career.
“MRCO is one of the few companies that prioritizes a family atmosphere for their employees.”
– Jerry Shelton, Area Coach
From Team Member to Coach
Jerry’s restaurant experience began long before Taco Bell. As a teenager, he worked for McDonald’s before launching his management career with Long John Silver’s. In 1997, he joined MRCO Taco Bell as a team member and quickly advanced through leadership positions.
He was promoted to Shift Manager, then Assistant General Manager (AGM) and Restaurant General Manager (RGM) in swift succession.
At one point, Jerry believed becoming an AC would happen just as fast. Instead, his career took a different turn when he took eight years away from the quick-service world to pursue a career in healthcare. While that work was meaningful, something was missing for him.
“I found that I couldn’t serve people in the same way I am in the QSR industry,” he shares.
While away from MRCO, Jerry stayed connected with our leaders. Conversations about future opportunities continued, but the timing never quite aligned. Eventually, the right opportunity arrived!
“I missed working for an organization that prioritizes the individual.”
– Jerry Shelton, Area Coach
Lessons from Great Leaders
For Jerry, the most exciting part about becoming an AC isn’t overseeing multiple restaurants, it’s helping people discover their potential. Being able to develop the next leaders for MRCO and Taco Bell is what motivates him most.
Jerry’s leadership philosophy centers on servant leadership and transformation. He believes great leaders lead with compassion, encourage growth and help others become the best version of themselves.
Throughout his career, Jerry has been influenced by leaders who saw potential in him before he saw it himself. At MRCO, he credits Director of Operations Rick Luzader and Market Coach Tony Cunningham for helping launch his leadership journey.
Today, he hopes to provide that same encouragement and support to the people he leads.
A Different Kind of Leadership Challenge
As an RGM, Jerry worked closely with the same team every day but as an AC, leadership looks different.
“You regularly see your RGMs, but you may only see managers or crew once a month,” he explains.
Building trust, coaching effectively and adapting to different personalities across multiple locations requires a new approach. It’s a challenge Jerry welcomes as he continues growing alongside his team.
He says what he enjoys most is seeing people transform the way they think, lead and engage with others.
Looking Ahead
Jerry is excited about the future of his team and MRCO.
“Knowing that I will have a small part in the future leadership of [the] company makes me feel proud,” he says,
For team members hoping to follow a similar path, Jerry offers one simple word of advice: Patience!
Jerry’s journey may not have followed the timeline he originally envisioned, but it led him exactly where he was meant to be. And we’re so glad it did!