At MRCO, our commitment to team members goes beyond standard corporate rhetoric. We’ve cultivated a genuine culture of support and longevity that permeates every level of the organization. We recently spoke with Caleb Barber, our Director of Human Resources, to delve into how MRCO fosters this environment and what it means for both the company and its team members.
A Culture Built on Authentic Commitment
Caleb joined MRCO in March 2021 and immediately recognized that our culture resonated with his own values. This authenticity is reflected in team member tenure. “You can go into any store and find somebody who’s been with MRCO for 10-plus years,” Caleb notes. “When you have that longevity, you’re doing things right along the way. We’re not perfect; we’re constantly working to improve every day in every different possibility. But the ultimate goal is always serving the customers while also serving our team members.”
A Lifelong Passion for Service
With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Caleb’s career journey is rooted in service.
“For me, serving team members… it has to be a mindset. It has to be a goal.”
— Caleb Barber, Director of Human Resources
Starting in HR at a young age equipped Caleb with important skills. He learned which questions to ask and what qualities are most desirable in candidates. “We’re looking for the best team members who want to show up to work and start making some tacos,” he shares.
Holistic Support for Team Members
At MRCO, we care for our team members beyond the workplace. “We care about if something’s going on outside of work that’s affecting work,” Caleb says. Communication is key. “If you don’t ask, we can’t help,” he continues.
Caleb ensures company policies are applied fairly and that team members understand the resources available to them. “We make sure we have an inclusive environment that’s free of anything that would affect your job,” he explains. “We support you in every way we can, whether it be through benefits, questions about policies, or understanding why we do what we do.”
Simplifying the Complexities of Benefits
Understanding benefits can be daunting, but MRCO strives to simplify the process. “Benefits and insurance in general are complicated,” Caleb acknowledges. “If you just raise your hand and ask the question, we’re happy to help.”
MRCO offers a range of benefits, allowing team members to tailor their coverage. “We offer medical, dental, vision coverage—which are unbundled,” Caleb says. “If you’re covered by medical somewhere else, you can choose dental or vision.”
Our partnership with Allegiance, our benefit provider, adds extra support. “They have people on staff who will help guide you through different situations,” he explains. “Whether it’s pregnancy, serious health issues, or caring for a child, they can assist you through the process.”
Open Enrollment and Eligibility
Caleb outlines the open enrollment process to keep team members informed.
“Open enrollment is between May 1 and May 17 each year for June 1 effective coverage.”
— Caleb Barber, Director of Human Resources
Eligibility is based on the previous year’s average hours. “From June 1 of the previous year to May 31 of the current year, did you average your 30 hours if you’re hourly? If you’re salaried and have been with us for 60 days, you qualify for the insurance.”
The enrollment process is straightforward. “You’ll visit Employee Navigator at employeenavigator.com,” he says. “Verify your information, add dependents, and elect your coverage.”
Encouraging Open Communication
Above all, Caleb emphasizes the importance of communication. “If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to HR,” he urges. “We have numbers on file in your store, but you can also email hr@mrco.net at any time.”