MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: ANNIE BORGESON

Could you tell us who you are and what it is that you do?

Hi!  I'm Annie, Strategy Manager at Roots Natural Kitchen.  My work is all about building the strategy, tools, and data that help our team win together. Whether it's evaluating a new market to find the right site for our next Roots, sharpening a marketing campaign through a deeper understanding of our customer base, or building a resource that helps our teams run their restaurants more smoothly, I bring the data and analysis to make sure we're steering the boat in the right direction.

What do you love about the work?

Well, the food is pretty dang good... so probably all the El Jefes over the years.  Kidding - I work alongside a group of incredibly smart and more importantly, fun people who make sure every workday, restaurant opening, and market tour comes with a few good laughs.  The work itself is just as dynamic.  No two weeks look the same, and it's a blast to stretch all the brain muscles and grow as Roots grows. 

 How did you arrive at this point in your career? What’s your backstory?

My Roots story actually started on the line in Charlottesville.  I worked at the restaurant as a UVA student when Roots first opened in 2015. Then came a big pivot!  After college, I said no thank you to a finance job and moved to Ecuador, where I spent over three years managing gap year programs for a nonprofit. That kicked off a career in the nonprofit world, and I stayed in it until about 2 years ago, when I was ready for a new challenge.  I'd always stayed connected to Roots, and coming back felt like coming home (with a home-cooked meal!).

 Has there been a 'light switch' moment, a turning point (or two), professionally and or personally along the way?

Moving to Ecuador post-grad was an enormous personal turning point - and I don't just mean learning to eat things other than pasta & chicken Caesar salads (or learning Spanish - which was its own adventure). Living in another country taught me that connection is possible and beautiful with people whose backgrounds look nothing like yours.  And that lesson doesn't just apply abroad.  Everyone has a unique story, whether they grew up across the world or across the street, and the only way to hear it is to stay curious and ask questions.  It also taught me to enjoy the ride.  You can't control much of what comes your way, only how you respond to it, so you might as well welcome the change with a smile. 

Who or what has been your greatest influence? 

My greatest influence is my brother, Henry, who funny enough happens to be my boss now.  Working alongside someone who has known me every single day of my life has been a gift.  We've shared in many chapters together - childhood, overlapping years at UVA, and now as coworkers here at Roots.  He trusts me more than I trust myself, and pushes me to do work I didn't know I was capable of.  When he calls, I never know if it's to tell me a funny story about my adorable nieces or to talk "shop", but either way, I'm picking up on the first ring.

What are you currently working on, excited about, looking forward to?

I won't bore you with the data so... Opening more Roots! We're growing in new markets, and there's nothing quite like seeing a store go from a site visit to a line out the door on opening day. Every new Roots means a new neighborhood to get to know, a new team to build, and a lot more people discovering the perfection of El Jefe.

What are you reading these days?

I'm reading The Calamity Club right now. My reading list pretty much works like this: a friend tells me about a book they just finished, and it jumps to the top as my next read. This one is Kathryn Stockett's first book since The Help, and it's set in the Deep South during the Great Depression, told through two voices: a 24-year-old woman determined to save her family and an 11-year-old orphan trying to save herself - lots of chaos ensues. 

Anything we missed that you might care to share (closing thoughts)?

If you're looking for a new Roots bowl to try, holler at our team. We'll run our Roots Bowl quiz on you, similar to a color analysis, to find your perfect match. ¡Nos vemos!

Cheers,

Annie