Junior works as Chipotle kitchen manager
Elliot Rickert improves leadership
December 2, 2018
Emily Ziessman
Junior Elliott Rickert makes a burrito bowl for customer at Chipotle Nov. 19. Rickert recently got promoted to manager of the St. Louis Park location after four months.
According to junior Elliott Rickert, who started his job at the St. Louis Park Chipotle Mexican Grill location toward the end of June, his responsibilities consist of overseeing the restaurant.
“I’m a kitchen manager,” Rickert said. “I have to make sure all of the food is kept up so that we don’t run out of food, as well as I have to keep the people who are on the line (on task to) make sure that they are staying friendly and don’t run out of food.”
Sophomore Denzel Thomas said he believes Rickert’s occupational success is impressive and influencing those around him.
“That’s super cool,” Thomas said. “He’s setting examples already.”
Rickert said the convenience of Chipotle and the income inspired him to get a job there.
“I wanted money and it’s a 15-minute walk from where I live,” Rickert said.
According to junior Shaqued Ben-Harush, Rickert’s hard work can be seen both inside and outside of the classroom.
“I feel like he deserves it because I know what he does in school and I have him in my class,” Ben-Harush said. “He works really hard and he gets the job done. His personality is just normally hardworking.”
Chipotle general manager Joshua Simms said Rickert has advanced while learning new skills.
“Going through his retraining, he was very attentive with detail and that really pushed him to improve with the retraining,” Simms said. “His performance has improved so much.”
According to Rickert, he works at Chipotle almost full time, balancing his work and academics by taking courses online.
“On a average week, I’m probably picking up around like 39 hours, 40 hours,” Rickert said. “I’m doing online courses actually.”
Thomas said having a successful work life is intriguing, but includes a lot of effort.
“Who wouldn’t want to be a manager?” Thomas said. “Although, being a manager means you’re going to have more responsibilities and leadership skills at the end of the day.”
Rickert said his employment helped him become a better leader and improve upon his communication skills.
“I’ve developed a lot of leadership abilities as well as I feel I’ve helped develop my friendliness,” Rickert said.
Simms said in the restaurant, Rickert is very lively.
“(Rickert can be described as) high energy, spontaneous,” Simms said.
Hang on for a minute...we're trying to find some more stories you might like.
Email This Story
My name is Noah and I am a sophomore assistant copy editor. Writing is something that I love to do, but I also can be seen walking my neighbor’s dog....
The Echo intends for this area to be used to foster healthy, thought-provoking discussion. Comments are expected to adhere to our standards and to be respectful and constructive. Furthermore, we do not permit any of the following inappropriate content including: Libel or defamatory statements, any copyrighted, trademarked or intellectual property of others, the use of profanity and foul language or personal attacks. All comments are reviewed and approved by staff to ensure that they meet these standards. The Echo does not allow anonymous comments, and requires a name and valid email address submitted that are variable. This email address will not be displayed but will be used to confirm your comments. Online comments that are found in violation of these policies will be removed as quickly as possible. Please direct any further questions to [email protected]
If you want a picture to show with your comment, go get a gravatar.