I have worked for Dutch Bros since May 11th, 2015. I have been a leader in the training department since March 30th, 2016. By the time I leave Dutch Bros to go on the race, I will have been with Dutch Bros for 3.7 years, which is almost as long as high school and almost double the time of my college career. I started at DB when I was at the end of my freshman year at Arizona State University. I went to open interviews not really expecting to get the job, but wanted it so badly because of the positive and loving environment. I started at the ASU stand three weeks later, became a trainer after ten months, and here I am over three years later as an Assistant Director of Training Operations. But, I am starting to realize that I only have weeks left until I am done in the training department. I expected this to be my career, and to work for Dutch Bros as long as possible. But, God does things that are unexpected and sometimes unwanted. I tried so hard to make it my life and exclude God in the process. I kept trying to convince the Lord that this was my path, especially when He told me to quit Dutch and go on the race. I couldn’t imagine leaving something so valuable and comfortable. It didn’t make sense.
Sometimes following Jesus doesn’t make sense. Even though we don’t want to leave the comfortable and follow Him into the unknown, it is worth it. Following Him is worth it.
57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Luke 9:57-62 ESV
Jesus calls us to do crazy things. Some crazy things can just be talking to someone you’ve never met about Jesus, moving out of your parents house, switching your major, etc. Over the last couple months I have learned to be okay with the uncomfortable.
Being accepted and saying you’re going on the World Race is different than being accepted and telling people you’re going on the World Race. When I really made a decision about the race I had told family and close friends. Telling work was so HARD. I first told my Trainer Director who knew I was interested in missionary work in the long run, and he was so stoked. I then had to tell my Director of Operations and I bawled through it. Later that month, I ended up telling my whole trainer crew at our meeting and then the world knew! I really had to accept the fact that I was going to leave the department and company that I have loved so much.
I step down the Friday before training camp on October 12th, and I will be working at a stand until I leave. I am booked each week until I leave and I can’t believe that October 12th is so soon. I only have 4 dub shot Fridays, 4 Girls meetings, 2 weeks of flowdamentals, 2 trainer meetings, and 1 HQ Staff meeting left. One of the hardest parts of stepping down, is leaving my HQ family. They have become my safe space, Chick Fil A buddies, my go to people, 3pm snack buddies, and some of my best friends. They encourage me to follow my dreams and pursue the Lord even when times get tough. I’m so proud of them for working so hard and keeping Dutch culture alive! These people are my brothers, sisters, funny crazy aunts and uncles. Whenever I have a hard day, they turn it around and make it even better than I could imagine. I am going to miss them so much, but at the end of the day they are my family.
Being an a head trainer, I have traveled, worked, and trained at many different stands. I’ve trained single handedly almost 30 people at over 11 different Dutch Bros stands in our franchise. I’ve worked with hundreds of people and, being a very big extrovert, I THRIVE. I’ve loved being able to work alongside trainees and help them succeed not only in shop, but also in their personal life. Being a mom among these kiddos has been so fun and something that my heart loves. Teaching has always been on my heart and I’ve been able to do it through this. From being a trainer for over a year and then stepping into the role of Head Trainer/Assistant Director of Training, I was able to teach on more of a group level than one on one. I have helped train two new stands and over a couple hundred new hires! This job has been a dream and I have enjoyed it so much.
Even though I am stepping away from something I have loved so much, I am stepping into what the Lord has called me. Trusting in Him no matter what.
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