Former Spirit Award Winners

Gary has done an incredible job being the MP in 2 units, Despite the fact that the landlord let the word leak out that our space in the EP Mall was available to lease, he retained almost his entire team right up until we closed – this is no easy feat! He then ran point on the closing of our EP unit and all of our deadlines were met. I was overwhelmed at the loyalty that he and Fernando had developed with their team in EP. So many people volunteered to assist with the closing and clean out of our unit. When Gary told the team that he would be transferring to MG, many of our staff transferred and took the much longer commute to stay with Biaggi’s. Gary left EP on Feb 3rd and reported in MG the next morning on Feb 4th. He has worked tirelessly to really get the financial momentum moving in MG. His net sales were up almost $51K to budget, his PBA is a full point over and his operating profit is a hair shy of being $19K over budget for Q1. Needless to say, there were many 6 day work weeks in his calendar. I am excited to see what he accomplishes in MG this year!

Shawn took an opportunity early in his career to work as a Sous Chef in Eaton Colorado’s Country club for six years.  During this time, the opportunity and environment allowed Shawn to get a taste of working in a kitchen where the menu was chef driven and where there is an emphasis on quality with each and every dish.

After his experience working at the Eaton Country Club, Shawn started his career with Biaggi’s in 2006 as Sous Chef in Loveland Colorado.  Even back then, Shawn was always willing to help out, and he moved to West Des Moines from 2007 to 2008 where he worked directly with Chef John Leiendecker.

Shawn loves Colorado where he grew up.  If you asked him, he would say that the Denver Broncos are the best team in the NFL and the scenery and backdrop of the state compete with no other.  He will also say that the leadership skills and dedication he learned from his time working with the different Biaggi’s culinary teams has proven to be invaluable.  He returned to Eaton Country Club as Executive Chef for several years before coming back to Biaggi’s in the Spring of 2011.  Once again, he worked directly with Chef Scott Kunz and the team of which he had begun his Biaggi’s career.

It was when Cedar Rapids was in need of a Chef Partner in the Fall of 2013 that Shawn once again was happy to step up and use everything he has learned to help make our Cedar Rapids location drive to be it’s very best.  Shawn is always willing to help and has continued to make an impact with Biaggi’s by doing just that. 

When not at work, Shawn is all about spending time with his pets.  He loves animals and has two cats named Mr. Kitty and Polly.  He also has a wonderful dog named Samson whom he adores.  He enjoys sports and is incredibly knowledgeable about any and all current events in sports.  He  will gladly offer his unbiased opinions as well!  He likes cars and drives an awesome white Dodge Challenger.  Above all, he is a great partner, and I really appreciate his hard work and dedication to this team.

Please join me in congratulating Chef Shawn on earning the Biaggi’s Spirit Award.

Pat was introduced to a more “chef driven” kitchen at Papa’s Church, in Santa Cruz.  It was during his time in California that Pat had the opportunity to work with several different chefs, until getting his first executive chef position, at the Santa Cruz Sports Bar and Grill.  Pat also spent time cooking at New Leaf Community Markets, a group of gluten free, dairy free, health food centric grocery stores.

With his new daughter, Kaitlin, Pat moved back to Iowa in 2001 and took a line cook position at Biaggi’s.  He was promoted to sous chef, and eventually to chef partner in 2004.  Pat has been very active in, and around Davenport, including helping teach culinary arts at Scott Community College for nearly six years.

When not at work, Pat enjoys working in his yard and gardening.  He and his wife, Rhonda, enjoy cooking and dining on great food together.  Though Pat has a strong desire to get out on the golf course, he seldom does.  He is extremely dedicated to his family and our continued success here in Davenport.

Please join me in congratulating Chef Pat Trainor on this fine accomplishment.

He uprooted his pregnant wife and 2 daughters to move 800 miles and oversee a kitchen that had great potential in but was a ways off. He had family support in Fort Wayne, a dialed in kitchen and a solid quality of life. He had no reason to leave! But Tim approached me about wanting to make a name for himself, which he did with this move.

He has had an immediate impact on Ridgeland’s quality of food, staff and financial statement with food cost and now labor.  

Congratulations Tim!!!

Chelsea is ALWAYS looking to help out the team.  In this past quarter, she volunteered to take over all of the EC duties, knowing that Juanita would be out 6-8 weeks on maternity leave.  Chelsea is in charge of the service staff in Omaha, and we all know that is a huge responsibility in and of itself.  For someone, who has a baby of their own at home, to step up and insist on carrying someone else’s workload, truly amazes me.  

It is so rare to have a new manager have such a great sense of ownership.  It wasn’t that long ago that Chelsea was acting and operating as the MP in Omaha. She was asked to help out while we were down an MP and she jumped right in.  

She and I talked almost every day, and I was so impressed with her ability to quickly learn, adapt and overcome.  She never complained about the huge responsibility, and in fact, two other MP’s commented on how instrumental she was in keeping team Omaha on course.  We are so fortunate to have her as a member of our team.  Her spirit for Biaggi’s culture and commitment is unquestionable.  

It is her sense of TEAM, and her unselfish acts, that really define her as an extraordinary young leader.

Sonya and her team have been a tremendous resource when it comes to training and have trained people not only for the Baxter region but for others as well. The commitment and countless additional hours that Sonya puts in are invaluable to our organization. As trainees get acclimated in their units they sing the praises of her and her team.
  

To Sonya,  I give a hearty thank you and job well done!!!

There have been many of these situations over John Leiendecker’s eleven plus year career representing Biaggi’s in West Des Moines that would make him worthy of this award.  Most recently one thing truly stands out, he and his family made an incredibly unselfish decision that speaks to the spirit we would like to be able to see in ourselves and those we work with.   A couple of years ago the Leiendeckers became foster parents with the hope of giving some children in difficult situations a little bit of love, attention and a safe place to land for at least a little while.  They have taken some of these kids to camp, on vacations and treated them as part of their family.  About a year ago, a big eyed little girl named Jasmine showed up at their door and immediately made a huge impression on the family. 

A couple of weeks ago, to the excitement of everyone who has met Jasmine, she officially became a Leiendecker and was formally adopted by John, Lindsey and their two boys.  More than a random act of kindness, this act will give this sweet little girl an opportunity for a life she may never have had a chance to see.

We are all very excited to celebrate Jasmine’s adoption and very proud to have a family with so much character in the Biaggi’s family!

Congratulations John!

I have had the pleasure of watching Scott grow from a sous chef to one of our most tenured chef partners. Scott has given a lot back to the company, and he really thrives when given the chance to help others develop.

Just recently Scott has helped out in Algonquin and Perrysburg. This is a pretty generous gesture to go to other units, and be out of your own unit for weeks at a time. Scott has done this repeatedly without hesitation.

Scott has built and surrounded himself with a solid team in LL and that enables him to help out in other units. Scott was also awarded the chef partner of the year in 2010.

He just recently had 2 chefs training with him in Loveland for the last 2 weeks. Scott was nominated for this award because of the generous contribution of his time to help other chefs grow and prosper. He clearly has gone above and beyond to make us a better company!

Congratulations Scott!