Damian Hanft

A Teacher and a Learner in it for the Purpose

Role: Vice President Human Resources at Taco John's International, Inc.
Location: Minneapolis, MN, US
LinkedIn followers: 500 followers

About Damian Hanft

I enjoy building innovative talent and learning teams in growth-centric environments, while developing an authentic culture that attracts and develops world-class talent. I believe that successful teams are developed through authenticity, radical candor, and a lot of laughter.I’m passionate about strategy and working toward successful execution by aligning and motivating teams to deliver on goals and objectives. I’m a firm believer in the power of process simplicity by focusing on the outcome through designing people and talent processes that are uncomplicated and highly effective. As a life-long autodidact, I am constantly engaged in learning and growing. I enjoy the ambiguity and potential that comes with fast-paced and continuously changing environments.

Experience

Vice President Human Resources
Taco John's International, Inc.
Jan 2025 — Present · Minneapolis, MN, US
Provides strategic HR leadership to align people strategies with business goals, drive talent management, enhance engagement, and lead talent acquisition to build a diverse, high-performing organization.

Education

University of Wisconsin-Stout
Master of Science (M.S.)
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Skills

Personnel Management
Employee Engagement
Organizational Culture
Interviews
Leadership Development
Strategic Planning
Program Management
Organizational Effectiveness
Public Speaking
Cultural Diversity
Organizational Development
Employer Branding
Onboarding
Talent Development
Team Building
Six Sigma
Corporate Social Responsibility
Recruiting
Staff Development
Human Resources
Training
Change Management
Crucial Conversations
Instructional Design
Talent Management
Executive Coaching
Leadership
HR Strategy
Strategy
Succession Planning
Talent Acquisition

Contact information

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Work email
•••••@tacojohns.com
Personal email
•••••@•••••.com
Direct dial
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Current company

Taco John's International, Inc.

Restaurants · 2.5K employees · Founded 1969 · Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Starting as a small taco stand in Cheyenne, WY back in 1969, our one-of-a-kind tacos and other bold flavors were an instant hit in the community. Two local businessmen wanted to share these unique flavors with the world. So, they purchased the franchise rights in 1969 and named the restaurant after the man who started it all – John. Ever since that very first taco stand, Taco John’s® has been all about bringing the flavor. From handmade salsas and classic Crispy Tacos with freshly-made shells to our signature Potato Olés®, we know how to Olé The Day. From there, Taco John’s® restaurants began popping up across the Midwest, evolving to include drive-thrus and interior seating to bring you the unique flavors that made Taco John’s® famous. Our menu evolved to include bold originals like Potato Olés®, Meat and Potato Burritos, and our holiday specialty: Nachos Navidad®. Ever hear of Taco Tuesday? We started it! That’s how seriously we take tacos. Today, Taco John’s® operates and franchises more than 300 restaurants in 21 states – making it one of the largest Mexican quick-service restaurant brands in America. We continue to grow across the country – but some things never change. Like our uncompromising standards of food quality, dedication to using real ingredients, signature bold flavors, and our commitment to Olé The Day!

tacojohns.com

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