Conrad credits perseverance for reaching goals

It can be a long road to the top, but the view from there can be rewarding. In business it is seldom a smooth ride, but Spence Conrad shares what persistence and perseverance can do to help your career journey.

Conrad says finding a job with a positive work environment created by management is key to landing a job that may turn into a successful, rewarding career. However, it takes resolve to maneuver obstacles along the way that might otherwise steer a worker into a rut.

“Working at Texas Roadhouse helped me pay for school and get by, but it wasn’t always easy,” the restaurant owner said. “It’s not always going to be simple, but if you stick with it you will be rewarded. I’ve seen so many people just give up and leave a job as soon as things get tough.”

The owner of the Weatherford Texas Roadhouse on I-20 started as a part-time night-time wait staff while in college 15 years ago in Amarillo. In time, he went from a server position to various management positions, including front and back end management, and then at other locations. 

Each small step made him more relevant in the position while learning other areas of the company he might move up to, and three years ago he opened the Parker County location.

Co-worker Lauren Getts has a similar experience. She advanced in various positions with Texas Roadhouse locations until her background in merchandising and promotion led her to be marketing manager for Conrad.

“I just kept learning and looking for ways I can use my talent,” Getts said.

Paul Ashton, Texas Roadhouse marketing manager at the company’s Louisville headquarters, agrees with Conrad about having a patient attitude to reach long-term goals.

“Spence is the kind of person who goes above and beyond to ensure that his restaurants are more than just places to eat,” Ashton said, adding Conrad has a “hands-on approach to customer service.”