My Panda Story

My name is Jhee Gates and I have been a part of the Panda family since 2015 starting as a counter help. At first, I was motivated to earn money and to provide for my family back home in the Philippines, however, after joining Panda, I discovered much more.?

?My leaders inspired me with their stories and experiences, which opened my eyes to the Panda Culture of continuous growth and supportive work environment. Thanks to my manager’s guidance and mentorship, I was promoted to Shift Lead within a year.? In March 2019, I became an Assistant Manager. This role taught me that being a manager involves more than just overseeing operations. It is about making a connection with people. I dedicated myself to being a continuous learner, and in 2022, I was promoted to General Manager.? My journey did not stop there. In 2023, I was honored with an opportunity to become a Training Leader, a role that aligned with my passion of inspiring others.??

The impact of my time at Panda Express goes beyond my professional life; it has also significantly enriched my personal life. In the first quarter of 2023, I achieved a financial milestone when I received the highest bonus of my life.?? By the end of the year, I had earned almost double my yearly salary in bonuses.?? This accomplishment was only possible with the support of my team who helped deliver great sales and financial achievements.? Reaching these financial milestones marked a personal achievement, and helped make my dreams come true!? With the resources and support received, I was also able to enhance the quality of life for my family. I rebuilt our old home in the Philippines and purchased two homes here in the United States.??

?My gratitude extends deeply to Andrew and Peggy Cherng, the visionary leaders of Panda Express. Their commitment to fostering a positive company culture has empowered employees like me to strive for excellence and embrace growth. Leadership is not merely about achieving personal success, but it is also about lifting others up and creating a legacy of empowerment and opportunity.?

*Disclaimer: e above or below Story is from a real associate and shares their personal experience. Individual experience and career path may vary. The Story is not intended to represent or guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results.?