The Golden Trident

By Myla Groe

Scott Groe attended Golden High School and grew up with his co-workers who created Bonfire Burritos. They’ve known each other for over 20 years, creating a strong bond and shared visions for the brand. His deep-rooted connection with the founders has been influential in the seamless collaboration and trust within the team. 

Scott Groe is not only a trusted co-founder of Bonfire Burritos but he’s also my dad. Growing up, I had a “front-row seat” to watch his hard work and dedication as he built something meaningful with the people he’s known for most of his life. I’ve seen the incredible bond he shares with his team, and how they’ve shared their history and respect for each other. During that time, I saw him deal with the challenges of building a business and with his everyday responsibilities of being a parent. It was a balance of hard work and commitment, with long hours spent in meetings and on the go. At the same time, there was a lot of excitement. I grew up watching Bonfire evolve, seeing how it went from a dream to a reality. Whether it was helping with small projects or coming along to different events, I felt like I was part of something bigger than the business.

 Groe is passionate about growing the brand and increasing its popularity. He enjoys being in charge and staying informed about the operations, which contributes to his success. 

     “I like being in charge and knowing what’s going on in operation and it helps to be successful because of knowing what is going on and I haven’t done anything with the USDA,” he said. This role with the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture)is a new challenge he hasn’t tackled before, adding to his enthusiasm. His commitment to the brand’s mission and his excitement to explore new opportunities reflect his proactive and forward-thinking approach. 

“Every day is a challenging project. I handle it by going in with a cool head and a positive mindset, tackling each task one by one.” 

Groe thrives on challenges and views them as opportunities for growth and improvement. His ability to maintain composure and positivity in the face of difficulties ensures that he can effectively manage and overcome obstacles by“being organized and writing everything on a calendar.” Groe’s organizational skills are a key asset in his role. By carefully planning and scheduling his tasks, he ensures he can manage his workload efficiently and consistently meet deadlines. His use of a calendar system helps him stay on top of his responsibilities and maintain a clear vision of his commitments.

Groe works in a team every day, usually taking a leadership role by directing tasks. However, he’s also willing to do any task he asks of others. His leadership style is collaborative where everyone feels valued and motivated. Groe’s willingness to lead by example and his readiness to support his team members in any capacity demonstrate his dedication to collective success. “Have to be open and accept the mistake. I don’t get bent out of shape if someone gives criticism.”

Groe’s openness to feedback and his ability to accept criticism constructively are crucial traits that enable continuous improvement. He understands the importance of learning from mistakes and views feedback as a valuable tool for personal and professional development. One of his strengths is that he works very well with others and gets along well with everyone. Groe’s interpersonal skills and his ability to build strong relationships with his colleagues contribute to a positive and productive work environment. His approachable nature and collaborative mindset make him a valuable team player. 

On the other hand, Groe can get distracted easily by conversations with co-workers and can sometimes be too nice/forgiving to others. Groe recognizes that his friendly disposition can sometimes lead to distractions or leniency. However, he is aware of these tendencies and actively works to balance his kindness with maintaining focus and accountability. 

“In five years, I see myself growing the brand, opening more facilities, and expanding into new states. Within two years, I aim to have new stores near Mississippi and double the number of stores in five years.” Groe’s vision for the future is ambitious and strategic. He aims to expand Bonfire Burritos’ presence significantly, both geographically and operationally.