Summer Work Travel Employer Q&A: How Aramark Destinations Pikes Peak Builds a Strong Seasonal Retail Team

Meet U.S. employers partnering with CIEE BridgeUSA to hire international seasonal staff and support cultural exchange. Michael Lumpkin, retail senior manager at Aramark Destinations Pikes Peak, shares his experience. 

CIEE: It’s great to meet you, Michael! Let’s talk about the BridgeUSA program. What value do international participants bring to Aramark Destinations Pikes Peak? 

Lumpkin: I enjoy bringing on our BridgeUSA program participants and getting the best qualified people. I love that we’re able to bring on different cultures. Not only does it help the reputation of our company, but it also builds that reputation with our guests because they love seeing different cultures in our business. 

CIEE: How does that cultural diversity impact your team and guest experience? 

Lumpkin: It expands our image not just from an inward perspective, but outwardly with our guests and our clients. We’re able to work alongside our international BridgeUSA participants and create a fun environment. 

CIEE: Have participants contributed ideas or improvements? 

Lumpkin: Yes! What I really enjoyed last year was that everyone brought a different set of skills that were really great for the retail side of the business. They showed different merchandising tastes that were great for our customers and also great for our business. 

When we had visits from our regional and district managers, a lot of that came from our BridgeUSA participants helping improve the business and customer experience. 

CIEE: Were there any concerns about cultural or communication barriers? 

Lumpkin: I thought that would be a concern, but it really worked out. They spoke English very well. 

They loved to communicate and even taught us things from their culture. 

One of the things that I learned is that handshaking was one of their greatest things. In the morning, they would love to have that handshake. 

CIEE: How do you ensure participants feel supported and successful? 

Lumpkin: It’s about making sure they’re trained and fully aware of our policies and how things operate. We make sure there’s open communication so they can ask questions or raise concerns. 

My job, along with the team, is to answer questions, work with management or HR if needed, and make sure they feel supported. 

CIEE: How do you maintain an inclusive and positive workplace? 

Lumpkin: It’s about making sure they are welcomed and creating an inclusive environment with proactive communication. As long as we stay in communication and address concerns, we’re able to work through issues. 

A positive work environment comes down to communication and making sure people feel comfortable speaking up. 

CIEE: Why is the hiring and selection process so important? 

Lumpkin: It’s very important because CIEE is able to help us select the best candidates for this role. 

The hiring process helps us build on our economic drivers, our long-term retention, and our cultural enrichment.  

CIEE: What have you personally gained from this experience? 

Lumpkin: Honestly, being able to share my experiences here with them. We get a chance to have a shared experience. We're able to learn from one another. Even just outside of work, it could be food, it could be music. 

I think we're able to learn from and respect each other's culture and our diversity, how we all could work together as a team. 

CIEE: What advice would you give to other companies? 

Lumpkin: My number one piece of advice would be to be open to it. This is the first company that I've worked for that deals with business on the international level. It has been very fulfilling. It has been something fun and exciting.  

I would tell any company to take a chance on it. I believe that the Summer Work Travel program will help build your company's image. Just take advantage of it and let it be something that your company is willing to do in the near future. 

CIEE: Any final thoughts? 

Lumpkin: This was my first experience working with participants and international business, and I’m really grateful. 

I’ve learned so much in a short time, and I’m looking forward to the future. 

CIEE: Thanks, Michael! It was a pleasure talking with you. 

Ready to solve your seasonal staffing challenges? Learn more about the workforce solutions offered by the CIEE BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program.