K1 Speed’s 100+ locations and 2 K1 Circuit locations are full of employees who represent what it means to be part of the K1 family. This month, we recognize our most employees yet, including our first K1 Circuit nominees.
Juan Sandoval
SANTA CLARA
Wanting to be part of a NASCAR or Formula 1 pit crew is Juan’s earliest memory of racing. In fact, Juan said his dad asked him if he wanted to be a driver, but Juan still insisted on being the one who gets to lift the car. From there, his love of cars took over. In August, Juan will have been part of the K1 Speed family for six years. When asked what made him want to work at the company, Juan said, “I used to be in sales and wasn’t really being that active… it wasn’t me. I found K1 Speed, and when I realized all the moving parts here, I was like, ‘Ok, this is where I want to be.’” As the general manager at K1 Speed Santa Clara, Juan has helped plenty of employees overcome social anxiety, able to manage groups of 50-100 people at corporate parties. He said his impact on his employees is what truly keeps him motivated and inspired to come into work. Juan prides himself on the low turnover rate of employees at K1 Speed Santa Clara. He credited this to the culture he has helped build, always reminding employees of their leadership capabilities. When asked about his professional future, Juan shared his desire to move up to a regional manager role within the company. We are happy to have Juan leading the Santa Clara team and want to thank him for helping make the company better for six years.
Malik Glover
ORLANDO
Malik is a great example of a driven, hardworking K1 Speed employee. Originally hired as a track operator, Malik was promoted to track supervisor, then shift supervisor, and most recently to manager. When asked about his leadership style, Malik said he always tries to be approachable, which helps facilitate a positive environment for employees as well as customers. A proactive and observant person, Malik stays ahead of potential issues and is always ready to step in to help his employees. Malik would like to continue his impressive promotional track, with becoming a general manager next on the list. He sees himself staying with the company and appreciates the amount of growth he has been able to have since starting as a track operator. When he’s not leading by example, Malik enjoys spending his time bass fishing, taking full advantage of the great fishing spots around Orlando. Malik has a keen understanding of the business and is extremely committed, as stated by Orlando General Manager, Andres Bolivar. We are thankful to get to showcase Malik’s growth within the company so far, and look forward to seeing where his dedication leads.
Kara Aldana-Pere
CULVER CITY
Originally hired at K1 Speed Burbank, Kara has moved up the promotional ladder and will be helping us manage our new K1 Speed Culver City location. In just 1 ½ years working for K1 Speed, Kara has been promoted from cashier to cashier supervisor, then to shift supervisor, and now manager. Kara was introduced to racing by watching early-morning Formula 1 races with her brother, who also works at K1 Speed Burbank. While at work, Kara enjoys communicating with her team and looks forward to developing the same, team-focused culture at K1 Speed Culver City. In the future, Kara wants to continue on the promotional track, possibly one day working at the corporate level. Focused on how she can grow, Kara is also open to going back to school. We look forward to seeing Kara excel in her new managerial role at the Culver City location.
Richard Calle
ANAHEIM
Richard was born in Lima, Peru, and moved to Chicago when he was around 20 years old. About four years ago, Richard moved to California and started with K1 Speed at our Irvine center. Now part of the team at K1 Speed Anaheim, Richard takes a hands-on approach to managing. Leading by example, Richard says, is the best way to create meaningful bonds with his employees. When asked what he wants to do in the future, Richard said, “The sky is the limit… I’m a very passionate person. I’d love to grow as much as I can.” If he’s not helping motivate the team at K1 Speed Anaheim, Richard enjoys being active through cycling and playing soccer in his free time. Having studied culinary arts in Peru, Richard is an artist in the kitchen and still loves to practice his craft at home. We appreciate Richard’s approach to management and are thankful to have the chance to showcase him in the spotlight.
Isaiah Cole
ADDISON
Isaiah is an integral part of the team at K1 Speed Addison. As a track supervisor, Isaiah has also developed other skill sets to ensure fluid operations within the center. An impressive racer as well as an exceptional employee, Isaiah has recorded a scorching lap time of 18.321 seconds on Track 1. Isaiah and a few other employees are making the drive to check out K1 Circuit Whiteland, ready to take their skills to an outdoor track. Isaiah had a great attitude about his job when starting with K1 Speed, happy to learn all facets of the business. Now, Isaiah coaches in K1-on-1 sessions with racing hopefuls, helping them try to replicate his record laptime. Isaiah says coaching is his favorite part of K1 Speed because he can help customers improve. As a model representative of K1 Speed values, Isaiah has traveled to help open new centers, giving tips and advice to incoming employees. When we had the chance to talk with Isaiah, his sincerity about giving customers memorable experiences was evident. We are happy to have Isaiah in the K1 Speed family and hope other employees can replicate the great work he does at K1 Speed Addison.
Valerie Bokser
WINCHESTER
Valerie grew up in the San Diego area and learned about the karting industry through her fiancé, who used to race gas karts. Because she lived near K1 Circuit Winchester while it was being built, Valerie got a chance to preview the track. Valerie excels in her customer-facing role and enjoys learning about the people who visit the outdoor circuit. One of her favorite things about her job is being able to host events, helping ensure every guest has a positive experience. Through her role, Valerie has had the chance to meet professional racers and influencers who are curious to try out K1 Circuit Winchester. A driven employee, she hopes to progress within the company and aspires to one day be the manager of her own K1 Circuit location. Just recently, Valerie started learning Italian, so we know who to call if we open a K1 Circuit in Italy. When she’s not helping add to the customer experience at work, Valerie enjoys reading, seeing friends, and caring for her puppy. We are glad to have Valerie on the K1 team and look forward to seeing where her talents take her.
Cody Seely
BEND
Born and raised in South Carolina, Cody moved to Bend, Oregon, a couple of years ago. Since then, he has become a phenomenal asset to the K1 Speed Bend team. Cody was first made aware of racing by watching NASCAR with his uncle, fascinated with the speed of the competition. Currently in school for automotive mechanics, he is interested in possibly joining K1 Speed Bend’s team of mechanics in the future. If not working for K1 Speed, Cody would like to still work in the racing industry, whether that be as a tech, part of a pit crew, or even in the driver’s seat. Before working at K1 Speed, Cody described himself as not being much of a people person. In his role with the company, however, Cody has excelled in creating genuine customer interactions, helping to improve race lines and customer satisfaction. “I often see him going out and finding a group that just finished a race with the track line poster in hand, ready to show how they can enhance their experience and improve their race craft,” said K1 Speed Bend General Manager, Joseph Aliotta. We are happy to have Cody on the Bend team and hope other employees can embody his approach to customer interactions.
Fausto Salas
WINCHESTER
Fausto was part of the K1 Speed San Diego team for over a year before taking on his current role at K1 Circuit Winchester. His first stint with the company introduced him to the world of racing, and he became hooked on the exciting environment. Fausto currently works as a track operator at K1 Circuit, a crucial role for maintaining racer safety. He also helped flag races and maintain safety standards during the K1 Speed E-World Championship last month. In the future, Fausto hopes to become part of the training team that travels to open new domestic and international locations. Always willing to learn, Fausto likes to spend his downtime in the garage at K1 Circuit, becoming more educated regarding the karts and the mechanical side of the business. In his free time, Fausto enjoys playing video games and staying active by going to the gym. If you visit K1 Circuit Winchester, look for Fausto; he might be the one flagging your race.