In honor of Father’s Day on Sunday, June 20, we are celebrating the many amazing working dads out there for all they do to deliver business results at work while balancing their role as superhero, teacher and supporter at home – especially during a pandemic!
We recently caught up with one of our many amazing working parents at Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins, Saad Khalid, Sr. Manager, Web & Mobile Applications, Loyalty & CRM, to hear how he’s Makin’ It Work as a working dad.
Q: We’ll start with our favorite question: What are you drinkin’ & what are you scooping?
I’m drinkin’ a black hot coffee Original Brew and scooping Mint Chocolate Chip or Pralines ‘N Cream.
Q: Tell us about your role at Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins.
I’m currently a Sr. Manager, Web & Mobile Applications, Loyalty & CRM, for Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins. I’ve been with the brands for five years. In this role, I manage the loyalty and email CRM technologies that power the DD Perks program and Baskin-Robbins’ email and serialized coupon program. I have a talented and hard-working team, which I rely on to make these programs successful.
Q: And how about your family?
I’ve been married to my wife, Valerie, for 10 years. We met during undergrad at Boston University and have been together ever since. We have three daughters – Nadia (5), Sophia (3), and Mina (3 months).
Q: How have you managed being a working dad through the pandemic? What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
It’s obviously been a very frightening time, but there is a silver lining. I’ve been able to spend more time with my family and be home throughout my wife’s last pregnancy and the birth of my youngest child, Mina. It’s been challenging to get my older children to understand that even though I’m home, I’m working, so it was important for me to take snack breaks with them for “just us” time. It’s also been tough at times being on the computer for eight-to-nine hours a day while at home. Dunkin’s and Baskin-Robbins’ remote technology tools have allowed for a seamless transition into working from home, which I really appreciate – especially in IT! We have all been very well-supported throughout this time.
Q: What are you most proud of as a working dad?
I’m proud to work for brands like Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins that are so prevalent and loved, especially by my daughters. They get excited anytime we drive by a restaurant and we love to drop-in for a special treat. They love telling people that their dad “makes the donuts!”
Q: What do you enjoy most about your role supporting Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins?
My position allows me to work cross-functionally with different teams and departments. I love working with all different kinds of people with varying backgrounds and specialties. I also love learning new things and meeting new people while working on projects.
Q: OK, last question: What advice would you give your children if they wanted to follow in your footsteps and pursue a similar career?
I would encourage them to work hard and forge their own path to do what makes them happy.
Interested in a career with Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins? Click here to view current openings.
