Steve Ells sits down with Denver Westword to talk about Chipotle’s 2-decade run and what it took to get there.

There are thirteen “characteristics” required of Chipotle employees, who now number more than 40,000. One is “infectious enthusiasm.” Another is “happy” — you must be happy. Half-time happy doesn’t cut it.

It’s those attributes — along with fast food focused on slow-food philosophies, resulting in burritos that make loyal fans very, very happy — that have elevated Chipotle Mexican Grill to worldwide dominance and earned its founder,Steve Ells, the title of Most Inspiring CEO in America last year from Esquire.

Read the full story here.