How ESFM’s Mentor Program produces lasting results, fosters growth

No one succeeds alone.
Whether overcoming challenges and hardships or seeking continuous improvement, ESFM associates can rely on each other for guidance, support and even friendship.

Marcus Sprecher
For Marcus Sprecher, a Pennsylvania-based talent acquisition specialist, the power of connection became clear when he took the leap and joined ESFM’s Mentor Program.
“I never experienced something like this anywhere I’ve worked,” Sprecher said. “I’ve worked for numerous companies in my journey, and I’ve never felt so empowered by a program.”
The Mentor Program connects individuals with seasoned leaders nationwide aimed at deepening connection and development across ESFM’s workforce. With opportunities for mentorship, peer-to-peer networking, and career guidance, the program equips team members at all levels with the tools to succeed. It’s one of several company programs designed to equip team members for growth.
“The program is about far more than mentorship – it’s a way for us to build bridges to different people, different perspectives and to help us grow as individuals and advance as professionals,” Onboarding & Development Program Manager Kelly Pope said.
Hundreds of people participate in the program annually across ESFM and its sister Compass Group sector, Eurest.
For Sprecher, the program was an opportunity to build much-needed work connections. As fate would have it, he connected with someone dealing with a terminally ill loved one and serving as their primary caregiver, an experience Sprecher had less than a year ago before his mother died.
“It was touching to me; we’ve cried together, we continue to check in with each other,” Sprecher said. “It’s nice to gain that relationship, to get that time out of your day to connect with people I might not see on a daily basis. It’s been very rewarding. I feel it’s vital, especially when you work from home.”

Brandy Marquez
Throughout January, which is National Mentoring Month, ESFM has been inspiring participation in the Mentor Program through stories of growth and connection.
Brandy Marquez, recently promoted to ESFM Vice President of Operations for a technology client, credits the program as one of the most rewarding aspects of her career. Having experienced it from all angles – as a mentor, mentee and peer – she’s witnessed firsthand the power of mentorship in shaping careers and strengthening teams.
“My enthusiasm for new challenges is being fostered by someone I respect and admire which is renewing my energy for growth and collaboration,” she said of being mentored by a Regional Vice President. “In mentoring, my hope for the future is bolstered by my mentee’s hunger for knowledge and her willingness to ask for and accept challenges; she’s fearless! Connecting with a peer has sparked interests that I’d forgotten may provide value to our organization. Her positivity is infectious. In all of these connections, I see potential that can and is being realized.”

Beatriz Santos (center) with two GULL Graduates that she mentored.
Beatriz Santos, an assistant director of operations, finds mentoring to be rewarding, whether she’s engaged with the Mentor Program or through ESFM’s Global University for Lifelong Learning (GULL) hourly team member development program where she has mentored four delegates.
“I love working with people; that’s my passion,” Santos said. “I really enjoy the Compass culture and how it enables me to share my perspective and see other professionals’ perspectives, sharing ideas and collaborating, having that connection and networking – it’s really good for me.”