Compass Group is only as strong as its people, so it’s a good thing that we have some seriously amazing people. Here’s your chance to get to know one of the folks who makes us altogether great.

Luke Martindale has been a regional sales director for FLIK Independent School Dining for one-and-a-half years. This food lover shares what meal he would eat for the rest of his life, what he does to stay active outside of work and what animal he wanted to be when he grew up.

What’s the first thing you do at work each morning?
The first thing I do is check my email. Being on the West Coast, I usually wake up to multiple emails from home base back east.

What is something at work you’re especially good at?
Eating. Also connecting with new prospects and building relationships quickly.

What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading “To Shake the Sleeping Self,” by Jedidiah Jenkins.

What do you like to do in your free time?
Anything active. But in the winter, snowboarding!

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever been given?
Trust your instincts.

What’s your favorite thing about working at Compass?
The sheer magnitude of Compass. We truly can change the way people consume food daily.

If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Wow, this is difficult. Have to go with a steak and mashed potatoes with gravy.

If you could travel somewhere right now, where would you go and why?
Italy – it has been on my list for far too long.

If you could have a super-power, what would it be and why?
I would want to be able to time travel. I think it would be amazing to see places untouched by man and go back to witness some of our great moments in history.

If you were an animal, what would you be?
I told my family at age 4 I wanted to be a lion when I grew up.

Why did you join Compass?
Right before I joined Compass, I was working for a small, privately owned company and I was laid off. I took my time in my new job search and started looking for a company that had growth opportunities and a great culture. I had opportunities with other companies, but the people at Compass drew me in and I’m happy with the decision I made.

Photo from Luke’s hiking adventure through Zion National Park in Utah.