11/23/2021
Three different stories, backgrounds, and experiences; one thing in common. They all found something unique at Sendero: a place where they have found opportunities with an inclusive culture where people are valued, known, and truly put first. At Sendero, we believe the key to our company’s success can be attributed to a simple motto: Best People, Best Delivery.
We asked a few of Sendero’s long-term employees to take a trip down memory lane, reflect on their professional journey, and let us know why they chose to build a career at Sendero.
Tell us about your story – how did you find Sendero? When did you join?
Susanne Turbo, Managing Director: After graduating college, I worked in industry for several years. Then on my first day at a new company, I met our founder, Bret Farrar. When my project ended, I left that company and joined Sendero in 2007 as the fourth employee. That decision was going to require taking a leap of faith and accepting some risk.
Ultimately, I realized there’s no way to know how these things are going to turn out. Someone gave me the advice to choose the path with people that I trusted, had integrity, and that I believed in. So, that’s what I did and it’s been almost 15 years now.
Jamie Cook, Senior Manager of Organizational & Learning Development: After looking through a very long list of companies coming to the Texas A&M Career Fair, I found Sendero’s website and was drawn to the strong core values. I went to the booth and met Ruth Farrar – this was back when even the COO attended career fairs – one of many hats she has worn! Her energy and passion for Sendero was evident, and I knew this was a company I wanted to work for. I went through the interview process and every employee I talked to was excited about both their work and contributing to a growing company.
I had just forwarded my mail to my parents’ house for the summer and my offer letter ended up in their mailbox several days later. My mom read it to me over the phone and then faxed me a copy – if this story doesn’t age me, I don’t know what does! I called to let them know I was thrilled to accept and was part of the first college start group in August 2009.
Nate Steiner, Senior Manager: My journey to Sendero started Fall 2007 when my employer at the time was undergoing significant organizational change as a result of being acquired by a public healthcare company. My manager at the time left and joined Sendero. I enjoyed working with him and trusted his judgment and was interested in what he had found at Sendero.
As I spoke to Bret, I was reflecting on my two prior startup experiences – one was successful, one failed. What was the difference? It boiled down to integrity of the leadership. In light of that, I was really interested in what motivated Bret to want to start and grow a company. Among many things we discussed, what I heard almost 14 years ago was, “Nate, three key reasons. One, I love consulting, but I am through with traveling, so I want to grow a local consulting firm. I want to work in the same city where I live and am raising my family. Second, I want a team-oriented culture, one where we are working together to achieve a common goal and are rewarded together for our achievements as a team. Finally, I want to develop a business model that is reproduceable in major U.S. markets.”
That is what I heard 14 years ago and is exactly what we have been working towards since I joined in 2008. There was a long-term vision, a confidence that it will work, and I wanted to help. I believed it could be a great place to grow my career long-term.
