Compass Group and Thompson Hospitality Partner Spotlight: Rick Post

Although Compass Group COO Rick Post grew up in the food industry, it’s his connection to family that influences the way he does business. The youngest of six children, Rick was a teenager when he started working at Pastosa, his family’s small retail store in Brooklyn, New York. Pastosa was more than just a corner store full of high-quality, affordable Italian specialty products – it was community hub where great partnerships and strong connections were formed, like family. Family was good for business.  

It’s the reason Rick is so comfortable at Compass Group, where our “family” of companies are driven by strong relationships and partnerships.  

For Rick, one of the most rewarding relationships he’s formed in his 25 years at Compass is the Compass Group/Thompson Hospitality partnership that will celebrate its 25th anniversary this fall. Since Compass Group and Thompson Hospitality began their partnership in 1997, the two companies have delivered a supplier diversity solution to more than 150 clients in 48 states and six countries. 

Critical to the growth and success of that partnership is Warren Thompson, president and chairman of Thompson Hospitality.  

“Compass Group is a family of great companies, and when I think of Thompson Hospitality and Warren Thompson, I think of a great family member,” he said. 

The partnership has leveraged the best of both worlds: the resources of a large food service and facilities management provider, coupled with the resources of a mid-sized, entrepreneurial company.  Both are 100% committed to being the best possible partner to their clients. What’s the outcome? A proven partnership that delivers valuable, streamlined solutions to every client. 

“When we’re together, it’s not about two separate companies – we’re joining together as one,” he added. “We want to grow, and we want our Associates to grow, too. It’s why we continue to win. The partnership is a natural fit because we’re like family, and family is good for business.”