Navigating Success: Tommy’s Journey of Growth and Achievement at Sodexo

Housekeeper Tommy Cook took the time to talk to us about joining Sodexo at 16 years old and the reasons he has stayed with the company for over 30 years.

Tommy began working at Sodexo in 1989, securing a part-time food service position at 16. Juggling high school responsibilities, he quickly advanced to a supervisor role through his dedication and willingness to take on weekend catering responsibilities.  

Upon high school graduation, Tommy ventured into college but soon realized it wasn’t his calling.  Exploring alternatives, his aunt, a Sodexo employee at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York, suggested a career in housekeeping. Utilizing her support, he obtained a position in the facility side of the university.  

“I have now been here for 30 years and have never left. I love it. I actually like what I do.” 

During his 30 years with Sodexo, Tommy has gained leadership skills and progressed in his career. Initially, in the early stages of his housekeeping career, Tommy refrained from assuming leadership roles due to his youth and shyness. As time progressed, Tommy actively developed his social skills and improved his confidence, allowing him to take on more challenges. Applying and fully embracing this newfound confidence played a key role in Tommy securing his current position as Housekeeper Coordinator at Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

In his current role, Tommy oversees his regular cleaning route, is on call, aids fellow housekeepers across campus, and manages master keys for addressing issues in various buildings. He finds fulfillment in the responsibilities integral to his day-to-day role.

Tommy’s continued commitment and growth with Sodexo can be attributed to the company’s emphasis on flexibility and understanding for its employees.

Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “I was given the chance to become a supervisor and I did this role for about a month. I quickly realized I did not like this role and that it was not for me. I spoke with my manager and the higher-ups about my situation. They listened to me and my needs and helped me get back into the coordinator position that suited me better. Sodexo makes it a priority to listen to their employee's needs and accommodate them to make sure they are comfortable and satisfied in their role.”   

Having the chance to explore different roles and the flexibility to determine the most enjoyable one is a key aspect of why Tommy finds joy in collaborating with his team at Sodexo. Throughout his journey, he has been fortunate to have outstanding mentors and leadership who consistently advocated for their employees. Gaining insights from these mentors has enabled him to integrate their leadership skills into his own role and team management.

Tommy operates with independence and the trust of his managers, ensuring the efficient completion of tasks and making sound decisions to lead his team to success.  

As Tommy continues to evolve within the organization, his story serves as an inspiring narrative, reinforcing the belief that individuals can truly thrive with the right opportunities, mentorship, and a supportive workplace.