Friendship That Fuels the Journey: How Connection Inspires Great Work at SSP America

At SSP America, we believe the best workplaces are built on genuine connection. Our teams do more than share shifts, goals, or guest experiences. They share laughter, encouragement, and friendship.

Few stories show that better than the friendships of Katherine Caicedo and Vanessa Marrufo, and Chiquita Clinton and Stephaney Shettlesworth. These two pairs prove that when we lift each other up, everyone wins.

Katherine and Vanessa’s friendship began long before their time at SSP America. They grew up as neighbors in New York, and years later, when a position opened at SSP, Katherine encouraged Vanessa to apply. What started as a childhood friendship became a professional partnership grounded in honesty, trust, and shared purpose.

“We can be completely honest with each other. No filter, no hesitation,” Katherine says. “It makes every challenge easier and every win even sweeter.” 

Vanessa describes Katherine as one of the most genuine people she knows, someone whose integrity and drive make her both a great leader and a better friend. The respect is mutual. “Vanessa brings so much positivity to everything she does,” Katherine adds. “Her energy lifts everyone around her.”

Their friendship reminds us that when people feel seen, supported, and valued, great work naturally follows.

That same spirit shines in Chiquita and Stephaney’s story. Friends for nearly a decade, they first met while working at another company. When Stephaney joined SSP America, she encouraged Chiquita to take a leap of faith and apply for a role that matched her talent and ambition. Today, both are thriving as food travel experts, helping bring hospitality to travelers across North America.

For them, having a close friend at work means having someone who truly understands the day-to-day, a sounding board, a teammate, and a cheerleader all in one. “It is great to have someone to share the highs and lows,” Stephaney says. “Someone who speaks the same work language.” Chiquita agrees: “We mentor each other. We lift each other up.”

Their stories capture the heart of SSP America, a place where work opportunities turn into meaningful careers and where jobs can lead to lifelong friendships. Whether you are searching for career openings near me, full time careers near me, or restaurants hiring near me, what you can find at SSP America is more than a job. You can find people who bring out the best in each other every single day.

Here’s to the friends who make every day brighter.