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Hi, we are Foothold America

This is our team, a group of ambitious, authentic, happy people with one vision:
to make it easy for you to do business in the USA.

Meet the team behind the screens

We are a diverse group of passionate visionaries, techies, nerds, and forward-thinkers who love what we do. We have been known to be friendly, responsive, adaptable – and all around good people. We may be located all over the globe, but one thing’s for sure – we are all powered by coffee and fueled by our love for pets.

Joanne Farquharson

"Building bridges across borders starts with understanding that every business's American dream deserves expert guidance to become reality."

Joanne M. Farquharson

President & CEO

location_on France

US entrepreneur with 30 years experience in advising small and medium-sized businesses in employee benefits, insurance, labor law compliance, and risk management. Joanne has a passion for growing small companies and helping business owners actualize their goals.

Key Contribution: Strategic Leadership
Geanice Barganier

"Global expansion succeeds when clients feel supported at every step, from their first employee to their hundredth."

Geanice Barganier

Chief Client Officer

location_on USA

Experienced Global Management leader with over 20 years of professional services and consulting experience. Highly knowledgeable in Human Resources, Employee Relations, Global Operations and Outsourcing. Strong Compliance background experience with employee contracts and US & Global Immigration.

Key Contribution: Client Success
Rosalynn Core

"Financial clarity turns international ambition into sustainable American growth.."

Rosalynn Core

Senior VP of Finance & Accounting

location_on USA

Seasoned, determined, and highly accomplished executive professional with extensive experience spearheading financial services, managing business operations, monitoring performance indicators, and delivering high-quality strategic business support to drive exponential revenue growth for top-tier companies.

Key Contribution: Senior VP of Finance
Jisselle Douglas

"Streamlined operations turn expansion goals into achievable milestones across borders."

Jisselle Douglas

Associate Vice President of Business Operations

location_on UK

Jisselle oversees and optimises the organisation’s key business strategies and operational workflows. With a strong focus on process efficiency and innovation, Jisselle leads cross-functional projects to drive continuous improvement, ensuring that all processes align with the company’s long-term goals and objectives. With a background in business process management and operational excellence, Jisselle brings a wealth of expertise in streamlining operations and fostering strategic initiatives that enhance overall business performance.

Key Contribution: Operational Efficiency
Laurie city blue

"Guiding clients from market entry to long-term US success means transforming operational complexities into clear pathways"

Laurie Spicer

Director of US Expansion

location_on UK

As an American citizen based in the UK, Laurie has over 25 years of experience navigating the complexities of the US market. Throughout her career, she has guided countless clients to achieve commercial growth and long-term success in the US. With expertise in HR, employment, US operational frameworks, strategic market-entry guidance, and practical business insights, she is a trusted partner for companies pursuing success in the United States. Her dedication to turning expansion challenges into growth opportunities has been instrumental in helping clients thrive and establish strong US footholds.

Key Contribution: US Market Mastery
Now Hiring

Senior US Expansion Advisor, USA (Remote, US-based)  Senior US Expansion Advisor, Europe (Remote, Europe-based)

Now Hiring

Senior US Expansion Advisor

If you have a passion for international business, understand the challenges of cross-border expansion, and want to help companies achieve their US growth ambitions, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Contribution: Ready to Join Us?
Maureen Mitchell

"Empowering teams with the knowledge and skills to navigate US expansion builds foundations for lasting success."

Maureen Mitchell

Director of Learning and Development

location_on USA

Dynamic executive leader and certified leadership coach with over 25 years of experience driving operational excellence, organizational transformation, and people strategy. Maureen specializes in optimizing service delivery, building inclusive leadership capability, and developing high-performing teams through strategic coaching and culture alignment. She has extensive experience leading large-scale functions, managing global teams, and spearheading initiatives that align talent, processes, and performance to drive organizational success.

Key Contribution: Cultural Intelligence
Judith Clegg

"Three decades of connecting businesses across borders proves that strategic partnerships unlock market opportunities."

Judith Clegg

Strategic Advisor

location_on UK

British strategy consultant and technology entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience helping businesses navigate growth and expansion. As founder and CEO of Takeout, a London and New York-based consultancy, Judith  has spent decades connecting companies with new markets and business opportunities. Her expertise in cross-border business development and strategic partnerships makes her a valuable advisor for companies pursuing US expansion.

Key Contribution: Strategic Growth
Robert R. Esquijarosa

"Delivering innovative HR infrastructure and strategic solutions across borders ensures international businesses can manage their US operations with confidence"

Robert R. Esquijarosa

Head of Business Services

location_on UK

A strategic global HR professional with 19+ years of experience, adept at delivering innovative HR strategies and solutions across diverse industries. Robert excels at navigating complex HR challenges, implementing best practices, and optimizing HR systems and processes, including HR Infrastructure & HRIS implementation. His strong background encompasses employee relations, payroll, benefits, talent acquisition, performance management, and organizational development.

Key Contribution: Business Compliance
Angelique Soulet-Bangurah, PHR

"Finding and onboarding the right US talent shouldn't be complicated—we make it seamless."

Angelique Soulet-Bangurah, PHR

Head of EOR Services & Talent Acquisition Lead

location_on USA

Angelique takes pride in providing client solutions, using more than seven years of experience as an HR Generalist with a vast knowledge of onboarding, employee relations and overall HR operations. She’s certified by the HR Certification Institute as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR).

Key Contribution: Talent Solutions
Mark Stimpfig

"Strategic partnerships across continents create pathways for businesses to thrive in the world's largest market."

Mark Stimpfig

Strategic Growth Advisor

location_on UK

As Co-Founder of GTM Global, Mark has established strategic partnerships with key service providers and industry leaders across the UK, US, and Europe. Previously serving as Development Director for Greater Phoenix Economic Council, AZ from London, Mark's proven track record in facilitating transatlantic business growth and deep understanding of market entry complexities enables him to provide comprehensive guidance to clients pursuing US expansion opportunities.

Key Contribution: Strategic Partnerships
Natalie Gombalova

"Connecting international businesses with the right US expansion solutions starts with understanding their unique journey."

Natalie Gombalova

Senior Marketing Manager

location_on UK

This conversion-minded marketer is responsible for strategizing, planning and creating high-calibre content for our website visitor’s digital experience. With over seven years in marketing, Natalie specialises in PPC, SEO, emerging trends, and customer behavioural insights that help clients find the best solutions for their business needs.

Key Contribution: Digital Growth
Jamie Neill, PHR, Assoc CIPD

"Working directly with clients to navigate US benefits, talent, and HR systems means being their trusted partner through every expansion challenge."

Jamie Neill, PHR, Assoc CIPD

Senior HR & Client Service Manager

location_on UK

With 19+ years of experience, this seasoned specialist in US Human Resources brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Highly skilled in various areas, including benefits management, talent acquisition, employee performance improvement, workforce planning and development, as well as the effective deployment of HRIS systems and process enhancements, Jamie has a proven track record of successfully driving HR strategies and initiatives. Jamie’s comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience make her an invaluable asset in navigating the complex US HR landscape.

Key Contribution: Client Services
Liz Gamarra

"Detail-oriented financial reporting and tax compliance expertise gives international businesses the solid US accounting foundation they need to grow."

Liz Gamarra

Accountant & Tax Manager

location_on USA

Liz’s experience as an accountant spans two decades; during which time she has worked with individuals, businesses, and organizations within industries such as Tax, Automotive and Electric. Liz has also worked on various business consulting projects, including bookkeeping and financial analysis. A proactive and detail-orientated employee, Liz has worked in AR, AP and financial reporting and is considered an expert in tax planning and compliance. 

Key Contribution: Financial Accuracy
Greg Burghauser

"Strategic financial planning turns US expansion aspirations into measurable business success."

Greg Burghauser

Accountant & Bookkeeping Manager

location_on USA

Greg brings extensive accounting expertise developed over 20 years in the field. His comprehensive experience includes tax preparation, financial analysis, and bookkeeping services for individuals and businesses across diverse industries. As a dedicated accounting professional, Greg specializes in optimizing financial operations and achieving business objectives through strategic financial planning and management.

Key Contribution: Financial Planning
Andrea Samayoa

"Translating complex multi-state US payroll requirements into clear, compliant solutions removes barriers for international companies hiring across America."

Andrea Samayoa

Payroll Manager

location_on Guatemala

Payroll and quality assurance professional with extensive operational management experience supporting global and multi-state U.S. payroll environments. Andrea specializes in designing payroll processes, benefits structures, and reconciliation frameworks while translating complex compliance requirements into clear executive-level guidance.

Key Contribution: Payroll Accuracy
Stefanie Day

"Designing scalable systems and optimized workflows ensures every client's US expansion runs smoothly from day one."

Stefanie Day

Programme and Process Administrator

location_on UK

Stefanie oversees internal workflows and process optimization across the organization, ensuring seamless operations and enhanced efficiency. With a strong background in digital marketing and automation, she designs and implements scalable systems that streamline administrative processes and support cross-functional collaboration. Her role involves managing programme coordination, developing process documentation, and identifying opportunities for operational improvements. 

Key Contribution: Process Optimization
Tiffany Hill

"People-first HR support helps businesses create thriving workplaces in their new American market."

Tiffany Hill

Client Service Administrator

location_on USA

With 15 years of HR experience, Tiffany has led every part of the employee experience-from recruiting and onboarding to payroll, benefits, compliance, and building positive workplace culture. She’s known for her hands-on, people-first approach and ability to navigate complex HR challenges with ease. Tiffany is passionate about helping teams grow, fostering engagement, and creating environments where both employees and businesses can do their best work.

Key Contribution: Employee Experience
Fabio Sarmento

"Connecting business systems across borders creates the digital infrastructure that powers smooth US operations."

Fabio Sarmento

Integrations Specialist

location_on Brazil

Fabio is responsible for designing and implementing integration solutions that connect critical business systems and drive operational efficiency. With extensive experience in ERP platforms, automation, and system architecture, these initiatives has focus on streamline data flows and enhance connectivity across the organization. Fabio’s background in business administration and information technology enables him to bridge technical and functional requirements, delivering scalable solutions that support the company’s growth and digital transformation strategies.

Key Contribution: Systems Integration
Amelia Spicer

"Coordinating US expansion means ensuring every client interaction feels personal, every detail is handled, and nothing falls through the cracks."

Amelia Spicer

US EXPANSION COORDINATOR

location_on UK

Final-year American Politics student and dual US-UK citizen with a deep understanding of U.S. culture and politics, shaped by academic focus and regular travel to the United States. Previous experience of eLearning solutions for international clients, with a strong track record of effective cross-cultural communication in professional settings.

Key Contribution: Commercial Support
Dumitru Butucel

"Every pixel and line of code on our website exists to make US expansion feel less daunting and more achievable."

Dumitru Butucel

Web Developer

location_on Spain

Web developer and security specialist with over 15 years of experience building and maintaining high-performance websites across 40+ countries. Expert in WordPress development, malware removal, and technical optimization. Dumitru brings proven expertise in creating secure, reliable digital solutions that support business growth.

Key Contribution: Web Development
Robert Johnson

"First-hand experience building successful transatlantic companies shaped our mission to simplify US expansion for businesses worldwide."

Robert Johnson

Board Chair

location_on UK

Robert is the Co-founder of several successful US and UK life science companies. He serves as the Board Chair of Foothold America influencing the direction of the company.

Key Contribution: Strategic Vision

Your US expansion team, unfiltered

The Fur Team

alan and gavin

Alan & Gavin

Co-Chief Zooming Officers

Evelyn Office Petretary bg

Evelyn

Office Petretary

Bubble head of security bg

Bubble

Head of Security

freddie head of mess development bg

Freddie

Head of Mess Development

teddy

Teddy

President of Snoreperations

ruby

​​Ruby

Cambridge branch manager

bruno head of catvertising

Bruno

Head of Catvertising

​​Pancake

Meownager of Purrsonnel

trixie

Trixie

VP of Pawductivity

Kingsley Shacklebolt

Chief Nap Officer

Mickey

Chief Yaperations Officer

Senior Neigh-gotiator

Molly

Senior Neigh-gotiator

paris & peyton

Paris & Peyton

Senior Fetch Coordinators

Our clients

We’re an internationally trusted partner who works with businesses of all sizes
from London to Tokyo, Stockholm to Dubai, and everywhere in between.
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Find out more about how we can help with your US business expansion.
Let's have a chat over coffee.

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