17 Jun Stephen Fauer Retires from ESA Environmental Consultants. President Christopher Martell Assumes Company Ownership
After more than 30 years as owner of Environmental Strategies & Applications, Inc. (ESA), CEO Stephen Fauer is handing over the reins to his second-in-command, President Christopher Martell. As of June 1, 2022, Chris Martell has assumed the role of owner and CEO of ESA.
Stephen Fauer established ESA in 1989 after having honed his skills in the industry for more than 12 years in roles of increasing responsibility. Highly respected among his peers and clients for his professional and personal integrity, Stephen has steadily grown his business, creating a company that is regarded as one of the leading environmental consulting firms in the New York/New Jersey metro area. But it’s only within the last 4 years that ESA has seen its most significant growth thanks, in great part, to the commitment of now-CEO Christopher Martell and the rare chemistry between the two men that has facilitated ESA’s most recent successes.
Asked to comment on the transition, Mr. Fauer replied, “When I incorporated ESA in August 1989, my vision was to create a company founded on client advocacy and unimpeachable integrity. I am deeply proud to say, ‘mission accomplished.’ I know those hallmark traits will continue under Chris’s leadership, and I believe that ESA’s best years lie ahead.”
Chris Martell came to ESA in 2016 with 20 years of environmental experience, quickly rising in ESA’s ranks from Director of Project Management to, most recently, company President. Chris’s unwavering loyalty, commitment, adherence to ESA’s founding principles, and work ethic were the deciding factors in Stephen’s decision to hand over the reins and retire. “I couldn’t dream of a more perfect exit from — and a brighter future for — this company that I worked so hard to build,” remarked Stephen. As for Chris and the rest of Team ESA, the future is indeed bright. The company has realized impressive revenue growth in the past two years, has added several new staff members to the ranks, and shows no signs of slowing. CEO Chris Martell has every intention of continuing to build on that success. Sharing his thoughts on Stephen’s retirement and his own new role, Chris stated, “Over these past few years, Stephen has bestowed on me his wealth of knowledge and insights into this industry that will be key to ESA’s continued success. I am overwhelmingly honored to be able to continue Stephen’s legacy.”