TEAM
Our research and recruitment professionals at Specialty Search International are guided by an experienced management team with over 50 years of combined recruiting expertise:
Ronald D. Folkman
Senior Managing Partner
Ron earned his degree in Hotel Management from Webber International University
and began his career on the operational side of luxury hospitality. Over the
course of fifteen years, he held executive leadership roles overseeing both the
Food and Beverage and Rooms Divisions for globally recognized brands including
Hilton, Hyatt, and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. During this time, he played a key
role in multiple hotel openings and led high-performing teams within both luxury
hotel environments and fine dining establishments. Drawing from this operational experience and deep understanding of luxury service standards, Ron founded Specialty Search International (SSI) in 1989. Since then, he has dedicated his career to identifying and placing exceptional leadership talent within the four- and five-star hospitality sector. He delivers senior executives who elevate guest experiences, strengthen operational performance, and enhance brand reputation. Ron leads the strategic direction of SSI while overseeing the firm’s daily operations, internal development initiatives, marketing strategy, and client partnerships.
Contact Ron via phone at (813)464-2939 or email via RDF@ssirecruiting.com –
Tampa, Florida.
Greg Birkmeier
Managing Partner
Greg joined Specialty Search International in 2000, launching his career in hospitality recruiting. He excels at partnering with clients to solve their critical staffing needs, serving both SSI’s longstanding clients and developing new relationships. Before joining SSI, he spent ten years in operations and sales roles with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and The Renaissance Hotel Company.
His career highlights include serving as Director of Sales and Marketing at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis; Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing at The Ritz-Carlton, Kansas City; and National Sales Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead. At the Renaissance Waverly Hotel, he progressed from Management Trainee to National Sales Manager, Catering Sales Manager, and Restaurant General Manager. Greg graduated from Purdue University Summa Cum Laude with Honors and Distinction.
Contact Greg via phone at (813)464-2933 or email via greg@ssirecruiting.com —
North Florida office.
Jim Coffey
Senior Vice President
Jim brings 25 years of progressive hospitality experience in operations, sales, and marketing. His leadership journey began at a four-diamond hotel in New Jersey, where he spent three successful years in operations before transitioning to sales. His sales experience encompasses the full spectrum of Marriott International brands, including a national sales role with The Ritz Carlton Hotels of Atlanta, followed by sales leadership positions at Noble Investment Group and Dolce Hotels and Resorts. Most recently, as Senior Director of Corporate Sales at Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, he oversaw the full-service domestic sales organizations and shared services team.
Contact Jim via phone at (813)789-8943 or email via jim@ssirecruiting.com –
Mid-Atlantic office
Michelle Ruggiero
Office Manager
Michelle joined SSI in 2010 with extensive operations experience from her years at Ralph Lauren in Tampa. She holds a Business Management degree from the University of South Florida. As Office Manager, she supports all SSI office locations by managing the firm’s website, job postings, and accounting responsibilities.
