QUALIFICATIONS

Since 1989, SSI has completed over 3,500 executive and management placements in the hospitality industry. As one of the industry’s premier recruiting firms, SSI has built lasting partnerships with leading organizations to fulfill their critical staffing needs. Our typical client relationships span more than 15 years, with multiple successful searches during that time. This enduring loyalty reflects both our consistent results and the professionalism of our methodology.
- Committed to the highest standards in executive search, SSI is a member of the National Association of Personnel Services and has earned recognition in the President’s Circle.
- Our placed executives and managers achieve a 98% retention rate in their first year—remarkable considering the hospitality industry’s annual turnover rate of nearly 100%.
- Our leadership team brings over 50 years of combined recruitment expertise, backed by more than 60 years of hands-on hospitality management experience.
- Using advanced recruitment database technology, SSI maintains relationships with over 25,000 qualified candidates.
TESTIMONIALS
Stephane Vogel – Area General Manager
“I highly recommend SSI’s services in seeking qualified and professional candidates. SSI successfully helped us find 2 executives over a year ago. Both individuals are valued members of our team. The process was very streamlined. I could tell that SSI takes a lot of time vetting candidates before presenting them to a hiring manager. I really appreciated working with them and would do so again when the opportunity presents itself.”
Kimpton Hotels
Ciara Haman Gushue – Area DOSM
“SSI was a great asset while rebuilding my sales team post-Covid. SSI took the time to understand the hotel’s needs and presented us with candidates who could check each box. SSI is transparent in his approach and what each candidate could bring to the table. His first-hand experience working in hotels allowed him to hear our needs clearly, without translation required. SSI was efficient and thorough in his communication, quickly building the relationship with our hotel.”
AKA Hotels
Sean Reardon – Corporate Regional Sales Director
“Over the past several years I have successfully collaborated with SSI on multiple placements including the creation of an entire sales team during the transition of an asset into our portfolio. I feel that having the ability to collaborate on a search with them is a luxury and provides me with a high level of confidence that we will be able to execute effectively and secure the appropriate candidate. SSI is extremely attentive and motivated by the fulfillment of his client’s needs and is the consummate professional. SSI is well versed in both the markets and the available talent within those markets and is quick to offer candid feedback and meaningful suggestions to aid in a placement. You will find a “trusted advisor” in them, and I highly recommend their team to assist you with your placement needs!”
Sonesta Hotels
Ron Emler – Director of Talent Acquisition Strategy – (Retired)
“I have worked with Ron Folkman and his recruiting firm Specialty Search International since 2008. Ron works exclusively with executive committee level positions and specializes in the luxury market. I actually first worked with Ron when he helped me with my own career growth, and then for placement of critical need positions for both FS Lanai and FS Orlando. I also know that colleagues of mine at similar 5-Star hotels and resorts like The Broadmoor, Sea Island Resort, Boca Raton Resort, and Ritz Carlton Hotel Company to name a few also use Ron’s professional services successfully.”
Four Season Hotels and Resorts Corporate Office
Kathy Hurlbutt, Director of Human Resources, Hospitality & Real Estate Group
“Working with SSI on retainer, they were instrumental in successfully sourcing an Executive Chef whom ideally matched the requirements we were desirous of. In a short period of time, after we had already saturated the market with this particular career opportunity, SSI presented a qualified slate of candidates and assisted us in securing an outstanding chef for our 5 Star / 5 Diamond property, The American Club, whom aligns well with our mission, culture and leadership principles. I have truly valued our relationship and I am confident we would not have someone of the caliber of our selected Executive Chef candidate had it not been for Specialty Search International. We are looking forward to working with SSI on additional opportunities with The Kohler organization. They certainly have exceeded our expectations.”
The Kohler Company
Craig Reed, Director of Food & Beverage
“I am truly appreciative of all your efforts with the Executive Chef Retained Search you handled for us. You are a real pro and I always enjoy working with you. Now go find me an Executive Pastry Chef!”
The Broadmoor
George H. Nelson, Hotel Director
“The staff of Specialty Search International, Inc. are by far the best executive search team in the industry. I had the privilege of working directly with SSI as a candidate for the position of Hotel Director with Carnival Cruise Line. During the entire interview and placement process they worked very diligently and despite busy schedules with other candidates and clients, they personalized my experience and kept me informed and up to date with each progression. Making a career change can be a very challenging and stressful process but with SSI’s knowledge and professional leadership made the overall experience very rewarding. Thank you for all your support.”
Carnival Cruise Line
Marc Langevin, General Manager
“I would like to thank SSI for identifying the right candidate for our F&B Director position and assisting us with the selection process. I was truly impressed by your candidate’s skills and character and I am looking forward to working with him. Thank you again for the support.”
Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman
T. Sean Mullen, Vice President of Sales
“SSI is very helpful in searching for the ideal candidate. They are diligent in truly understanding the personality and motivation of the candidates to determine the proper selection.”
Noble House Hotels & Resorts
Tom Donovan, Vice President & General Manager
“Specialty Search International concluded a search for our Director of Human Resources here in Kapalua. They found at least six strong candidates for us to select from and were able to send us only those leaders who could be a good fit for our organization and our location. They stay on point through the entire process and through the offer, and even were involved in setting up initial training for our new executive. I am sure I will use them again when searching for key leadership talent.”
Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
Marshall W. Kelberman, Director of Rooms
“We have been engaged with SSI since their inception over 20 years ago. They exhibit extremely competent business acumen-consistently linking an insightful assessment of external business factors and talent with a keen awareness in understanding our human resource needs.”
The Peabody Orlando