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
Chief Executive Officer
Ron Folkman’s approach to executive search is grounded in fifteen years of hospitality leadership. After earning a degree in Hotel Management from Webber International University, he held executive roles in Food and Beverage and Rooms with Hilton, Hyatt, and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. His experience spans hotel openings, luxury resort operations, and fine dining.
In 1989, Ron founded Specialty Search International (SSI) to bring that firsthand experience to the search for hospitality leaders. Today, he helps luxury hotels, resorts, and other hospitality organizations find executives who inspire their teams, elevate the guest experience, and strengthen performance. As CEO, Ron guides SSI’s strategic direction while remaining closely involved with clients and the firm’s daily operations.
South Florida office | (813) 464-2939 | rdf@ssirecruiting.com | Ron Folkman LinkedIn
Greg Birkmeier
President
Greg joined Specialty Search International in 2000, launching his career in hospitality recruiting. He excels at partnering with clients to solve their critical leadership 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 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 magna cum laude from Purdue University, with honors and distinction.
North Florida office | (813) 464-2933 | greg@ssirecruiting.com | Greg Birkmeier LinkedIn
Jim Coffey
Senior Vice President
Jim is a hospitality sales leader with more than twenty-five years of experience in sales, marketing and hotel operations. He began his career in operations at a AAA Four Diamond hotel in the greater New York City metro area, where he built a guest-focused foundation before moving into sales. He went on to hold a national sales role representing Ritz-Carlton Atlanta and Ritz-Carlton Buckhead. He then held sales leadership positions across Marriott International, Noble Investment Group and Dolce Hotels and Resorts. Most recently, he served as Senior Director of Corporate Sales at Sonesta International Hotels Corporation. Jim led the full-service and select-service regional sales teams, the global sales organization and the shared services team.
Today, Jim brings that commercial sales and operational perspective to Specialty Search International, placing senior leaders across luxury hotels, resorts, food and beverage and aviation services. He knows firsthand what these roles demand, which lets him judge candidates on both their skills and cultural fit.
Washington, DC office | (813) 789-8943 | jim@ssirecruiting.com | Jim Coffey LinkedIn
Sarah Main
Executive Recruiter
Sarah has more than fifteen years of luxury hospitality leadership experience. During twelve years at Sea Island Resort and Spa, she advanced from Restaurant Manager at The Cloister and Beach Club to Director of Restaurants at The Lodge and Retreat at Sea Island, overseeing multi-million-dollar restaurant operations and a team of more than one hundred employees.
Recruiting, developing and retaining people who could deliver Forbes Five-Star service was central to her role. Sarah brings that firsthand perspective to SSI’s candidates and clients. She looks for sound judgment, genuine care for guests, attention to detail and a leadership style that fits both the position and the company’s culture. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Georgia office | (912) 223-239 | sarah@ssirecruiting.com | Sarah Main LinkedIn
Michelle Folkman
Financial and Administrative Operations Manager
Michelle joined Specialty Search International after building extensive operations experience with luxury retailer Ralph Lauren. As SSI’s Financial and Administrative Operations Manager, she supports the company offices by overseeing accounting, social media, website content and job postings. She also assists the recruiting team with candidates and clients.
South Florida office | michelle@ssirecruiting.com
