TESTIMONIALS
Mark J. Novota, Managing Partner
“It is rare to find an executive search firm that really takes the time to understand your culture and to work passionately on your behalf to ensure a perfect fit in the placement of a new executive. We consider SSI to be a partner, and their work has become an integral part of our success. They listen to our needs and they respect our time by presenting only the candidates that are worthy of consideration. Their knowledge of the hospitality business is vast, helping greatly to quickly learn your needs and ultimately to fulfill them. I look forward to working with them for many years to come and highly recommend SSI to any organization that takes their personnel needs seriously.”
Wequassett Resort and Golf Club
Dave Gordon, Vice President of Human Resources
“SSI has provided quality people to our company for over 15 years. Given an assignment, they are very aggressive and thorough in seeking out the best possible candidates that match your organization’s needs and culture. I have found that they represent our company professionally and with integrity. I would highly recommend SSI for your recruiting needs.”
Winegardner & Hammons
Dan Preston, Director of Sales & Marketing
“As Director of Sales and Marketing for the InterContinental Chicago, I have had the opportunity to work with several executive search firms over the years. Without a doubt, SSI far exceeded my already high expectations of what a professional search firm should be. They have tenacity, a can-do attitude and follow through as well as knowledge of the hospitality industry second to none. SSI has been able to present me with the best and most qualified candidates for any of our open positions. We always look forward to retaining their services for our hiring requirements.”
InterContinental Chicago
Raymond Vermolen, General Manager
“I highly recommend Specialty Search International, Inc. Not only do they filter very well, their follow up with all parties involved is tremendous. They have placed highly successful individuals with us. SSI stands out, especially in the way they find out what skill set, attitude and proven track record fits the search!”
InterContinental Houston
Kit Pappas, Vice President of Sales & Marketing
“I have worked with SSI for nearly 10 years. For Capella Hotels and Resorts, they have been successful in understanding our organizational needs and consistently finding high performing professionals.”
Capella Hotel Company
Keith Overton, Chief Operating Officer
“We recently completed a search for a Vice President of Sales here at Tradewinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach, Florida. In addition to our own recruitment efforts, we engaged multiple hospitality search firms to identify and introduce us to great candidates for this critical position. Specialty Search International identified a number of highly qualified candidates, and they introduced us to the hospitality sales leadership professionals that ultimately became our 3 finalists for the position. We were all extremely impressed with the quality of candidates that SSI provided to us and we were also very impressed in the professional manner in which they managed the entire process. I highly recommend SSI for any organization that is in search of top hospitality talent.”
Tradewinds Island Resorts
Paula Rauenbuehler, Director of Human Resources
“I have worked with Specialty Search International for over fifteen years on targeted searches for my employers. In each case, they were thorough in gathering information from the company and vetting candidates to ensure a perfect match. They were professional in their approach from the first point of contact through to the final placement of the individuals. I have also worked with them as a candidate. They again were thorough in their process in identifying my strengths, experience and career goals to ensure that the position was a match for me as well. SSI has proven to be knowledgeable about the industry, professional and thorough in their processes and establishes themselves as a partner in which the goal is a win-win-win situation. I have no hesitation to recommend them to both companies and candidates.”
Colonnade Hotel, Boston
Al Linares, Director of Human Resources
“I recently had the privilege to work with Specialty Search International Inc., and can honestly say it was, by far, the best experience I have had in working with an executive search firm. After many years in this industry, I feel I have found a long term partner with SSI. They were true professionals throughout the process and provided numerous, top notch, candidates. SSI was there every step of the way to support us and adapt to all of our needs. I look forward to working with SSI again.”
InterContinental Miami
John Oakley, Director of Sales & Marketing
“I feel like I have a true partnership with Specialty Search International. After I was recruited by SSI for an outstanding new position, I have continued to use their services to find top-notch candidates for my team. They are efficient, thorough and extremely knowledgeable about the candidates they present. The follow-through from the initial search to the day of hire is extraordinary. SSI truly stands apart from all the others recruiting firms out there.”
InterContinental Houston
Rosa Marie Pettus, CHRE, Director of Human Resources
“I want to thank you for assisting us with the search for DOE. Your candidates were top notch and it is very evident you know our property and our team well. Good luck with the other searches for our hotel and if you need me, you know how to find me.”
The Peabody Orlando
Raul Salcido, General Manager
“Specialty Search International-San Francisco office, helped us secure our Rooms Executive Assistant Manager and was extremely engaged with our interview process and was aggressive with follow up, which was very helpful throughout the hiring process. We appreciate their personalized service and the special attention they provide to us!”
Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
Chris Plummer, General Manager
“Specialty Search International possesses an energy and sense of urgency that is unmatched in the industry. From the moment we selected SSI, they began an intense search for qualified candidates. SSI utilizes advanced technology to not only find candidates with experience and knowledge you desire, but to find candidates that will match the culture of your company to help ensure you are getting the right person.”
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
Cathy Edwards, Senior Manager – Executive Recruitment
“Specialty Search International, Inc., brings intensity and drive to each search. Working hard and quickly to identify, assess and present well-qualified candidates. They have a deep familiarity with the hospitality industry and a broad network of contacts. Specialty Search International, Inc., are not only, an effective partner, listening and adapting to the needs of their clients but also, provides frequent updates. I always enjoy my interactions with SSI and keep their number handy for the next search.”
Kohler Company
Regional Sales Director; Sonesta Hotels & Resorts
“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 SSI 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 Jim Coffey, and I highly recommend Jim and his team to assist you with your placement needs!”
Sean Reardon
Kevin Richeson, PHR, Vice President Global Human Resources Operations
“Thank you Specialty Search International for the more than 13 year professional relationship that we have shared and the numerous successful placements. Your ability to understand the values of an organization and then interpret that into a successful recruiting strategy has resulted in best in class performance for our Company. The timely and always thorough communication along with personal integrity and flexibility are admired by everyone who has had the pleasure to work with you.”
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.