Hospitality Executive Search: Recruiter or Career Coach?
There are executive search and recruiting firms in almost every industry and hospitality is no exception. Hotels, resorts and casinos often develop long-standing relationships with a hospitality executive search firm to get access to the pool of excellent executive candidates they know these firms can tap into.
Dennis P. Rizzo, CEO of Bentley Price Associates, likes to build the same kind of relationship with the people he finds and places with his hospitality clients. He calls them Rizzo's Recruits and takes a personal interest in their careers.
One of his recruits is Joel Rovics, Corporate Director of Marketing for Gila River Casinos in Arizona, where he is responsible for the successful development and execution of the marketing strategies for their three properties.
Rovics says that he got two of the best jobs of his career though Bentley Price Associates and he regards Rizzo as more of a career coach than a recruiter. "As I am looking at career opportunities, he and I discuss how they will translate into future opportunities, or keep me on track and in line with my career aspirations," explains Rovics.
He first met Rizzo in the summer of 2004 when Bentley Price was searching for an Executive Director of Marketing for Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino in Palm Springs. Rizzo first interviewed Rovics by phone, really got to know him and understand his values and aspirations and once he felt that this was a fit, arranged for him to fly out to Palm Springs for an interview with the casino. It was indeed a good fit and Rovics was hired.
Rizzo stayed in touch with Rovics over the next several years and, when he was ready to take a step up the career ladder, Rizzo placed him as Vice President of Marketing for Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, where he led a team of more than 100 people. "Dennis counseled me to take this opportunity, because being successful in this position would set me up for years to come with great opportunities for advancement in the industry," says Rovics.
"Dennis Rizzo has run major properties himself and he knows what it takes to get the job done," says Rovics. "He knows how to move up the ladder – he did it. That makes all the difference. And he has his finger on the pulse of the industry, so he is excellent at getting the right information in front of the right people."
Finding the right candidate in a casino executive search can be a challenge. Not only do you need specific skills and experience in the candidate, you need someone who is passionate about the hospitality industry and fits the values and culture of the organization. Next time you are looking, rather than use a run-of-the-mill hospitality recruiter, find an executive search firm that acts as a career coach to clients and candidates alike.
About Bentley Price Associates | Bentley Price Associates is an international hospitality executive search firm. Our search and evaluation techniques consistently match clients with qualified executives and managers. Our client roster includes national and international hotel corporations, as well as independent hotels, restaurants, resorts, clubs, and casino properties around the globe. http://www.bentleyprice.com
