Director of Operations at Hive Hospitality

When hiring, I look at how humble and excited people are to work in our organization. I look for desire and drive. I want to surround myself with people that want to become leaders, owners, CEOs, etc. I want people to want to take my job. People who can dream big and take pride in our profession. It is more like a feeling than what is written in a resume. You can feel when someone is right for your organization, when someone shares the same values and the same goals.

I wouldn’t be able to do my job without my team and my calendar, organization is key.

We always incorporate an educational element in our daily meetings. These topics are sent out in advance so that everyone has the same chance to participate and to get involved. We have created an environment where education and learning are sought and expected. In addition to that, we learn about each other’s individual goal so we can create action plans to help them achieve them. If someone wants to become a GM, I will bring them into our financial meetings, if someone wants to become a sommelier, we will bring them to our tasting with vendors.

I personally think that even though it sounds cliché, you have to find what you love in life. Being in the restaurant does not feel like work. It is more like a hobby. I sincerely believe that work gives balance to my life because it gives me a purpose to serve my guests and my team while at the same time improving my own skills. In addition to that, I take time to also be served by visiting other restaurants where I can get inspired and also be treated with the same hospitality that we try to give to our own guests.