Founder & CEO of Gracious Hospitality Management

I always look for compatibility when hiring aspiring professionals. You may be objectively a very highly-qualified candidate, but it goes beyond skill set. The plus alpha is where you find the partnership - and that's how I view employment.

I find inspiration from my father. My father has been a true gastronomer. He takes a lot of joy in talking about food in a critical way. I feel if I can please him, then I can please everyone - and therefore, he inspires me every day to bring excellence to the table.

You need an innate likeability between both the employer and employee. If the candidate jives with the culture of the restaurant and vice versa, then that's the making of a great partnership. I also look for people that are innately hospitable and warm. If I am interviewing a candidate and they feel comfortable and make me feel comfortable, then I know it's a good fit.