Frequently Asked Questions
Why hire a consultant?
T
he
decision to hire a consultant can at times be a difficult one. If expert
know-how is needed or if there is uncertainty about how to proceed on a project, you may want to consider finding a consultant to help you.
Often times, a problem has remained unsolved and an owner/investor feels the situation requires specialized knowledge. When this is the case, it's a good time to call for another professional opinion, because an unbiased and fresh insight is usually required to solve an old problem.
Hiring a consultant can be a very profitable move. When a generally profitable idea needs fine tuning or there's a need to confirm issues or concerns where there may be some doubts about, bringing in an outside view may just be about the best decision made. This industry is very time and resource consuming and for large projects your team may not be free enough or have the "know-how" and experience to manage.
The requisites for an entirely new concept or for an overhaul on an existing concept is generally outside of the skillsets of day to day management. When this is the case, a consulting team can come in temporarily with the added time and dedication to the development and execution of your particular project.
When should we bring in a consultant?
The time to hire a consultant is when there is a need to modify and individualize popular concepts to make them appear fresh and innovative. When planning a new operation and you're interested in minimizing the the challenges you'll face with openings. When major expansion or diversification requires that management, operations and production be scaled from small to large and an interim team is necessary to lead that growth. If you're an investor in an enterprise that is struggling with controls or growth and is not meeting it's required numbers, a consultant will provide an honest and straightforward perspective to help make ownerships decsions based on fact and operational reality. Consultants help with transition and assist with the most difficult and heartfelt decisions and the scope of this consulting firm can provide the widest range of services. Just contact us and we will be happy to discuss your needs.
Here are a few questions we're often asked...
Q: What is your level of expertise in
the area of hospitality?
A: Combined, our consultants have over 150 years of experience
within the hospitality industry at executive and ownership levels.
We've consulted and worked with small local, large domestic and
multi-national organizations as hotel operators, club managers and directors of
food and beverage.
Q: What services do you offer?
A: We take each project on a case by case basis, but here is what we
have done for past clients: Team leadership for the Opening and
Closing of facilities; Management sourcing and screening; Facility design and FF&E sourcing; Site
feasability studies including competitve market reports; Creation of
budgets and P&L projections; Reviews of operation and business
plans; Development of training and operational materials; Interim
site management; Cost controls and inventory auditing; Management
training and staff educational seminars; Food and Bar Recipe design;
Food photography; Creation of marketing and promotional programs;
Interim Team leadership for major events, planning and execution;
Facility inventories; "Mystery" facility reviews; Concept
changeovers
Q: What is your range of experience?
A: The companies which we have worked with have ranged from local
partnerships with a single restaurant to multi million dollar hotel
programs with large banquet operations, amenities, in-room dining, active bars and 3 meal periods per day. We've
also worked with investment funds whose involvement is strictly
financial and focused on ROI, off-site event companies, private and
public resorts with multiple golf and tennis courses, beach front services, convention programs
and nightclubs.
Q: What is your approach?
A: We want to make this as pleasurable as can be. Its a very
difficult decision to hire a consultant and we want you to feel
comfortable with your decision. We take the time to answer your
questions, keep you informed and discuss options and plans as we
move forward because ultimately, it is your business and you need to
be happy with the results we will provide.
Q: Are you original? Creative in
thought?
A: Absolutely, YES! With the variety of operations we have worked
with we have developed an "out of the box" thought processes toward
operations while still offering sound and proven solutions.
There are many ways of approaching an operation and you can count on
us to be professional, reliable and focused on making solutions work
for you and the way that you operate.
Q: How do you communicate?
A: We are available to you via phone and e-mail and when on-site, we
are there for you. We understand that this is not a 9-5 industry and
when we're committed to your project you can reach us during what we
consider this industry's reasonable hours (It's not unusual for us
to take calls late night.) Additionally, we provide weekly
project reports and if preferred project meetings for in person
presentations and discussions.
Q: How compatible will you be with the
people you'll work with?
A: We get along with people from all walks of life. We understand
that at times people may have some resistance to working with a
consultant and we understand why that is. People commit themselves
to this business and they put their heart into the work that they do
"knowing" that they're doing the right thing. We like to build a
relationship with those that we're working with and so we work to
keep lines of communication open and free. We take the time to
answer questions and address concerns and make the effort to build
the backing to motivate and educate always keeping in mind that it's
you who we're working for.
Q: Are you enthusiastic?
A: We love this industry! Its social and we get to provide the wine
and dine! Offering the
best services, amenities, cuisines, or lodgings in the industry we get to entertain guests from all walks of life.
Everyday brings new experiences and there are always challenges to be found!
Q: Will you be able to get my project
done within the expected timeline?
A: Barring unforeseen circumstances or unusual situations that
arise, we are confident that we can complete your project in the
contracted time allowed. Because each project is different,
timelines vary but as we're industry professionals who have
experience with your projects needs, you should expect ahead of the
curve results.
Need Help Fast?
We offer full client support on all of our projects. Please keep in mind we choose to limit our projects so that we can dedicate our full attention to your needs. If we're unable to assist you, we'll happily recommend colleagues who we feel would provide you the best services available. More information and our email addresses can be found on the Contact Us page.