Patrice & Associates is the Nation’s largest and oldest Hospitality recruiting firm. Franchisees (and their recruiters) are committed to placing the right candidate by deploying a very aggressive approach to finding top talent. Client companies pay to find the best employment match. This is not a staffing company. The majority of the placements occur within the restaurant industry, but you will also recruit for hotels, travel plazas, casinos and retail when the openings are available. These are management level positions and above.
Patrice & Associates is founded by Patrice Rice who has been in business for over 25 years and is the largest and most recognized name in hospitality recruiting. As the only WBENC certified hospitality recruiting firm and with Patrice herself the recognized expert in the hospitality job market – you have the wind behind your sails in this unique niche.
This business is perfect for someone who wants to work from home and doesn’t mind being on the phone. A LOT. Recruiting is hard but rewarding – both financially and in the “helping others better themselves” way. If you know the hospitality business and love it but are tired of the brutal hours and not so great pay, this is a flexible hours business model to consider.
Eventually franchisees are expected to hire recruiters for their team and open an office. Norma Tyree is entering her 3rd year in business and is doing just that in 2018. Here’s her story:
1. Tell me about your background
I started in the hospitality industry in my mid-twenties. I thought that one day I would own my own Italian restaurant but after working as a GM for over 15 years there was no way – it changed my opinion about managing vs. Owning. I knew that one day I would be in business for myself but I wasn’t sure in what capacity.
2. What was happening in your life that caused you to want to own a business?
In early 2014 I left my position as GM and decided to seriously look into starting my own business. It happened over night. I remember being at the restaurant with my daughter on a Friday night. We left work at around 10:45PM. I promise myself that I would never do that to her again. I didn’t want to continue to work for companies who would dictate what I would be making per year and how many hours I needed to work. While looking at GM positions in the restaurant industry I kept running into the same dilemma-time/flexibility. I would never have it working for someone else.
3. Why franchising (did you consider a startup)?
Yes, I considered a startup but slowly realized that I didn’t have the time or expertise in opening a business from the ground up. While I was looking to start my own business, I came across Jane Stein’s ad for Your Franchise Is Waiting. It took some time but I eventually started talking to Ms. Stein about buying a franchise. She was able to help guide me in understanding the difference between owning vs. purchasing an already proven system.
4. Why Patrice – did you look at any other options?
I looked into two other companies that offered low startup costs. One was directly related to the industry I was familiar with and the other two were not. I researched all three companies and decided that I was more interested in Patrice and Associates because of the business model and the flexibility it allowed me to have with my family.
5. What was the biggest surprise (something you didn’t expect) when you opened your business? (this could be good or bad)
The biggest surprise that I was not prepared for was the isolation. I come from an industry where I was always on. I was always talking with people; smiling and engaging with customers and my employees.
I remember talking with Jane about the isolation and she suggested that I see what’s available in my community. Networking groups. So I did, I joined two. I now have a better grasp on working from home and being a part of my local entrepreneur community
6. What would you have done differently now that you know what you know?
Perhaps, I would have waited to purchase. Shortly after purchasing my mother was diagnosed with a terminal disease. I put the business to the side for one year to attend to her. At the same time, purchasing Patrice and Associates was ideal because I was able to take care of my mother and see her pass on. So, I’m not sure I would have done anything differently.
7. What’s the best thing about owning your own business?
The flexibility! Setting goals and conquering them!
When I purchased P&A I didn’t know it was a small community of small business owners who would be supporting and encouraging you all the way. In 2017 I won two awards – Patrice and Associate’s Platinum award and also receiving the highest client fee in 2017!
8. What’s next for you?
This year I will be adding on four recruiters and four lead getters.
I plan on adding more clients to my client roster.
I’m very motivated this year in helping more companies and people find their ideal employees/companies.