Specialty Search International’s research and recruitment professionals are led by the following management team with over 35 combined years of recruiting experience:
Ronald D. Folkman – Founder and Chairman
Ron founded SSI in 1989. He received his college degree in Hotel Management from Webber International. For fifteen years prior to 1989, he was in executive leadership positions for both Food and Beverage and the Rooms Divisions. Ron managed Hilton, Hyatt, and Fairmont hotels throughout the country, including numerous openings. He additionally ran independent high volume restaurants as a General Manager. In addition to recruiting, he also manages day-to-day operations, internal training, company marketing, and client relations for all the locations. Ron is based out of the Napa, California office.
To contact Ron directly, please dial toll free (866)789-2673, extension 227.
Greg Birkmeier – President
Greg has over eleven years of hospitality recruiting experience with Specialty Search International. He has proven effective in partnering with clients in creating solutions to their most critical staffing needs and focuses on many of SSI’s top repeat clients, as well as new client development. His ten years of industry experience included operations and sales positions with
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and The Renaissance Hotel Company . He was the Director of Sales and Marketing at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing at The Ritz-Carlton, Kansas City and National Sales Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead. Prior Greg was a National Sales Manager and Catering Sales Manager at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel. He began at The Renaissance Waverly Hotel as a Management Trainee upon graduation from Purdue University with Honors and Distinction (Summa Cum Laude).
To contact Greg directly, please dial toll free (866)789-2673, extension 222.
Kevin Kelley CHME – Vice President
Prior to joining Specialty Search International in 2005, Kevin’s twenty plus years of hospitality industry experience focused predominantly on the upscale and luxury segment of the hospitality business with organizations including the Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa, Williams Hospitality’s El San Juan Hotel and Resort and several independent luxury resorts. Some of his past appointments have included, Vice President of Marketing and Development, Area Director of Sales and Marketing, and Assistant General Manager. Kevin’s career has spanned locations throughout North America and the Caribbean.
To contact Kevin directly, please dial toll free (866)789-2673, extension 230.
Kerry Kuhl CHME - Global Director
Kerry’s 20 years in the hospitality industry include sales and operations management positions with 4 and 5Diamond-rated resorts. Her extensive sales roles included property-based and multiple property remote sales positions. Kerry held National Sales Manager positions with Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt Hotels Hawaii, Stouffer Resorts Hawaii, Prince Resorts Hawaii and The La Rivage Resort and International Spa in Northern California. She has also opened several properties and worked in the Travel Incentive and Conference Planning side of the industry. Additional experience includes managing her own advertising company and a media advertising sales team. Kerry is based in Sacramento, California.
To contact Kerry directly, please dial (916) 223-4210.
