At Patrice & Associates, we have several women who have combined their business development with being a Mom.  These women are an inspiration and testimony to what can be accomplished when one  puts their mind to it. 

Lynda’s story.

I am proud and thankful to be the mother of two fantastic kids.  I have an 11-year-old daughter, Donna, who just might be the next iCarly with her musical and computer talents. My 13-year-old son, Dominic, is just as creative, but he gravitates to the world of fantasy through computer games and books about dragons.  

Dominic is joyful and loving but he doesn’t express the full range of emotions that other kids his age are able to show.  I knew from the time he was 1 year old that he was different.  I felt that he viewed the world differently. 

Yet I did not know until he entered school that he has Asperger’s Syndrome, a high functioning form of Autism. He was originally diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder. Today, Dominic is progressing through regular classes in middle school and learning how to make new friends…thanks in part to a wonderful therapist who’s helped us teach Dominic how to engage in two-way communication. 

This challenging personal situation only increased my need — and desire — to work for myself from home. I’d taken a year off from my previous job of running a local marketing agency in Orlando, and I admit that once I was ready to return to work I briefly entertained the idea of working for someone else. It would be a dependable job, I thought, and I’d be around other people. 

But once I realized that I needed the flexibility of a home-based business, and that I had to be available for Dominic when he needed me, my decision was made. I opened an office in my basement and began work as a recruiter of top management positions for local restaurant chains. 

What I’ve learned to do is structure my day around the times when my kids are at school. After they have both left for school, I grab my coffee and my laptop and I start my work day.  I continue working steadily until they come home. 

Afternoons are spent wrapping up projects I’ve been involved in during the day. I rarely start a new project once the kids are home, but I do check my e-mails and make follow-up phone calls to clients. By following this routine, I have steadily added new clients since I opened my business. 

Some working moms who choose to have home-based businesses for the first time soon realize that they don’t have that “line of demarcation” that draws a clear distinction between being an employee at an away-from-home workplace and a mom/businesswoman who runs a home-based business. Away from home, they don’t have a son running up to them asking for help with his math homework, or a daughter arriving home in tears from school who needs immediate attention. At home, you have to be both businesswoman and mom at the same time. 

My computer and phone are on 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but when my kids need me I can shift from work mode to mom mode and tend to their needs. When I’m on the phone with a client and Dominic needs attention, the person I’m talking to often is a parent and has no problem with resuming our conversation after I resolve a home issue.  

The biggest challenge to overcome is the “availability factor.” The perception among your family and friends is that since you work at home you’re available to swing over to a car mechanic and get the oil changed or run an errand for a neighbor. 

The best way to ensure that you have a productive workday is to follow a few simple guidelines: 

• Prioritize your day. You have to know when your kids will need you, so structure your tasks to make yourself available to your children on the days or times when their needs are greatest.

• Establish a clear line of communication with your family. Let your husband, kids or live-in mother-in-law know what your work hours are and that you need to be left alone to do your job.

• Adhere to a defined work schedule. Designate which days are workdays and which are days off and stick to the schedule to create a productive routine.

One last bit of advice: If you wake up on a designated workday, but you just can’t get it together and you feel guilty, you’ve just got to forgive yourself.

Lynda Gail Alfano is a Regional Recruiting Manager for Patrice & Associates, the nation’s leading employment search firm for the hospitality industry. Based in Orlando, Lynda’s clients include several well-known brands such as Smokey Bones, Freebirds World Burrito, Cracker Barrel and Ruby Tuesdays, which have hired her to find top talent for their management positions. Lynda can be reached at (407) 351-JOBS (5627) or lyndaa@patriceandassociates.com.

SHAWNEE, Kan. – May 2010 – Patrice & Associates, the nation’s leading hospitality industry employment search firm with more than 20 years of operations behind it, announced today the recent opening of its office in Shawnee, Kansas. The new office will serve the Northwest Kansas region.

“We are thrilled to be working with local restaurants, hotels and other area hospitality businesses to fill their open management positions and make a positive impact on their operations,” said Bryan Coffman. “As entrepreneurs, it is extremely exciting to be part of the Patrice & Associates family, utilizing the company’s proven business model and hospitality industry experience to help local businesses find top local management talent to deliver the best service possible to their customers.”

With the number of foodservice managers expected to increase 11 percent from 2005 to 2015, Patrice & Associates’ work in the restaurant industry is a prime example of the strength of the local hospitality segment. On average, three quarters of local residents eat out or order in at least once a week and a quarter at least every two or three days. Thus, restaurants provide a stable ground from which Coffman and his partner, John Lienemann, can build their Patrice & Associates business’ presence across the area. Several well-known brands such as Cheddars, Houlihan’s and Original Bread have hired the search firm to find top talent for their management positions locally, allowing company personnel to focus on operating their stores.

“Unlike other sectors, the sheer volume of the hospitality industry continues to create exciting employment and new business ownership opportunities,” said Lienemann. “There are tremendous job advancement possibilities and career options available.”

Before opening a Patrice & Associates office, Coffman, an Air Force veteran, worked in information technology (IT). After several years as a dedicated employee, Coffman was laid off from Sprint-Nextel and decided to pursue his entrepreneurial dream. Lienemann, the other half of this duo, has 12 years of experience at Applebee’s which provides him with extensive restaurant management and operations background. Coffman and Lienemann were looking for a viable business opportunity which could allow them to pursue the dream of owning a business. After much research, they found that Patrice & Associates is the perfect fit.

Coffman and Lienemann’s new office in Shawnee is part of the Patrice & Associates national growth plan. Since launching the company’s franchise program less than a year ago, the company has opened more than 30 offices nationwide.

Patrice Rice, founder of Patrice & Associates and the acclaimed author of How to Interview, started Patrice & Associates two decades ago following her success with Chesapeake Cruising, a charter boat company she launched and grew to a fleet of 26 vessels. “Our clients trust us to present them with the best candidates possible for their openings,” said Rice. “It’s tough out there right now for businesses and for professionals. The job search process can be a stressful, daunting task. We ease the burden for everyone involved.”

From left to right is Allison from Dallas, Daiana from Chattanooga, Stephanie from Lansing, John from Virginia Beach, PJ from Raleigh, Lorie from CT, John – P&A VPO, Trina from Tulsa, John from Ft. Wayne, Ron from Tulsa, Steve from Dallas.

Our training program is extensive and truly sets people up for success. With virtual classroom training, followed by a week of hands-on work experience in Atlanta, then a 60-day program partnering with Bernice with daily workbook activities – everyone has the tools and support they need to be successful.

 Bella Vista, AR – Patrice & Associates, the nation’s leading hospitality industry employment search firm with more than 20 years of operations behind it, announced today the recent opening of its office in Bella Vista, Arkansas. The new office will serve the Northwest Arkansas region.

“I am thrilled to be working with local restaurants, hotels and other area hospitality businesses to fill their open management positions and make a positive impact on their operations,” said Tim Jordan. “As an entrepreneur, it is extremely exciting to be part of the Patrice & Associates family, utilizing the company’s proven business model and hospitality industry experience to help local businesses find top local management talent to deliver the best service possible to their customers.”

With the number of foodservice managers expected to increase 11 percent from 2005 to 2015, Patrice & Associates’ work in the restaurant industry is a prime example of the strength of the local hospitality segment. On average, three quarters of local residents eat out or order in at least once a week and a quarter at least every two or three days. Thus, restaurants provide a stable ground from which Jordan’s Patrice & Associates office is building its presence across the area. Several well-known brands such as Ruby Tuesdays, Cracker Barrel and Buffalo Wild Wings have hired the search firm to find top talent for their management positions, allowing company personnel to focus on operating their stores.

“Unlike other sectors, the sheer volume of the hospitality industry continues to create exciting employment and new business ownership opportunities,” said Jordan. “There are tremendous job advancement possibilities and career options available.”

Before opening his Patrice & Associates office, Jordan began his restaurant career as a busboy in a family-owned restaurant more than 20 years ago. He has held every position imaginable within the restaurant industry from a cook and bartender to assistant manager and regional manager.  His extensive management and operations background and knowledge make Jordan an expert within the restaurant industry.

Jordan’s new office in Bella Vista is part of the Patrice & Associates national growth plan. Since launching the company’s franchise program less than a year ago, the company has opened more than 30 offices nationwide.

Patrice Rice, founder of Patrice & Associates and the acclaimed author of How to Interview, started Patrice & Associates two decades ago following her success with Chesapeake Cruising, a charter boat company she launched and grew to a fleet of 26 vessels. “Our clients trust us to present them with the best candidates possible for their openings,” said Rice. “It’s tough out there right now for businesses and for professionals. The job search process can be a stressful, daunting task. We ease the burden for everyone involved.”

Patrice & Associates provides extensive support for its franchisees, who are referred to as Regional Recruiting Managers. The company sources new clients and conducts all billing and collections efforts on behalf of its franchise system. As a result, the Regional Recruiting Managers are better able to provide the right guidance to their clients and to place the best possible candidates for each opening. The franchise opportunity is ideal for first-time business owners, given the existing client base, low ramp-up time and extensive training.

About Patrice & Associates

Patrice & Associates is one of the nation’s largest privately held search firms specializing in the hospitality industry. With 20 years of operations behind it, Patrice & Associates began franchising in December 2008 and today has 30 offices open. For more information, please visit www.patriceandassociates.com/

  NvRA Welcomes Its Newest Corporate Sponsor –

Patrice & Associates Hospitality Recruiting announced this week a corporate sponsorship for 2010-2011 with the Nevada Restaurant Association (NvRA) to help carry out its mission to promote, protect and educate Nevada’s restaurant industry.

As the nation’s leading recruiter for the hospitality industry, Patrice & Associates can provide qualified, pre-screened candidates to assist restaurateurs with filling key management openings. Their new Nevada franchise will offer NvRA members benefits like a 90- day replacement guarantee, free ads on recruiting web sites, qualified management resumes for review, competitive rates, and much more!

Founded in 1989, Patrice & Associates has been a staffing partner with major brands in the hospitality industry longer than any of its competitors. Twenty years after opening its doors, Patrice & Associates is proud to represent many prominent restaurants, casinos, and hotels.

Stella Hernandez is the new franchisee in Las Vegas and is anxious to become a staffing partner with clients in Las Vegas as well as help hospitality managers find jobs. Visit Stella’s Website!

Please visit our FlickR account to see additional pictures and the names of all those attending.

This was a fun class! So many different backgrounds and so much excitement and enthusiasm filled each day with electricity.   Paul Podolsky from Career Builder flew down from Chicago to provide the class with advanced training.  He then treated us all to Happy Hour and Dinner. Thanks Paul!

Our training class was at the  Hilton Atlanta-Marietta Conference Center.  The combination of a historic location combined with great meeting accommodations and an extremely friendly staff made our stay not only productive but fun.

I am dedicated to providing the highest quality training to franchisees that join P&A.  We do not just train you for two weeks and wish you luck.  New franchisees receive:

• A week of virtual classroom training.
• A week of training at our conference center where you will be doing the actual job of recruiting with trainers by your side coaching you through each step in the process.
• The next 30 days consist of daily support and development by phone in areas such as lead generation, creating dynamic resumes, preparing your candidates for their interviews and developing client relationships.
• We  travel to your location, at our expense, to work one-on-one with you for 3 days to identify any areas requiring additional instruction.
• The next step is teaching you how to develop your territory and clients as well as marketing and social networking.
• We provide virtual training sessions weekly for the benefit of the entire Patrice & Associates organization.

My Mission Statement not only applies to candidates but also to my franchisees. 

Recruiting is not about money, it is about helping people.

Tim Jordan was a former Cracker Barrel General Manager who joined Patrice & Associates as a franchisee in Belle Vista, AR. Tim’s desire to help people find great career opportunities is evident by Hal’s testimonial below.

This is Hal’s picture and testimonial he wrote for Tim.

“ATTENTION….BUSINESS WORLD:  Recently I was seeking a career position with a company that would offer me benefits and a salary that would compensate me for the hard work and efforts that I had made in order to prepare myself for such a venture.   As luck would have it the economy turned sour and I was stuck in a dead end job with no benefits.

Who out there is with me so far?  I posted my Resume on the internet and began my search….not having much luck. Thankfully Patrice and Associates came to my rescue….in particular TIM JORDAN.

Tim found me on the net and checked out my resume and gave me a call. There was an opening with Ryan’s. Tim jumped in with both feet and the rest is history. Tim was relentless in his efforts in keeping the phone lines hot and doing everything in his power to set up the necessary contacts for me. Once the initial contacts were made and the interview was under my belt,  Tim continued to pursue and check with the Ryan’s folks constantly.

As time went by and I found myself becoming discouraged, as sometimes the interview processes can be long and drawn out, Tim came to my rescue offering moral support and professional advice on how to interview correctly as well as professional resume advice.

Eventually the position offer came through and it far exceeded anything that I had expected.  So to all those of you out there that are serious minded and ready for a career change.  My advice to anyone that is ready for that move is very simply that if Tim Jordan contacts you from Patrice and Associates sit up and take notice! This man is honest and has your best interest at heart.

Thanks, Tim for all your help.  I owe you more than I can even begin to put into words.”

Hal Robertson

“When Patrice Rice came to meet us nearly a year ago, she had an extremely opportune situation.  Rarely, do we have a client that has numerous prospective franchises showing serious interest before they even franchise their business.

In Patrice’s situation, she provides a unique placement service for restaurant owners and managers.  She is essentially brokering top level restaurant management.  It helps the restaurant owner deal with a challenging situation and she has a great following from top managers that always have a “go-to” for new restaurant opportunities.”

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To experience this kind of growth during a recession, the San Francisco Sourdough Eatery  must be doing something right. Maybe it’s the chain’s world-famous sourdough bread, fresh ingredients and specially blended spread that make the “Premium Deli Cafe” so successful.

During this time, it’s great to hear positive news about franchise expansions. It’s just another sign that things may be looking up for the restaurant and hospitality industry!

The new menu items will first be at 222 stores in California and will be available at all 732 locations within the next year. Jamba stresses the importance of healthy living, so of course, the new menu items have no artificial flavors, preservatives, high-fructose corn syrup or trans fat.

Nation’s Restaurant News reported that the new food lineup comes with a “renewed emphasis on franchising, particularly in non-traditional locations. Jamba said the company plans to refranchise 150 company-owned locations to help pay down debt and finance growth.”

When Jamba Juice recognized declining sales, it acted swiftly, differentiated its menu and is proactively franchising. All the while, Jamba didn’t forget it’s healthy mission.