Local Entrepreneurs Jumpstart Northwest Kansas Job Market

Bryan Coffman and John Lienemann Put Shawnee’s Hospitality Professionals to Work

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.”