Testimonials
Learn more what people say about our consultants
Our experience was exceptional, and I am thrilled with our hire! Horizon was very thorough, really understood my needs, and VERY timely with all communication. I can’t say enough good things about him. I would be happy to be a reference and speak to your future clients and elaborate on my exceptional experience with the Horizon!
It was our goal to do a coast-to-coast search for a potential executive for the company. The candidates that Horizon Hospitality provided were excellent and were indeed from Florida to California and many places in-between. We had some fairly unique needs and Horizon listened and provided what we asked for and more. The Horizon staff was attentive, professional and possessed great communication skills that helped us wade through the many areas of an executive hire.
This was our first time using a recruiting company since downsizing and outsourcing/supplementing what was in-house HR. Horizon was very systematic and thorough in their introduction to the process and team. We were most impressed with their ability to find quality candidates quickly, in a market that is not flush with talent. I would strongly urge investing in Horizon as a resource for identifying and employing foundational team members.
Raymond Minias is an exceptional leader whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for several years and working with in the past.
His deep understanding of market conditions and ability to leverage strategic partnerships have laid the foundation for developing optimal strategies that maximize yield. As a result, our hotels have established a benchmark for excellence in performance, evidenced by awards for highest ADR and RevPAR, and have achieved exceptional profitability.
His ability to remain calm and focused during complex projects, while fostering a collaborative environment, has transformed our team’s productivity. He not only drives results but also invests deeply in the personal growth of his team members.
I had the pleasure of working closely with Ray during a period of significant transition at The Chanler. Throughout our renovation, he was highly engaged in the details, thoughtfully reviewing plans, working through unforeseen challenges as they arose, and remaining closely attuned to everything happening across the project. His presence brought a sense of steadiness and clarity during a complex process.
Ray’s approach to financial and rate restructuring was both disciplined and intuitive. He understands how to position a property within its market while preserving its identity, and he consistently made decisions that strengthened both performance and long-term positioning.
What stands out most is his commitment to operational excellence. He was always available, quick to step in wherever needed, and consistently present for the team. His support was not abstract; it was felt in real time, in the day-to-day moments that matter most. He was a meaningful partner during an important chapter for us.
I have worked side by side with Ray for over 20 years. In my time working with Ray I have grown to appreciate his love for customer-first service and how much he loves mentoring others…while he is truly talented interacting with guests, his real superpower is his command of the business and budgeting.
Charis is the best at FF&E budgeting in the country.
I engaged Professor Dev as an expert witness on behalf of my client, a franchisee with a very well-known international hotel and resort company. The franchisee owned and operated a unique hotel property in northern California. The franchisee and franchisor were engaged in a heated dispute that involved, primarily, the terms and operation of the franchisor’s loyalty program. Professor Dev was of substantial assistance in preparing a detailed written report and testifying impressively before the American Arbitration Association administered Arbitration Panel. Although the Panel did not find in favor of my client, the final award was based on grounds unrelated to Professor Dev’s opinions.
I was impressed with Professor Dev’s expertise on the subjects of marketing, brand management, and the operation of loyalty programs, generally, and within the hospitality industry, specifically. Professor Dev’s knowledge, his insights to the hospitality industry, and his appreciation for the legal process were key elements in my client’s claims and defenses.
As an investor in multiple hotels that Aperture operates, we have clearly seen results that would otherwise not have been attainable. Without compromising guest service scores or satisfaction, they have consistently delivered us above average returns. Charles has built one of the most engaged and experienced teams that clearly understands what is needed in the current lodging environment.
I have worked with Daphne since 2007 on consultancy and appraisal assignments for a variety of projects. I have always been impressed by her dedication, diligence and attention to detail while maintaining a clear view of the bigger picture.
A key strength is her deep expertise in hotel operations paired with a strong finance and investment perspective. This rare combination enables her to provide advice that is not only operationally sound but also commercially and strategically well grounded. Her professionalism, insight and reliability have made her a highly valued partner on every project we have worked on together.
I’ve known Daphne since 2007, from her early days at JLL in London to her rise as country head at JLL Istanbul. She combines sharp analytical rigour with rare intuition and the ability to see both detail and the bigger picture. It has been wonderful seeing her thrive across diverse geographies and cultures – the UK, Turkey, CIS, the Middle East, and the US, a true testament to her adaptability and excellence. She is detail-oriented, astute, and reliable and above all, profoundly human. Whenever I’ve needed valuation, advisory, or a bankable document, there has only ever been one port of call – Daphne.
Throughout our engagement, Donald demonstrated the highest level of professionalism, responsiveness, ethics, and strategic thinking. He approached our project as a true partner, invested in our long-term success rather than simply completing deliverable. His consulting added measurable value at every stage of our development, and I would not hesitate to engage his services for future projects or recommend him to colleagues in the industry.
Donald Hoover’s consulting was a cornerstone of our successful licensing and launch process. Any organization undertaking complex gaming projects, regulatory applications, or leadership development initiatives would benefit tremendously from his expertise.
I want to take this opportunity to provide the highest level of praise and recommendation for Debbie Miller of Social Hospitality. Over the last two years, Debbie has provided strategic social media services for our two luxury hotel properties with very different goals and needs.
Through her expertise, Debbie has furnished an exceptional strategic direction for each of the properties, delivering a combination of insightful and inspired positioning strategies and proactive social media campaign recommendations with outstanding results.
Her understanding of the often complex and nuanced medium of the social digital world has provided us with a level of professional targeted support and counsel that has proven vital to the core objectives of our business.
I would highly recommend her services to any hospitality organization seeking to substantially increase their profile and reputation in our industry.
Our spa recently had the pleasure of being under the guidance of Holleigh Alexander-Ramsey and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. The impact she made on our spa was both profound and lasting. Holleigh had left an enduring mark on our spa’s identity, characterized by innovation, a commitment to personalized service, and an unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest standards. Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa extends our heartfelt gratitude for the positive impact she made to our team, the operation, and our spa’s financial success.
As spa operations consultant at Gurney’s Seawater Spa, Holleigh guided the business in a clear path toward to success. She was able to connect with the team and implement procedures that created synergistic business flow. Our property has many challenges, and after her short tenure here, we felt prepared to take them on. When it comes to superior organization, increased profitability and simplistic approaches to long term success, I would recommend any business utilize Holleigh’s many talents.
“We at Amadria Park Hotels in Croatia contracted with Haydn to help us redesign our Sales organization in the fall of 2017. When that process was complete, it became clear we needed additional training for our sales teams in every market. To complete that we engaged Haydn ,again, to really invigorate that sales mission. He taught three two day sessions for all our sales teams, whose members ranged from seasoned sales experts to entry level green. The feedback was resoundingly positive, and more important to me, his training was based on actionable day to day sales skills for a new era of complex social media, new direct sales strategies, and a way to measure, “what really drives revenue” into our hotels. His methods were fun and engaging, and I never saw anyone use more flip charts! Highly recommended.”
Jessica Kranz Hughes and the Concordia Partners team bring disciplined thinking and strong commercial judgment, consistently structuring partnerships that drive revenue, protect the brand, and support long-term asset value.
Jessica understands how to unlock value in complex partnership environments, translating strategic opportunities into clear commercial outcomes while protecting long-term brand and asset integrity.
Jessica combines strategic rigor with practical execution, aligning stakeholders and partnerships to support revenue growth, audience engagement, and long-term enterprise value.
Jay Landfair was my Director of Operations for over 20 years. Our Multi-faceted businesses thrived under Jay’s thoughtful guidance and leadership. His calm and professional demeanor was a major factor in the growth and development of our Organization. Jay is blessed with fantastic “people skills” and as such was a valuable asset in working with our diversified national and international work force. A tremendous problem solver, who always looked for solutions rather than trying to lay blame. A great communicator whose knowledge of the Hospitality Industry always kept our Properties outperforming comparable Hotels in our Competitive Set. His ability to elevate the performance of those who served under him may be his greatest contribution to the overall success of our businesses.
Jim Miles is a rare talent; there is no one better to lead or partner complex hospitality projects. I have worked with Jim for more than 25 years on envisioning and executing development projects, including new-build, renovation and reconstruction. All projects were successful in enhancing both the guest experience and the bottom line, while managing disruption and cost. Jim has a complete mature understanding of operations, design, and development. He participates with clear focus, works well with the team, and doesn’t rest until it is right.
Ken is a visionary in our industry. Upon him taking over the management in our property, we have seen fundamental changes to our daily operations that made our asset more efficient and sustainable during challenging times. He has extensive experience in managing properties and increasing the bottom line. Ken understands the industry and is connected to key people who can shift things around. During the time we have worked on our property so far, I’m astounded by his drive to lead the industry towards new horizons through his interest in technology. Highly recommended for any project that requires strong leadership, Ken & his team will deliver
Throughout my professional experience with Katie, including a number of mediations and settlement conferences, I have found her insight and judgment and her positive and upbeat attitude invaluable during contentious litigation. She is diligent, thoughtful, caring and goal oriented. I unhesitatingly recommend Katie for any professional role where her knowledge, wisdom and organizational talents could be employed.
I have had the good fortune of working with Martin twice in the past 10 years and the benefit he brings to the revenue potential of a hotel is sizeable. His understanding of market conditions and leveraging strategic partnerships set the table for setting the best strategies that then allow for the maximization of yield. This has allowed our hotels to set the high-tide benchmark for performance (awards for highest RevPAR, etc). His good consul has always set us up for success.
Thank you, thank you!!! I have tried to get our new website put together for over a year, only to make little progress due to running the business. Within one month of working with you, we launched our beautiful new site. We could not have done it without you! Your organization, insights, and proactivity is exactly what we need to accelerate our marketing initiatives. The results from the PR focus speak for themselves. Most of all, I appreciate having a coach I can discuss strategic direction with. Marcus and I are both thrilled with our partnership, and we look forward to not only working on marketing with you but diving into our operations goals as well. Thanks for being a perfect partner for our business!
We have had a great experience working with Mandy. Initially we saw her speak at an event for Select Registry. Everything she said was so relevant to all of the growing pains we were feeling as a company, we knew we had to find a way to work with her.
Fast forward 3 weeks later, we retained Mandy as a Hospitality Coach. She’s helped us formulate strategies for our hotels, restaurants and even our PR. Most importantly, she is always there for us when we need her. We’ve been working together for over 6 months now, and our business is seeing the benefits in so many ways. Looking forward to the growth opportunities she can help us achieve
From the start of my project, I knew that I didn’t want the motel to look like it was designed with stuff that was pulled off the shelf of a big box store. Having admired the look of boutique hotels & motels for a long time, I set out to find a way to get that custom look. After searching for a while, a friend of mine recommended Prakash at Vision Pacific. I was nervous to talk to him at first because my project was probably on the smaller side of what he usually deals with. The first conversation went really smoothly, and Prakash was friendly and knowledgeable. We moved things forward and, at every stage, Prakash and his team helped me through the design and production process. They even showed us many blind spots that we were not aware of. After months of working with the team, then getting the custom fixtures delivered straight to us and installed, I couldn’t be more happy with the final product.
Working with Prakash Khemlani of Vision Pacific Group / Vision United has been an exceptional experience. Prakash brings a rare blend of design sophistication, financial insight, and industry know-how to every project. On our recent collaboration, he challenged me to elevate the design vision while ensuring it remained achievable, and he tapped into his extensive network to source the right manufacturers who could deliver the required quality within both the budget and the schedule. His ability to balance creativity with pragmatism makes him an invaluable partner, and I truly consider him a trusted advisor.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Prakash on several hospitality projects over the past several years and I can confidently say he brings exceptional value to every engagement. His comprehensive understanding of both the financial and operational aspects of hospitality ventures sets him apart in the industry.
Prakash’s expertise in FF&E procurement and management is particularly impressive. He consistently sources high-quality products that balance aesthetic appeal with durability and budget considerations. His vendor relationships and knowledge of product lines have saved our projects both time and money while never compromising on quality.
What makes Prakash truly stand out is his ease of collaboration. He has a remarkable ability to translate complex financial concepts into actionable insights that all stakeholders can understand and appreciate. His attention to detail in budgeting and cost analysis, combined with his creative problem-solving approach, has helped us navigate challenging project requirements while maintaining profitability.
His range of knowledge extends beyond just products and finances – he understands the full lifecycle of hospitality operations, from concept development through implementation and ongoing management. This holistic perspective makes him an invaluable partner who can identify opportunities and potential issues before they become problems.
I would welcome the opportunity to work with Prakash again and highly recommend him to any organization seeking a knowledgeable, reliable, and results-oriented hospitality professional.
Over the past 18 years, I have collaborated with Prakash on several projects, most notably Spice Market Melbourne, where his expertise, professionalism, and responsiveness proved invaluable.
For Spice Market, Prakash supplied over USD $500,000 in custom furniture across 27 designs of chairs, couches, tables, and other pieces in relatively small quantities. Coordinating so many SKUs, managing cross-border manufacturing, and maintaining strict quality control was no small task, yet Prakash delivered seamlessly.
From initial planning and shop drawings through production, delivery, and installation, Prakash worked with transparency, fairness, and accountability. He combined manufacturing and sourcing expertise with flexibility at a time when Chinese production typically required bulk orders. Acting as both manufacturer and supplier, he ensured smooth logistics, excellent finishes, and furniture that met all design and functional requirements. Equally important, he was responsive and calm under pressure, solving challenges quickly and effectively. He adapted readily, offered practical recommendations, and always acted as a partner rather than just a vendor, helping us achieve the best possible outcome.
Based on my experience, I have no hesitation in recommending Prakash Khemlani for any leadership, procurement, or sourcing role in the furnishing or hospitality project supply sector. He brings domain expertise, integrity, and trusted relationships essential to success in global production.
Peter is a pleasure to work with. He is a winner.
Preston is one of the most detailed oriented operators I have worked with. His multi-faceted experience allows him to flourish in all food and beverage areas, from small owner-operators to large-scale nightclubs. His pragmatic approach to things is exactly what one needs to succeed in the difficult world of food and beverage.
Preston and I worked together for several years in one of the fastest-growing nightlife companies in the country at the time. We succeeded together as both front-of-the-house employees as well as managers. His wealth of knowledge behind the bar and his natural leadership and managing insight helped create a tremendous learning experience for myself and others around him. Because of this today, I still refer to him for advice in my own consulting business. If you have the chance to work with him, then take it!
It was a privilege working with Preston at Pure Management Group. We worked together for over three years at Tangerine, Pure, and LAX nightclubs. I ran catering/banquets and hosted private events while he ran the bar. Preston’s methodical approach to bar operations is why I like him. His meticulous attention to detail is rare, and I respect him. Large-scale banquets can be stressful, but Preston always made me laugh. Ask him about his Karate Chicken concept. After laughing, you’ll ask about investing. Preston is an impact player and will be an asset to your company.
Engaging Preston as a consultant for a hospitality client was one of our best decisions. His attention to detail and expertise in operations, forecasting, and price structuring were extremely effective and turned poorly performing properties around and pointed in the right direction. His transparency and coaching approach helped our managers to identify areas of opportunity for improvement at the onset and to implement the best practices learned from Preston. Should the opportunity arise, I would absolutely plan to engage him for his services.
Our family brought Rick on board to guide our sales and marketing team toward stronger revenues and improved occupancy. We relied on his expertise to advise on and implement strategies across revenue management, packaging, marketing, and human resources. His deep knowledge of the hospitality industry is unmatched. Even more impressive is his relentless drive to get things done and the genuine care he brings to his work—far exceeding the typical consultant/client relationship. A family-owned resort, spanning five generations and 140 years, Basin Harbor benefited from Rick’s dedication, his passion, his knowledge, and his commitment to creating meaningful and lasting change.
Rick has vast and deep experience in the hospitality and travel industry. His contributions at Marriott were greatly appreciated.
I have worked with Rick for many years in various capacities, and his ability to optimize revenue and stimulate growth in an underperforming asset is a true talent. The work Rick does is very “high touch,” and he certainly doesn’t mind rolling up his sleeves to best evaluate and improve an organization’s results.
Rick has been a tremendous asset to me and my team as we define our sales needs. He swiftly evaluated our business, provided suggestions, created sales and marketing plans, and developed job descriptions. Currently, he is screening all applicants for our Director of Sales and Marketing position. Rick has quickly become a trusted and integral part of the team.
Rick is a strategic visionary. He was instrumental in building our sales strategies and restructuring our team. I would highly recommend Rick, as his diverse experience provides a wide range of perspectives and allows him to customize the approach needed for success.
I had the pleasure of collaborating with Rick, who I found to be a highly valuable and experienced resource. His vast knowledge in the various market segments, given their nimble nature, was very positive in aiding our property’s efforts to grow its base and impact the positioning of our luxury boutique hotel. His professional, strategic, and thoughtful approach were a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Rick if you are seeking to improve the performance of your property.
We engaged Rishi and Elevate Technology Consulting LTD to perform a Technology audit of our property in Hawaii. Given his prior experience and knowledge of luxury hospitality, we trusted that Rishi would give a thorough review and help us with the technology systems we needed. In the end, Rishi and his team had to design new systems for us, and it was the right decision. He and his team were able to guide us through what we needed and make suggestions and recommendations. Rishi was always available for calls and last-minute site visits. During our opening, Rishi spent consecutive days onsite helping us prepare for our guests; he was an invaluable asset in getting our project over the finish line! As we look to expand and consider other opportunities, we look forward to working with Rishi and Elevate again.
RIM Architects were tasked with coordinating all design consultants for the Mauna Lani Bay project. When we engaged Rishi and worked with him and his team, we quickly realized how valuable his knowledge and experience was in delivering low voltage design and consulting services for the team. He was always willing to join calls, give direction and feedback and fly to the island for meetings with little notice. He went above and beyond our expectations of delivering drawings, specifications and following our schedules and timelines with little hesitation to meet deliverable deadlines. We have already approached Elevate Technology Consulting LTD. on other projects and hope to work with them again soon.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation and satisfaction of the work that Rishikumar performed for the successful opening of our Four Seasons property in the Kingdom of Bahrain with regards to all IT Systems and Communications. He was already very much involved with the project when I first met him in Toronto in January 2014. From the moment I met him until well after the opening on March 1, 2015, Rishikumar was able to work well with owners, developers and operators in a very professional manner, all with the responsibility of ensuring top systems were procured, received, installed and operating before he passed them on to our own internal IT Director. All of our top systems were obtained and operating on time and on budget, with savings in many areas.
“SBMG has been producing our high energy, large scale events for over 10 years. Over that time, we have been very happy with the professional team, creative styling, fantastic equipment and overall execution of any event they produce. They are top notch and we highly recommend!”
I would be amiss if I did not express my appreciation of the outstanding contribution Sean made to the development and growth of Aman Resorts. His great strength lies in his ability at building second-to-none, exceptional guest experiences.
On behalf of the team at The Local we want to Thank Sean for all the invaluable help and support you provided in the process of opening our restaurant. Your expertise and dedication were instrumental in making our dream a reality, and we couldn’t have done it without you.
From the initial concept and business planning to navigating the complex world of hospitality your guidance was indispensable. Your insights on restaurant management and operations have been incredibly valuable and have set us on the path to success. Not only did you provide us with your professional knowledge, but your unwavering commitment and tireless effort were truly remarkable. Your passion for this industry is evident in everything you do, and it’s contagious. You’ve not only been a mentor but also a friend throughout this journey.
I have no doubt that your contributions will continue to benefit our restaurant for years to come. We’re incredibly fortunate to have had you as part of our team and also a part of our Local family!
We wholeheartedly recommend Sean Flakelar to anyone embarking on a restaurant venture. His unwavering commitment to excellence, exceptional problem-solving abilities, outstanding leadership skills, and exceptional work ethic make him a truly exceptional professional.
Thank you again for everything, Sean. You are a true expert, and your support has made a world of difference for us.
The Local Team!
Stephanie Smith and her Cogwheel Marketing team are AMAZING! Their knowledge and expertise in hotel digital marketing is second to none. That, coupled with their proactive, overdeliver approach and incredible responsiveness make them my one and only digital marketing agency partner. Plus, Stephanie is just plain fun to work with. I highly recommend!!
He presented his detailed proposal to the lender and was successful in extending the due date until a sale or refinance could be achieved. In addition he was able to achieve a $200,000.00 reduction in the balance due and get the additional $1.3 million dollar lien released in order to allow for the refinancing of the property. We are as a result extremely satisfied with Mr. Lambrecht and his performance.
