Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christine DeVita, Co-Founder of DeVita & Hancock Hospitality Recruiters, located in Holtsville, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are Experts in hospitality recruiting. We specialize in sourcing candidates not found on the internet but rather through networking with our industry peers. Our recruiters do the heavy lifting, provide one point of contact to your organization and send you quality candidates tailored to your exact needs. DeVita & Hancock Hospitality has an unmatched track record for going above and beyond to find superior candidates for the biggest brands in the industry. Your success is our success, and we back that up with a "no questions asked" replacement guarantee.
Tell us about yourself
I started working in this business when I was a teenager and have loved it ever since. I knew I wanted to make the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry a career but wasn't sure in what capacity. Throughout my career, I worked for some great companies and leaders and navigated my way up the ladder. In 2018 I decided to do something about the recruiting efforts of our industry; that's when my business partner and I created and opened our recruiting firm. We have a 98% success rate with placing candidates; we choose our clients carefully and don't sign just anyone. Our clients need to have the same or similar core values, beliefs, and understanding of this industry. We are a representative of our clients, and our clients are a representative of us.
What motivates me is knowing that I am providing jobs to industry professionals who want to get back to work post-pandemic. We are not only a recruitment firm; we are consultants to our clients and candidates- both are equally important.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Taking D&H from $50,00 in revenue in our first year (2018) to $1.5 million in revenue (2022). Branching out into the UK (2023). Co-hosting "Behind the Counter with DeVita & Hancock" in 2021. Co-Founded Salted, a creative company that is a full-service Marketing Firm in the North East.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Ensuring that we live our mission and values on a daily basis, staying focused, providing uncompromised service to our clients, and ensuring we match the right candidates with our clients.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I can't give you just three because the following nine are so important.
- Get Organized
- Keep Detailed Records
- Analyze Your Competition
- Understand the Risks & Rewards
- Be Creative
- Stay Focused
- Prepare to Make Sacrifices
- Provide Great Service
- Be Consistent
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.dhhospitalitygroup.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devita_hancock_hospitality/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinedevita/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.