Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Val Upfold, Hospitality Recruitment/Food TV Casting, based in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am an Executive Recruiter within the hospitality space. Some of the top hospitality companies hire me to help them find great employees, those that are consistently rated by their peers as the best in the industry. I work with hotels, restaurants, entertainment groups, and more on searches ranging from operations to HR and Marketing, Finance, and more.
My process is very thorough - my decades of working in hospitality HR ensure this - and guaranteed. I have worked within the Toronto hospitality space for over 20 yrs in various influential positions, so my network is huge!
Tell us about yourself
I have always worked in restaurants, starting as a bartender at university. Travels took me to Australia, where I worked in my first Restaurant Manager role. Once back in Canada, I took a job as a Manager and Sommelier at one of Canada's top restaurants - Canoe Restaurant & Bar, owned and operated by Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants. I then started and ran the HR department for Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants and grew the company from 70 employees to over 1500 employees and from 3 restaurants to over 25.
I moved into Recruitment 10 yrs ago, joining a small firm as Managing Partner, and recently went out on my own in Jan 2022. It offers me the flexibility to take on other projects - including HR consulting and Food TV casting. I also get to be around people who love hospitality every day and help find people some incredible jobs.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It's always an accomplishment when I make a great match with a candidate and a client. Helping them both succeed in their career.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Having to wear all the hats - marketing, accounting, HR - on top of the day-to-day recruitment work. And the fact that you have to be "on" 24/7. But I wouldn't change it!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you like to be busy, and you thrive in chaos.
- Tell everyone you meet what you do - be proud and network!
- Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.valupfold.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valupfold/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerieupfold/
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.
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