DZA ASSOCIATES
ABOUT DZA ASSOCIATES . . .
DZA Associates (DZA) provides Chef Search and Management Consulting services to the private club community. Founded in 2000 by David Meyers following a remarkable career as an Executive Chef and General Manager at nationally recognized private club properties, David Meyers’ personalized services provided Club General Managers and Boards unparalleled expertise towards finding ideal culinary talent complementary of all business, professional and personal objectives. Year 2022 was a transitional one for David Meyers Associates as David has found, within his Team, an Associate to help perpetuate (DMA) into a successful future. He has handed off the Culinary Search Division to Denise Zanchelli, MBA, CHE. Denise is no stranger to the ‘culinary world’ having spent 20 plus years at The Culinary Institute of America and her experience, over the past three plus years as David’s right-hand recruiter. Denise has been appointed the new Managing Director, and will continue in his footsteps under the (DZA) LLC. umbrella.
At DZA Associates (DZA), our relationship with clients and candidates will always be built on mutual respect, discretion, and dedication to the best industry practices. When you hire us, we value the trust placed in our services and pledge to work tirelessly to forge sustainable matches of talent, bringing you the best candidates available in the profession.
WHY DZA ASSOCIATES FOR YOUR CHEF SEARCH . . .
- Denise Zanchelli, MBA, CHE, the firm’s Managing Director maintains close contact with clients and candidates post assignment completion, substantiating a consistently high 90%+ satisfaction factor, significantly distinguished compared to the 50% industry average. Supported by her team, clubs are assured of having complete support and expertise of 100-years-plus operational experiences. The firm limits the number of active searches at any given time, supportive of detailed, quality placements.
- Using an individualized approach to each search assignment, Denise serves as the club’s direct contact throughout the entire process.
- DZA Associates employs a fee for performance-based approach to each assignment it agrees to accept. Using a retained-contingency agreement, Managers and Boards are assured that DZA has the club’s business interest in mind supported by a minimal engagement commitment due upon the assignments commencements. Unlike contingency agencies (also known as resume mills) or retained firms guaranteed a fee regardless of result, DZA’s approach produces results.
- A proprietary candidate screening method call the Chef Strength Analysis, a testing method is administered to all prospective candidates to substantiate skills and interests.
- DZA Associates has earned the faith and confidence of culinary industry leaders with a network of professional contacts that spans the private club, hotel, and restaurant communities and leading colleges including The Culinary Institute of America and Johnson & Wales University.
- DZA Associates services provides clubs immediate and lasting value with a unique Pay for Performance approach to recruiting. Very competitively priced as compared to other firms and agencies charging 30%-35% of the candidates first years’ salary.
- Denise is a member of professional organizations and has personal association with The Culinary Institute of America.
OUR PLEDGE TO YOU …
Having worked with David Meyers Associates (DMA) as its lead recruiter, I have learned first- hand by evaluating candidates, learning the techniques, placement skills, and most importantly, the approach and insights that David Meyers has successfully used in helping Clubs find culinary leadership for over 20 Years.
Having been personally selected by David to carry his torch, I am honored to accept this mantel and will continue to offer professional culinary placement services for Clubs throughout the country. David Meyers will continue his involvement working as DZA’s Ambassador. In addition, our two ‘masters’ will continue to play important roles in the company. Dan Hugelier, CMC (Certified Master Chef) a culinary stalwart team member, and Bill Schulz, MCM (Master Club Manager) an icon in the Club Industry for many years.
Our Pledge is to continue to uphold the DMA traditions and provide our clients with the same expertise and services in finding you the right Executive Chef for your operation. We appreciate your consideration to retain us.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Denise M. Zanchelli, MBA, CHE
Managing Director