Testimonials

What Chefs Have Said About Us

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to Denise Zanchelli of DZA Associates/David Meyers and Associates for her incredible support and guidance throughout the hiring process for the Executive Chef position at The Beach Club in Santa Monica. From the very beginning, her dedication and attention to detail were evident, and she made all the difference in my journey to this remarkable opportunity.

Denise’s meticulous approach to reviewing my portfolio was truly impressive. She took the time to understand my culinary background, my achievements, and my vision for the future. Her insightful feedback helped me present my skills and experiences in the best possible light. I felt confident and well-prepared, knowing that my portfolio had been fine-tuned with her expert eye.

The interview process was equally smooth and well-organized, thanks to her efforts. She provided clear instructions, timely updates, and invaluable advice at every stage. Her encouragement and reassurance helped me stay focused and confident, allowing me to showcase my passion and expertise effectively.

I am thrilled to have joined The Beach Club as the Executive Chef, and I am genuinely grateful for the role Denise played in making this possible. Her professionalism, warmth, and dedication have left a lasting impression on me. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had her guiding me through the process.

Thank you once again for everything, Denise. I couldn’t have done this without you! I look forward to continuing to bring my culinary vision to life at The Beach Club and making you proud.

Michael Rossi, Executive Chef
The Beach Club
Santa Monica, CA

A former GM of mine requested that Denise Zanchelli reach out to me to find out if there was a possibility for a transition to occur. From the first moment she called, I knew the GM’s request was sincere and that she would be exceptional to work with. As we ventured into the process and ultimately made the move come to fruition, she matched the needs of the club with my desire to take the next step on this culinary journey at Forsyth Country Club.

Forsyth Country Club is a premier club with history dating as far back as 1913, with a manicured golf course, multiple food and beverage outlets, active tennis and fitness facilities, seasonal pool with high volume participation. The membership at FCC was looking for a Chef that fosters collaboration and understanding among team members, demonstrates the craft of cooking through instructional sessions and chef tables, executes out of the box types of events; like chaine dinners and kitchen live feeds projected into the dining room.

When using DZA LLC, Exclusive Partner of David Meyers Associates, Ltd., candidates will immediately identify and appreciate the multitude of benefits accessible to them. From gathering insights on the right potential property, networking with the next perspective GM, having a point of contact that is knowledgeable in the field to help navigate you through the process. They (DZA LLC) value long-lasting relationships within the hospitality industry and I highly recommend them for the next transition along your path.

Lance S. Cook, WCMC, MWMCS, CCCD, CEC, CCA, CFBE, CFSM, FMP, WSET II, Director of Culinary Operations / Forsyth Country Club – Elite Emerald Club
2022 ACF Presidential Medallion Recipient
2023 ACF Cutting Edge Award Recipient
2024 ACF SW Regional Finalist for Dr LJ Minor Chef Professionalism Award
Chaine de Rôtisseur of The Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs

I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Denise during my own recruitment process, and I can confidently say that she brings a remarkable personal touch to her work.

Denise stands out because she never leaves a question unanswered or a call unreturned. From the first conversation to the final steps of the recruitment process, she ensures that you feel guided and supported. Her attention to detail, ability to listen carefully, and her genuine care for both the candidates and the organization make her an exceptional leader in recruitment.

Denise’s commitment to excellence is unparalleled. She has the unique ability to make the recruitment experience feel seamless, and her approach creates a positive and lasting impression. She builds relationships and trust with candidates, ensuring that the process is transparent and fair at every stage.

I am confident that DZA will bring the same dedication, expertise, and personal care to any future job search for any club looking to utilize their talents.

Shannon Farmer, Executive Chef
Country Club of Peoria

I had the opportunity to work with David Meyers and Associates as a chef candidate a couple times throughout my career and had exceptional experiences. Throughout the entire process, from initial interview to placement, I felt David listened to me, understood what I was looking for in an ideal executive chef position, he supported my decisions, and he provided honest, thorough feedback and insight. David was consistently prompt to respond to all correspondence and I never felt pressured to pursue any positions I did not feel were a right fit. I always felt like David was interested in finding a proper, long-term match for both chef and club, and he provided me with many different opportunities to pursue. Even after being placed, David would call periodically to check in with me to make sure everything was ok and to see if I needed anything. He’s been an invaluable contact and resource throughout my career.

Everyone I’ve spoken with at David Meyers and Associates is very friendly, helpful, courteous, and professional. If I am in need of a new position in the future, David Meyers and Associates will be my first phone call. – Kenneth Thompson, MBA, CEC, CCA, PCIII, CHE

Ken Thompson, CEC, PCIII ‘96 BPS, Professor, Culinary Arts, Joliet Junior College, Joliet, IL
(Former Executive Chef, Memphis Country Club, TN)

Denise is hands down the best in the business. Her clear communication and timely updates really make it an overwhelmingly positive experience as a candidate. Not to mention as an added bonus, she is so supportive and positive every step of the way! She really goes out of her way to make it a personal experience, and I never felt like “just another resume in the stack” with DZA Associates. The whole team top to bottom, from Denise, to Chef Dan and the rest of the crew, really are just the best of the best. I hope to finish my career in my new position, but I could not recommend Denise and DZA more highly to both Chef’s exploring new opportunities, as well as General Managers or Boards seeking a dedicated and professional chef search. Thank you again Denise and team!!

Robert J. Iannaccone, CEC, CCA, Top 40 Under 40 Award
Executive Chef
Shelter Harbor Golf Club
Charlestown, RI

I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Denise during my own recruitment process, and I can confidently say that she brings a remarkable personal touch to her work.

Denise stands out because she never leaves a question unanswered or a call unreturned. From the first conversation to the final steps of the recruitment process, she ensures that you feel guided and supported. Her attention to detail, ability to listen carefully, and her genuine care for both the candidates and the organization make her an exceptional leader in recruitment.

Denise’s commitment to excellence is unparalleled. She has the unique ability to make the recruitment experience feel seamless, and her approach creates a positive and lasting impression. She builds relationships and trust with candidates, ensuring that the process is transparent and fair at every stage.

I am confident that DZA will bring the same dedication, expertise, and personal care to any future job search for any club looking to utilize their talents.

Shannon Farmer

Working with David Meyers was not just about getting a new job; it was about advancing my career as Professional Chef. David knows the hospitality industry like no other. He excels at placing the right Chef with the right club for long term success.

David not only understands the needs of the hiring club but more importantly he understands the perspective of an Executive Chef who is taking on the challenge of a new property. The amount of research and information that David provides is impressive. No detail is overlooked.

Putting my trust in David Meyers was definitely the right decision. For the last seven years David Meyers Associates has continued to be a constant resource for me and Woodway Country Club’s program approach. The new addition of Denise Zanchelli along with her recruiting knowledge of culinary professionals will only help to further the continued success of David Meyers and Associates.

Jeff Raider, Executive Chef / Director of Food & Beverage
Woodway Country Club
Darien, CT

Developing great culinary teams is imperative and cannot be overlooked by any organization in the hospitality industry. Well selected professionals will create, nurture, design, and vigorously carry out all details of a well-planned mission statement and core values. The DMA/DZA team’s dedication from start to finish of my new position journey was impeccable. I fully recommend this team of professionals to help anyone looking for a new challenge.

Thomas Vaccaro CMB, (Former) Executive Pastry Chef
Grey Oaks Country Club
Naples, FL

Working with DZA Associates, Denise Zanchelli was my first experience working with a recruiter. Denise was professional, informative and provided me with great preparation and guidance. Denise was positive, realistic and made a seemingly difficult process very simple and straightforward.

James Satterwhite, Executive Pastry Chef
Carolina Country Club
Raleigh, NC

Denise was without a doubt the most amazing and professional recruiter I have ever interacted with! Spot on at each and every turn. I cannot sing her praises enough and anyone who ever has the opportunity to work with her is extremely fortunate!!

Spencer Wolff, Executive Chef
Lancaster Country Club
Lancaster, PA