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Thomas J. Smith PhD.

Greetings, my name is Tom Smith, I am a 40+ year veteran of the hospitality industry. I would be honored to share my experience and expertise with you in an effort to maximize your hospitality business's potential. I am an experienced executive chef specializing in volume operations as well as a PhD who's focus has been on management and maximizing your employees' potential.

 

I am currently the Director of Management Programs for the National Center for Hospitality Studies in the College of Hospitality at Sullivan University. I have been in leadership positions in the hospitality industry for decade;  specializing in opening restaurant operations; having been integrally involved with the successful opening of over 25 restaurants, two casinos, a convention center, a certified conference center and a domed stadium.

 

I earned a PhD in Strategic Management, where my research focused on management and how to maximize employee productivity, engagement, satisfaction and loyalty.  Additionally I have a Masters of Business Administration in Hospitality Management, an Executive Masters of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, as well as an Associates of Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America.

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During my professional career, I have owned my own business, worked on a private yacht, and held executive chef positions in resort / casinos, hotels, convention centers, sports arenas, institutional food service and private restaurants. I hold Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE), Certified Hospitality Industry Analytics (CHIA), and  Certified Executive Chef (CEC) certifications. 

 

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UPCOMING EVENTS

MY LATEST RESEARCH

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I am currently focusing on the use of management techniques to improve employee engagement, retention, and productivity.

I am looking for multi-unit restaurant companies to join my study where I hope to identify a link between the emotional intelligence (EI) of line-level supervisors and the Organizational Citizenship Behavior of their subordinates. A link is proposed between the EI of the supervisor and enhanced productivity of their staff. 

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