1. March 28, 2016
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to give my highest possible recommendation regarding John Gray’s interest in securing a
position with your company. This opinion is the result of working closely with him as he tackled the
requisite tasks necessary to staff, stage, open, and manage a highly-innovative, new restaurant and bar
at the Hotel Vandivort. Mr. Gray is a highly self-motivated, intelligent individual who is capable of
applying his high learning curve to become a dynamic leader for any establishment.
My first glimpse of his managerial strengths happened as John hand-selected and trained the inaugural
employees for the opening of The Order (Hotel Vandivort’s in-house restaurant). It was immediately
obvious that he had an uncanny ability to zero-in on the most talented, passionate, and hard-working
individuals to make the team. Though it was an impressive reflection of his instinct while the crew
gained in camaraderie throughout the training period, his remarkable skill became more profound as an
incredibly team-focused staff worked together to navigate all of the bumps and bruises that are
inevitable when opening a new venture.
I also witnessed Mr. Gray’s impeccable problem-solving skills many times daily. John takes critical-
thinking to a new level as his lightning-quick thinking and assessment of situations allows him to
recognize details that need to be addressed in critical situations. He can then efficiently create a plan of
action and clearly dictate what needs to be done to resolve issues. Not only can he problem-solve
effectively on-the-fly, his day-to-day direction includes the same very detailed, easy to understand
instructions for his staff. He simply thinks of things others typically do not; this makes his
communication about how things need to get done extremely easy to understand.
Perhaps most important in the skills John brings to leadership positions is his unflinching dedication to
get the job done regardless of whether or not he has to get in the trenches with his staff. John is not
afraid to get in and do the dirty work - whether this comes in his role as a leader willing to take on the
harder issues like discipline or as a man committed to providing service and ready to do whatever it
takes within the service industry to ensure the needs of the customers met.
Overall, John has in my daily experience of his work, exemplified an exceptional level of intelligence,
instinct, dedication to service, and capability across a wide and diverse range of skill requirements. In
my view, his hiring would result in great benefit to the establishment fortunate enough to have him. I
would be pleased to follow up this letter with direct communication regarding specific incidents that
support my reflections of John Gray’s employability.
Sincerely,
Megan A. Roloff
Shift Manager, The Order at The Vandivort
708 East Walnut Street
Springfield, Missouri 65802
417-576-2285