Laura Stevens
Executive Recruiter
Division: Restaurant
Location: California (Coastal, Fresno, Northern), Oregon, Washington
Division: Hospitality
Location: Oregon, Washington
Laura Stevens
Executive Recruiter, Gecko Hospitality
Hospitality & Restaurant Division | California, Oregon & Washington
Phone: 503-868-2493 | Email: laura@geckohospitality.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-stevens-7999ba232/
About Laura
Laura Stevens is a hospitality, restaurant recruiter with Gecko Hospitality serving the California, Oregon, Washington market. Laura’s focus: Hospitality and contract food-service recruiting (Pacific Region: CA, OR, WA); catering and GM background. Over 30 years in hospitality.
Background & Experience
Over 30 years in hospitality; began as catering sales manager at the Red Lion Hotel in downtown Portland after relocating from Michigan (Eastern Michigan University); worked for Tiffany Food Service; then 24 years with the Compass Group (Eurest sector) as a General Manager.
Areas of Focus
Positions: General Manager and Assistant General Manager; Executive Chef and culinary leadership; Multi-unit, area, and district leaders; Hotel and hospitality operations leadership; Director and senior operations roles
Markets served: California, Oregon, Washington.
How Laura Evaluates Talent
I look for hospitality leaders who know how to drive results while building strong teams and positive cultures. Beyond P&L experience and operational expertise, I pay close attention to a candidate’s ability to develop people, retain talent, and lead effectively under pressure. The strongest leaders can share specific examples of overcoming challenges, improving performance, and creating exceptional guest experiences. I believe successful restaurant leadership is about balancing accountability, profitability, and genuine care for both employees and guests.
Laura’s Market Perspective
The hospitality hiring market across California, Oregon, and Washington remains highly competitive, particularly for proven restaurant and multi-unit leaders. Employers are looking beyond resumes and placing greater emphasis on leadership style, team development, culture fit, and the ability to drive results in challenging operating environments. Candidates with a strong track record of retention, operational excellence, and people development continue to stand out. At the same time, top talent is evaluating opportunities carefully, making clear communication, competitive compensation, and a strong employer brand more important than ever during the hiring process.
Advice
For employers: Before starting a search, be prepared to clearly define the role, compensation package, culture, and long-term opportunities so we can accurately position your opportunity to top talent.
For candidates: Be ready to provide specific examples of how you’ve led teams, improved results, developed people, and navigated challenges while delivering exceptional guest experiences.
In Laura’s Words
“My goal is to find the right fit for both the candidate and the client.”
Testimonials
“Extremely pleased! I thought your staff, Laura, in particular was incredible. She stayed positive and kept me updated every step of the way. I always felt like she was there as a great resource to have.”
Michael M. (Successfully placed candidate)
“Laura was kind and considerate while listening to me and found a place that fit me. I really appreciated her.”
Aubrey B. (Successfully placed candidate)
“Laura was absolutely amazing, and I couldn’t have asked for a better person to help me with my job search. Thank you, Laura.”
Ashley A. (Successfully placed candidate)
Laura Stevens
Executive Recruiter
Division: Restaurant
Location: California (Coastal, Fresno, Northern), Oregon, Washington
Division: Hospitality
Location: Oregon, Washington
Laura Stevens
Executive Recruiter, Gecko Hospitality
Hospitality & Restaurant Division | California, Oregon & Washington
Phone: 503-868-2493 | Email: laura@geckohospitality.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-stevens-7999ba232/
About Laura
Laura Stevens is a hospitality, restaurant recruiter with Gecko Hospitality serving the California, Oregon, Washington market. Laura’s focus: Hospitality and contract food-service recruiting (Pacific Region: CA, OR, WA); catering and GM background. Over 30 years in hospitality.
Background & Experience
Over 30 years in hospitality; began as catering sales manager at the Red Lion Hotel in downtown Portland after relocating from Michigan (Eastern Michigan University); worked for Tiffany Food Service; then 24 years with the Compass Group (Eurest sector) as a General Manager.
Areas of Focus
Positions: General Manager and Assistant General Manager; Executive Chef and culinary leadership; Multi-unit, area, and district leaders; Hotel and hospitality operations leadership; Director and senior operations roles
Markets served: California, Oregon, Washington.
How Laura Evaluates Talent
I look for hospitality leaders who know how to drive results while building strong teams and positive cultures. Beyond P&L experience and operational expertise, I pay close attention to a candidate’s ability to develop people, retain talent, and lead effectively under pressure. The strongest leaders can share specific examples of overcoming challenges, improving performance, and creating exceptional guest experiences. I believe successful restaurant leadership is about balancing accountability, profitability, and genuine care for both employees and guests.
Laura’s Market Perspective
The hospitality hiring market across California, Oregon, and Washington remains highly competitive, particularly for proven restaurant and multi-unit leaders. Employers are looking beyond resumes and placing greater emphasis on leadership style, team development, culture fit, and the ability to drive results in challenging operating environments. Candidates with a strong track record of retention, operational excellence, and people development continue to stand out. At the same time, top talent is evaluating opportunities carefully, making clear communication, competitive compensation, and a strong employer brand more important than ever during the hiring process.
Advice
For employers: Before starting a search, be prepared to clearly define the role, compensation package, culture, and long-term opportunities so we can accurately position your opportunity to top talent.
For candidates: Be ready to provide specific examples of how you’ve led teams, improved results, developed people, and navigated challenges while delivering exceptional guest experiences.
In Laura’s Words
“My goal is to find the right fit for both the candidate and the client.”
Testimonials
“Extremely pleased! I thought your staff, Laura, in particular was incredible. She stayed positive and kept me updated every step of the way. I always felt like she was there as a great resource to have.”
Michael M. (Successfully placed candidate)
“Laura was kind and considerate while listening to me and found a place that fit me. I really appreciated her.”
Aubrey B. (Successfully placed candidate)
“Laura was absolutely amazing, and I couldn’t have asked for a better person to help me with my job search. Thank you, Laura.”
Ashley A. (Successfully placed candidate)