Delicious Hospitality Group

Joe brings 20 years' experience serving Fortune 500 clients to E|H, managing key accounts at Randstad in his early career and more recently leading strategic consulting projects at Alvarez & Marsal, Acquis Consulting Group and EY-Parthenon. Through decades of business travel, Joe has curated a deep and personal appreciation for hospitality, connecting with clients, colleagues and friends around the world through food and drink. At home in NYC, Joe enjoys the city's diverse restaurant scene and especially loves visiting Empowered's clients with the team. Joe earned a BSc in mechanical engineering from Boston University and an MBA in strategy from the University of Notre Dame. Joe is also a PMI-certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) and an ISM Certified Professional Supply Manager (CPSM®).

What is your ideal restaurant experience?

The Danish term, hygge, describes my ideal experience - warm, cozy, and inviting. There's nothing I love more in a restaurant. A comfortable, quiet place - with soft lighting, warm colors, and well-designed acoustics - has a tremendous impact on an evening. The ambiance sets the stage for delicious drinks, tasty food, and great conversation.

What does creating workplaces where people thrive mean to you?

To thrive at work, people must feel included, supported, capable, and challenged - in a workplace where the camaraderie of a team and the collective pursuit of an ambitious goal are prioritized. When a company offers these opportunities, the business takes care of itself.

Melissa’s love for HR has grown over the past 10 years as she's worked in generalist roles across the quick service retail and hospitality industries in Australia and the US. Prior to joining E|H, Melissa implemented HR processes and systems for a fast-growing café & coffee shop concept with over 40 locations nationwide. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Melissa has always had a passion for travel and food, which has led her to visit over 40 countries and influenced her decision to move to New York City in 2017. Melissa has her bachelor's in psychology from Monash University and a graduate diploma in psychology from Deakin University. She is also a SHRM certified professional (SHRM-CP).

What is your ideal restaurant experience?

The most special part about living in New York is having so many different cuisines at our fingertips. I love being able to experience the food of the world without leaving New York. My favorite places to eat are authentic, approachable and, most importantly, delicious! If I had to pick one food to eat forever it would no doubt be fried chicken!

What does "creating workplaces where people thrive" mean to you?

“Thriving” to me means being the best version of myself in all aspects of life -- at work and in my personal life, both mentally and physically.