RECENT COMMENTS FROM NACE CONFERENCE IN PALM SPRINGS: Conference evaluations were overwhelmingly positive and your education program was cited by many as a conference highlight. Thank you again for your participation. We hope to see you in Charleston, South Carolina.
Enclosed
are some of the attendees comments: Excellent … He is Superb! … Great, Needs
more time! … Great! … Phew! Wonderful – wish I had 2-3 days. Thank you! … THE
BEST! …Entertaining, informative and Captivating … Excellent! This is long overdue for everyone to learn
about! Thank you! … I was reminded of lots of techniques that are so often
misinterpreted in today’s service staff… Informative, entertaining and easy to follow. Lots of common sense! … Just not
enough time to fully deliver, great personality… Need him at another
conference, need an etiquette speaker at each conference… Not enough time – but
fantastic! … Very enthusiastic and entertaining. He’s very passionate about what he does. Really enjoyed this! … Thank you! Very
helpful course, especially for someone like me who has never worked in a
restaurant…
Dear
Ian: It was nice meeting you – the
seminars you taught were very inspirational for me. Carole Paddock-Lail, Office
Manager, The Red Wind Casino, Olympia, WA
GRADUATES
OF THE IAN B. MAKSIK SCHOOL: Your class was not only enjoyable and informative,
It also confirmed the love I have for Food Service Training. Thank you! Kesi …
Hi
Ian, Just wanted to say thanks, I am now a Working Waitress at Sylvia’s
Restaurant. I couldn’t have done it without you! You’re the Best … Deborah
(Ian B. Maksik School Graduate)
ASSOCIATION
OF BRIDAL CONSULTANTS CONFERENCE ATTENDEE: I just wanted to thank you for your
informative round table lesson on table service at the ABC meeting in Stamford.
I wish we could have had longer to hear you speak. I am so intrigued by your specialty that I was wondering if I
might obtain information on any book, manual resource class that you have
either authored or simply recommend. I really anticipate learning more about
the “lost art” of proper service.
THE
STAFF OF THE MONARCH HOTEL: Ian, our Monarch Team would like to say thank you
for your insight and training and for all the new learning’s. Regards Judith
and the Monarch Team
FLORIDA
INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: Thank you so much for coming to FIU to speak
to us. I really enjoyed myself. You were very knowledgeable, informative and
entertaining. I learned a great deal from you!
Alisah Jeffries, FIU Student … Dear Mr. Maksik, I just wanted to thank
you again for your training on Friday. I learned a lot. Personally, it was
interesting to see different ways of serving and to learn that there is a right
way for different occasions. Thanks
again, I enjoyed the training very much.
Claudia Zellner, President of SMART
SEMINAR
AT FIU FOR CATERER’S STAFF: Ian, Just wanted to let you know what a Superb job
you did and I can’t wait to use what I learned. Your class has to become a definite part of the Hospitality
School. You do a great job on keeping
everyone’s attention. Thank you again.
It was great. Suzie Crowley, Bill’s Catering
NATIONAL
RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION: Dear Ian: On behalf of the National Restaurant Association
and especially those in attendance at your program, and with an added personal
thanks of my own, thank you for helping our folks learn about proper table
service, at the recent National Restaurant Association Show. The entire Show was an outstanding success,
as was the educational programming, thanks to you and others who share of
their time and talents in being with us. Richard J. Gaven, Senior Vice President,
Convention & Chicago Office
VICA
(VOCATIONAL INDUSTRIAL CLUBS OF AMERICA) JUDGE OF ANNUAL SERVICE CONTEST &
MINI SEMINAR: (Hospitality Training at the High School level.) Ian, Once again
you have done an excellent job. Thank You, Jaime
KEYNOTE,
INFOGENESIS AT OPRYLAND: Hi Ian, Just a quick note to thank you for all your
hard work and compliment you on your fabulous performance yesterday. I really appreciate your passion for the
business ad your passion to give to everyone from a front line person to a CEO
to those with whom you work. Warmest regards, The “Spiel” Bob Brown (Mr. Maksik’s hero and the guru of verbal
sales)
RESTAURANT
OWNER/STUDENT – SERVICE SEMINAR ATLANTA: Hi Ian: Thanks again for the training
in Atlanta. You are a huge asset to
this industry and I wish that more restaurants would take very seriously the
issues in which you are so well versed.
Maybe then we’d end up with servers who don’t throw your food in front
of you or someone who has zero knowledge of what they are serving. Your attention to the “fussiness” of this
business really caught my eye. Thanks
again for everything and I am looking forward to seeing you again soon (Nashville) Jim D’Alessandro
SEARCH
FOUNDATION OF ISES: Dear Ian, Being part of something special has it’s own
rewards, working with you as part of our team made it extra special at every
level. It’s easy to get the work done when you’re getting paid, our pay for
this adventure is and always will be great pride in what we were able to
accomplish in so short a time with all volunteers. I must share with you that this was one of the most gratifying
events I have ever been part of. Everyone took it personally and everyone gave
all that they could. On a personal
note, I want to thank you personally for your service to us and to SEARCH. I was disappointed that the dammed penguin
wouldn’t take the fish, but as always you were the best waiter in town. The event could not have been as fabulous
without your caring contribution of time and love. Your efforts made my job a
lot easier, if not more pleasant.
Martin G. (Uncle Marty) CSEP
THE
DAILY NEWS JOB HUNT: Dear Ian, the Daily News Job Hunt Hotline was a smashing
success, thanks to you. As you know,
hundreds of callers were helped during the two days. Your expertise provided many with the missing link that had been
lacking in their job search. But it was
your caring and listening that made the most difference to so many. We knew,
from your official bio, that you had the qualifications and experience to
provide expert job advice. But there was no way to tell what kind of a person
you were and how well you would connect with the people who phoned you. Anyway, this was a pleasure for us and we
thank you for your role. Maybe we can
do this again sometimes soon. Would you
be interested? Sincerely, Mary Ann
Giordano, Deputy Metro Editor & Tom Kelly, City Desk Assistant
NCA-
NATIONAL CATERER’S ASSOCIATION: Dear Ian Maksik: Thank you for speaking at he
National Caterers Association Conference in Atlanta earlier this month. Your seminar on The Art of Table Service was
a huge success. Some attendees were
rating it a 5+ on a scale of 1 to 5. Sincerely,
Debra
Lykkemark, NCA Secretary, Chair for 1999 Educational Conference
CATERCOURCE
2001: Dear Ian … Just a quick note to express our appreciation for your hard
work before and during our educational conference! Our first inclination, based on verbal comments, is to claim a
big victory with respect to your participation! Once again thanks for your participation at CaterSource 2001! Sincerely, Michael Roman, President
COMMENTS ON ARTICLE WRITTEN FOR RESTAURANT REPORT: Dear Ian, I read your comments in Restaurant Report on the problem on theft in the restaurant. It was excellent. Ron
CONSULTING
FOR LACKMANN FOODSERVICE: Ian, These few words are sent to thank you for everything
you’ve done. Thanks for your support and valued expertise. Kimberly, Lackmann
Culinary Services.
NIGHTCLUB
AND BAR CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW, MIAMI, 2001: Ian, You proved you are the
“Master of Service”. I appreciate all
of your hard work. You added a new and much needed element to the show. Thank
you again! Sincerely, Jennifer
Williams, Editor, Restaurant Marketing
EVENT
MANAGEMENT FOR THREE NBA, ALL-STAR GAME PARTIES FOR BET, BLACK ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION (RAN EVENTS TRAINED &
SUPERVISED STAFF) Dear Ian, I cannot put into words how much your support and
effort meant to the restaurant. You are
truly a professional and the events could not have been pulled off without you. Your attention to detail and passion for
service is contagious. I look forward to working with you again. Thank you, Derek
ENTIRE
DAY OF SERVICE TRAINING SEMINARS FOR THE SALES STAFF OF LIBBEY FOOD SERVICE: Hi
Ian – You played to rave reviews!!!!!
Wonderful job. Many of my fellow employees are thinking about not only
what you presented, but how they might be able to widen the world of service
with your help so you might expect a few calls. James Girolamo, Libbey Food Service
SERVICE
SEMINAR FOR ABC IN ATLANTA, GA: Dear Ian – Thank you for an outstanding seminar
– it really was terrific and I learned so much, I’m sure everyone else did
too. I look forward to using the
“pearls” I gathered at my very next wedding – and all that follow. Fondly, Sue
Winner, ABC
CATERSOURCE
ATTENDEE & USER OF “A to Z’s” TRAINING VIDEO: I have attended your seminars
two years in a row at CaterSource in Las Vegas and have learned as well as
laughed in your classes. I train my
crew with your video and manual, the “A to Z’s of Professional Table
Service” Elizabeth Locke -Thomas, Director
of Food & Beverage, San Luis Rey Downs Golf Club & Resort
SCHOOL
GRADUATE AND OWNER OF CLASSE CATERING: Ian Hi, I am hosting our waiter (m/f)
training program this weekend. I have
based the curriculum on the sessions that Angelina and I attended in
February. Your video, Las Vegas
Presentation and Marathon Course have been a tremendous benefit to our company
and my career as well. Thanks again.
Brain Palazzolo, Classe Catering, Albany, NY
THE
EDUCATIONAL INSITTUTE OF THE AMERICAN HOTEL & MOTEL ASSOCIATION: It was
great
to see you again in New York. Once
again, great presentation! Thank you
for all your time and effort in putting your program together. It was certainly
well received. James T. Davidson –VP
Professional Development
WORLD
GAMING CONGRESS: Thank you for speaking during World Gaming Congress &
Expo. What a STAR you are! Your
audience could of went on listening for hours.
I do hope you will consider speaking engagements with World Gaming
Congress & Expo the future? Leah
Koza – Account manager Casino Resort Business Magazine for the Casino
Hospitality Professional
PUERTO
RICO HOTEL ASSOCIATION TRADE SHOW AND CONFERENCE: We’ve been receiving
excellent feedback from our attendees.
The evaluation forms from your seminar have been consolidated. On a scale of 1 to 6 you received a 6:00. Congratulations on a job well done! Erin K. Benites-Executive VP, The Puerto
Rico Hotel and Tourism Association
TRAINING
THE STAFF OF BET ON JAZZ, WASHINGTON DC: You are truly a professor of service.
I cannot begin to tell you about the difference you made with my management
team and staff. Over the past week I
have received so many compliments about the level of service improvements from
both senior management and regular customers. Cheers! Derek Newton – VP of Restaurant Operations BET
SYSCO
SALES CONFERENCE IN DALLAS; I saw your presentation at the recent SYSCO
conference in Dallas, and was quite impressed (as were most of my peers). My counterpart in South Carolina agrees that
many of our customers could use a crash course in how to properly wait tables.
I understand that you have a video available that touches on many of the topics
you covered during your presentation.
How do we go about ordering it?
Also, if we at SYSCO Food Services of Charlotte were interested in
utilizing your expertise at one of our big Trade Shows, how much notice do you
need? Thanks for your time. Steve
Morley - FSS Specialist SYSCO Food Services of Charlotte
ABC
CONFERENCE: Just a note of thanks for your energetic and educational
presentation at the ABC Conference. I
learned so much and loved all of your tips and ideas. I have already begun incorporating some of them into our
routine. Jennifer M. Garber – Professional
Bridal Consultant Prescott Resort Conference Center and Casino
CATERSOURCE
CONFERENCE AT THE RIO IN VEGAS: Ian, it was great meeting you in Las
Vegas. Your classes were
excellent! Please send me the specifics
of your Feb. classes at Sylvia’s Restaurant in Harlem. Thanks!
EVENT
SOLUTIONS ’99 ATTENDEE & “A to Z’s”
VIDEO USER: Just wanted to thank you for the wonderful seminar you had at the
Event Solutions Expo ‘99. For me your
seminar was the most informative and the most fun! You are a great speaker.
I have only been taught the procedures of being a banquet “female
waiter” by the local employees at the hotel.
I never had any formal training.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to see what larger properties do.
We are implementing some of the procedures in your video and people are
noticing. We have had many compliments on the staff and the overall appearance
of our events. The training kit was one
of the best investments that we have made. Again, thank you for the wonderful
seminar and training tapes. You have made a difference in our business.
TRAINING
STAFF OF NEGRIL RESTAURANT NEW YORK: We
would like to thank you again for running your training session in our
restaurant and imparting your extensive and excellent knowledge on the restaurant
business. I would also like to thank
you for your patience and kindness. Tamika Garvey – Negril Restaurant, New York
STERUP
SQUARE RESTAURANT AND CATERERS, TROY NY: Dear Ian, I would like to personally
thank you for the wonderful seminar you gave my staff and myself, these past
few days. I can not tell you how informative it was and how interesting you
made the seminar. The waitstaff began
to make changes in the way they prepared table settings but also dealing with
customers. You became the catalyst we
needed to change us from a FOUR star to a FIVE star restaurant. The changes
have begun, and I will continue to use the knowledge you have given me to keep
the staff on their “toes” and make this restaurant even better than it already
is.
COMMENTS
FROM THE FOH STAFF OF THE SHERATON EATONTOWN SERVICE TRAINING: The course was Great! … This training program
was perfect … It was excellent! … The managers kept telling us we were doing
it wrong, now I believe them because Mr. Maksik is The Professor of Service…
Mr. Maksik taught me things that will help me make money, thank you Sheraton
for bringing him in … I loved the course on wine and meat cuts. I never knew
any of this before… Three days was not enough. You should do this on a regular
basis. I just wanted to learn and
learn and learn … I loved the info on the various types of service, meat cuts,
napkin folding and table-settings. It was great… Now we’ve got to teach the
new hires what we know … You never had a teacher like Professor Service before,
thank you!