Jay Futch

Hospitality RecruiterCritical Velocity Talent Solutions - part of the Reed Group

​Jay Futch is a hospitality recruiter who understands what great teams look like - because he’s built them.

He didn’t choose hospitality; hospitality chose him. Jay began his career in the kitchen, rising to Executive Chef before moving through the front of the house and into executive leadership.

From bussing tables and bartending to leading Sales & Marketing, HR, Finance, Facilities, and ultimately serving as CEO and Partner, he gained a true 360° view of how hospitality businesses succeed - or fail - based on their people. 

Jay has led multi-unit and international hospitality organizations in every facet. He has successfully operated concepts ranging from quick service to Michelin 3-star dining, including large-scale banquets and catering, delivering measurable results for corporations, franchises, and independent operators.

What sets Jay apart as a recruiter is his ability to identify, evaluate, and place talent that actually fits.

Over his career, he has managed more than $100MM in revenue, led teams of 3,000+ professionals, and hired thousands of leaders and future leaders. He understands the difference between filling a role and building a team - and he knows the cost of getting it wrong.

At Critical Velocity, Jay partners with hospitality companies to solve their most critical talent challenges. He helps organizations find the right person, at the right time, for the right role—because finding a body is never the solution. Building the right team is.

Critical velocity logo

What's happening...