FREI Hospitality Group

FREI Hospitality Group specializes in solving one of the hospitality sector’s biggest challenges: dependable staffing for critical back-of-house roles. From housekeeping and kitchen support to restaurant service and outdoor maintenance, FREI delivers reliable personnel who keep things running behind the scenes. When needed, clients can also access trained managers and front-of-house personnel, including welcome desk staff.

Celebrating its ninth year of success, FREI has proven to be a trusted partner for hotel operators seeking consistency and reliability. Setting it apart is a commitment to personalized service. FREI handles payroll and scheduling queries directly, without routing clients through call centers. Its dedicated local supervisors and managers remain available, even on weekends, allowing clients to reach out anytime and resolve issues in real-time. Regular check-ins, on-site supervision and rapid scheduling support ensure readiness for events, occupancy spikes or sudden absences.

This level of attention has fueled FREI’s significant growth, with a team now consisting of nearly 1,500 employees and close to 130 hotel customers.

“Checking on customers every single day, even when there are no issues, is part of our duty. We make it a priority to stay connected at all times,” says Fernando Freire, founder and president.

Freire began his journey far from home in Cincinnati, Ohio, taking on every role himself—manager, supervisor, recruiter, HR—while managing day-to-day operations. Within just six months, his relentless effort paid off. He secured 15 client accounts and staffed nearly 100 employees in a single city. That early momentum became the springboard for FREI’s expansion into Tennessee, Florida, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Ohio, Texas, Alabama and Indiana.

Unlike national staffing firms that often take a one-size-fits-all approach, FREI puts effort into building close and collaborative relationships with each client. However, its consistency and long-term reliability also come from prioritizing workers’ well-being. Staff receive paid time off and medical, dental and vision coverage that results in improved retention and better performance. Clients report enhanced accountability and guest service from FREI personnel compared to other staffing sources. Many properties see the same team members return often. Their familiarity with property protocols means less time spent on training and a faster transition to full productivity, leading to greater overall efficiency.

In some cases, clients reach out just hours before an event, needing immediate staffing support. FREI remains prepared for these situations by maintaining a pool of pre-screened, documented workers who can step in and adapt quickly. Urgent placements are coordinated between local supervisors and on-site teams in real time, helping reduce stress during critical moments.

Hotels can hire these workers permanently after a short trial period, with no added fees or delays. FREI tracks each property’s history and preferences to ensure that returning staff align with the hotel’s standards.

A regional leadership structure helps maintain consistency in service quality while supporting each market’s unique needs. Florida and Tennessee have dedicated managers. Freire’s son leads the Nashville team and remains active on-site. A vice president oversees operations in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Supervisors are positioned near hotel clusters to monitor staffing, assist with onboarding and solve issues in real time. Freire and regional heads meet hotel partners in person to review feedback and discuss performance.

This on-the-ground visibility shapes how the company ensures internal alignment and operational standards. Local leaders provide insights, while high-level decisions remain centralized. The balance allows FREI to remain agile without losing consistency.

Looking forward, the company’s vision is to build a sustainable, long-lasting business that can be passed down to future generations. A strong awareness of long-term goals creates a legacy that makes others proud to join.

With a deep understanding of operational demands and hands-on, daily support, FREI has become the go-to staffing partner for hospitality’s most urgent and high-demand roles.