Tips from Trestle: The Senior Living Food & Hospitality Podcast: Recent Episodes
Aaron Fish
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by the Food & Beverage Executive to the Senior Living Industry Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry.
To be considered as a guest for TFT, please send an email to tftguest@trestlehc.com Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Tune in to discover how community-first leadership transforms organizational culture and drives measurable business results in this episode of Tips from Trestle! Aaron interviews Chris Catania, community leadership expert and author, who reveals how his proven frameworks can help scale authentic connections across multi-location senior living operations. Learn how Fortune 500 companies leverage community building to increase employee retention, reduce social isolation among seniors, and generate millions in cost savings through strategic relationship management. Listen to Chris’s actionable strategies for measuring community ROI, breaking down departmental silos, and implementing both digital and in-person community programs that enhance the resident experience while strengthening bottom-line performance. This conversation proves why soft skills are essential business strategies for modern senior living operators managing multiple communities.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
- WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
- AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust
TFT435 #SeniorLiving #TipsFromTrestle #SeniorLiving #CommunityBuilding #LeadershipDevelopment #SeniorCare #AssistedLiving #HealthcareLeadership #ResidentEngagement #CommunityFirst #EmployeeRetention #SocialIsolation #SeniorWellness #HospitalityIndustry #OrganizationalCulture #BusinessStrategy #AuthenticLeadership
As we grow and develop, we know we have to crawl be fore we can run. And on this episode of Tips form Trestle, we sprint into the details on how to successfully implement senior living technology with Jenn Kent's proven "crawl, walk, run" methodology. As Director of Project Management at Harmony Senior Services, Jen transformed 45 communities from manual paper processes to seamless digital dining operations using eMenuChoice point-of-sale systems. Learn her seven essential steps for technology implementation success, including creating custom playbooks, role-based training approaches, and cross-departmental accountability strategies. This episode reveals practical insights for senior living operators navigating digital transformation, featuring actionable advice on hardware preparation, staff training methodologies, and ongoing system support to drive resident satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
- WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
- AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust
TFT434 #SeniorLiving #TipsFromTrestle #TechImplementation #DigitalTransformation #SeniorCare #AssistedLiving #HealthTech #SeniorDining #HospitalityTech #ProjectManagement #ElderCare #SeniorLivingTech #AgeTech #CareInnovation #HealthyAging #ResidentExperience
On this bright episode of Tips from Trestle, learn how United Group of Companies illuminates active adult living through their trademarked SUN® Program. Join Aaron as he explores resident engagement with VP of Sales Francine Bass and VP of Lifestyle Joanne DiMarco, who reveal how thoughtful programming transforms communities from apartments into thriving lifestyle destinations.
Learn how the SUN® Program combats social isolation among seniors, turning health risks into opportunities for connection and joy. The dynamic duo shares how their 7 Core Lifestyle Concepts and unreasonable hospitality principles create monthly activities that residents actually want to participate in—generating remarkable retention rates and extended stays that outshine industry standards.
From resident-led cooking adventures to staff-supported educational journeys, see how personalized programming creates authentic community connections that money can't buy. Plus, uncover proven tactics for leveraging social media storytelling, video marketing, and referral-generating events that attract prospects in the expanding baby boomer market. This episode proves that when you sell lifestyle instead of square footage, everyone wins.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
- WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
- AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust
TFT433 #SeniorLiving #ActiveAdultLiving #SeniorLifestyle #BabyBoomers #WellnessCommunity #SocialIsolation #55PlusCommunity #SeniorWellness #ActiveLiving #CommunityConnection #LifestyleProgramming #RetirementGoals #HealthyAging #SeniorLivingInnovation #ResidentEngagement #MindfulSeniorLiving
Ready to explore the OG culinary hack for your kitchen? Discover how speed scratch cooking transforms senior living food service operations with culinary expert Cody Middleton from Ben E Keith Foods. This essential Tips from Trestle episode explores practical solutions for labor challenges, cost management, and food safety in senior living kitchens. Learn why speed scratch techniques help small communities deliver restaurant-quality meals while maintaining tight budgets and limited staff. Middleton shares proven strategies for implementing ready-to-use products, reducing food waste, improving resident satisfaction, and enhancing staff quality of life. Perfect for senior living executives, food service directors, and culinary professionals seeking actionable insights on modern kitchen operations, menu planning, and operational efficiency. Host Aaron Fish guides this deep-dive conversation covering everything from financial analysis to staff training, making complex culinary concepts accessible for non-food service managers in today's challenging senior care environment.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
- WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
- AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust
Connect with Cody: pcmiddleton@benekeith.com
TFT432 #SeniorLiving #ChefDriven #FoodService #CulinaryExcellence #SeniorCare #AssistedLiving #KitchenEffiency #MenuPlanning #FoodSafety #Healthcare #ElderCare #Hospitality #CommunityDining #LongTermCare #AgingInPlace #SeniorWellness
Discover how exceptional hospitality transforms senior living dining in this essential Tips from Trestle episode. Host Aaron Fish interviews Shawn McGregor, Senior Executive Chef at Healthcare Services Group, who oversees culinary operations for over 2,000 kitchens nationwide. Learn proven strategies for staff training, showtime cooking engagement, and managing dietary restrictions in senior care. Sean shares powerful resident connection stories and reveals why getting chefs out of the kitchen creates unforgettable experiences for prospects and residents alike. This episode provides actionable insights for senior living operators, executive chefs, and marketing directors on leveraging food service as a powerful sales and engagement tool. Topics include kitchen tours, resident satisfaction surveys, clinically-driven menus, and creating authentic hospitality moments that drive occupancy and retention in today's competitive senior living market.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
- WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
- AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust
TFT431 #SeniorLiving #ChefDriven #HospitalityExperience #SeniorCare #FoodServiceInnovation #CulinaryWellness #ResidentEngagement #AssistedLiving #HealthyAging #CommunityDining #ElderCare #SeniorLivingMarketing #ShowtimeCooking #DiningExperience #SeniorNutrition
We're bringing back this fan-favorite episode of Tips from Trestle as we're thrilled to announce our exciting new partnership with Zinnia TV! Join Aaron as he sits down with Allyson Schrier, co-founder and president of Zinnia TV, in this transformative conversation about revolutionizing dementia care through innovative streaming technology.
Discover how Allyson's personal caregiving journey sparked the creation of research-driven, plot-free video content that's changing lives in senior living communities worldwide. Learn about Zinnia's proven ability to reduce agitation, foster meaningful reminiscence, and empower both professional and family caregivers with powerful connection tools.
This re-release comes at the perfect time as Trestle Hospitality Concepts partners with Zinnia TV to bring this groundbreaking dementia-friendly innovation to our clients via our Fractional Director of Resident Engagement program! Hear the science, stories, and research behind this unique streaming service that's earning recognition from major institutions and transforming quality of life for people living with dementia.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
- WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
- AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust
TFT421 #DementiaCare #SeniorLiving #MemoryCare #TechForGood #CaregiverSupport #AgingInnovation #DigitalHealth #SeniorWellness #HealthcarePodcast #LongTermCare #DementiaAwareness #FoodService #HospitalityIndustry #CareTech #InnovativeCare
Discover the hidden gaps destroying memory care programs in this essential Tips from Trestle episode featuring Dawn Platt, National Director of Memory Care Programs for Discovery Senior Living. Aaron Fish explores how operators can transform their dementia care approach using data analytics, micro-training strategies, and family engagement techniques across 180+ communities nationwide. Learn why traditional memory care programs fail modern residents, how to measure engagement and behavioral patterns, and practical steps for implementing personalized care plans. Dawn shares her proven methodology for reducing incidents, improving staff retention, and creating meaningful resident experiences through her award-winning podcast "The Disappearing Mind." Essential listening for senior living executives, memory care directors, and healthcare professionals seeking evidence-based solutions for dementia care excellence, staff empowerment, and family satisfaction in today's evolving senior living landscape.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
- WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
- AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust
TFT429 #SeniorLiving #MemoryCare #DementiaCare #SeniorCare #AssistedLiving #ElderCare #CaregiverSupport #DementiaAwareness #HealthcarePodcast #SeniorWellness #CommunitySupport #MentalHealthAwareness #AgingInPlace #LongTermCare #HospitalityMatters
Join Aaron this week as he interviews Bonnie Brindle - "The Anxiety Avenger," on managing anxiety in senior living communities. This essential episode explores practical strategies for helping seniors navigate challenging transitions while supporting overwhelmed caregivers and staff. Brindle, author of "Cracking The Crazy Maker's Code," shares evidence-based techniques for creating calmer community environments and reducing workplace stress. Discover how to identify early anxiety warning signs, improve staff wellbeing, and foster positive energy throughout your senior care facility. Perfect for administrators, caregivers, family members, and hospitality professionals seeking actionable mental health solutions in senior living settings. Learn transformational strategies that enhance resident experiences while preventing caregiver burnout in today's demanding healthcare landscape.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
- WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
- AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust
Get Bonnie’s Resources:
- Her Book: https://amzn.to/45FPh4u
- Soaring Seniors Sourcebook: A Superhero's Guide to Mental, Physical, and Social Wellness...for Seniors 60+: https://www.bonniebrindle.com/tireswingseniors
TFT428 #SeniorLiving #SeniorCare #MentalHealthAwareness #AnxietyAwareness #Caregiving #Caregiver #AssistedLiving #ElderCare #MentalHealthMatters #SeniorWellness #HealthcareWorkers #CommunitySupport #MentalHealthSupport #SeniorTransitions #HospitalityMatters
According to recent research, social isolation is considered more dangerous than smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. For seniors, social isolation stands out because it amplifies multiple other health risks simultaneously. Unlike single-condition risk factors, social isolation creates a cascade effect that impacts both physical and mental health outcomes.
In this compelling episode of Tips from Trestle shows how cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing how senior living communities are combating social isolation. Aaron discusses this and more with Josh Harris, National Sales Director at AccuShield, sharing about their groundbreaking Love Meter project—an innovative visitor management system that uses data analytics to identify at-risk residents experiencing social isolation and depression. Learn how this technology transforms senior care by tracking visitor patterns, matching volunteers with residents based on shared interests, and improving staff retention through meaningful engagement opportunities.
Explore the future of value-based care in senior living, the integration of behavioral health into the senior living model, and practical solutions for enhancing resident wellbeing through data-driven insights and community connections.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
- WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
- AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust
TFT427 #SeniorLiving #ProjectLoveMeter #CareCommunity #ResilientLeadership #ResidentSafety #ResidentEngagement #LongTermCare #HealthCareHeroes #SeniorLivingTech #SocialIsolation #SeniorCare #HealthTech #DigitalHealth #ValueBasedCare #TipsFromTrestle #NewEpisode #MentalHealthMatters #AgeInPlace
This episode of Tips from Trestle is an exploration of emergency preparedness for senior living communities, focusing on food service and disaster planning. Aaron takes over the Ben E Keith studios and welcomes in industry veterans Lenny Raymond and Joyce Lamilla, who share firsthand experiences from Hurricane Katrina and major ice storms, revealing how critical pre-planning, culture, and communication are when disaster strikes. Learn how to customize emergency menus, calculate essential supplies like water, and ensure staff and residents are well cared for during crises. With insights on distributor-operator partnerships and real-world disaster scenarios, this podcast delivers actionable tips for senior living leaders to improve their emergency response plans, maximize resident safety, and maintain high-quality hospitality—even in the harshest conditions.Tips from Trestle is sponsored by: - eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu - WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx - Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK - AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust#TFT426 #SeniorLiving #EmergencyPreparedness #FoodService #DisasterPlanning #HospitalityHeroes #CrisisManagement #SeniorDining #CareCommunity #ResilientLeadership #MenuPlanning #StaffWellbeing #ResidentSafety #DistributionChallenges #LongTermCare #HealthCareHeroes
Ready to help your senior living community get ahead of the wellness curve? In this lively episode, Aaron sits down with Brenda Davis, a top plant-based dietitian and international speaker, to unpack how plant-powered eating is transforming senior health. Dive into real-life stories of dramatic turnarounds, practical tips for making menus more plant-forward, and actionable advice for culinary teams looking to please even the most skeptical eaters. Brenda reveals the surprising science behind plant-based nutrition for older adults, how it supports longevity, cognitive function, and reduces the need for multiple medications. Whether you’re a senior living operator, dietitian, chef, or family member, you’ll gain expert insights on boosting satisfaction, cutting costs, and future-proofing dining programs by embracing the plant-based movement. Discover how delicious food can fuel vibrant lives and happier communities!
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
- WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
- AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust
TFT423 #SeniorLiving #HealthyAging #PlantBasedDiet #SeniorNutrition #PlantPoweredSeniors #AgingWell #WellnessForSeniors #EatMorePlants #SeniorDining #VegetarianSeniors #AgelessNutrition #LongevityLifestyle #SeniorHealthCare #PlantForward #CulinaryWellness
Tune in to hear how Presbyterian Homes and Services revolutionized their 47-community senior living operation with point-of-sale technology. Aaron interviews Mary Kieffer, traveling nutrition and culinary director, who shares insider insights on implementing comprehensive POS systems across multiple senior care levels. Learn how integrated technology solutions enhance resident safety through EHR connections, streamlining manual processes, and expand beyond dining to salon services, fitness programs, and family engagement portals. This episode reveals practical strategies for senior living operators seeking operational efficiency, revenue optimization, and improved resident experiences through technology integration. Mary provides actionable advice on cross-departmental collaboration, staff training, and leveraging data analytics for better resident care outcomes in today's competitive senior living marketplace.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
- WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
- AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust
TFT424 #SeniorLiving #HealthcareTech #PointOfSale #SeniorCare #AssistedLiving #HealthcareInnovation #ElderCare #DigitalHealth #ResidentExperience #CommunityDining #SeniorServices #HealthTech #CaregiverSupport #HospitalityTech #SeniorWellness
Tips from Trestle sat down this week with Chef Matthew Thompson, Chief Culinary Officer at Restaura, to discuss the creation of new culinary and hospitality standards for senior living communities. Learn about the partnership with the International Council on Active Aging, the five core domains of excellence, and the innovative Plate of Distinction program. Chef Thompson shares insights on culinary inclusivity, wellness-driven nutrition, and the importance of hospitality in resident satisfaction. This episode is a must-listen for senior living professionals, culinary leaders, and anyone interested in the future of food, wellness, and community engagement in senior care.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods
- AdvantageTrust GPO
TFT423 #SeniorLiving #CulinaryExcellence #HealthyAging #Hospitality #Wellness #ActiveAging #FoodInnovation #SeniorDining #DiningExperience #MenuDevelopment #SustainableDining #CommunityEngagement #ResidentSatisfaction #FoodService #AgingWell
Discover how empathy is transforming leadership in senior living on this episode of Tips from Trestle. Host Aaron Fish welcomes Joseph Cope, “The Empathy Guy,” to break down the actionable CARGO Model for building genuine human connection and accountability in senior living communities. Learn the difference between empathy and sympathy, why empathy is a measurable business skill, and how leaders can foster a culture that improves retention, resident experience, and staff satisfaction. Packed with practical advice for culinary directors, executive directors, and all senior care professionals, this episode is your guide to creating a thriving, people-centered workplace in the evolving world of senior living food and hospitality.
Click here for Joseph's CARGO Empathy Framework
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods
- AdvantageTrust GPO
TFT422 #seniorliving #seniorcare #assistedliving #eldercare #healthcare #caregiver #community #empathy #leadership #hospitality #compassion #aging #selfcare #caregiving #mentalhealth
Come explore the transformative impact of Zinnia TV on dementia care in this episode of Tips from Trestle! Aaron sits down with Allyson Schrier, co-founder and president of Zinnia TV, who shares her deeply personal journey from caregiver to dementia advocate and tech innovator. Learn how Zinnia’s research-driven, plot-free video content is revolutionizing engagement for people living with dementia—reducing agitation, fostering reminiscence, and empowering caregivers with meaningful connection tools. Discover the science and stories behind this unique streaming service, its proven benefits for senior living communities and home care, and ongoing research partnerships with major institutions. Whether you’re a senior living professional, family caregiver, or technology enthusiast, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration for improving quality of life through dementia-friendly innovation.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods
- AdvantageTrust GPO
TFT421 #DementiaCare #SeniorLiving #MemoryCare #TechForGood #CaregiverSupport #AgingInnovation #DigitalHealth #SeniorWellness #HealthcarePodcast #LongTermCare #DementiaAwareness #FoodService #HospitalityIndustry #CareTech #InnovativeCare
Join Aaron and guest Carrie Aalberts, aka Dementia Darling, for a lively exploration of dementia care through the lens of food, hospitality, and joyful living. Discover how understanding “behaviors” as communication transforms senior dining, why nonverbal cues matter, and how to create truly person-centered environments. Packed with practical tips on reducing overstimulation, designing dignified dining spaces, and honoring residents’ routines, this episode is a must-listen for senior living professionals, caregivers, and families. Learn how small changes—like red plates and positive energy—can spark big improvements in memory care. Tune in for actionable advice, heartfelt stories, and a fresh perspective on making every meal meaningful in senior living communities.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods
- AdvantageTrust GPO
TFT420 #SeniorLiving #DementiaCare #MemoryCare #PersonCenteredCare #ElderCare #CaregiverTips #SeniorDining #CompassionateCare #HospitalityMatters #AgingWell #DiningWithDignity #Gerontology #ResidentExperience #DementiaAwareness #JoyfulAging
Discover how senior living dining is being transformed in this episode of Tips from Trestle. Aaron welcomes Liz Oba Killinger, Real Food Mission Ambassador at Thomas Cuisine, to discuss the shift from processed foods to nutrient-dense, scratch-made meals in senior living communities. Liz shares practical strategies for balancing resident preferences with a real food philosophy, engaging both staff and residents in the journey toward wellness and operational excellence. Learn how Thomas Cuisine’s approach boosts resident satisfaction, supports longevity, and empowers culinary teams. Perfect for senior living operators, chefs, and wellness advocates seeking actionable insights to elevate food service and resident engagement in today’s competitive senior living landscape
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods
- AdvantageTrust GPO
TFT419 #SeniorLiving #FoodService #wellness #healthyeating #seniorcare #hospitality #healthyfood #community #nutrition #aging #residentengagement #scratchcooking #culinarywellness #realfood #assistedliving
We kick off our summer season with another great conversation form the ALAA Spring Conference! This week’s episode finds Aaron catching up with Joyce Lamilla, Director of Healthcare and Nutrition Solutions at Ben E Keith Foods, to explore the evolving role of dietitians in senior living food service. Joyce shares her journey from clinical dietitian to distributor, revealing how her team customizes menus, leverages technology, and supports operators with cost control and compliance. Discover how Ben E Keith’s hands-on approach, innovative menu solutions, and personal customer service are transforming dining experiences for residents across 21 states. Whether you’re a senior living operator or a food service professional, this episode brings great insights on menu development, technology adoption, and building lasting partnerships in the senior living foodservice industry.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods
- AdvantageTrust GPO
TFT418 #SeniorLiving #FoodService #DietitianLife #MenuDevelopment #HospitalityInnovation #HealthcareFood #SeniorCare #DiningExperience #NutritionSolutions #CostControl #TechInSeniorLiving #ResidentExperience #CustomMenus #FoodDistribution #HealthyAging
Discover how video is transforming the senior living industry in this latest episode of Tips from Trestle. Aaron sits down with Christie Freeze, senior care guide and video communication expert, to explore the power of authentic video in building trust, boosting occupancy, and nurturing resident loyalty. Christie shares actionable strategies for senior living operators, from using evergreen and personalized videos to reduce no-shows and foster community, to engaging staff and residents in content creation. Learn how simple, unscripted videos can create psychological proximity, enhance the resident experience, and turn leads into lifelong ambassadors. Whether you’re a sales director, chef, or activities coordinator, this episode reveals how video can elevate your senior living community’s hospitality and care.Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
- WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
- AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust
TFT417 #seniorliving #seniorcare #assistedliving #eldercare #healthcare #community #hospitality #aging #caregiver #family #wellness #dementia #videoengagement #authenticity #residentexperience
On this episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron welcomes Michelle Magner, founder of Inspired Caring, to discuss supporting families through the transition to memory care. Recorded live at the ALAA Spring Conference, Michele draws from her extensive experience as a caregiver and certified dementia practitioner, to share practical strategies for calming the chaos, focusing on the “Three C’s” - curiosity, communication, and compassion. The conversation highlights the importance of mindfulness, gratitude practices, and holistic support for both residents and caregivers. Listeners gain actionable insights for improving the senior living experience, fostering stronger family relationships, and elevating foodservice and hospitality standards. These practices are great not just for caregivers, but for everyone working in senior living!
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods
- AdvantageTrust GPO
TFT416 #SeniorLiving #CaregiverSupport #DementiaCare #MemoryCare #MindfulnessMatters #GratitudePractice #FamilyCaregivers #InspiredCaring #SeniorDining #AgingWell #CompassionateCare #HospitalityLeaders #ElderCare #CommunityExperience
This episode of Tips from Trestle features Todd Smith, founder of Odessa Connect, exploring how technology can truly serve seniors in living communities. Smith introduces the concept of "the last five feet" - the critical final step where technology meets the user, often overlooked in design. He discusses Odessa Connects journey to a TV-based solution, emphasizing intuitive interfaces, inclusive design, and meaningful family connectivity. The conversation highlights lessons learned in bridging the digital divide, optimizing user experience for older adults, and fostering social engagement to combat isolation and enhance quality of life.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods
TFT415 #SeniorLiving #AgingTech #LastFiveFeet #DigitalInclusion #ResidentExperience #TechForSeniors #HospitalityInnovation #FamilyConnectivity #UserCentricDesign #AccessibleTech #CommunityEngagement #SeniorCare #SocialIsolation #TVTechnology
This episode of Tips from Trestle - recorded live at the ALAA Spring Conference - features risk management expert Steve Growth, who reveals that risk management in senior living is definitely more than just having really good insurance. Steve explains why prioritizing employee safety goes far beyond workers’ compensation-it directly affects staff retention, company culture, resident satisfaction, and operational success. Listeners learn practical steps for tracking injury data, responding to incidents, and fostering a culture where safety is valued. The conversation highlights how a proactive approach to risk management can transform both the caregiver and resident experience in senior living communities. To download Steve’s “Safety Leadership Self-Evaluation”, click here: https://bit.ly/TFT414_Download
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods
TFT413 #SeniorLiving #RiskManagement #WorkplaceSafety #EmployeeWellbeing #AssistedLiving #CaregiverSupport #ResidentExperience #StaffRetention #CultureOfCare #InjuryPrevention #SeniorCare #HealthyWorkplace
Let’s learn how to create a voice that will resonate with any audience! This episode of "Tips from Trestle" features Dana Weaver, a leadership and communication coach with deep roots in senior living. Dana shares her journey from nursing home administrator to empowering women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of magnetic leadership—rooted in authentic communication, deep listening, and storytelling. She discusses actionable strategies for frontline staff and leaders to foster trust, engagement, and psychological safety in senior living communities. The conversation also highlights how technology and person-centered dining experiences are transforming foodservice, ultimately enhancing resident satisfaction and operational efficiency in senior care environments.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods
TFT413 #SeniorLiving #LeadershipDevelopment #WomenInLeadership #MagneticLeadership #EmpathyInLeadership #SeniorDining #HospitalityIndustry #ResidentExperience #StorytellingForLeaders #ActiveListening #CommunityEngagement #DiningInnovation #PersonCenteredCare #SeniorLivingTrends
Let’s explore the haunted halls of senior dining innovation in this spine-tingling episode of "Tips from Trestle!” Aaron joined by culinary conjurers Jasmine Killebrew & Chad Lauderbaugh, who reveal how The Sharon at South Park summoned a ghost kitchen—Allison’s—to deliver fine dining straight to residents and those lurking on the waitlist. Discover the tricks and treats behind launching a DoorDash-powered phantom kitchen, the eerie logistics of meal delivery, and the magic of leveraging existing staff and menus. Their chilling advice: measure success by the spirits you lift, not just the profits you raise. Don’t be afraid—no ghosts here, just delicious innovation!
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods
TFT412 #GhostKitchen #SeniorLiving #FoodService #CulinaryInnovation #HauntedHospitality #SpookyDining #DiningExperience #MealDelivery #TechInSeniorCare #CommunityDining #HealthyAging #SeniorCareLeaders #FoodTrends2025 #HospitalityTech
This episode of Tips from Trestle finds Aaron connecting with Alexis Baker, a board-certified music therapist and dementia practitioner, about the transformative power of music therapy in senior living communities. Alexis explains how music therapy goes beyond entertainment, using evidence-based methods to enhance cognitive, emotional, and social well-being for seniors, particularly those with dementia. She shares inspiring stories, discusses the science behind music’s impact on the brain, and highlights her innovative virtual programs developed during the pandemic. This episode is a deep dive into how music fosters connection, joy, and healing in senior care.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods
TFT411 #SeniorLiving #MusicTherapy #HealingWithMusic #DementiaCareSolutions #SeniorLivingInnovation #MemoryCareMatters #MusicalHealing #AgingWithDignity #VirtualTherapyPrograms #SeniorWellness #ResidentEngagement #ElderCareSupport #CognitiveWellness #MusicAndMemory #CompassionateCare #LifeEnrichment
In this episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron is joined by Dr. Rodney Harrell, Vice President of Family, Home, and Community at AARP, to discuss the seven housing mega trends shaping the future of senior living. From demographic shifts and affordability challenges to the importance of community connections and local government collaboration, Dr. Harrell shares insights on creating inclusive, adaptable, and livable environments for aging populations. This thought-provoking conversation emphasizes the need for innovative solutions that address evolving resident needs while fostering engagement and accessibility within broader communities.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods
- ClarkPro
TFT410 #SeniorLiving #AgingInPlace #LivableCommunities #AffordableHousing #HousingEquity #ConnectedCommunities #InclusiveDesign #CommunityConnections #FutureOfHousing #UrbanPlanning #SeniorWellness #IntergenerationalLiving #SmartCommunities
In this episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron dials up Chris Heinz, President of Westport One, a leader in senior living executive recruitment. With over 27 years of experience, Chris shares invaluable insights on how senior living communities can streamline their hiring process to attract top leadership talent. They discuss the importance of balancing speed and thoroughness in interviews, why a structured hiring strategy is crucial, and how organizations can avoid losing top candidates due to slow decision-making. If you're looking to build a stronger leadership team while improving recruitment efficiency, this episode is packed with actionable advice.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods
- ClarkPro
TFT409 #SeniorLiving #SeniorLivingLeadership #HiringExcellence #RecruitmentTips #LeadershipMatters #SpeedToHire #SeniorCareJobs #WorkforceDevelopment #InterviewTips #TalentAcquisition #HRTrends #ExecutiveRecruiting #AgingServices
Get ready to vibe out with Gary Solomonson, founder of Virtical Learning Systems, as he shares his far-out insights on creating a community experience in senior living that will definitely pass the “vibe” check. With over 45 years in the industry, Gary breaks down the magic of creating the right “Community Vibe” into his five key touchpoints. He shares a tale of transforming a potential client's visit into a memorable experience through community engagement and authenticity. Tune in for a conversation that's all about spreading good vibes and making senior living communities feel like home.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- WiseOx
- Ben E Keith Foods
- ClarkPro
TFT408 #SeniorLiving #CommunityExperience #PositiveVibesOnly #SeniorCare #SalesLeadership #HospitalityMatters #CultureDrivenSales #SeniorLivingCommunities #VibeCheck #ResidentEngagement #DiningExperience #SeniorLivingTips #CommunityFirst #VibeCheck #AgingInPlace
On this week’s Tips from Trestle, Aaron chats with Heather Burns, a seasoned resident engagement professional, to explore innovative strategies for enhancing senior living communities. Heather shares her resident-first philosophy, emphasizing holistic well-being that foster independence and purpose. She highlights the importance of bridging departmental silos, fostering teamwork, and training staff on empathy and compassion to elevate resident care. The discussion also unveils exciting initiatives in her role as the new Corporate Director of Resident Engagement for Trestle Hospitality Concepts - like a comprehensive engagement guidebook & tailored training programs to support activities directors in creating meaningful connections and thriving communities.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- WiseOx
- ClarkPro
- Ben E Keith Foods
TFT407 #SeniorLiving #ResidentEngagement #HolisticCare #MontessoriMethod #ElderCareInnovation #SeniorWellness #TeamworkInCare #CompassionateCare #ActivityDirectors #EmpathyInAction #CommunityConnections #SeniorLivingLeadership #SiloBuster #TrestleHospitality
This week’s episode of Tips from Trestle finds Aaron immersing himself into the world of Residential Assisted Living (RAL) with guest Isabelle Guarino, COO of the Residential Assisted Living Academy. Together, they explore how RAL homes offer a unique, personalized alternative to traditional senior living communities by blending residential comfort with professional care. Isabelle shares insights on staffing, creative resident engagement, and the financial models that make RAL a compelling choice for families and entrepreneurs alike. With the "silver tsunami" approaching, this episode sheds light on how RAL homes can address the growing demand for senior care.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice (https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu)
- WiseOx (https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx)
- ClarkPro (https://bit.ly/ClarkPro_TFT)
- Ben E Keith Foods (https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK)
Social - RAL Academy
- TikTok: @ralacademy
- IG: @ralacademy
- X/Twitter: @ralacademy
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/residential-assisted-living-academy/
- Website: www.ral101.com
TFT406 #SeniorLivingInnovation #ResidentialAssistedLiving #SilverTsunami #CreativeCaregiving #SeniorCareRevolution #ResidentEngagement #PersonalizedSeniorCare #SmallHomeBigImpact #SeniorLivingTrends2025 #ElderCareSolutions #FoodServiceInSeniorLiving #CommunityCareMatters #InnovativeSeniorHousing #CompassionateCaregiving #FutureOfSeniorLiving
In this episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron catches up with Sara Mitchell, co-founder and president of Solinity Marketing, to explore how food and hospitality can elevate senior living communities. Sara shares her unique journey from sports reporting to senior living marketing, emphasizing the power of storytelling in connecting with residents and families. They discuss leveraging culinary excellence as a key marketing strategy, the importance of authentic resident testimonials, and how everyday dining experiences can enhance community branding. Sara also provides practical tips for integrating food into social media campaigns and fostering collaboration between departments to create impactful narratives.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- WiseOx
- ClarkPro
- Ben E Keith Foods
TFT405 #SeniorLiving #CulinaryExcellence #FoodAndHospitality #Marketing #DiningExperience #Storytelling #ResidentVoices #CommunityConnections #FoodMemories #HospitalityMatters #Branding
This episode of Tips from Trestle features Corey Fein, a senior market strategist at Hireology, who shares actionable strategies for improving recruitment and retention in senior living communities. Corey emphasizes applicant-centric hiring practices, the importance of speed in recruitment, and diversifying applicant sources beyond job boards. He introduces the concept of a recruitment marketing funnel and highlights the role of employer branding in attracting top talent. Additionally, Corey discusses leveraging technology for onboarding and flexible scheduling while stressing the importance of career pathing to retain staff and foster growth within organizations.Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- WiseOx
- ClarkPro
- Ben E Keith Foods
TFT404 #SeniorLiving #RecruitmentStrategies #EmployeeRetention #CareerGrowth #FlexibleWork #OnboardingSuccess #WorkforceDevelopment #HiringTrends2025 #CustomerExperience #TechInHospitality #HospitalityLeadership #DiningExperience #TalentAcquisition
In this episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron reconnects with Paige Hoffman to explore the intersection of sustainability, culture, and innovation in senior living communities. Paige shares her unique five-pillar approach to sustainability, providing us with a more holistic approach to the concept. She emphasizes the importance of balancing immediate operational needs with long-term goals, fostering a strong culture, and adapting to generational shifts. The discussion also highlights strategies for employee retention, the thoughtful integration of technology, and the need for transparency and environmental stewardship to future-proof senior living communities.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice (https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu)
- WiseOx (https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx)
- ClarkPro (https://bit.ly/ClarkPro_TFT)
TFT403 #SeniorLiving #SustainabilityInCare #FutureOfSeniorLiving #HolisticWellness #EmployeeRetentionMatters #GenerationalShift #ResidentExperience #TechInSeniorCare #CultureChangeLeadership #GreenCommunities #FoodServiceInnovation #SeniorCareSolutions #CommunityLongevity #AIInHospitality #MeaningfulLiving
In this episode of Tips from Trestle, host Aaron Fish explores the transformative power of purpose in senior living and hospitality with Gabrielle Bosche, co-CEO of The Purpose Company. Gabrielle shares her journey to becoming a leader in purpose discovery and explains how aligning personal and organizational purpose can drive culture, retention, and profitability. From defining purpose as “the best of what you have to help others” to distinguishing it from passion, Gabrielle offers actionable insights for leaders. The episode also highlights tools like the Purpose Factor Assessment to help individuals and teams unlock fulfillment and success.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
eMenuChoice WiseOx ClarkPro#TFT 402 #SeniorLiving #Leadership #PurposeDrivenWork #HospitalityInnovation #LeadershipWithPurpose #FulfillmentAtWork #CultureTransformation #PassionVsPurpose #EmployeeEngagement #CultureDriven #SeniorDining #PurposefulLeadership #WorkplaceMotivation #TeamBuildingSuccess #ResidentExperience
In this episode of Tips from Trestle, host Aaron Fish kicks off Season 4 with guest Carrie Alberts, aka the Dementia Darling. Fresh from CES 2025, Carrie shares insights on the scope of the conference and some of the groundbreaking age-tech innovations she saw in the AARP AgeTech Collaborative. They discuss how these tools are transforming senior living by enhancing resident experiences and supporting caregivers. The conversation highlights the importance of blending high-tech solutions with high-touch care to address challenges in senior living communities while improving quality of life for residents.Tips from Trestle is sponsored by: - eMenuChoice - WiseOx- ClarkPro#TFT401 #AgeTechCollaborative #AARP #CES2025 #DementiaDarling #CaregiverSupport #SeniorLivingInnovation #FutureOfSeniorCare #SeniorLiving #HealthyAgingTech #HydrationMatters #SmartCaregivingTools #SeniorDiningExperience #DigitalHealthCare #ElderCareTechnology #AssistiveTechForSeniors #AgingInPlaceSolutions
In this season finale of Tips from Trestle, Aaron Fish reflects on an exciting year in senior living, highlighting key episodes that explored everything from AI-powered tools and culinary competitions to emotional intelligence and storytelling strategies. The podcast dives into how DISC assessments and EQ improve team dynamics, the role of technology in enhancing dining experiences, and the power of authentic storytelling to reshape perceptions of senior living. With insights into 2024’s industry trends—like rising occupancy rates and tech integration—and a look ahead to 2025’s challenges and innovations, this wrap-up celebrates the creativity, collaboration, and care driving senior living forward.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
TFT346 #SeniorLiving #SeniorLivingInnovation #FoodserviceExcellence #CulinaryCreativity #TeamBuildingSuccess #EmotionalIntelligence #AIInHealthcare #DiningExperienceMatters #StorytellingForImpact #WellnessAndCare #FutureOfSeniorLiving #HospitalityMeetsHealthcare #TechInSeniorCare #LeadershipInAction #ResidentExperienceFirst #SmartDiningSolutions
This episode of Tips from Trestle dives into the intersection of culinary excellence and senior living, featuring Catie Ramp, CEO of the Georgia Senior Living Association, and Chef Manny, the two-time winner of GSLA’s Culinary Competition. In the first half, Catie highlights the importance of recognizing culinary professionals as key contributors to senior living culture and resident satisfaction. In the second half, Chef Manny Lasparilla & Alan Velazquez share insights into the creative process and how competitions inspire growth and innovation within their culinary teams. With stories of passion, teamwork, and leadership, this episode showcases how culinary competitions elevate standards in senior living dining.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
TFT345 #SeniorLiving #CulinaryExcellence #FoodServiceInnovation #ChefLife #DiningExperience #HospitalityLeaders #SeniorDining #FoodCompetition #CommunityThroughCuisine #ChefInspiration #SeniorLivingLifestyle #PassionForCooking #FoodAndHospitality #LeadershipInDining #ElevateSeniorLiving
In this episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron sits down with Erin Thompson, founder of Aspire for More with Erin and the co-founder of The Mentoring Company, to explore effective leadership strategies in the senior living industry, focused on how she has used the 80/20 principle to create high performing teams. Key takeaways include the importance of building trust, fostering a positive culture, and leveraging meetings for greater efficiency. Thompson highlights actionable steps for leaders to enhance team management, communication, and authenticity, ultimately driving success in senior living communities.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
Links:
Erin on Instagram
Erin on LinkedIn
The Mentoring Company
Aspire for More with Erin
TFT344 #LeadershipDevelopment #SeniorLiving #ExecutiveCoaching #MentorshipMatters #CultureBuilding #EffectiveMeetings #TrustInLeadership #8020Principle #TeamManagement #AuthenticLeadership #FoodServiceInnovation #CulinaryExcellence #CommunityEngagement #LeadershipImpact
In this episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron reconnects with Nancy Rhodes from the GFS team at the recent Georgia Senior Living Association Conference. Nancy is a non-commercial business solutions specialist at Gordon Food Service, and a recent guest host on Trestle Tactics. Aaron & Nancy discuss the evolving concept of wellness in senior living communities, emphasizing its six dimensions, and they talk about innovative ideas for incorporating wellness into senior living through food-related activities, and the conversation highlights the importance of engaging residents, staff, and external resources to create diverse wellness programs that can drive occupancy and improve overall community satisfaction.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
SeniorLiving #HealthyAging #FoodService #CulinaryInnovation #SeniorCare #NutritionMatters #ActiveAging #SeniorWellness #FoodieLife #HealthyLiving #SeniorLifestyle #CommunityEngagement #FoodForThought #AgingWell
This week’s episode is the continuation of our live podcast discussing the value of a point of sale system in your senior living community. Aaron & Matt are chatting with operators Paige Hoffman, Katie Tibbets, & Kim Bendickson on how they are using their point of sales system to not only create revenue opportunities, but how each of them are elevating the resident, guest & family experience in all areas of their communities by embracing the flexibility and functionality of their eMenuChoice system.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
TFT342 #SeniorLivingTech #SeniorDining #SeniorCareInnovation #DigitalHealthcare #SeniorLivingTrends #FoodServiceTech #ResidentExperience #AgingInPlace #SeniorDiningInnovation #PointOfSale #CX #AssistedLiving #SeniorCareRevolution #FoodTechTrends
Recorded live for a select audience, this week’s TFT is the first of a two-part podcast that explores how eMenuChoice, and it’s unique approach to serving senior living, can and does enhance the resident experience. Here in Part 1, Aaron chats with Matt Stenerson and they discuss how the technology improves resident interactions, streamlines dining processes, and captures revenue efficiently. By integrating technology into senior living dining services, communities can offer a more restaurant-like experience, leading to increased resident satisfaction and operational efficiency across various care levels, from independent living to memory care.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
TFT341 #SeniorLivingTech #SeniorDining #SeniorCareInnovation #DigitalHealthcare #SeniorLivingTrends #FoodServiceTech #ResidentExperience #AgingInPlace #SeniorDiningInnovation #PointOfSale #CX #AssistedLiving #SeniorCareRevolution #FoodTechTrends
Recorded live at the recent Georgia Senior Living Association conference, this week’s TFT episode features Nathan Jones, founder of Dash Media, discussing the transformation of senior living perceptions through authentic storytelling and social media. Jones emphasizes the importance of resident-focused content, particularly in showcasing senior living cuisine. He outlines strategies for creating engaging video content and he highlights the significance of authenticity in content creation, the power of food-related stories, and the impact of short-form videos across various social media platforms in changing public perception of senior living communities.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
TFT340 #SeniorLiving #ElderCare #DigitalStorytelling #SocialMediaMarketing #AuthenticContent #SeniorCare #FoodService #SeniorDining #TikTokMarketing #AgingGracefully #RetirementLiving #SeniorWellness #CulinaryExperience #HealthyAging #SeniorLifestyle
This week’s Tips from Trestle finds Aaron exploring artificial intelligence in senior living Fritz Brumder, CEO of WiseOx. Aaron & Fritz go deep into the transformative potential of AI in senior living. They discuss how AI-powered "mascots" can streamline operations, enhance resident care, and support staff in various roles. The conversation covers the benefits of customized AI assistants, implementation strategies, and addressing concerns about job displacement. The focus of the conversation is about emphasizing that AI aims to augment human capabilities, allowing more time for personalized care.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice (https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu) & ClarkPro (https://bit.ly/ClarkPro_TFT)
TFT339 #SeniorLiving #AIinHealthcare #SeniorLivingTech #DigitalCaregiving #AIAssistants #FoodTechInnovation #HealthTechTrends #AIforGoodAging #SeniorLivingInnovation #FutureOfEldercareAI #TechForSeniors #SmartSeniorLiving #AIEmpoweredCare #ArtificalIntelligence #HumanTouch #CX
Aaron connects with Brian Bosche, CEO of the Purpose Company, about the importance of purpose in senior living. Brian discusses how understanding and implementing purpose can improve employee retention, resident satisfaction, and overall organizational performance. He emphasizes that purpose is not just a fluffy concept but a practical tool for decision-making and creating fulfillment. The conversation covers strategies for leaders to cultivate a purpose-driven culture, overcome common obstacles in purpose discovery, and help seniors maintain a sense of purpose in their later years. Brian also shares insights from his book, "The Purpose Factor," and offers practical tips for integrating purpose into senior living communities.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
Check out Brian's PUrpose Assessment: www.purposetest.com
TFT338 #SeniorLiving #PurposeDrivenLeadership#EmployeeRetention #WorkplaceFulfillment #HealthyAging #CorporateCulture #WellnessAtWork #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkLifeBalance #CareerGrowth #SeniorDining #SeniorWellbeing
In this visionary episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron interviews Sanjeev Shetty, co-founder of HelloGard Robotics and V Care Companion. They explore the evolving landscape of robotics and AI in senior living communities. Shetty discusses the shift from dining-focused robots to more diverse applications like cleaning, healthcare assistance, and outdoor delivery. They discuss the importance of proper implementation, including infrastructure readiness and staff training. Sheety introduces the concept of "cobotics" - humans and robots working together for increased efficiency. The podcast concludes with insights into future trends around robotics and AI in the senior living industry.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
TFT337 #SeniorLiving #SeniorLivingTech #FutureOfAging #Autonomous #SeniorLivingInnovation #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #MachineLearning #Robotics #SmartTech #FutureOfAI #DeepLearning #AIInHealthcare
In this episode of Trestle Tactics, we wrap up our “Lean Thinking” series with Kymberly Wrobles and Kayla Saunders as they dish out valuable insights on employee engagement in senior living food service. They emphasize that while efficient processes are crucial, true success hinges on a fully engaged team. They serve up three key strategies to create an environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and committed to their roles.
Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service
TT29 #KitchenEfficiency #SeniorDining #EmployeeEngagement #Productivity #Training #qualityAssurance #LeanKitchen #CulinaryManagement #SeniorLiving #FoodServiceTips #OperationalExcellence #GordonFoodService
This week’s Tips from Trestle finds Aaron catching up with Dan Shaughnessy, VP of Customer Success at eMenuChoice, about the non-revenue benefits of implementing point-of-sale systems in senior living communities. They discuss how POS technology enhances kitchen efficiency, supports resident choice, ensures resident safety and much, much more. They highlight the importance of adapting to changing resident expectations and leveraging data to improve dining experiences. Shaughnessy emphasizes that POS systems offer more than just revenue generation, providing valuable operational improvements and resident satisfaction.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
TFT336 #SeniorLiving #DiningInnovation #FoodService #PointOfSale #SeniorCare #TechForGood #HealthyAging #FoodWasteReduction #ResidentExperience #SeniorDining #DigitalTransformation #FoodTech #AgeTech
We continue our “Lean Thinking” series as Aaron shares how to transform your senior living food service operation with efficient workflow strategies. He shares practical tips for identifying bottlenecks, organizing workspaces, and optimizing staff performance. Learn how small changes can lead to significant improvements in productivity, staff satisfaction, and resident happiness.
Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service
TT28 #KitchenEfficiency #SeniorDining #FoodServiceOptimization #Workflow #ProductivityHacks #LeanKitchen #CulinaryManagement #SeniorLiving #FoodServiceTips #OperationalExcellence #GordonFoodService
In this episode of Tips from Trestle, host Aaron Fish interviews Nancy Ridlen, owner of W3 Sales, about innovative approaches to senior living dining experiences. Nancy discusses the importance of balancing aesthetics and functionality in tableware design, emphasizing the need for elevated dining experiences that feel like home. She highlights the significance of understanding each community's unique needs, collaborating with various stakeholders, and considering factors such as heat retention, breakage, and resident dignity. Nancy also shares insights on creating cohesive dining experiences across different service types and overcoming common challenges in senior living food service projects.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
TFT335 #SeniorLiving #DiningExperience #FoodService #HospitalityDesign #CulinaryInnovation #HealthyAging #SeniorWellness #RetirementLiving #FoodPresentation #TablescapeDesign #SeniorNutrition #MemoryCare #AssistedLiving #Design
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This week’s Tactics has Aaron reconnecting with Akshita Iyer from OME Kitchen to take an up close & personal look at their Gen 2 Smart Knob. They chat about the need for this kind of smart device in both senior living and in-home settings. Akshita even provides a demo that showcases the Smart Knob and it’s app in action.
Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service.
TT27 #SmartTech #SandwichGeneration #SeniorLiving #HomeSafety #CulinaryTech #SmartHomeInnovation #SeniorSafety #AgingInPlace #KitchenTech #CookingSafety #SmartKitchen #TechForSeniors #IndependentLiving
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In this episode of Tips from Trestle, host Aaron Fish interviews Jared Gleaton, a psychologist and food enthusiast. They explore the concept of foodology, which examines how our senses influence food experiences. The conversation deep dives into how cultural narratives and personal memories shape our relationship with food. Gleaton emphasizes building relationships between chefs and diners to elevate the overall experience and connection. The episode offers insights into creating meaningful dining experiences that go beyond just taste, considering the psychological and emotional aspects of eating.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
TFT334 #Foodology #SeniorLiving #CulinaryArts #FoodieLife #SensoryDining #HealthyAging #FoodService #MindfulEating #SeniorCare #GastronomyTrends #NutritionMatters #DiningExperience #SeniorDining
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Tactics this week finds experts Nancy Rhodes and Molly Armstrong discussing strategies to streamline business efficiency and reduce costs in your foodservice operation. The conversation covers practical tips for organizing storage, standardizing order guides, and leveraging technology solutions like Gordon Food Service's ordering platforms and menu management systems. They also emphasize the importance of observing team actions, implementing standardized recipes, and utilizing automation to boost productivity and profitability in your foodservice operations.
Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service.
TT26 #LeanThinking #FoodServiceEfficiency #SeniorLivingDining #InventoryManagement #CulinaryTech #OperationalExcellence #FoodWasteReduction #MenuPlanning #SustainableFoodService #HealthcareFoodService #CostSavingTips #SeniorCare #GordonFoodService
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Aaron shares a conversation from his monthly Cocktails & Conversations event with his good friend, Damon Thomas. Damon is the Senior VP of Operations at Providence Senior Living and shares his journey in the senior living industry. From personal experiences with his grandfather to leadership roles in major companies, Aaron & Damon talk about the importance of adaptability, compassionate leadership, and continuous improvement. He shares the key strategies for managing teams, maintaining high care standards, and meeting financial goals that have guided his career. Damon wraps up the chat highlighting the value of industry advocacy through his work with the Florida Senior Living Association. They even take a peek ahead, envisioning an exciting future for senior living, marked by innovation and forward thinking programs.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
SeniorCare #SeniorLiving #Leadership #CaregiverSupport #AssistedLiving #SeniorHealth #Innovation #ElderCare #RetirementLiving #SeniorLifestyle #Adaptability
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In this insightful TFT episode, Arron sits down with Dr. Karen Schuder and discusses strategies for building resilience and reducing anxiety in leadership roles, particularly within senior living and healthcare settings. She explores concepts such as anxiety as a contagion, emotional triangles, and self-positioning. Dr. Schuder emphasizes the importance of values-driven leadership and maintaining a non-anxious presence to enhance team performance and organizational health. The conversation goes deep into practical techniques for managing stress in high-pressure environments like kitchens, and how leaders can foster authentic connections without falling into dysfunctional patterns.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
Dr. Schuder's book, "Resilient and Sustainable Caring," is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AUuJJT
TFT332 #LeadershipMindset #SeniorLiving #BurnoutPrevention #AnxietyAwareness #TeamBuildingTips #SeniorLivingInnovation #HealthcareLeadership #WorkplaceWellness #ResilienceBuilding #MindfulLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfCareForLeaders #AuthenticLeadership #StressManagement #CompanyCulture #WorkLifeBalance
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This week on Trestle Tactics we are continuing our Lean Thinking series as Aaron brings in Dana Fillmore & Tiffany Nabozny from GFS to share their insights & experiences with ways that operators can find efficiencies in how they approach the biggest task in a kitchen - meal production.
Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service.
TT25 #LeanThinking #SeniorLiving #OperationlaExcellence #FoodService #ChefLife #KitchenEfficiency #RestaurantManagement #SeniorDining
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In this episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron catches up with Kevin Burg about the evolving landscape of kitchen renovations in senior living communities. They talk about the shift from traditional bulk cooking equipment to more versatile, efficient options for more flexibility in cooking methods and variety. They also discuss on how equipment selections can help in reducing labor costs and ensuring consistency. Aaron and Kevin also explore the unique challenges of senior living kitchens, which must cater to both institutional healthcare needs and restaurant-style service expectations, making this a must-listen for anyone in the senior living food service industry.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
TFT331 #KitchenDesign2024 #SustainableFoodservice #SeniorLivingTrends #CulinaryInnovation #SmartKitchens #FoodServiceTech #EnergyEfficientKitchens #ModernSeniorLiving #KitchenRenovation #FoodServiceEquipment #SeniorDining #GreenKitchenDesign #FoodServiceInnovation #SeniorLiving #Hospitality
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This episode of Tactics features guest Kevin Berg's insights on choosing the right commercial kitchen equipment for your operation. He highlights many practical yet often overlooked strategies that will enable operators to make informed choices that align immediate budgets with future operational efficiency, ultimately enhancing kitchen performance.
Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service.
TT24 #KitchenEquipment #SeniorLiving #CulinaryTips #FoodService #SustainableCooking #ChefAdvice #KitchenEfficiency #RestaurantManagement #CookingGear #KitchenInnovation #CulinaryBusiness #SeniorDining
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Aaron sits down with Two-time Emmy winner and author David Page on this week’s TFT episode. Their conversation was nothing short of spirited and lively, showcasing David’s undeniable passion for food and storytelling. As the creator of "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives," Page brings an infectious enthusiasm to his new podcast, "Culinary Characters Unlocked." His excitement is palpable as he dives into the rich narratives of culinary legends and rising stars. He and Aaron dive deep on emphasizing the importance of respecting ingredients and enhancing dining experiences, especially in senior living. Page's insights reveal his belief that food should be flavorful and memorable, reflecting the deep connections we have with our culinary experiences. His engaging storytelling invites listeners to appreciate the art of cooking and the joy it brings to life.Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkProCulinary Characters Unlocked premieres on August 28, 2024. For a sneak peek take a look as this teaser featuring Chef Nancy Silverton: https://bit.ly/CCUT_TFT#TFT330 #FoodieLife #CulinaryInnovation #SeniorLiving #ComfortFood #ChefLife #FoodTrends #HealthyAging #SustainableEating #FoodTech #CulinaryArts #hospitality #GourmetSeniorLiving #SeniorDining #FoodieOver50
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Problem solving can be as easy or as hard as you make it. In this installment of Trestle Tactics, Aaron talks about how you can use a process called “The 5 Whys” to do a deeper analysis of issues and get to the root cause of even the simplest problems..
Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service
TT23 #LeanManagement #OperationalExcellence #SeniorLiving #FoodServiceEfficiency #HospitalityOptimization #HealthcareFoodService #ProblemSolving #FiveWhys #5Whys #FoodServiceInnovation #SeniorDining #HealthcareOperations #FoodServiceTips #RootCause #GordonFoodService
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In this lively episode of TFT, Aaron chats with Kasey Devine, Vice President of Strategic Growth at ProCare HR, about the transformative power of business process outsourcing in the senior living industry. They explore how outsourcing can enhance operational efficiency, improve employee satisfaction, and allow operators to focus on core passions. Kasey shares his expertise in HR solutions and strategic growth, offering insights into the pros and cons of outsourcing. The conversation is packed with humor and practical advice, making it a must-listen for senior living leaders eager to optimize their operations and elevate resident experiences.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
TFT329 #BusinessPartnerships #FractionalManagement #OutsourcingSolutions #SeniorLiving #HRInnovation #OperationalEfficiency #EmployeeSatisfaction #StrategicGrowth #CommunityExperience #FoodAndHospitality #HospitalityIndustry
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Picking up where they left off last week, Carrie Serrano & Jessica Hogue from Gordon Food Service finish discussing The 7 Wastes on this week’s Trestle Tactics. They have more great real-world examples from senior living and healthcare showing how even the simplest process improvement or actions can improve operational efficiency in food service and hospitality programming.
Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service.
TT22 #LeanManagement #OperationalExcellence #SeniorLiving #FoodServiceEfficiency #HospitalityOptimization #HealthcareFoodService #InventoryManagement #WorkflowImprovement #FoodServiceInnovation #SeniorDining #HealthcareOperations #FoodServiceTips #EfficiencyStrategies #GordonFoodService
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In this episode of Tips from Trestle, host Aaron Fish welcomes Shawn McGregor, Division Executive Chef at Healthcare Services Group. They discuss the Florida Senior Living Association's annual culinary competition, highlighting its role in transforming senior living dining experiences. Sean shares insights on the competition's origins, format, and the impact it has on chefs and residents alike. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creativity, camaraderie, and continuous improvement in senior living culinary arts. Shawn also provides practical advice for aspiring chefs and underscores the rewarding nature of working in senior care. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about elevating food service in senior living communities.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
TFT328 #SeniorLiving #CulinaryCompetition #SeniorDining #HealthcareChefs #FoodServiceInnovation #CulinaryArts #HospitalityIndustry #ChefLife #SeniorLivingFood #CulinaryExcellence #Foodies #ChefInspiration #SeniorCare #DiningExperience #FoodPassion
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On this week’s Tactics, Aaron welcomes in Carrie Serrano & Jessica Hogue from Gordon Food Service to start breaking down The 7 Wastes in Operational Excellence. They provide real-world examples from senior living and healthcare facilities, offering practical insights to improve operational efficiency in food service and hospitality programming. This is the first of a two part series detailing The 7 Wastes.
Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service.
TT21 #LeanManagement #OperationalExcellence #SeniorLiving #FoodServiceEfficiency #HospitalityOptimization #HealthcareFoodService #InventoryManagement #WorkflowImprovement #FoodServiceInnovation #SeniorDining #HealthcareOperations #FoodServiceTips #EfficiencyStrategies #GordonFoodService
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This episode of TFT features Aaron’s conversation with Brad Zorian, Culinary Director at Providence Living of Maitland, about his career transition from hotels and restaurants to senior living. Brad shares insights from his recent participation in the FSLA Leadership Academy, highlighting the benefits of the program for culinary professionals. He discusses the differences between working in hotels and senior living, the importance of understanding residents' needs, and the value of cross-departmental collaboration. Brad emphasizes the rewarding aspects of his role and the potential for career growth within the senior living industry.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
TFT326 #LeadershipDevelopment #CulinaryLeadership #CareerGrowth #ChefLife #SeniorLiving #FoodService #DiningExperience #HospitalityCareer #CulinarySkills #ProfessionalDevelopment #CulinaryArts #ChefJourney #LeadershipAcademy #FSLA
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Eavesdrop on Aaron’s conversation with Seth Winder, a training specialist at ClarkPro, about the critical role of DISC assessments and emotional intelligence (EQ) in team building and development. Seth shares his journey from public education to corporate training, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual tendencies and emotional triggers. The discussion highlights practical applications of assessment tools like DISC and understanding EQ in senior living and foodservice environments, offering insights into improving team dynamics, communication, and overall performance. Seth underscores the value of self-awareness and proactive engagement in fostering a collaborative and efficient workplace culture.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
TFT326 #EmployeeDevelopment #TeamBuilding #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #EmotionalIntelligence #DISCAssessment #FoodserviceIndustry #SeniorLiving #ProfessionalGrowth #WorkplaceWellness #TeamDynamics #TrainingAndDevelopment #HospitalityManagement #EmployeeEngagement
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On this episode of Tactics, Aaron brings in guest host Erin Thompson to discuss the power of shifting from negative to positive thinking to achieve success. She emphasizes acknowledging thoughts, examining their validity, and reframing them for growth. Thompson encourages listeners to assume the identity of their future successful selves and embrace continuous learning to reach their goals.
Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service.
TT20 #GrowthMindset #PersonalDevelopment #SelfImprovement #MindsetMatters #SuccessMindset #PositiveThinking #PersonalGrowth #SelfAwareness #MotivationalMindset #ContinuousLearning #SeniorLiving #SeniorCare #ElderCare #AssistedLiving #HealthyAging
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In this episode of Tips from Trestle, host Aaron Fish is joined by Erin Perkins, Director of Dining Arts at Arbor Acres, to discuss innovative sustainability practices in senior living dining services. Perkins shares insights from her presentation at the Senior Dining Conference on revolutionizing waste reduction through the use of reusable takeout containers. She elaborates on the financial and environmental benefits, the challenges faced during implementation, and the crucial role of resident engagement. The conversation highlights how Arbor Acres significantly reduced waste and saved big dollars, showcasing a model for other communities to follow.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
TFT325 #Sustainability #EcoFriendly #SeniorDining #WasteReduction #ReusableContainers #SeniorLiving #SustainableDining #FoodTrends #EcoConscious #ZeroWaste #EnvironmentalImpact #GreenInitiatives #SustainableFood #DiningSolutions #SeniorCare
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On this week's episode of Trestle Tactics, Aaron introduces us to the first concept of real importance in Operational Excellence - The 7 Wastes. He gives us a brief history of how it evolved and how it can be used in your food service operation.
This episode is the second in a multi episode series created in partnership with sponsor Gordon Food Service highlighting operational excellence in food service and their Peak Performance program for supporting their customers.
Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service.
TT19 #operationalexcellence #leanmanagement #foodservice #seniorliving #senior dining #7wastes
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In this episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron engages in a conversation with Jennifer Zydunczyk, Division Director of Dining Services at Medford Leas, focusing on the modernization of senior dining spaces. Jennifer shares her insights from her session at the Senior Dining Association SYNERGY Conference, emphasizing the importance of creating modern, larger dining spaces that cater to diverse dietary preferences. She discusses the necessity of balancing current resident needs with future trends and the value of involving both staff and residents in the design process. Jennifer highlights the collaborative efforts with architects and designers to ensure the spaces are functional, timeless, and adaptable to future demands.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro.
TFT324 #SeniorLiving #Renovation #DiningServices #FoodService #ResidentFeedback #ModernDesign #EclecticMenus #Hospitality #CommunityExperience #FutureProofing #CollaborativeDesign #ResidentCentered #SeniorDining #SustainableDesign #InnovationInSeniorLiving
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This week’s episode of Tips from Trestle has Aaron interviewing Cherissa Kell, founder and CEO of NeoTEIN Nutrition. They discuss the development of NeoTEIN, an innovative collagen protein and electrolyte supplement designed to address the nutritional needs of seniors. The conversation covers the importance of hydration, protein intake, and collagen for older adults, emphasizing the need for accessible, palatable supplements in senior living communities. Kell shares insights on the challenges of senior nutrition and how NeoTEIN aims to solve these issues by providing a tasty, multi-functional supplement that can be easily incorporated into daily routines.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
TFT323 #SeniorNutrition #HealthyAging #HydrationMatters #ProteinForSeniors #SeniorLivingWellness #NutritionInnovation #FoodServiceTrends #DiningExperience #SeniorLiving #SeniorDining #HealthyLifestyle #WellnessForSeniors
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On this episode of Trestle Tactics, Aaron introduces the concept of "Lean Thinking" and how it can have a significant impact on your foodservice operations. This is the first of a multi-part series featuring lean thinking & operational excellence.
Trestle Tactics is sponsored by Gordon Food Service.
LeanKitchen #OperationalExcellence #KitchenEfficiency #CulinaryProductivity #PeakPerformance #FoodServiceOptimization#LeanThinking #KitchenWorkflow #CostReductionTips #KitchenProcessImprovement #seniorliving #seniordining #TT18
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This week’s episode of Tips from Trestle finds Aaron talking with Dana Fillmore of Gordon Food Service. They delve into the intricacies of operational excellence and lean management within non-commercial food & dining. Dana shares the journey the GFS team took in looking at ways to better support their customers and their operations, covering current trends and challenges, particularly labor and cost challenges that operators are facing in the current market environment. They then introduce GFS’s "Peak Performance" initiative, which is aimed at enhancing efficiency and quality in senior living food services. Aaron also has an exciting announcement regarding the “Trestle Tactics podcast series.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
TFT322 #OperationalExcellence #LeanManagement #SeniorLiving #FoodService #DiningExperience #HealthcareInnovation #EfficiencyMatters #LaborSolutions #CostManagement #ResidentSatisfaction #HospitalityTrends #SeniorCare #SustainableSolutions #PeakPerformance
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Join Aaron on a silo-busting discussion on how your culinary and clinical teams can work together to create better outcomes for your residents in every part of their health & well-being!
Trestle Tactics is sponsored by Gordon Food Service.
AssistedLiving #SeniorLiving #CulinaryCare #ClinicalCollaboration #ResidentWellbeing #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork #CollaborativeRounds #CelebrateSuccesses #EngagedWorkforce #SeniorDining #TT16
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In this episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron spotlights Jonathan Pinsker, Regional Culinary Director at Acts Life Retirement Communities, live from the Senior Dining Synergy Expo in Orlando. They explore the value of creating inclusive and engaging dining experiences, offering cultural education for both staff and residents, and offers practical tips for success. They use examples from Jonathan’s SDA Session “Feasts of Heritage” about understanding and incorporating Jewish holiday traditions into senior living dining programs. The episode highlights the significance of community involvement and the benefits of a well-informed dining staff.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro.
FoodAndCulture #SeniorLiving #DiningExperience #FoodService #JewishHolidays #InclusiveDining #Hospitality #SeniorCare #Culture #Inclusivity #CommunityEngagement #CulinaryEducation #HolidayTraditions
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On the latest episode of Tips from Trestle," Aaron chats with Jason Smith, VP of Amenities at Shell Point Retirement Community in Florida. Jason shares his experience and discusses the unique challenges and innovations in bridging the divide between senior living & hospitality. He highlights Shell Point's transition from pen-and-paper operations to a sophisticated loyalty program using Resort Suite technology. This shift has improved efficiency, resident satisfaction, and staff retention. Jason emphasizes the importance of embracing technology to meet the evolving expectations of senior residents and offers advice for smaller operators looking to implement similar programs. You don't want to miss this episode!
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & Clark Pro
LoyaltyPrograms #CustomerLoyalty #DiningExperience #FoodService #SeniorLiving #RetirementCommunity #HospitalityTech #DiningInnovation #TechInSeniorLiving #ResidentExperience #FoodAndBeverage #SeniorDining #CommunityLiving
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In this episode of "Tips from Trestle," host Joanna LaFleur, a passionate advocate for dementia care, discusses the critical role of mealtime in memory care neighborhoods. Joanna shares her extensive experience in elder care, emphasizing the importance of personalized dining experiences to enhance residents' well-being. She offers practical strategies for creating engaging and enjoyable mealtime environments, including the use of sensory activities and individualized food preferences. Joanna also highlights the significance of socialization during meals and provides insights into training staff to better support residents with dementia. This episode is a valuable resource for caregivers and operators looking to improve the quality of life for those living with dementia.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro
DementiaCare #MemoryCare #SeniorLiving #DementiaSupport #MealtimeMagic #PersonalizedCare #DementiaDining #Caregiving #DementiaAwareness #SeniorDining #Foodservice #Hospitality #TFT319
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In this episode of Trestle Tactics, Aaron discusses how to maximize the use of point of sale systems in senior living communities. Key strategies include enhancing the dining experience, streamlining operations, leveraging analytics for informed decisions, and personalizing meal plans based on resident preferences. He uses real world examples to illustrate the benefits of these strategies, ultimately improving satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Trestle Tactics is sponsored by Gordon Food Service
POS #DiningTech #CustomerExperience #FoodService #SeniorLiving #PersonalizedDining #TechInnovation #SmartDining #ResidentSatisfaction #DataDriven #MealPlanning #HospitalityTech #SeniorDining
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In this episode of Trestle Tactics, host Aaron Fish converses with Andrew Moret and Amy Robinson, both National Directors of Dining Services, about the significance of localized conference-level training. They discuss the upcoming California Assisted Living Association's Dining and Hospitality Track on June 3rd, emphasizing the value of peer-to-peer networking and the opportunity for culinary professionals to share best practices. The episode highlights the importance of elevating dining experiences in senior living communities and the benefits of collaborative learning and networking among chefs and dining directors.
Trestle Tactics is sponsored by Gordon Food Service
SeniorLiving #CulinaryTraining #FoodService #HospitalityConference #PeerNetworking #DiningExperience #SeniorDining #CulinaryInnovation #Conference2024 #FoodServiceTrends #ChefLife #HospitalityIndustry #CulinaryExcellence #TrainingAndDevelopment
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In this episode of TFT, Aaron chats with Harris Ader, founder and CEO of the Senior Dining Association, live from the SDA Synergy Conference. They discuss the unique aspects of the conference, including peer group collaborations, innovative expo highlights, and the importance of sustainability in senior dining. The conversation also touches on the diverse range of attendees, from executives to sous chefs, and the value of including all levels of staff in industry discussions. Listeners will gain insights into the future of senior dining and the importance of continuous learning and collaboration.
Tips form Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- Clark Pro
SeniorLiving #Foodservice #Conference2024 #Training #Development #PeerCollaboration #DiningExperience #IndustryInnovation #ExpoHighlights #WorkforceDevelopment #RisingStars #FutureOfDining #SeniorDining
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In this episode of Trestle Tactics, Aaron goes back to his commercial hospitality days and shares three key strategies that senior living operators can use to make their menu design more effective. These tactics will not only enhance the dining experience, but also drive guest sales and move your operation towards better profitability and more effective cost & inventory controls.
Trestle Tactics is sponsored by Gordon Food Service
TT14 #MenuDesign #Foodservice #MenuDesign #SeniorLiving #GoldenTriangle #MenuEngineering #DescriptiveMenus #VisualMarketing #SimplifiedMenus #DiningExperience #MenuStrategy #CustomerEngagement
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In this episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron sits down with Jim Dukart from eMenuChoice at the SDA Synergy Conference. They talk about the transformative role of point of sale (POS) technology in enhancing dining experiences in senior living communities. Jim highlights the importance of software that offers ease of use, control, and customization to meet the dynamic needs of senior residents and staff. The discussion also covers the shift from traditional to digital menu systems, the impact of COVID-19 on online ordering, and the broader trend towards restaurant-quality dining services in senior living settings. Insights into customer feedback and future tech integrations are also shared, providing a comprehensive look at how technology is reshaping senior dining.
Tips from Trestle is Sponsored By:
- eMenuChoice POS
- ClarkPro
TFT317 #seniorliving #seniordining #SeniorLivingTech #DigitalDining #POSSolutions #MenuInnovation #TechTrends #DiningTech #SeniorLiving2024 #SmartDining #FutureOfSeniorLiving
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Aaron continues his discussions on cultivating a learning culture by offering ideas and insights on how to keep your team engaged with industry insights. He explores innovative and fun ways to keep the team learning and growing while also impacting your operations.
Trestle Tactics is sponsored by Gordon Food Service
TT13 #SeniorDining #IndustryInsights #SeniorLiving #FoodService #HospitalityManagement #CulinaryInnovation #TechInDining #HospitalityTrends #DiningTech #MenuInnovation #SeniorHealth #HospitalityLeadership #TrestleTactics
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In this enlightening episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron chats with Greg Gorgone, co-founder of Pineapple Academy. Greg shares his journey from pot washer to tech-savvy educator in the food service industry, emphasizing the role of technology in revolutionizing training and operations. The discussion explores how Pineapple Academy leverages digital content and technology to enhance culinary education and compliance, particularly in healthcare settings. Greg highlights the importance of adaptable, user-friendly platforms that allow for personalized content, crucial for meeting diverse operational needs across the food service spectrum. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, education, and culinary service in healthcare & senior living.
Tips From Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- ClarkPro
TFT316 #SeniorDining #SeniorLiving #HealthcareInnovation #TechInCulinary #PineappleAcademy #FoodServiceTech #CulinaryEducation #SeniorCare #HospitalityTech #DigitalTransformation #TrainingSolutions #SmartDining #TechAdoption #InnovativeTraining
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After his conversation on TFT 315, Aaron explores how organizations can foster a culture of continuous learning in their dining department to enhance innovation, employee satisfaction, and competitive advantage in today's dynamic business environment.
Trestle Tactics is sponsored by Gordon Food Service.
TT12 #SeniorLiving #SeniorDining #ContinuousLearning #LifelongLearning #EmployeeDevelopment #InnovationCulture #ProfessionalGrowth #SkillDevelopment #WorkplaceLearning #CorporateTraining #LeadershipDevelopment #LearningAndDevelopment #HumanResources
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On this episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron sits down with Dr. Milton McGowan, who shares his journey from a dining director to a senior living leader, emphasizing the significance of workforce development and training. Recorded live at the Senior Dining Association SYNERGY Conference, Milton discusses the importance of nurturing leadership within senior living communities. He highlights the value of passion, proper training, and creating personal growth paths for employees. Milton's approach includes working across various departments to enhance team dynamics and service delivery, showcasing his commitment to leadership and employee retention in senior living. This episode offers invaluable insights for anyone looking to improve leadership and training in their organization.
Tips from Trestle is Sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- ClarkPro
TFT315 #SeniorLiving #SeniorDining #CareerGrowth#FutureSkills #LeadershipDevelopment #EmployeeTraining #MentorshipPrograms #SkillsetEnhancement #TrainingTrends #LeadershipJourney #EmployeeRetention #WorkforceEmpowerment #ProfessionalDevelopment #TrainingSuccess #LeadershipTraining
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Aaron deep dives on 2 big strategies for maximizing resident feedback to enhance dining & business operations, be innovative, and improve customer satisfaction.
Trestle Tactics is sponsored by Gordon Food Service
CustomerFeedback #SeniorLiving #SeniorDining #CustomerInsights #FeedbackStrategies #CustomerEngagement #CustomerSatisfaction #FeedbackLoop #CustomerExperience #VoiceOfCustomer #BusinessTips #CustomerService #FeedbackTools #CustomerSuccess
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In this episode of Tips from Trestle, we feature the first of our SDA Synergy episodes. Becky Smith, Partnership Development Manager at Clark Pro, joins the show and discusses the transformation from Clark Food Service Equipment to Clark Pro. The episode covers the strategic rebranding to better serve diverse food service operators with enhanced e-commerce platforms and specialized services. Becky highlights the importance of adapting to market needs, offering customized solutions, and maintaining strong partner relationships. Insights into the evolving foodservice industry, particularly in senior living and healthcare sectors, are also shared, emphasizing the role of technology and customer-centric approaches in driving business growth.
Tip from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- ClarkPRO
TFT314 #SeniorLiving #SeniorDining #FoodService #EquipmentInnovation #RebrandingSuccess #HealthcareDining #ECommerceSolutions #SDASynergy #ClarkPro #HospitalityIndustry #CustomSolutions #FoodServiceTrends #PartnershipDevelopment #ConferenceInsights
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On this episode of Trestle Tactics, Aaron guides us to discover essential strategies for health inspection readiness, ensuring your establishment not only passes but excels in maintaining high standards of health and safety.
Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service
TT10 #SeniorLiving #HealthInspection #InspectionReadiness #FoodSafety #QualityAssurance #SanitationSolutions #HealthStandards #BusinessReadiness #OperationalExcellence #Foodservice #SenorDining #InspectionSuccess
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In this insightful episode, Aaron discusses the transformation of foodservice in senior living with marketing expert Jim Zimmerman. Jim highlights the shift in senior living dining expectations, driven by baby boomers' diverse culinary experiences. They deep dive into the importance of branding in creating distinctive and appealing dining options that resonate with residents and their families. The conversation also covers competitive analysis, the impact of hospitality on community choice, and the future of senior living foodservice, emphasizing the need for differentiation and a strong brand identity.
They also discuss The Bullpen, a collective of industry specialists aiming to enhance senior living communities. Be sure to bookmark this episode for all things food, hospitality, and brand awareness!
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- Clark Pro
TFT313 #SeniorLiving #FoodServiceExcellence #BrandingSuccess #DiningInnovation #BoomerCuisine #HospitalityMatters #CulinaryBranding #SeniorDiningTrends #ElevateSeniorLiving #MarketingStrategy #UniqueDiningExperience #FoodServiceTrends #SeniorLivingCommunity
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In this episode of Tips from Trestle, host Aaron Fish explores the Florida Senior Living Association's Leadership Academy with Gail Matillo and Katherine Upton. The program, designed for senior living professionals, focuses on nurturing leadership skills and fostering a community of passionate caregivers. Through nominations and selective participation, the academy aims to reduce industry turnover by building a strong foundation of leaders. The episode highlights the program's unique mentorship component, personal growth stories, and the importance of stepping beyond boundaries to achieve success. Listeners gain insights into the transformative experiences of the participants and the future goals of the Leadership FSLA program.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- Clark Pro
- Dining RD
LeadershipDevelopment #MentorshipMatters #SeniorLiving #HealthcareLeaders #EmployeeEngagement #ProfessionalGrowth #SeniorLivingExcellence #LearningAndDevelopment #CareerAdvancement #IndustryLeadership #EmpowermentCulture
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In this enlightening episode of Tips from Trestle, Dr. Krystal Cullar, a holistic brain health expert, discusses the critical role of nutrition in senior living for maintaining cognitive function. She emphasizes the importance of integrating brain health and wellness programs into senior communities, highlighting lifestyle factors like nutrition and hydration as key components. Dr. Kohler advocates for quality food choices, such as the Mediterranean or MIND diet, to enhance energy, mood, and overall well-being, ultimately transforming senior living into a proactive, brain-healthy environment.
BrainHealth #SeniorNutrition #seniorliving #HealthyAging #CognitiveCare #ElderlyWellness #MINDdiet #BrainFood #HolisticHealth #SeniorCare #DementiaPrevention #NutritionScience #BrainWellness
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Aaron gives the mic to Tom Sanders of Senior Living Photography to share his tactics on how you can capture the amazing culinary creations in your community using the phone in your pocket.
Trestle Tactics is sponsored by Gordon Food Service
#TT9 #FoodPhotography #SeniorLiving #CulinaryArt #ChefShowcase #DiningExperience #AuthenticImagery #BrandingAlignment #VisualAppeal #ResidentSatisfaction #CommunityMarketing #PhotographyTips #SeniorCare
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In this sparkling episode of "Tips from Trestle," we polish our understanding of sustainable sanitation with Dan Lawson, the visionary co-founder of Viking Pure Solutions. Dan unveils his journey, which is deeply rooted in senior living from his childhood, through his ventures in the medical device industry, and back to his core passion—cultivating a revolution in cleaning and infection control within senior communities. Viking Pure's technology is not only changing the way senior living facilities approach cleanliness but also ensuring a healthier and safer environment for residents and staff. Throughout the conversation, we witness the transformative power of Viking Pure's approach, emphasizing the critical role of safe chemicals & cleaning practices in safeguarding the health and vibrancy of senior living spaces.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- Clark Pro
EcoFriendlyCleaning #SeniorLivingSafety #SustainableSanitation #HealthySeniors #InfectionControl #GreenCleaning #SeniorLiving #SanitationSolutions #CleanLivingForSeniors #DisinfectingDifferently
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This week's Trestle Tactics features Katie Churchill from Full Spectrum Search Group discussing the critical first steps that can make or break the new hire experience. With only 12% of employees feeling their organization does a great job at onboarding, we uncover the secrets to successful integration into company culture and the importance of personalized, engaging preboarding strategies. From the significance of making company values actionable to the pivotal role of feedback in refining the onboarding process, we navigate through the best practices that lead to higher employee satisfaction and retention. Join us as we discuss how to transform the onboarding journey into a seamless, productive, and welcoming experience for every new hire.
Trestle Tactics is sponsored by Gordon Food Service
TT8 #EmployeeExperience #OnboardingSuccess #WorkplaceCulture #NewHireJourney #EngagementStrategies #SeniorLiving #RetirementLiving #EmployeeRetention #TeamIntegration #CultureBuilding #SeniorDining #InclusiveWorkplace
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In this episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron zooms in on food photography with Tom Sanders, a seasoned photographer and professor. Tom dishes out his expert tips for capturing mouthwatering shots of senior living community meals. From plating perfection that showcases a chefs' artistry to navigating chaotic dining room shoots, Tom unveils the delectable secrets behind his visually appetizing work. He also explores blending artistic vision with brand alignment and the delicate balance between creating stunning visuals and representing the everyday meals served to residents.
Tips from Trestle Is Sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- Clark Pro
Tom Sanders Social Media/Web
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-sanders-b372b1139/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/senior-stock-photos/
- https://www.seniorlivingphotography.com/
TFT309 #FoodPhotography #SeniorLiving #CulinaryArt #ChefShowcase #DiningExperience #AuthenticImagery #BrandingAlignment #VisualAppeal #ResidentSatisfaction #CommunityMarketing #PhotographyTips #SeniorCare
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On this week’s episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron welcomes Chris Kincaid, a seasoned professional in the senior living industry and co-founder of TruNorth Management. Chris shares his journey from caring for his great grandmother to transforming senior care through a bespoke service model that caters to the unique needs of each community, from rural to upscale urban settings. TruNorth stands out by rejecting the one-size-fits-all approach, instead offering tailored support through a network of industry experts. The discussion delves into the challenges and opportunities in serving middle and secondary markets, and the innovative COMPASS assessment tool designed to aid owners and investors in evaluating properties.
Listen/Watch: https://link.chtbl.com/TFT308
Tips from Trestle Is Sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- Clark Pro
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This Trestle Tactics has Aaron doing an overview of how you can build your standard operating procedures (SOPs) so that they have meaning and value to your entire team and are truly effective in creating a consistent operation.
Trestle Tactics is brought to you by Gordon Food Service.
www.gfs.com
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This episode of Tips from Trestle finds Aaron talking about some unique senior tech with Akshita Iyer, CEO and Founder of Ome. He starts with Akshita’s journey from neuroscience to entrepreneurship, sparked by a personal incident involving her mother and a kitchen fire, leading to the creation of the world's first smart stove knob. Beyond enhancing kitchen safety, they discuss how Ome's technology collects data on cooking habits to potentially signal changes in a resident's health or routines, offering a new layer of care in senior living communities. The conversation also touches on the challenges of integrating such innovative solutions into the senior living industry, the importance of data in improving resident care, and the future of smart technology in enhancing the quality of life for seniors.
TFT is Sponsored By:
- eMenuChoice
- Clark Pro
- DiningRD
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In this episode of Trestle Tactics, Aaron shares his four strategies to master the art of anticipating customer needs within senior living operations. These tactics will help you to create a culture of customer loyalty and enhance the overall experience in your senior living communities.Trestle Tactics is sponsored by Gordon Food Service
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In this episode of Tips from Trestle, Dani Merlino shares her journey and expertise in sales training, occupancy building, culture renovation, and financial profitability. Dani's passion for senior living began in her youth, and she has since held various roles, including CNA, life enrichment coordinator, and executive director, before becoming the Chief Operating Officer for Grow Your Occupancy.
Dani discusses the importance of developing marketing plans in a collaborative and holistic way, emphasizing the need for a SWOT analysis and competitive analysis to inform these plans. She highlights the value of understanding one's strengths, competitors' weaknesses, and the importance of resident feedback in crafting effective marketing strategies.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- Clark Food Service Equipment
Follow Our Guest:
Grow Your Occupancy:
Dani Merlino: LinkedIn
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In this insightful episode, Katie Churchill takes the mic to share the common mistakes managers make while conducting interviews and how to avoid them. From failing to define job requirements to not asking the right questions, we cover the pitfalls that can derail the hiring process. These strategies are crucial for managers to improve their interviewing skills and make better hiring decisions.
Trestle Tactics is presented by Gordon Food Service
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In this episode of "Tips from Trestle," Aaron is joined by Katie Griffith, CEO and founder of Bright Solutions, to discuss the integration of technology in senior living communities, particularly focusing on tech-friendly menus. Katie shares insights on how various tech platforms like menu management systems, point of sale, digital signs, mobile apps, and self-service kiosks can enhance the dining experience for residents and staff. They explore the challenges of integrating these technologies, ensuring ease of use, and maintaining cost-effectiveness. The conversation also touches on the importance of thoughtful menu planning, the potential of mobile ordering post-pandemic, and the need for continuous feedback to improve tech adoption. This episode is a deep dive into how technology can not only streamline operations but also enrich the lives of seniors through better service and more engaging dining experiences.
Tips from Trestle is Sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice
- Clark Food Service Equipment
techsavvysenior #MenuManagementSystems #SeniorDiningTech#pointofsale #mobileapps #selfservicekiosk #TechFriendlyMenus #SeniorLivingTechTrends #seniorliving #SeniorDining #MenuDevelopment #TFT305 #FoodService #foodtechnology #MenuTech #tipsfromtrestle
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Learn how to apply the 'Everyone is Always on Stage' concept to senior living hospitality. Discover how to create a culture of customer loyalty and provide an outstanding service experience.
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In this episode of "Tips from Trestle," host Aaron delves into the pressing issue of staffing and hiring trends in the senior living industry with Katie Churchill, a seasoned expert from Full Spectrum Search Group. As the industry emerges from the shadows of COVID-19, the challenges of recruiting and retaining top talent have intensified. Katie highlights the competitive nature of recruitment, the need for re-engaging talent post-pandemic, and the staggering demand for caregivers in the coming years. She shares success stories of job fairs and the importance of being proactive in recruitment, even when positions are filled. The conversation pivots to positive trends, such as the adoption of technology to streamline staffing processes and the power of social media in attracting new talent. Katie emphasizes the significance of career growth, leadership development, and the innovative concept of intergenerational living as key factors in drawing and retaining a vibrant workforce. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of senior living, focusing on holistic wellness and sustainability as attractive features for the next generation of senior living professionals
Tips From Trestle is Sponsored by:
- eMenuChoice POS
- Clark Food Service Equipment
Social Media & Web:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiechurchill2/
Instagram: @katiec_seniorliving_recruiter
Email: katiec@fullspecstaff.com
Phone: 949-535-0689
Company:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/full-spectrum-staffing-solutions/
Instagram: @fullspecstaff
X: @FullSpecStaff
Email: hello@fullspecstaff.com
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In this episode of Trestle Tactics, we discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) and their importance in measuring the performance of your organization, and especially in food service operations. We share the main points needed to start using and excelling with KPIs to get a step ahead of your fellow senior living foodservice directors.
Don't miss out—subscribe to Trestle Tactics for the latest industry tips and trends, and get practical strategies to enhance your senior living food and hospitality programming.
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This episode of Tips from Trestle features Jill Valdez, the founder and COO of Link Consulting. Jill discusses her passion for helping leaders in senior living, the challenges they face, and the importance of training and motivating staff. She emphasizes the need to activate employees' hearts and passions to motivate them, improve operations, and reduce turnover. Jill also shares her approach to consulting and how executive directors can benefit from her services. Her emphasis on building connections and supporting staff is a central theme throughout the conversation.
Tune in so you don;t miss this great conversation on leadership in senior living!
Tips from Trestle - The Senior Living Food & Hospitality Podcast is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Companies
- Navigator Group Purchasing
- eMenuChoice POS
- Clark Food Service Equipment
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In this Trestle Tactics, Aaron does a deep dive into his five key food cost management strategies that will help you be successful and really dial in on maximizing your food expenses and revenues in your senior living operation.
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In this episode of Tips from Trestle, we come to the rescue with Julie Podewitz as she helps us have other worldly success around our approach to outreach, managing lead sources and the potential impact of aggregators on a community's marketing efforts. Julie emphasizes the value of measuring outcomes and tracking outreach results, particularly in comparison to digital lead sources and paid aggregators. She also highlights the potential for a team approach to outreach, involving various departments to improve results.
Tune in to discover how to optimize your sales and marketing strategies, reduce reliance on aggregators, and find your superpower in the senior living industry. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!
Tips from Trestle - The Senior Living Food & Hospitality Podcast is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Companies
- Navigator Group Purchasing
- eMenuChoice POS
- Clark Food Service Equipment
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Join host Aaron Fish for his 4 strategies to make your transition smoother from the commercial kitchens of a restaurant or hotel to the world of senior living dining.
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In the season 3 introductory podcast of tips From trestle, post Aaron Fish sits down with Andrew Moret of Oakmont Senior Living to discuss what they see as the 2024 food service trends that will most likely impact your operations. dive into this trendy Talk to get your 2024 off to a tantalizing start.
Andrew Moret is the vice president of Culinary Services for Oakmont Senior Living. By cultivating strong leadership amongst his team, Andrew elevates the senior living dining experience and advocates for residents to ensure that being a senior is an enjoyable lifestyle and not a diagnosis. By cultivating strong leadership amongst his team, Andrew strives to continue to elevate the senior living dining experience and be a driving force in the industry. He can be reached via email at andrew.moret@oakmontmg.com
Tips from Trestle - The Senior Living Food & Hospitality Podcast is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Companies
- Navigator Group Purchasing
- eMenuChoice POS
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In this season finale episode of tips from trestle, host Aaron Fish dives into the year that was 2023. He does his best David Letterman impression with his “Top Ten” list of key trends and developments that shaped the year in senior living, as well as some of his favorite highlights and interviews from the episodes throughout the year.
It’s a look back on a year full of ups and downs, but also a stage setting episode for the future. So plug in and join us as we do a look back at season 2, and help get you caught up on the many great conversations we’ve had as we celebrate the end of 2023, the holiday season, and prepare for Season 3 of Tips from Trestle!
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Companies
- Navigator Group Purchasing
- eMenuChoice POS
- Clark Food Service Equipment
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Let's whisk ourselves into the tasty tornado that was the GSLA culinary face-off! Grab your appetite and a sense of humor because this tale's seasoned with drama and sprinkled with competitive spice!
In this sizzling episode, Aaron unpacks the culinary showdown at the recent Georgia Senior Living Association conference, exploring the educational nuggets, vibrant highlights, and tantalizing benefits for members that stirred up the atmosphere. He talks with Catie Ramp about creating and staging the associations first-ever cooking throw-down, and follows it up by talking with the winner Chef & Chef Alan Velazquez about the big win, illuminating the dedication and excellence in the culinary realm for their company Oak Senior Living. Chef Manny shares his secret recipe for success, and Chef Alan discusses the competition's significance for Oak Senior Living, magnifying their commitment to culinary excellence and culture.
Discover how this feast of talent showcases the prowess of senior living's culinary artists and what it means for the residents' dining experience. Get ready to savor the juiciest moments and join us in celebrating Chef Manny’s win and the anticipation as he and Oak Senior Living gears up to defend their culinary crown next year!
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Companies
- Navigator Group Purchasing
- eMenuChoice POS --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support
Just as a kazoo jazz band needs its conductor, leadership calls for someone to set the quirky, yet coordinated tone!
Dive into our latest episode uncovering the crux of leadership in senior living and the "Kazoo Leadership" book by our guest, David Hopkins. Join Aaron & David as they explore critical insights, including the absence of formal leadership training, the necessity for collaboration amidst community competition, and the challenge of expecting leaders to be experts in every aspect.
We delve into David's journey, from Disney operations to a passion for leadership in healthcare and the transition to senior living, along with his realization that many leaders face trial by fire without adequate training. Uncover how his book, "Kazoo Leadership," condenses pivotal leadership principles into five simple steps, emphasizing its accessibility for busy leaders and the transformative power of words. Tune in and learn how impactful leadership can uplift both teams and residents in senior living communities!
David Hopkins is a recognized leader, facilitator, and speaker in the areas of leadership development, sales and marketing, culture, and customer experience. He grew up in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and relocated to Florida as a young adult, beginning his career at the happiest place on earth, Walt Disney World. After spending many hours singing and dancing with his favorite characters, he decided to stop “Goofing” around and worked his way into management, gaining experience in both resort and theme park operations. David then decided to use his leadership expertise to assist healthcare organizations. There, he rose to executive roles supporting areas such as acute care hospital operations, clinical education, and large physician practices.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Companies
- Navigator Group Purchasing
- eMenuChoice POS
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Tis the season for not just turkey and cranberry sauce, but also a deep dive into making the holiday season a success in your community! Host Aaron Fish does a solo session and unpacks some pivotal strategies aimed at crafting an unforgettable holiday experience for our residents, employees, families, and the many guests we will see in the coming weeks. In this episode, we delve into essential aspects like the incorporation of current food trends, the art of creating a festive ambiance, readiness for amplified demand, unveiling enticing seasonal specials, and tackling the inevitable challenges in staffing.
From decking the halls with seasonal cheer to designing delightful menus that captivate the spirit of the holidays, we'll explore every essential facet to ensure our seniors and guests savor the magic of this joyous time. As the holidays approach, let's gear up to make this festive season a memorable and heartwarming celebration for the senior living community! Tune in and join us as we unwrap the secrets to making this holiday season truly special.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Companies
- Navigator Group Purchasing
- eMenuChoice POS --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support
It's a blueprint for change! Step into the construction zone as we unpack the challenges and victories of transforming senior living spaces - especially occupied senior living communities - in this episode of Tips from Trestle.
Get ready to hammer down into the complexities of renovations, particularly in active senior communities, and discover the transformative power of incorporating contemporary concepts into communal spaces. Aaron sits down with Bridge The Gap host & Founder of The Bridge Group Construction Lucas McCurdy for a dive deep into the critical role of design partners and interior groups, sharing his insights on projects involving minor additions to major structural changes and the art of seamless communication with the operating team.
But it's not just about construction; it's a conversation about fostering effective teamwork, attracting skilled workers, and addressing the pressing need for affordable housing solutions in the realm of senior living. Join us for a riveting discussion that goes beyond the blueprint and into the heart of creating vibrant, purposeful spaces for our aging population. Ready to break ground? Let's go!
In addition to his duties as host for the industry leading Bridge the Gap podcast, Lucas McCurdy is the founder of The Bridge Group Construction based in Dallas, Texas. Widely known as “The Senior Living Fan,” he has directed his passion for aging adults and the communities they live in to develop the industry’s first renovation and construction company dedicated solely to the senior living industry. Lucas also actively supports the senior living industry including involvement in NIC, Argentum, LeadingAge, ASHA, and the NIC Future Leaders Council.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Companies
- Navigator Group Purchasing
- eMenuChoice POS
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If workplace conflicts were a recipe, what would the essential ingredients be for a harmonious outcome?
In this engaging episode, we take a playful plunge into the world of workplace conflict with the dynamic Carol Bowser. She's the guru of getting folks to play nice in the sandbox, and her journey from lawyer to conflict resolution consultant is as fascinating as it is insightful.
Carol dishes out nuggets of wisdom for dealing with office drama. Forget the blame game; she advocates for a conflict triage system, where concerns are met head-on, and labels are tossed out the window. It's like workplace therapy with a twist! Aaron and Carol talk about taming the wild beast of communication styles, especially in the high-stress world of food service. They uncover the secret sauce to bringing harmony between the front-of-house and the back-of-house. Spoiler: it's all in how you talk the talk.
They also tackle the age-old problem of differing workplace goals. It's all about setting expectations, understanding different angles, and ensuring everyone’s on the same page. So whether you’re a workplace peacemaker or just curious about resolving conflicts with a smile, this episode has you covered. Tune in and bring your popcorn – the workplace drama just got entertaining!
Carol Bowser, J.D is a workplace conflict expert. After practicing Employment Law for several years, Carol founded Conflict Management Strategies when she realized a lawsuit can’t deliver the level of resolution and satisfaction that is gained when people are actively involved in creating solutions to their workplace conflict. In her over 20 years of experience, she has discovered some universal themes about workplace conflict and loves to share how people at all levels can strengthen their conflict resolution muscles. She can be reached at cb@managingconflict.com or at www.conflictmanagementstrategies.com.
Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Companies
- Navigator Group Purchasing
- eMenuChoice POS
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Do you struggle with building innovation in your kitchen design? What if there was an equipment mecca that would let you culinary team play & create their ideal kitchen?
Dive deep with Aaron and Chris into the world of Middleby, a company that's at the forefront of driving technological advancements in the food service industry. Together, they explore the ingenious Middleby Innovation Kitchen (MIK), a sprawling 40,000-square-foot space designed to empower customers in selecting the ideal equipment for their unique culinary needs. With seasoned chefs on hand to guide them, the MIK presents an inspiring platform for innovation and experimentation.
Prepare to be astonished as they uncover how the MIK fuels operators' quests for process improvements, resulting in enhanced efficiency and kitchen profitability. Through tangible examples, they demonstrate how testing equipment and fine-tuning processes within the MIK have remarkably slashed preparation times and boosted overall kitchen performance.
Pull up a seat for your intro to the MIK!
Chris Reeves is the Senior VP of Sales, Strategic Channel Development for The Middleby Corporation. Wanting to expand on his culinary background, he joined one of the largest equipment dealer role ups, offering more services with equipment design and selection. He ultimately joined Middleby, a multi brand equipment manufacturer focused on solving challenges in our industry with equipment innovation.
TFT is Sponsored by:
- The Boelter Companies
- Navigator Group Purchasing, Inc
- eMenuChoice
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This episode of Tips from Trestle finds us pulling together all the ingredients for creating contract success with your GPO. Aaron is joined by Tony Thanos of Navigator Group Purchasing to share insights on the world of healthcare organizations and how they're optimizing cost-saving initiatives.
We learn how Tony, as the Manager of Field Implementation, is helping organizations build stronger relationships with GPOs, and the key to contract management success. But don't expect this to be a bland conversation; they also delve into the challenges operators face when optimizing their GPO partnerships.
From tackling resistance to supply chain snags, they've got you covered. This is your opportunity to learn the recipe for GPO success, whether you're grappling with distribution dilemmas or simply looking for the ingredients to make your partnership thrive. So, don't miss this episode; it's packed with knowledge to elevate your healthcare game!
Tony Thanos leads Navigator Group Purchasing team of Field Implementation Specialists who span across the country. He works alongside Navigator’s partner Foodbuy on program-saving opportunities as well as helping source the best contracts for Navigator and their members. Tony is a former Chef with an extensive background in senior living food service operations and is a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM), Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP). He can be reached via email at Tony.Thanos@navigatorgpo.com
TFT is Sponsored by:
- The Boelter Companies
- Navigator Group Purchasing, Inc
- eMenuChoice
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How do you create a community that can differentiate itself from the others, and that organically offers easy ways to sell itself with culture and experience? It’s about knowing the market, and building opportunities to create the “love stories” that naturally develop inside those four walls.
Many may know Josh Crisp as one of the hosts of the popular Bridge The Gap Senior Living Podcast, but he wears so many other hats. In addition to hosting duties, Josh is an accomplished senior living executive, marketer, and developer. In his conversation with Aaron Fish, they delve into the evolving landscape of senior living. From tailoring services to the unique needs of local communities to creating engaging environments, Josh highlights the importance of strategic partnerships and exceptional dining and hospitality experiences to community vitality and success.
They also emphasize the role of these experiences in attracting residents and setting communities apart. Beyond physical care, fostering vibrant and inclusive environments for both residents and staff is at the heart of how Josh and his team at Solinity plan, develop, and manage communities. It’s how they create the “love stories” that make a senior living community great.
If you're in the senior living industry and have ever wanted to get some insights on the development side of community experience, this episode offers valuable perspectives. You don’t want to miss this episode!
In addition to his duties as host for the industry leading Bridge the Gap podcast, Josh Crisp is a senior living executive with over 15 years of experience in development, construction, & management across the southeast. Josh is Founder & CEO of Solinity, a senior living development & management and marketing company designed to reshape the industry to better meet the needs of the aging & create intergenerational communities.
TFT is Sponsored by:
- The Boelter Companies
- Navigator Group Purchasing, Inc
- eMenuChoice
- Clark Food Service Equipment
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TFT host Aaron Fish visits with Erin Thompson from Aspire for More with Erin about her experiences at the recent Alabama Assisted Living Association Fall Conference. They talk about the big takeaways for leaders, and how the upcoming Culinary Leadership 360 workshop can help to better support and reenergize attendees.To learn more about the Culinary Leadership 360 Workshop click here: https://bit.ly/CulinaryLead360
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Finding a technology solution into your operation can be tricky. Especially when you need a robust solution that needs to be as cost effective as possible. To solve this, we get “SaaS-y” in this episode about why knowing your operation is critical to finding the right solution and create mealtime magic for residents
In this episode, Jessica Atkinson from Woodside Senior Communities joins Aaron and they deep dive into how Woodside used eMenuChoice to give their dining program a high-tech makeover. They get into the nitty-gritty of the process of selecting the right software, and how it can and will impact the overall operation. No fluff - just real talk on how Woodside evaluated vendors, and they detail why they involved frontline staff in this tech journey, and what made eMenuChoice the ultimate pick.
So log in to this episode to discover the results of a well thought out process for finding a dining technology solution that can help tracking sales, manage resident details, and support cutting waste. All while valuing the importance of a user-friendly solution.
Jessica Atkinson is the Executive Director of Campus Living at Woodside Senior Communities, a full continuum campus in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She has worked in healthcare for over 15 years in a variety of settings including outpatient therapy, assisted living, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here:
TFT is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Company
- Navigator Group Purchasing
- eMenuChoice POS
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support
Are you constantly searching to figure out what it takes to win over job seekers in the senior living industry? Get ready for a rollicking ride through the world of recruitment and staffing in the latest episode of Tips from Trestle, where we are working overtime discussing everything from job postings to company culture.
Kate Risa takes center stage in a lively discussion with Aaron about the current staffing landscape. They dive into the importance of adopting a job seeker's perspective when recruiting and onboarding, revealing insights that can transform your hiring game. From crafting enticing job postings to building irresistible total compensation packages, they leave no stone unturned.
But that's not all—Kate and Aaron also dish out the secrets to hire for heart in new communities, and leveraging technology to create a transparent and attractive hiring process. If you're ready to unlock the formula for recruiting success, this episode is your golden ticket. So are you ready to revolutionize your recruitment strategy? Tune in to learn the tricks of the trade, and connect with Kate and Aaron to supercharge your staffing game. It's time to bring your A-game to senior living recruitment!
Kate Risa is the Divisional Director of Human Resources with LakeHouse Senior Living, a new upper Midwest regional operator of 37 assisted living communities supported by Discovery Senior Living. Kate has over 20 years of HR experience working with many senior living operators and industry support services.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here:
TFT is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Company
- Navigator Group Purchasing
- eMenuChoice POS
- Clark Food Service
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Cleaning and sanitation are critical to success in the senior living industry. And we are here to unlock the secrets behind cleaner, safer spaces. So join us as we dive deep into how your jan-san program can become a game changer
On this week’s sparkling journey, Aaron chats with Andy Gamma about the finer aspects of your chemical & sanitation program. Discover how streamlining & strategically reducing the overuse of chemicals can lead to cost savings, improved safety, and greater efficiency in your facility. They get into real life examples of how to do all of this, while keeping a focus on employees and their job satisfaction. Additionally, Andy and Aaron explore the challenges faced by operators when introducing new technology in the cleaning industry. They discuss the advantages of leasing equipment as well as the value of long-term partnerships with experts in the chemical and sanitation industry.
Ready to enhance your cleaning processes? Then this is an episode of Tips From Trestle you won't want to miss!
Andy Gamma is a seasoned expert in janitorial and sanitation products, boasting over 40 years of industry experience. He has spent his career working hands on with customers creating long standing relationships, and he focuses on developing and supporting fulfillment programs that cater to the needs of each individual business. Andy’s passion for the industry paired with his extensive knowledge allows him to bridge the gap between manufacturers and decision makers in organizations.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here:
TFT is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Company
- Navigator Group Purchasing
- eMenuChoice POS
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support
Curious about the recipe for culinary success? Inspiring and motivating your frontline kitchen team is key to a great food & beverage programming in senior living!
Prepare for a delectable journey into the heart of culinary excellence on this episode of Tips from Trestle. Aaron visits with Chris Hinton and Lisa Holthaus to learn how their work on Navigator Group Purchasing's Culinary Academy program, is an industry gem that's setting a new standard. They unfold the layers of this academy's offerings - from expert sourcing insights to immersive training, the trio uncovers the comprehensive value of the program. Discover how hands-on experience and exposure to culinary luminaries can elevate your skills and confidence. Lisa & Chris also delve into strategic insights shared on education, staff retention, and culinary innovation. Lisa, Chris, and Aaron unveil how the Culinary Academy cultivates not only individual growth but also a thriving community of culinary enthusiasts.Hungry for knowledge?
Tune in to unveil the upcoming lineup of virtual and in-person sessions that could redefine your culinary teams prowess!
Lisa Holthaus is an expert in sourcing for the senior living industry. With over 25 years of experience in negotiating contracts, she has developed the expertise building relationships with business partners and customers helping to increase contract utilization. In her current role at Navigator Group Purchasing, she is responsible for managing the Culinary Academy which brings together contracted business partners, chefs and Navigator members in an environment that provides product knowledge, chef demonstrations, and hands-on cooking experience.
Culinary consultant Chris Hinton comes to Foodbuy with over 30 years of experience in culinary arts spanning diverse sectors of the foodservice industry. Over the course of his career, Chris has excelled in multi-unit and account opening environments, as well as receiving multiple awards for his work in food waste reduction and operations management. Chris’ passion is for taking great care of the residents/patients under his care; food is medicine and can heal not only their bodies but boost their morale!
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
TFT is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Company
- Navigator GPO
- eMenuChoice POS
Links:
- Aaron Fish: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish/
- Trestle Hospitality Concepts: https://www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com/
- Navigator GPO: https://www.navigatorgpo.com
- Lisa Holthaus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-h-138ab6a/
- Chris Hinton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-hinton-3b2b8883/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support
Have you ever been inspired to create a solution to a problem because you simply want to help a loved one? How would you even take that simple idea and turn it into a delectable reality?
On this week's episode of Tips from Trestle, we dive into a conversation that's as nourishing as it is entertaining-food manufacturing. We sat down with Taylor Smith, the mastermind behind Broma, an alternative nut butter. Broma is a food product that's more than just a snack; it's a labor of love inspired by the desire to help seniors savor better nutrition.
In this flavor-packed episode, Taylor and Aaron dish out the inside scoop on Taylor's leap into the entrepreneurial world, sparked by a quest to meet her grandmother's nutritional needs. They peel back the layers of nutritional supplementation in senior living, revealing how Taylor crafted a nut butter marvel called Broma. Hold onto your taste buds as Taylor shares her journey in creating a product that is market-ready - from finding the right manufacturer to working with a food scientist to fine tune her product. Taylor and Aaron talk through the obstacles and challenges of growing a brand and a customer-base, and Taylor shares about Broma's expansion plans, from new retail spots to tantalizing product line extensions. It's a culinary journey full of insight, laughter, and a dash of entrepreneurial spirit.
Taylor Smith, CEO/Founder of Broma, started the organization with the mission to always provide delicious, transparent foods made with whole ingredients. In 2019, Taylor's grandmother, Marie, discovered she was protein deficient. Inspired by her grandmother's protein deficiency, she embarked on a mission to create delicious, transparent foods with whole ingredients. With her expertise in Food Studies, she crafted Broma - a dark chocolate almond butter with lentils that elevated the ordinary into a wholesome, nutrient-packed delight. The rest of the story is history.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
TFT is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Company
- Navigator GPO
- eMenuChoice POS
Links:
Aaron Fish: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish/
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: https://www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com/
Taylor Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloralexasmith/
Broma: https://www.eatbroma.com/
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support
Are you tired of the menu-building hamster wheel in senior living? Get ready to relish an episode that's all about infusing flavor into efficiency, as technology takes the lead in crafting an unforgettable dining experience.
In this episode, Meagan Rohan joins Aaron to dive head first into how technology is reshaping the landscape of senior living menu development. Say goodbye to the daunting cycles, intricate recipes, and the cumbersome nature of production tools. With SaaS and cloud-based solutions at the forefront, the menu-building process is streamlined, dietary needs are catered to, and compliance is seamlessly achieved. But that's not all—these innovative systems are not only redefining dining experiences but also raising the bar for both resident and staff satisfaction. Let the notion of device-agnostic platforms whisk your imagination away, as managing menus and recipes becomes a breeze. As if that's not enough, data warehouses lend their insights, crafting benchmarks that raise the bar for dining experiences.
If you're hungry for success stories and eager to explore the game-changing potential that the right SaaS and cloud-based solutions can bring to your senior living menus, you won't want to miss this episode!
With over 20 years of demonstrated success in the senior housing industry, Meagan Rohan thrives on working in and with Senior Housing, Life Plan Communities and she is knowledgeable of the unique needs of Non-profit and For-profit Organizations across the continuum of senior living. An experienced professional in compliance, operations, sales and marketing, fundraising, and CARF/CCAC accreditations, Meagan serves as a trusted advisor to the organizations she works with. Meagan holds a Master of Business Administration focused in Health Care Administration. She is currently the VP of Sales for DiningRD.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
TFT is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Company
-
Navigator GPO
-
eMenuChoice POS
Links:
Aaron Fish: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish/
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: https://www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com/
Meagan Rohan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meaganrohan/
DiningRD: https://www.diningrd.com/
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support
Environments are everything in a senior living community. So how can we shed some “light” on making them better?
In this illuminating episode, Aaron visits with Nick Pedersen and they delve into the power of circadian lighting. By mimicking natural sunlight, circadian lighting systems can have a significant impact on the bodies' physiological responses. They talk about how the remarkable benefits of using circadian lighting systems to replicate outdoor sunlight can transform spaces and make meaningful changes in senior care communities. From enhancing focus and calming students in schools to potentially aiding individuals with memory care needs, these systems have proven to be invaluable across various settings.
Ready to brighten up your knowledge? Dive into this enlightening conversation and explore the transformative potential of circadian lighting with us in this episode of Tips from Trestle!
Nick Pedersen is an Electrical and Lighting Engineer with over 20 years of experience. He is a consultant and designer for building owners, architects, and contractors. Nick has developed hundreds of electrical and lighting designs for a wide variety of building types and clients. He’s currently licensed in 15 U.S. states. In addition to his work in cutting-edge lighting design, he also supports the design & development work for Trestle Hospitality Concepts.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
TFT is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Company
- Navigator GPO:
- eMenuChoice POS
Links:
- Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish/
- Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Nick Pedersen
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-pedersen-p-e-ab10a95/
- Website: www.nickpe.com
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support
Ready to help your residents bridge the technology gap in senior living?
Join host Aaron Fish as he sits down with and Katie Griffith to tackle the challenge of getting residents to embrace technology. Discover the importance of meeting residents where they are and encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones. Explore the role of resident technology committees in selecting and adopting technology platforms, and how training and support ensure a smooth implementation. From overcoming adoption challenges to improving hospitality programs, Aaron and Katie have you covered with valuable insights. This is an episode you won't want to miss, so tune in and take the next step to empower and engage your residents with technology!
Katie Griffith started Bright Solutions, a technology consulting firm exclusively serving senior living, 8 years ago when she saw a need for senior living providers to have an unbiased 3rd party help them evaluate and implement technology in their communities.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
TFT is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Company
- Navigator GPO
- eMenuChoice POS
Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish/
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support
Dining is a sensory experience, and it all starts with our eyes. Knowing that, are you ready to create a visually stunning and inviting dining experience for your senior living community?
Join us on Tips from Trestle this week as we sit down with Heidi Noe, a Boelter Superstore leader as we explore a critical piece of dining real estate - the tabletop. Discover how Heidi's background in retail and visual merchandising has empowered her to design captivating tabletops for senior living operators.
During the episode, Aaron and Heidi dive into the art of streamlining tabletops, considering aesthetics, functionality, storage space, staffing levels, and budget for various dining concepts.
We also discuss the significance of creating tailor-made tabletop setups for different care levels, with a focus on visually appealing and inviting dining experiences for residents in skilled nursing and memory care settings. Moreover, uncover the potential revenue source of high-quality room service experiences, providing added value for communities and convenience for families.
Don't miss this insightful episode that elevates your tabletop game to a whole new level!
Heidi Noe is Boelter Superstore Leader at their Glendale, WI location and has been with the company for over 6 years. In addition to her time as a superstore leader, she also worked at the Boelter corporate office providing executive level support to their operations.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
TFT is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Company
- Navigator GPO
- eMenuChoice POS
Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish/
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Heidi Noe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-noe-a2977694/
The Boelter Companies: https://www.boelter.com/
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support
Ever wondered how you can easily optimize your purchasing decisions and develop an amazing partnership at the same time?
Join Aaron for this episode of "Tips from Trestle" as he delves into the world of Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) and the key role of trust in this realm.
We speak with Brian Lopp of Navigator Group Purchasing, who shares his journey from the food industry to the GPO world, highlighting the benefits of GPOs in aggregating spending to secure better prices and contracts with manufacturers. Throughout the conversation, Aaron and Brian emphasize the importance of building strong relationships with GPOs to effectively manage costs and deliver exceptional services to residents. Trust and accountability are key pillars in this partnership, and finding a reliable GPO to rely on can make all the difference in optimizing contracts and providing the best value.
Don't miss out on this enlightening episode! Tune in to unlock the secrets to successful GPO collaboration.
Brian Lopp has been with Navigator Group Purchasing since March 2018 and is currently the Vice President of Operations. He has 26 years’ experience in the food industry which includes operations, distribution, GPO and government. He is responsible for multiple areas of the Navigator organization including GPO operations, contracts, field implementation and market baskets. Brian graduated from the New England Culinary Institute with a BA in Culinary Arts, and Hospitality and Restaurant Management.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
TFT is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Company
- Navigator GPO
- eMenuChoice POS
Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish/
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Brian Lopp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-lopp-28747513/
Navigator:
- Web: https://www.navigatorgpo.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigator-group-purchasing-inc/
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support
Ready for an extraordinary virtual adventure?
Join Aaron on this well-traveled podcast episode as he talks to Susan Black, Founder and Chief "Wow" Executive Officer of Wowzitude. Aaron & Susan unveil the magic of Wowzitude, a game-changing live stream virtual tour service designed with an eye on supporting You'll learn how residents can be immersed in captivating destinations, engage in real-time interactions with knowledgeable guides, and discover Food & Beverage trip kits packed with local recommendations. Wowzitude collaborates with senior living communities, creating an authentic and engaging experience that fosters social connections and fuels our innate sense of exploration. So, don't miss out on this fascinating conversation that breaks barriers and brings the world to your fingertips. It's time to kick-start your virtual journey with Wowzitude today!
In 2021, Susan Black launched award-winning Wowzitude, live-streamed virtual travel, for thousands of armchair travelers, experiencing interactive guided walking tours in 100+ cities around the world. SUsan was able to accomplish this as a high-energy entrepreneur, accomplished strategist, with a distinguished career successfully launching businesses and reinvigorating established brands within the travel industry. Throughout her career, she's led transformative customer-focused strategies for start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, generating $10MM to $10B in revenues. Susan’s 60+ travel clients have brought her across 37 countries and six continents and have included leading brands in travel and tourism. Susan is a graduate of Rutgers University and holds a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree in Urban Planning from University College London (UCL).
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
TFT is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Company
- Navigator GPO
- eMenuChoice POS
- Clark Food Service Equipment
Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish/
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Susan Black: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanblackassociates/
Wowzitude:
- Web: https://wowzitude.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wowzitude/
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support
Have you ever wondered...what exactly is Speech Therapy is and what is the crucial role it plays in senior living?
On this week's TFT, Aaron sits with Adria Thompson. Adria shares her journey into the senior care space and discusses her work with individuals facing communication, swallowing, and cognition disorders. Adria unlocks the secrets of how speech therapists can impact the success of your dining operations and the pivotal role they play in improving the quality of life for seniors.
Adria also shares her journey to becoming a leading social media influencer, with nearly 130,000 Instagram and 146,000 TikTok followers for her message and support for those providing care to those with dementia.
Adria Thompson is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with over 9 years of experience in dementia care. She is the owner of Be Light Care Consulting, where she creates educational content for professional and personal caregivers on social media platforms. She holds a master's and bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders from Eastern Kentucky University.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
TFT is sponsored by: - The Boelter Company - Navigator GPO - eMenuChoice POS
Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish/
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Adria on Socials
- TikTok: @belightcare
- Instagram: @belightcare
Adria Thompson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrialthompson/
Be Light Care Consulting: https://www.belightcare.com/
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support
Have you ever wondered how food can truly build community among residents in senior living? It starts with a fundamental question: What is the purpose and expected outcome of the dining experience?
In this engaging episode of Tips from Trestle, we dive deep into the transformative power of food in senior living communities. Join Aaron & Matt Perez as they explore the insights and experiences they have had with developing a strong purpose and advocating for creating meaningful dining experiences. Through his contagious enthusiasm, Matt emphasizes the importance of getting others fired up about food as a catalyst for fostering connections, and collaboration and inclusivity take center stage as Aaron and Matt discuss the keys to crafting dining experiences that resonate with residents. They shed light on the need for flexibility and versatility in food programs, ensuring nutrient density and wholesome food choices that nourish both the body and the soul.
So are you ready to make a positive impact in senior living communities through transformative dining experiences? Tune in to this inspiring episode and discover how local produce vendors, well-defined training programs, and prioritizing the team can create an environment where community and connection thrive.
Matt Perez is currently the National Director of Dining Operations for MBK Senior Living. In his role he supports and leads the dining strategic direction for the company, additionally supporting each community culinary & service programs to create a best-in-class resident experience. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in Napa Valley, Matt’s prior roles included, VP of Hospitality at Vineyard Luxury Communities, National Director of Dining at Kisco Senior Living, Principle of Fork Fusion Consultants and Executive Chef / Partner at TS Restaurants.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
TFT is sponsored by: - The Boelter Company - Navigator GPO - eMenuChoice POS
Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish/
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Katie Griffith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-j-perez-3156a149
MBK Senior Living: https://www.mbkseniorliving.com
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support
"The past is over; the present is fleeting; we live in the future." - Ray Kurzweil
When we're talking about technology trends in senior living and dining, we often discuss robots and point-of-sale systems. But what would it look and sound like if we push the envelope and embraced the most cutting edge of technology and futuristic endeavors in our operations?
That's the focus for host Aaron Fish and his guest Katie Griffith on this week's episode of Tips from Trestle. They dive into a few possibilities on how the latest and most cutting edge technologies could amplify our services and better empower both residents and employees in creating a community focused on meeting the needs of everyone that it serves. It's a fascinating dive into technology such as AI and autonomous vehicles, and how they could shape the senior living communities of the future - and how they can expand the hospitality and food services that we provide as well.
Katie Griffith started Bright Solutions, a technology consulting firm exclusively serving senior living, eight years ago when she saw a need for senior living providers to have an unbiased third party help them evaluate and implement technology in their communities. Their experts help leaders of senior living communities create a technology plan that attracts the next generation of residents and employees. They have their finger on the pulse of senior services tech with the knowledge of what’s working, what’s not, and how to maximize value from every dollar.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
TFT is sponsored by: - The Boelter Company - Navigator GPO - eMenuChoice POS
Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish/
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Katie Griffith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrightsolutions/
Bright Solutions: https://www.brightsolutions.co/
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support
Are you interested in elevating your senior living dining experience using the power of your strategic partnerships with your vendors?
Join us on Tips from Trestle as we dive into the transformative power of partnerships in the food service and senior living industries. In this episode, we speak with Brit Gala-Ploeckelmann, who shares her expertise in creating exceptional dining experiences for seniors. With a wealth of experience in hospitality and a passion for customer service, Brit discusses the importance of building long-term partnerships, customized solutions, and providing transparent communication. Discover how she helps to bring to life The Boelter Companies' partnership-based approach to help senior living operators elevate their dining programs, enhance resident satisfaction, and stay ahead of industry trends.
So are you ready to take your community's dining experience to the next level? Don't miss this conversation about how you can use your partnerships to elevate your residents' culinary journey and create a lasting impact.
After many early years of diverse foodservice and hospitality experience, Brit Gala-Ploeckelmann spent 10 years focusing on Senior Living, working for a private healthcare company as a Senior Foodservice Consultant, working with customers to customize selections for commercial kitchen equipment and smallwares, with emphasis on layout and design. She then expanded her experience by traveling abroad and working with global companies in retail food operations and commercial cooking equipment manufacturing to manage complex business projects and bids.
Brit’s deep passion for customer service and exceptional client experience brought her back to Senior Living and Boelter to provide value-added solutions, continued support to national and key accounts, and innovative problem solving for all our Senior Living valued customers.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
TFT is sponsored by: - The Boelter Company - Navigator GPO - eMenuChoice POS
Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish/
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Brit Gala-Ploeckelmann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brit-gala-ploeckelmann-cfsp-54b8546
The Boelter Companies: https://www.boelter.com/
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support
Are you curious about the world of digital auditing and its transformative potential? How do you audit the complex operations of your senior living operation and ensure trust?
In this episode of Tips from Trestle, we delve into the fascinating realm of digital auditing with George Collado, the CEO of My Field Audits. Aaron & George explore the answers to thought-provoking questions surrounding digital audit tools, their applications, and the future of auditing. George shares valuable insights into the process of auditing, the value it brings to all levels of stakeholders, and sheds light on the tools used in this dynamic practice. They also discuss how digital audit tools enable businesses to ensure compliance, efficiency, and accuracy in an ever expanding footprint for senior living operators. George provides expert guidance on leveraging these tools to collect and analyze data, mitigate risks, and drive operational excellence. If you're seeking a deeper understanding of digital audits and the tools driving this transformative process, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in as we unravel the power and possibilities of digital auditing tools with George Collado.
As an entrepreneur, George Collado has spent the last 20 years investing in people first and ideas second. He believes one of the most important things in life is to maximize your potential and inspire others to do the same. Over his career he’s invested in and managed several Hospitality businesses, including restaurants, bars and live music venues. He has also launched three startup’s-one in the Fashion & Short film industry, which produced a Doritos Superbowl contest winning commercial, and two in the technology industry. George has had the privilege of mentoring entrepreneur students at The Marshall School of business (USC) and serving in leadership roles of several Churches. He is a Marathoner, fitness enthusiast and life long learner.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
TFT is sponsored by:- The Boelter Company- Navigator GPO- eMenuChoice POS
Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish/
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
George Collado: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgecollado/
My Field Audits: https://www.myfieldaudits.com/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support
What impact does the food experience have on the real estate and investor aspects of the senior living industry? Do investors even consider it when they look at their portfolio?
It's a question that TFT host Aaron Fish wanted to get more answers to, so he connected with Shane Connor to talk senior living investing, real estate, and yes, how the F&B operation impacts all of this. It's a forward looking conversation that is a smart listen for anyone that is interested in better understanding the senior living market and how investors have shifted their thinking about how to approach assets in the space.
Shane Connor is the Vice President of Bull Realty’s Senior Housing Group, specializing in the acquisition and disposition of institutional-quality senior housing and healthcare-related properties with a particular focus on the Southeast. He brings over 10 years of healthcare industry knowledge and has experience investing as well as advising in commercial real estate. His focus is on property types to include Age Restricted Multifamily, Independent Living, and traditional Seniors Housing. Shane is deeply passionate about the intersection of Real Estate, Seniors, and Healthcare. Shane holds a B.S. in Finance from King’s College and a Master’s in Business and Health Administration from The University of Scranton. He is also actively involved in both the National Investment Center and the Urban Land Institute.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
TFT is sponsored by:- The Boelter Company- Navigator GPO- eMenuChoice POS
Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish/
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Shane Connor:
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shaneconnor1
- Twitter: @SrHousing_CRE
Bull Realty: www.bullrealty.com/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support
When you are working on a project, how do you ensure that it is a success? It's not rocket science, it's simple - listen to your customer.
On this episode of Tips from Trestle, we talked with Becky Clark and Mary Warrell of Clark Food Service Equipment. We dive into their approach on creating support for specialized projects and how they have developed their process to be able to make any customers project a success.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
TFT is sponsored by:- The Boelter Company- Navigator GPO- eMenuChoice POS
- Clark Food Service Equipment
Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Becky Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-smith-cfsp-095189b/
Mary Warrell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-warrell-230079b5/
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Have you ever stopped for a second to look around and realize that somehow you got "boxed" in to your career?
It can happen to the best hospitality professional - we get into our daily routines and work processes and feel that we get into a mental block and our growth stalls. What we need is to dig deep and realize that all the tools needed to break through is already within ourselves. And that's what our guest Alison Anne comes in. Alison blends her experience as a restaurateur and passion to help hospitality professionals use their "essence" to rise above and find greater success.
Alison Anne is the founder of Alison Anne Coaching and Restaurant Revolution, and loves bars and restaurants. She has spent over half of her life working in the industry. What started as an after-school job in high school developed into a 17-year career, ranging from bussing tables at a family-owned Italian restaurant in her hometown to a role as the Communications and Events Director of Washington DC’s #1 sports bar.
Alison help bars and restaurants identify techniques and policies that are affecting management and employees in both positive and negative ways, develop new policies and practices, and create workplaces that not only hang onto their employees, but that are actually - gasp! - pretty dang enjoyable to work in.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
TFT is sponsored by:- The Boelter Company- Navigator GPO- eMenuChoice POS
Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Alison Anne:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonanne/
- Web: https://www.restaurantrevolution.me/
- Twitter: @RstrntRvolution
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tips-from-trestle/support
Does your "activities" calendar revolve around bingo and happy hours? Do you wonder why your engagement director spends as much time recruiting resident participation as they do planning their program?
In this episode of TFT, we're diving into the state of resident engagement in senior living communities. We talk to Nikki Jo Olsen, who shares insights and trends from the front lines of the industry, exploring what's working and what's not when it comes to keeping residents happy, active, and engaged. From virtual reality experiences to creative dining options, we'll discuss the latest trends and innovative ideas for keeping residents stimulated and social. We even talk about keeping the program focused and successful, even when you have many communities to manage. So toss that bingo card in the trash and get ready to join the party – this episode is packed with fun and practical advice for anyone looking to boost resident engagement in senior living.
Nikki Jo Olsen has been in the wellness and event coordinating industry since 2010. As a Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Trainer, Functional Aging Specialist, and Fitness Studio Manager she has gained the necessary knowledge to understand and implement life enrichment wellness programs for the senior demographic. With experience as a Client Relations Manager, Office Manager, Resident Enrichment Director and a Senior Director of Resident Experience, Nikki Jo immersed herself in the customer experience industry and refined her skills for developing and implementing creative, challenging, unique, and active programs and events while balancing exceptional customer service. Originally from Florida, she graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor's in Recreation Management. She now lives in Nashville with her husband and two daughters.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Tips From Trestle is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Companies
- Navigator Group Purchasing
- eMenuChoice POS
Show Links:Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.comNikki Jo Olsen:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkiboston/
- Email: NikkiJoOlsen@gmail.com
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Purpose is not a goal or role. Who you are, what you notice, and how you’re built - that’s your purpose and it informs how you show up for your roles and goals.
In this episode of Tips from Trestle, we explore the concept of purpose and how to find it using "The Purpose Equation®" as developed by industry veteran & entrepreneur Anna Hall. Aaron talks with Anna about her journey to creating The Purpose Equation®, and they discuss how important it is for senior living operators to create a sense of purpose throughout their communities, from staff, to residents, to families. Anna then turns the tables on Aaron by asking a few questions as she shows him how the process of creating a Purpose Equation begins.
Anna Hall is the Founder + Chief Purpose Officer of The Purpose Equation®. Through over 20 years as an engagement thought-leader in senior living, the most difficult challenge of her career was how to define purpose. The questions that she asked: "We know how important it is to have a reason to rise in the morning, but how do we identify it and activate it consistently - and measure it?" The definition of purpose is vague; ‘having a sense of meaning and motivation to do things’. Anna's philosophy on purpose is derived from research, intuition, willingness to try new things, and fail, and most of all, years of interacting with people in their 80’s and 90’s. She now has the pleasure of collaborating with individuals and organizations to share simple, meaningful tools that define, activate, fuel and measure purpose in daily life.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/supportLinks:Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.comAnna Hall+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/annakhall1/The Purpose Equation®: https://thepurposeequation.com/
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"It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen." - George Orwell, 1984Stories are how we share our knowledge, history, and how we teach future generations about the times we lived in. They are also how we can connect with our prospective audience - intellectually, emotionally, and even spiritually. Storytelling is how we can harness the power of imagination to inspire and motivate.In this episode of TFT, Aaron visits with Cheryl Slavinsky. Cheryl shares insights on how to leverage provocative storytelling to engage, connect, and inspire your audience. We discuss how to avoid common mistakes and ensure authenticity in your stories while also embracing the power of storytelling to build relationships, create support systems, and foster a strong company culture.Cheryl Slavinsky is an engaging brand storyteller and passionate advocate with a lifetime of experience helping organizations tell their success stories. She’s an award-winning writer and editor with a demonstrated history of working in the aging services industry. She previously served as Editor of Senior Living News and Senior Public Relations Strategist for Varsity, a senior living-focused marketing firm. Currently Cheryl serves as the Member Storyteller for the Senior Dining Association. The SDA is the only dedicated association providing resources, education and networking opportunities for dining & hospitality in the senior living industry. She writes the weekly digital newsletter Senior Dining News and edits the SDA’s magazine, HOSPITALITY & DINING, Enhancing the Senior Living Experience.Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/supportLinks:Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.comCheryl Slavinsky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylslavinskySenior Dining Association: https://seniordining.org
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What would happen in your organization if you allowed new employees to do a capstone project about their role in the operation as a part of their onboarding process? What if they had THIRTEEN weeks to complete it?
In this episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron chats with James Lee, Founder & CEO of Bella Groves They discuss how he has built a thriving culture of learning within his company, and why more senior living operators should as well. From creating a supportive learning environment to offering ongoing training and development opportunities, James talks about fostering a company culture that values personal and professional growth as well as an environment that honors the individual on a dementia journey. Whether you're a business leader looking to inspire your team or an individual seeking to develop your own skills, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips for building a culture of learning.
From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
James Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seniorlivingguy/
Bella Groves: https://www.bellagroves.com/
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In today's landscape of social media influencers, how is someone supposed to set themselves apart? And why would a full-time employee even need a personal brand?
A personal brand is not just for executives, it's for everyone. In this episode of Tips from Trestle, we sit down with Michelle B Griffin, The Brand Therapist℠ to discuss the value of personal branding and how it can set you apart on platforms like LinkedIn. From creating a standout profile to maximizing your connections, this episode is a must-listen for professionals in the senior living industry at every level.
MICHELLE B. GRIFFIN, is an internationally certified personal brand and marketing strategist, speaker, author, 2x podcast host and community builder who has devoted her career to connecting people, growing communities, and building brands.
As The Brand Therapist,℠ Michelle trains professional services providers and practices worldwide to clearly communicate their story, confidently share their expertise and positively grow their authority and businesses with personal brands that make a statement and make a difference.
Michelle's debut book, The LinkedIn Branding Book, is available on Amazon. Learn more at MichelleBGriffin.com.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry.
TFT is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Companies
- Navigator Group Purchasing
- eMenuChoice POS
- Clark Foodservice & Equipment
Additional Links:
- Aaron Fish: https://linktr.ee/aaron.fish
- Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Connect with Michelle:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebgriffin/
- The Brand Therapist℠: MichelleBGriffin.com
- Podcast: The LinkedIn Branding Show
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Are you ready to spice up your community's dining experience? This TFT has the technological ingredients & recipe for success for senior living dining operations!
In the fast-paced world of senior living food and hospitality, technology is quickly becoming a critical component for success. In this episode of Tips from Trestle, we speak with Matt Stenerson, Co-Founder and CEO at eMenuCHOICE POS about the value of point-of-sale systems in senior living communities. From revenue capture to process improvement to customer service, Aaron & Matt share valuable insights on why a good point-of-sale system is more than just a "nice-to-have" tool. If you're an owner/operator, executive, or even a dining director in the senior living industry, you won't want to miss this episode!
Matt Stenerson is the co-founder and CEO of eMenuChoice. Matt has over 15 years of experience managing the development and implementation of complex software applications. In 2012, Matt began working with Lyngblomsten, a nonprofit Senior Living provider in St. Paul, MN, on an application to provide residents in their care center with more choice, while also modernizing the kitchen’s then, paper-based process. That work led to the creation of eMenuCHOICE Point of Sale. In 2015, eMenuChoice won the LeadingAge Minnesota Leading Change Innovation award and Lyngblomsten began offering eMenuChoice to other communities. Today, eMenuChoice has evolved to support the complex needs of all senior communities from dietary management in Skilled Nursing, to Point-of-Sale in Assisted, Independent Living and CCRCs/LPCs. eMenuChoice is improving dining at hundreds of communities throughout the United States and Canada.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry.
TFT is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Companies
- Navigator Group Purchasing
- eMenuChoice POS
Additional Links:
- Aaron Fish: https://linktr.ee/aaron.fish
- Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Connect with Matt & eMenuCHOICE
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattstenerson
- eMenuCHOICE POS: https://emenuchoice.com/
- Lyngblomsten: https://www.lyngblomsten.org/
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
What if I told you that your Sales and F&B teams could be as great together as peanut butter and jelly?
In the senior living industry, it's not enough to just sell a room or a meal - it's about selling the entire experience. In this episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron visits with Julie Podewitz of Grow Your Occupancy to explore the importance of creating a seamless and exceptional experience for residents, and how sales and food & beverage teams can work together to make that happen. We offer actionable tips and insights to help you avoid overselling and under-delivering, and to adjust to the ever-changing market.
Julie Podewitz is the CEO & Founder of Grow Your Occupancy, a sales & marketing consultancy specializing in senior living. Julie is a senior living sales expert and published author, and has spent time on both the provider and consultant side, all focused on sales and marketing. Julie began her career as a community sales director and quickly filled census-challenged buildings. Her experience as a teacher, trainer and coach gave her great insight to consult with hundreds of communities across 46 states. She has spent the past eight years in the VP Sales and CMO roles on the provider side. All along, she kept her foot on the ground, never losing the “here and now” experience of the customer – the prospects, families, community, executive and ownership entities she serves.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry.
TFT is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Companies
- Navigator Group Purchasing
- eMenuChoice POS
Additional Links:
- Aaron Fish: https://linktr.ee/aaron.fish
- Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Connect with Julie Podewitz:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-podewitz-7772522b/
- Website: https://growyouroccupancy.com/
- Julie's Book: https://amzn.to/3kh2aP6
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Motivation. Mindset. Momentum. All words we use to describe creating a success in any endeavor. Do you and your teams Aspire for More of this in your everyday operations?
In this episode, we visit with Erin Thompson, a seasoned executive director with 20 years of experience in the senior living industry, specializing in assisted living and memory care. Erin's passion for serving residents and their families has enabled her to lead each community she has worked with to high occupancy and peak performing teams, through her focus on teamwork, hard work, and motivation. We talk about how she managed her foodservice operations with little experience in a kitchen, and how her willingness to learn helped her achieve a high level of success there and throughout her career.
Erin's new endeavor is Aspire for More with Erin, a company that focuses on leadership development for families caring for elderly loved ones, as well as for leadership teams in the senior living industry. The company's main mission is to fill in the gaps in training and development, to create, hire and retain great leaders in the industry. Aspire for More with Erin is a group and individual leadership development company that focuses on mindset, motivation, and momentum. Join us in this episode as Erin shares her inspiring journey and sheds light on the importance of mindset, motivation, and momentum in the senior living industry. She is the host of two podcasts aimed at improving the senior living industry:I Have Fallen and Need Some Help(for families) andAspire for More with Erin(for industry professionals)
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry.
TFT is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Companies
- Navigator Group Purchasing
- eMenuChoice POS
Additional Links:
- Aaron Fish: https://linktr.ee/aaron.fish
- Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Connect with Erin Thompson
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinthompsonaspireformore/
- Email: erinthompson@aspireformorewitherin.com
- Instagram: @erin_thompson32
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Serving seniors & open to the public? Buckle up for a culinary collaboration that breaks the mold, as we explore how the expertise of a James Beard award winner and a forward thinking senior living operator is bringing the public inside of their unique restaurant concept.
In this episode of TFT, we delve into the unique partnership between MedCore Partners and Stephan Pyles, the "founding father of Southwestern Cuisine" in the creation of Alma by Stephan Pyles, a public-private restaurant that aims to serve both the residents of The Hacienda at Georgetown, and the larger community of Sun City, a suburb of Austin, TX.
Along with Tiffany Cobern (Director of Senior Housing Operations), we explore the journey of how this partnership came about and what it took to bring Alma by Stephan Pyles to life. Tiffany & Chef Pyles share their insights into what makes this partnership so special and how it will change the face of senior living F&B operations going forward.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry.
TFT is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Companies
- Navigator Group Purchasing
- eMenuChoice POS
- Clark Foodservice
Additional Links:
- Aaron Fish: https://linktr.ee/aaron.fish
- Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Connect with Tiffany Cobern:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-cobern-69377b1b/
- Corporate: https://medcorepartners.com/execute_team/tiffany-cobern/
Follow MedCore Partners
- Web: https://medcorepartners.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/medcore-partners/
- Instagram: @medcorepartners
- Twitter: @MedCorePartners
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
What is the secret to creating a menu featuring Italy's healthiest secrets? Join us as we discover the beauty of the Mediterranean Diet and explore the traditional methods and key ingredients that make this diet so beloved.
In this episode, we welcome Amanda Goldman, a registered dietitian who took a trip to Italy to explore the Mediterranean diet and bring back its "secrets" to the non-commercial foodservice sector in the US. She shares her experience visiting various regions in Italy and learning about the traditional methods of product preparation, as well as the key ingredients used in the Mediterranean diet. She speaks about the importance of incorporating these healthy habits into our daily lives, and how the Mediterranean diet can have a positive impact on our overall health and well-being. We also explore how producers in these regions are working to bring their authentic products to the US for use in operations such as senior living food service.
Amanda Goldman is currently the Healthcare Industry Sales Strategist for Gordon Food Service. In this role, she utilizes her background to serve as a segment customer operational and financial subject matter expert for the national healthcare sales team. She obtained her B.S. in Dietetics from Miami University, and her M.S. in Clinical Nutrition from the University of Kentucky. Prior to her current role, Amanda was the System Director for the Catholic Health Initiatives Food & Nutrition Services national program. There she helped to implement room service dining, healthy food initiatives, as well as guest satisfaction & comprehensive malnutrition programs. Amanda volunteers on a number of committees affiliated with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In addition, she is an Association for Healthcare Foodservice Industry Advisory Board member, a Past President of the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and a member of the AHCA/NCAL Customer Experience Committee. She is passionate about food & nutrition, and has been speaking for several years at multiple state & national association events on a variety of timely topics.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry.
TFT is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Companies
- Navigator Group Purchasing
- eMenuChoice POS
Additional Links:
- Aaron Fish: https://linktr.ee/aaron.fish
- Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Connect with Amanda Goldman:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-goldman-ms-rd-ld-fand-50144b18/
- Email: amanda.goldman@gfs.com
Follow Gordon Foodservice:
- Web: www.gfs.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gordon-food-service/
- Instagram: @gordonfoodservice
- Twitter: @GFSDelivers
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Ready to unlock new opportunities and advance your career in senior living? This episode of "Tips From Trestle" explores the "Full Spectrum" of senior living recruitment and will help you uncover the secrets to success in getting to the next level in your senior living journey.
Aaron sat down with Katie Churchill, a leading expert in senior living recruitment to discover the keys to unlocking new opportunities and advancing your career in the industry. She shares her insights on the recruitment process for senior living, discusses the different factors she looks for in a candidate when hiring for leadership roles, the difference between filling a community leader position versus a regional or corporate role and how using a recruiter can be beneficial for individuals looking to find their next position
Katie is a Managing Partner at Full Spectrum overseeing the Senior Living practice on the West Coast, recruiting in retained searches for executive leadership roles. She began her journey in senior living began at a young age, calling bingo at a local non-profit senior living community and with a grandfather diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She set out to earn a degree in Health Administration and Gerontology and her mission was to change the lives of seniors and family members she had the privilege of interacting with.
She spent ten years in the Senior Living industry as a Regional Sales Director and Sales Director for senior living operators on the West Coast and after traveling and being heavily involved in her regions sales and marketing efforts, she joined an Independent and Assisted Living community working in Resident Relations and Operations. It was there that Katie became Forbes Customer Service Certified, expanding in providing exceptional customer service to residents and family members of the community.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry.
TFT is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Companies
- Navigator Group Purchasing
- eMenuChoice POS
Additional Links:
- Aaron Fish: https://linktr.ee/aaron.fish
- Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Follow Katie Churchill:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiechurchill2/
- Instagram: @katiec_seniorliving_recruiter
- Email: katiec@fullspecstaff.com
Follow Full Spectrum Search Group:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/full-spectrum-staffing-solutions/
- Instagram: @fullspecstaff
- Email: hello@fullspecstaff.com
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
It's a Food Network staple -Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.. But how did it start, and what does it have to do with our experiences with food in senior living?
Get ready for a captivating season premiere episode of Tips From Trestle where Aaron sits down with two-time Emmy winner David Page, the mastermind behind the hit food show, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. He shares his journey, secrets behind his book "Food Americana", shares the common thread he has discovered when people dine, and future trends in food industry.
David shares his predictions on the hottest trends that operators will embrace, including the increased focus on sustainability and the use of technology in the restaurant industry. He also shares his personal food experiences with his mother-in-law in assisted living, and the challenges of providing delicious and nutritious food for older adults. Join us for an engaging conversation with David Page and gain access to his wealth of knowledge on American food culture and the world of food television.
David Page changed the world of food television by creating, developing, and executive-producing the groundbreaking show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Before that, as a network news producer based in London, Frankfurt, and Budapest, he traveled Europe, Africa, and the Middle East doing two things―covering some of the biggest stories in the world, and developing a passion for some of the world’s most incredible food.
Once back in the states, Page pursued his passion both personally and professionally. Show-producing Good Morning America, his substantial food coverage included cooking segments by Emeril Lagasse. Creating Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and hands-on producing its first eleven seasons took him deep into the world of American food―its vast variations, its history, its evolution, and especially the dedicated cooks and chefs keeping it vibrant. His next series, the syndicated Beer Geeks, dove deep into the intersection of great beer and great food. It is those experiences—that education, the discovery of little-known stories and facts—that led Page to dig even deeper and tie the strands together in his new book, Food Americana.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry.
TFT is sponsored by:
- The Boelter Companies
- Navigator Group Purchasing
- eMenuChoice POS
Additional Links:
- Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
- Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
David Page's Food Americana:
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3WkOfnU
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodamericana/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoodAmericana
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Senior living food service is a unique operation. It's not exactly a restaurant or country club, but it's also not healthcare. It is a delicate blend of managing both while balancing the vision of full-service hospitality in the homes of our residents. And as dedicated professionals in this immense sector, we know that our professional networks are invaluable to our growth, development, and even our sanity. But when you are a dining & hospitality professional in senior living, your options seem limited. What should you do? That where the Senior Dining Association comes in to fill this void.
Started in 2018 by founder & CEO Harris Ader, the Senior Dining Association was started to provide foodservice professionals something much needed for our industry - a place where we could come together with other professionals that specialize in senior living. Ien this episode of TFT, Aaron talks with Harris about the origins of the SDA, how it evolved and grew throughout the pandemic, and what he has on the horizon for senior living food service professionals heading into 2023.
Harris Ader has more than 20 years of operational experience in the senior living industry. His extensive background also includes experience in contract foodservice management, the national school lunch program, hotels and restaurants. Prior to founding the Senior Dining Association, Harris was the Vice President of Dining Service at Senior Living Communities, based in Charlotte, NC. Harris’ areas of expertise include conceptual development, financial and business acumen, organizational effectiveness, project management, talent development and strategic vision & planning. Harris graduated from Johnson & Wales University.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Additional Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Harris Ader: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harris-ader-161b792/
Senior Dining Association: https://seniordining.org/
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Mental health is hard to talk about in any setting. But especially in the hospitality industry.
In a recent survey of 1273 hospitality professionals, 8 out of 10 respondents had experienced mental health issues during their career and 46% would not feel comfortable talk about their health concerns with their colleagues. So how do we address this looming crisis? Enter the The Burnt Chef Project.
Launched in May of 2019, The Burnt Chef project was set up with the sole intention of eradicating the mental health stigma in the hospitality industry. Knowing how important this need is, Aaron talks with David Thornton, the lead Ambassador for The Burnt Chef Project in the United States. They talk about David's mental health journey, the mission behind The Burnt Chef Project, and how invaluable it is to address mental health in the hospitality industry.
Starting in the hospitality industry 24 years ago in a small brewing company in Wasilla, Alaska at age 14, David Thornton found his passion for the industry. He attended the Scottsdale Culinary Institute Le Cordon Bleu, where he received an Associate’s Degree in the culinary arts. He is a Pro Chef mentor through The Culinary Institute of America and instructs any chance he can at Christian Culinary Academy in Cannon Beach, Oregon. I currently live in Washington and have spent time traveling throughout the Pacific Northwest looking for adventure, places to forage and promoting the beauty of our unique cuisine. Myguests, in many sectors of our industry, have enjoyed the bounty of this seasonal, fresh approach to menu planning. My most uncommon work experience was 400 miles north of the Arctic Circle, serving 1,800 meals a day. Like many Hospitality workers, he has struggled with mental health. As the ambassador for Burnt Chefs in the USA his goal is to work to ensure there is always a safe space to talk and work through the mental struggles we face in our industry.
If you need help with your mental health or need to speak to someone, you can text 'HOME' to 741741, or visit https://www.theburntchefproject.com/helpandsupport for additional resources.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Additional Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
David Thornton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chef-david-thornton/
The Burnt Chef Project: https://www.theburntchefproject.com/
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
The senior living industry is set for expansive growth in the coming years to meet market demand. But with these great opportunities will come new barriers to capitalizing on them. Especially the barrier of labor.
So how do we tackle the ongoing labor challenges? What is the right combination of tools & actions needed to overcome these obstacles?
This episode of TFT Aaron tries to sort through where we are and how we can get there by talking to Kate Risa. They talk about the looming labor challenges, and the four things that Kate and her team believe will be actions that any operator can take to ease and overcome what the industry faces as we move into this exciting time of growth.
Kate Risa has specialized in the senior living PEO industry for over 10 years and regularly supports clients with analyzing, developing and implementing strategic HR initiatives that support workplace culture, improve employee retention and engagement and drive occupancy. Kate has over 20 years of human resources experience across a variety of industries, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, a Master’s of Business Degree in Human Resources Management, a Paralegal certification in employment law, and National certificates as a Strategic Human Resources Professional from SHRM (SHRM-SCP) and HRCI (SPHR). She currently is the HR Enterprise Accounts Director focusing on Senior Living for Paychex.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Additional Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Kate Risa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-risa/
Paychex:https://www.paychex.com/
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Do you wish you knew how to build up your team in this post-pandemic environment? Could you use creative ways to elevate mindsets about senior living? Are you ready for tips to better understand mental health and reduce burnout?
If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, then this episode of Tips from Trestle is for you! Aaron caught up with Kathy Parry for this episode of TFT to talk about her new book Senior Living Power: Energize & Serve with JOY!They discuss her "Circuit of Power", the light bulbs you need to power each day, as well as helping you identify the important energy sources to "light your light bulbs". It's a great conversation about making sure you are ready to help you and your teams energize. Get ready to explore a circuit of power that will help your organization, your teams and you burn bright!
Kathy Parry works with industry leading organizations that want to energize employees in order to BOOST PERFORMANCE, INCREASE RETENTION and IMPROVE STAFF UTILIZATION.
Audiences rave about Kathy’s humorous, yet inspirational speaking style. A recognized authority in personal energy and productivity, Kathy uses her passion to ignite positive changes for professional services leaders and early-career associates. Prior to launching her own business Kathy was a trainer for a super-regional bank on their merger and acquisition team. Travel throughout the south implementing training for merger-acquired operations facilities, Kathy developed her own protocol for staying energized and productive on the road.Kathy holds degrees in Business and Food Management from Miami University and a Certification in Plant Based Nutrition as well as a coaching certification. She is the creator of the POWER UP and PERFORM course for senior living professionals and holds the designation of professional speaker from the National Speakers Association.
Ms. Parry has authored four books, including her latest book: Senior Living Power: Energize and Serve with JOY. Ms. Parry lives in Ohio where she enjoys a mild dark chocolate addiction and cooking for hungry friends.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Additional Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Kathy Parry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathyparryspeaker/
Senior Living Power: https://amzn.to/3t7Qwqn
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Cultivating and educating the next generation of the hospitality workforce about the benefits and unique opportunities in senior living is something that I truly enjoy and embrace as a responsibility. We have to show the next generation of hospitality leaders that they can and should find their calling in the senior living industry - the only place where they can truly provide #HospitalityWithAPurpose.
That's why this episode of Tips from Trestle is so important. It's the recording of the dining & hospitality panel that I recently put together the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Purdue University. I was joined on the panel by a couple of the best in the business: Matthew J. Perez of MBK Senior Living & Charles Andrew Moret from Oakmont Senior Living. We shared our senior living "origin stories", what are focsu and passions are for the industry, where we want to push the industry, and answered a few questions from the students.
TFT also sends a big thank you to Karen Byrd for inviting me to lead the discussion for their Management of Senior Living Communities class - one of many of it's kind that we are beginning to see across college campuses as the industry sees the need for these leaders in our ranks.
seniorliving #hospitality #foodandbeverage #thoughtleaders #education
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Additional Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
152 Million People.
That's the expected number of people around the world that will be experiencing some form of dementia by 2050. A number that will have tripled from current figures in only a couple of decades. So how will we support them, especially with one of the most important activities of daily living - eating? The good news is that there are great resources and experts that can help with this difficult task. And Aaron was able to connect with Toni Fisk to get her insights and expertise on how to make it easier for both the person with dementia, and those that are caring for them.
Toni Fisk is a professional speaker, with multiple dementia certifications as educator and trainer, working with professional care partners and family members. She is also skilled as a Teepa Snow PAC® Certified Independent Trainer as well as a Virtual Dementia Tour® Certified Trainer. As a Certified Dietary Manager and vetted senior living dining operations consultant, Toni follows her deep commitment towards education and enlightenment in the care for persons living with dementia. And she shares her expertise in her book #dinewithdignity: Unlocking the Mystery of Dementia & Dining, which is currently available on Amazon.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Toni Fisk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonifisk/
DinnerWEARhc, Inc.: https://dinnerwearhc.info/
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
We all know that we need all of our senses to experience a great meal. Seeing perfect grill marks on a steak, having the smell of garlic & onions hitting you as you walk by an open kitchen, or hearing the sizzle of fajitas as they come to your table - these all enhanced and elevate our dining experience.
But what about everything around you that isn‘t on the plate? The atmosphere and ambiance of the physical space where you enjoy these meals also has an impact on how you process the experience. And it is critical when you factor in the factors that come with creating a space that is both communal, home-like, and geared for an older adult.
That’s why Aaron spoke with Moria Soden for this Tips from Trestle episode. Moria is the Owner and Principal Designer of 1720 Design Group based out of the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area. She is a Michigan State alumni with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design. In 2015 she attained the top-level status of National Certification that all Interior Designer’s strive to achieve, the NCIDQ. With this certification she has the expertise to perform her duties nation-wide that protect public health, safety and welfare. Moria is also a Professional Practitioner for the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and is a Registered Interior Designer (RID) with the great state of TX.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Moria Soden: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moria-soden-asid-ncidq-rid-20344718
1720 Design Group: www.1720designgroup.com
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
"That place is TOXIC - don't work there!"
If you've been around the hospitality industry, you've heard this before. But the best kitchens with the best culture will be the ones that do culture the right way. That's what I talk with Andrew Moret about on this week's TFT podcast. Andrew has worked in those toxic kitchens, and has seen what it can do to team morale and performance. He has also seen it done right, and has taken his experience to elevate the employee experience for his teams at Oakmont Senior Living. We get into the lessons learned, how to translate that into the right culture, and how instilling and making your leadership team responsible for that not only makes for happy employees, but also has a direct impact on diner satisfaction and the bottom line.
Andrew Moret is Vice President of Culinary Services for Oakmont Management Group, the fastest growing premier senior living provider on the west coast. He leads the culinary teams at over 60 communities throughout California and Nevada to provide seasonally curated meals while accommodating individual dietary preferences and needs. By cultivating strong leadership among his team, Andrew elevates the senior living dining experience and advocates for residents to ensure that being a senior is an enjoyable lifestyle and not a diagnosis.
Andrew is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and has over 15 years of leadership experience in all aspects of fine dining and food operations. As Executive Chef, he opened The Trumpet Vine in Simsbury, CT, and he developed a “Food Medicine” program at St. Helena Hospital in St. Helena, CA. Before bringing his knowledge and skills to senior living, He worked in two Michelin starred restaurants in the Napa Valley and as a private chef in the San Francisco Bay area. Extensive training beyond the CIA included the Sichuan Culinary Institute in China and the award-winning 2941 in Washington, D.C. By cultivating strong leadership amongst his team Moret strives to continue to elevate the senior living dining experience and be a driving force in the industry.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Andrew Moret: www.linkedin.com/in/charles-andrew-moret-aa5a0487/
Oakmont Senior Living: www.oakmontseniorliving.com
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
So it's 5:30, and you have just finished watching the evening news, and you decide that you want to catch up with the latest happenings with your neighbors today. So you head down to the kitchen, where there are people talking and laughing, and giving Chef Joe pointers on the best way to make tonight's meal. You sit down at the counter and chat with everyone as chef puts the final touches on your evening meal. It's a great experience that as been tailored to you and your neighbors. And tomorrow at breakfast, you get to do it all over again.
This is just one aspect of the home model that has been created by Loe Hornbuckle with Sage Oak Denton. Their unique model of creating a campus of small residential homes has blended the best of both worlds in senior living - the focused care and support of the residential model, and the efficiencies of a large community. They operate off of a simple philosophy: great care, great food, great communication. And in this episode of TFT, Aaron & Loe take a deeper look at the uniqueness of the model, how food plays a critical role, and how this could be the answer for seniors looking for a different living option.
Loe Hornbuckle is the CEO and founder of Sage Oak Assisted Living and Memory Care. Founded in 2015, Sage Oak isn’t just another assisted living company, Sage Oak is “the boutique assisted living company” with 5 locations in Dallas and a total of 40 beds. Sage Oak provides small, intimate, home settings that allow those who need a little extra care to receive the love and dignity that they deserve. Sage Oak also has two ground up boutique assisted living/memory care developments now open in Texas and Louisiana totaling just under 300 beds. Loe also co-Founded GoodHorn Capital, a private equity firm focused on recession resistant assets like multifamily and build to Rent Developments.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Loe Hornbuckle: www.linkedin.com/in/loe-hornbuckle-76b6aba/
Sage Oak Assisted Living: www.TheSageOak.com
Sage Oak Denton: www.TheSageOakDenton.com
GoodHornCapital: www.GoodHornCapital.com
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Hire wisely, and onboard & train RELENTLESSLY. This is a motto that host Aaron Fish has used throughout his career to create successful teams that will outperform. And what better way is there than working with the experts and creating your own masterclass to help develop, grow, and retain your best employees?
On this episode of TFT, Aaron talks with Greg Gorgone of Pineapple Academy. They discuss the value of continuous learning, what micro-learning is, and how being strategic with implementing it and blending it with your training program can make you stand above the competition for employees and with your customers.
Greg Gorgone is the Co-Founder of Pineapple Academy, an online culinary & hospitality training system designed to raise the standards in the industry through training in a cost-effective way so that it is accessible to everyone. By providing knowledge, tools and support for all employees, from entry level staff to senior management, we empower them to create a more consistent and enjoyable experience for their customers, patients and residents. Greg is a graduate and former Chef Instructor of Johnson & Wales University with over 35 years of experience in food service and hospitality management. With a successful track record in the restaurant and hospitality industry, Greg has brought his unique insights and leadership style to the healthcare industry to deliver a more patient centered, culinary driven experience while still keeping careful focus on financial objectives and customer satisfaction scores.
For a Free Look at what Pineapple Academy can offer, use this link to register: Free 14-day Trial: Pineapple Academy
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Greg Gorgone: www.linkedin.com/in/greggorgone/
Pineapple Academy: https://pineappleacademy.com/
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
It's more than a feeling...that's how the Boston tune goes.
And it's how this episode of TFT went, as I connected with Matt Perez to talk about hospitality as a strategic value, and what that actually means when you have to sell the vision to both the C-Suite and the front line. Matt and I bonded over a shared passion for what a great hospitality strategy can do for a senior living operator, and we share our (similar) senior living origin stories and why those set the stage for our careers as industry leaders focused on bringing the best experiences to our residents.
Southern California native Matt Perez has enjoyed a career that has taken him to some of the most sought-after destinations in the world. He is currently the National Director of Dining Operations for MBK Senior Living. In his role he supports and leads the dining strategic direction for the company, additionally supporting each community culinary & service programs to create a best-in-class resident experience. Matt’s prior roles included, VP of Hospitality at Vineyard Luxury Communities, National Director of Dining at Kisco Senior Living, Principle of Fork Fusion Consultants and Executive Chef / Partner at TS Restaurants.
Perez was educated at the highly regarded Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in Napa Valley and over the years, has honed his skills working with some of the country’s best known restaurateurs including Chris Cosentino, Jordan Kahn and Adam Fleishman. In Hawaii, Matt had the privilege of serving under Hawaii Regional Cuisine Founder, Peter Merriman.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Matt Perez: www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-j-perez-3156a149/
MBK Senior Living: www.mbkseniorliving.com
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
When evaluating your technology needs, many operators tend to overlook their kitchen operations. They will implement a point of sale system for better meal tracking, but typically the tech stops there. But what if it didn't? What would the impact be if you created a digital kitchen?
This episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron visits with Connor Joffe of QSR Automations on the technologies that are available to operators that can not only create a wealth of data to better manage the food service operation, but also create a more efficient flow of service that will improve the quality of work for employees. And the impact on food quality and diner satisfaction can be dramatic.
As the Senior Living Business Consultant for QSR Automations, Connor Joffe works with operators in the senior living industry to achieve operational excellence by implementing tools in the front and back of house that simplify workflows, improve food quality, and optimize staffing. Using their ConnectSmart platform allows staff to spend more time on the details and operators to make data-driven decisions that simplify processes while simultaneously improving the experience for the residents at each meal. In addition to his experience with QSR, Connor has worked with several operators as an Executive Director. Being an experienced administrator, he has dealt firsthand with the challenges that occur within a community’s Dining Services department.
QSR Automations, headquartered in Louisville, KY, with offices in London, England, is a global food service technology company with a leading, data-driven operational platform – ConnectSmart. The platform includes kitchen automation, guest management, off-premise technology, and predictive analytics – resulting in increased consistency, reduced ticket times, a calmer kitchen, which all ultimately translates into happier residents. The platform can turn any kitchen into a smart successful operation that adapts and thrives in the ever-evolving Senior Living Industry by simplifying workflows enabling operators to make data-driven decisions.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
QSR Automations
Website - qsrautomations.com
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/qsr-automations/mycompany/
Connor Joffe
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/connorjoffeky
Email - cjoffe@qsrautomations.com
Phone - 502-715-6117
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
If you're looking to have a chat with John Herzog about the foodservice industry, it probably wouldn't hurt to start your search in the dish pit. Why? Because not only is there a calming and rewarding aspect to seeing that job through, it's also a great place to start when wanting to win over the F&B team in any operation. Plus there is a lot to learn as an outsider when you set up shop on the back side of that dish window.
On this episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron catches up with John to discuss not just the dish pits, but also the role of the consultant in today's foodservice operations. They discuss supporting transitions, helping an operator create value with their operations, capitalizing on a consultant's experience and unbiased expertise, and the drive that comes with wanting to make every operator a success story all while making real human connections along the way.
John Herzog is the Director of Business Development for Don Miller & Associates (aka DM&A) John's background and experience has been cultivated over 25 years of food service experience including holding positions from dishwasher to General Manager in the fine dining arena. From there, John embarked on a healthcare foodservice career in 2008 and was instrumental in process improvement initiatives, kitchen/café renovations, culture change initiatives, sustainability projects, and financial stability as a Food & Nutrition Service Director while overseeing multiple hospital campuses. Once a former client, John joined the team at DM&A in 2017 as a Culinary Success Coach. With DM&A, he has since assumed the roles of Culinary Lead, Project Manager, Interim Director and National Sales Director until his promotion in January 2022 supporting the business development aspects for DM&A.
Don Miller & Associates is a full-service consulting firm supporting Healthcare Foodservice, Nutrition, and EVS Transformation across all of North America. The DM&A team consists of highly experienced, internationally recognized coaches, bringing unparalleled knowledge, experience, and training to each client location. DM&A’s Suite of Services supports our clients’ organizational goals in becoming the “Best of the Best” in the areas of culinary prowess, food presentation, creating a culture of customer service, and high patient satisfaction measurement outcomes. The same is true in the environmental services discipline.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
John Herzog: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnherzogdma/
Don Miller & Associates: https://destination10.com/
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Ever heard of this head football coach named Tony Dungy?
Of course you have, and he's known for his ability not only to win football games, but to be a quiet and effective leader in AND out of the locker room. And on this week's Tips from Trestle, I got the chance to speak with the co-author of his biography and leadership expert, Nathan Whitaker. I get some amazing backstory on Nathan’s time working with the Super Bowl champion coach, as well as deep dive into how indirect leadership can and should have a significant impact on organizations in the industry. As a diehard football fan (Go Cats!) and student of leadership, this was as much fun as one could have on a podcast.
Nathan Whitaker is a motivational speaker, the co-author of eight New York Times best sellers, and a former executive in the National Football League (with a Super Bowl ring). He has spoken to corporations, sports teams, and trade associations across the country and world, including the Miami Dolphins, Duke Business School’s Leadership Symposium, the International School of Bangkok, and has delivered numerous commencement addresses. He holds degrees from Duke University, University of Florida, and Harvard Law School.
A two-sport athlete in baseball and football at Duke University, he played for Steve Spurrier on Duke’s most recent ACC Championship football team. After law school, he spent two years as a law clerk for US District Judge William Terrell Hodges, and then entered private practice. In 1998, he joined the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he was responsible for the football operations & budgeting, as well as salary cap and player contract negotiations. In 2001, he went to work for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In Tampa, he met and worked alongside Tony Dungy, and it was here he earned that Super Bowl ring. Turning his talents to become an author, he helped pen Tony Dungy’s 2007 memoir, Quiet Strength. Since its release, it has become one of the best-selling hardcover sports autobiographies ever, and has over two million copies in print. He also written other books, including: Role of a Lifetime, with James Brown of CBS Sports (2009), Uncommon, with Tony Dungy (2009, #2 NYT Bestseller), The Mentor Leader, with Tony Dungy (2010, #2 NYT Bestseller), Through My Eyes, with Tim Tebow (2011, #6 NYT Bestseller Nonfiction List), and Snap Decision, a novel for teens.
Whitaker currently lives in Gainesville, Florida with his wife, Amy, and two daughters, Hannah and Ellie. They have a dog, RickyBobby, and three cats, Hemingway, Fezzik & Scout.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
Nathan Whitaker
Website: www.nathanwhitaker.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanwhitaker12/
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Creating connection is a key aspect of what we do in senior living. But how do we bridge the gap between generations in a way that allows the newest participants in the workforce get a glimpse of how great working in our industry can be? And how can these connections allow for seniors in these communities to continue to feel they have a purpose and can pass along their knowledge and wisdom to a younger generation?
On this episode of Tips from Trestle, we visit with Eric & John Peterson. During his time working as a caregiver in senior living, Eric developed a passion for wanting to help create a way to connect high school students with those living in senior communities. We chat about Eric;s experiences in senior living, his desire to create his not-for-profit, and even how a couple of his volunteers have found careers in the industry.
Founded by Eric Peterson, Seniors4Seniors started in 2019 and is a nonprofit corporation that enables meaningful connections between students and senior members of our community seeking opportunities to serve one another. John Peterson is a board member and president of the organization, Their goal with Seniors4Seniors is to connect the young with the young at heart.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
Eric Peterson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-peterson-814965b5/
Seniors4Seniors : https://www.seniors4seniors.org/
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
They say that "necessity is the mother of invention", and this week's Tips From Trestle is very much a story of this being true.
This week we visit with Sasha Dawn. During the peak of COVID-19 quarantines in 2020, she experienced what many adult children did - isolation from her parent in care. Her father had fallen and been placed in a skilled nursing facility on the other side of the country. And due to pandemic restrictions, she couldn’t visit. So she did what everyone else did - embrace technology. She tells her experience of seeing her father in a very different light due to these conditions, and knew at that moment that she had to take action.
Thus the birth of Utopia Experiences. A resident engagement platform built on virtual live-hosted interactive game show entertainment, Utopia Experiences is focused to serve senior living communities and their residents. It's a journey that you will want to listen to for sure.
Sasha Dawn is the Founder & CEO of Utopia Experiences, a SaaS company that brings live virtual hands free game shows to senior communities to connect, engage and delight - while building community and reducing staff burn out, all from one easy to use platform.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
Sasha Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-dawn-b55a385/
Utopia Experiences : https://www.utopiaexperiences.net/
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
The surge of technology needs and vendors in the senior living space has taken off in the past couple of years as operators have been forced to adopt more due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There are many solutions to every aspect of a communities operations, but what processes do they use to evaluate if they will be getting the functionality, service, and support from their vendor of choice?
Enter Katie Griffith. Her company Bright Solutions provides unbiased third party support to organizations as they evaluate technology solutions for food & beverage, resident engagement, and all other areas of operations. She has a wealth of experience and a deep knowledge of the selection process, and shares some of her best practices & strategies for listeners who may be in the market for some new technology solutions.
Katie Griffith is Founder and Principal at Bright Solutions, a technology consulting firm working exclusively in the senior living industry. Katie has been working in the senior living industry for 20 years and founded Bright Solutions 7 years ago when she saw a need for communities to have an unbiased, third party help them identify the right technology solutions for their organization and create an adoption strategy that produces better results.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
Katie Griffith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrightsolutions/
Bright Solutions: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bright-solutions-kgriffith
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
We've all have spent countless hours and energy trying to create the right environment for work-life balance. But have we really been successful with it? Have we created a workplace that truly values the challenges that face our front line employees?
In this episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron visits with Milton McGowian about how the theory and practice of creating work/life balance is failing employees and how we need to embrace work/life integration so that we can foster better employee relationships, give them opportunities to be successful in and out of the workplace, and better meet the ever-changing needs of the workforce.
Milton McGowian is the Vice President of Resident Services at Sharon Towers at SouthPark in Charlotte, NC. He earned a certification from the National Restaurant Association as a Foodservice Management Professional (FMP) and a certification from the Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals (ANFP) as a CDM, CFPP. Milton is also an alumni fellow for the Larry Minnix Leadership Academy at Leading Age National, and is the Chair for the diversity, equity, and inclusion committee as well as a member of the professional development committee for the Association of Nutrition and Food Service Professionals (ANFP). Milton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a Masters of Business Administration from Liberty University. Milton is currently a doctoral candidate at Liberty University, studying Non-profit Leadership and management in Business Administration.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
Milton McGowian: www.linkedin.com/in/milton-l-mcgowian-jr-mba-cdm-cfpp-fmp-mcp-a2298940
Sharon Towers: http://www.sharontowers.org
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
They say you are what you eat, but how do you know exactly what you are eating these days? Especially in a senior living community where the balance of nutrition, medication interactions, and multiple palettes must be considered? A glimpse into Menu Transparency in Senior Living is a great place to start.
This episode of TFT finds Aaron speaking with Lisa Eberhart about her experience and work around menu transparency, why they believe it is coming for senior living operators whether they are ready or not, and they discuss how to use it to their advantage.
Lisa Eberhart is a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Institution Management and Dietetics from Iowa State University. Lisa has over 25 years' experience working as a registered dietitian, 13 of which were full-time with North Carolina State University, where Lisa and her team helped NC State Dining become a leader in nutrition and wellness, excelling in technology, food management systems, and ingredient transparency. Lisa is currently the co-founder of Menu Analytics, a foodservice consulting firm focused on menu development and analysis for a wide variety of operators.
With over sixty years of food service experience in restaurants, coffee shops, catering, and large scale dining venues, Menu Analytics is a nutrition and food service consulting service that can help you achieve success by offering you on-demand expertise in nutrition analysis, menu development, business support services, training, and more.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
Lisa Eberhart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-eberhart-99a14b1b/
Menu Analytics: https://www.menuanalytics.com/
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
This week's Tips from Trestle podcast dives deep into the Top Senior Living Dining Trends for 2022. Senior Housing News' Liz Ecker joins Aaron to discuss the findings from her most recent research on the topic. Liz used her research to author a white paper sponsored by SHN and Navigator GPO that was shared at the recent Navigator GPO Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. where both she and Aaron were speaking. Liz and Aaron discuss her findings, as well as talk about some of the conversations around their presentations back in May.
Liz Ecker is Vice President of Branded Content for Aging Media Network, the parent company of Senior Housing News (SHN). SHN is a business-to-business publication covering topics relating to senior housing and care. Liz previously served as editor of Senior Housing News and has reported widely on topics relating to aging and the care continuum including finance, construction and development, operations, technology, health care and dining.
Senior Housing News (SHN) is the leading source for news and information covering the senior housing industry. With a national reach of over 30,000 professionals that includes senior housing operators, developers, banking institutions, real estate investment trusts, private equity, and service providers catering to the industry. SHN provides a cutting edge and targeted platform unlike any other publication, giving you the opportunity to reach decision makers every day.
Navigator Group Purchasing, Inc.. is the largest and most experienced full-service GPO exclusively focused on senior living. Members gain access to a full range of programs, tools, and services to help them achieve their resident and financial goals.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
Liz Ecker: www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethecker/
Senior Housing News: seniorhousingnews.com
Navigator GPO: www.navigatorgpo.com
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
On this episode of TFT, Aaron visits with Allison Bonner of Connected Living to discuss all the ways that the technology that we see in various hospitality settings are starting to make their way into senior living communities. They discuss how tech is simplifying the workload of employees, bringing forward new ways to engage residents in a post-COVID world, and some future tech that they both see as being a regular part of senior living communities in the near future.
Allison Bonner is the Director of Marketing and Engagement at Connected Living. Allison began her career in senior living in her hometown of Charleston, SC and has since developed her experience to include working with individual communities and large portfolio operators across the southeast. With a background in hospitality marketing and communications, Allison brings a fresh perspective as a vendor to the senior living industry that puts an emphasis on giving seniors the care they deserve. Through her role with Connected Living, Allison works directly with her customer success team to support technology implementation at care communities. She can be reached directly at abonner@connectedliving.com.
About Connected Living - For over a decade, Connected Living has proven to be a trusted industry partner for technology solutions. The Connected Living ecosystem empowers senior living communities to share unique experiences instantly across multiple digital platforms.The innovative suite of technology products and services provides integrated communication and engagement solutions designed to improve efficiencies and consolidate messaging with ease.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
Allison Bonner (personal LinkedIn) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/absc/
Connected Living (company LinkedIn) - www.linkedin.com/company/297304
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
This episode of TFT is for the aspiring regional F&B directors out there! Aaron visits with good friend Jonathan Pinsker and they commiserate and discuss the ins and out of being a regional director, some of the takeaways from their time operating during the height of COVID, and their tips for anyone looking to make the leap into a regional role in senior living.
Jonathan Pinsker is the Regional Director of Culinary and Nutritional Services at Acts Retirement Life Communities and is based in Florida. He is a graduate of Johnson and Wales with an AOS in Culinary Arts and a BOS in Food Service Management. He has worked with some of the largest contract management companies at such global giants as Office Depot, Carnival Cruise Lines and American Express. Jonathan went back to school in 2015 and obtained an MBA in Hospitality Management from Lynn University.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
Acts Retirement Life Communities: www.actsretirement.org/
Jonathan Pinsker: www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-pinsker-029a9b19/
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
This episode of TFT is packed full as our host Aaron Fish talks with the dynamic duo of resident engagement - Kelly Stranburg & Sara Kyle! We talk about why resident engagement in 2022 isn't just bingo and happy hours, and how the relationship between the resident engagement director and the food & beverage director can and should be one of the most important in any senior living community.
Sara & Kelly are the principals at LE3 Solutions, a senior living consultancy focused on creating with their clients a foundation of engagement, health and well-being based on knowing the individual. Their philosophy is far more than adding a variety of programming options on a monthly calendar, waiting for people to show up at the right time and place. They know that health and well-being are not measured by attendance and participation check marks, rather by the joy, passion and vitality an individual experiences.
Sara Kyle, Ph.D. has spent the last 13 years researching, designing, writing, and implementing resident well-being programs across the continuum of care. From leading and overseeing programming across 108 skilled nursing, assisted living and memory care communities to leading the charge for Holiday Retirement to transform their resident program in 260 communities, Sara thrives in challenging settings. Sara is widely known and respected in the industry. She presents at national conferences, pens articles in notable publications, and serves on various advisory boards.
Kelly Stranburg, M.Ed., ACSM-EP, CSCS, CDP has worked with aging adults for over 20 years, with 13 of those specific to the senior living industry. Over the years Ms. Stranburg has supported many CCRCs and AL/MC communities. Her most successful roles have been new positions she has created from the ground up which has enabled her to come in to analyze and identify needs and gaps and then create and implement solutions for the greater good of the residents which in turn supports the operators' objectives. Kelly is the creator of award-winning Argentum Best of the Best Wellness Program for 2010, 2011, and 2012. She has been a featured author in the Journal on Active Aging and been a selected speaker at national senior living and active aging conferences.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
LE3 Solutions: www.le3solutions.com
Sara Kyle: www.linkedin.com/in/sara-kyle-phd-0972504/
Kelly Stranburg: www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-stranburg-m-ed-acsm-ep-cscs-cdp-457b204b/
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
As a follow up to Does Your Organization Have a Nutrition Philosophy?, Aaron continues his conversation with Margaret Roche about nutrition philosophy and putting your newly developed strategy into action. The conversation ranges on topics that include operationalizing your strategy, blending your team, and capitalizing on the strengths of the operator, dietitian, and the chef.
Margaret Roche MS, RD, CSG, CDE, FADA is the founder of Roche Dietitians and a nationally recognized leader in nutrition consulting. Maggie and her team at Roche Dietitians create strategies that help health care organizations and businesses that support healthcare distinguish themselves through food and nutrition. Maggie is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in clinical nutrition. She has advanced credentials as a certified diabetes educator, is board certified as a specialist in gerontological nutrition and is distinguished as a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
- Roche Dietitians: https://www.rochedietitians.com/
- Margaret Roche: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretmroche/
- Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
- Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Listen/Watch Here:
- YouTube: https://youtu.be/TOxaqaP_KvQ
- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3nVsaya
- Apple: https://apple.co/32NO52H
- Stitcher: https://bit.ly/3JlvkDw
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
In this episode of Tips From Trestle, Aaron talks with Margaret Roche about why senior living owners, operators, and management should invest in creating a nutrition philosophy and how doing so can guide them to create amazing outcomes in a number of areas with their food & beverage operation.
Margaret Roche MS, RD, CSG, CDE, FADA is the founder of Roche Dietitians and a nationally recognized leader in nutrition consulting. Maggie and her team at Roche Dietitians create strategies that help health care organizations and businesses that support healthcare distinguish themselves through food and nutrition. Maggie is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in clinical nutrition. She has advanced credentials as a certified diabetes educator, is board certified as a specialist in gerontological nutrition and is distinguished as a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Links:
- Roche Dietitians: https://www.rochedietitians.com/
- Margaret Roche: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretmroche/
- Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
- Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Listen/Watch Here:
- YouTube: https://youtu.be/TOxaqaP_KvQ
- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3nVsaya
- Apple: https://apple.co/32NO52H
- Stitcher: https://bit.ly/3JlvkDw
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
In this solo podcast, Aaron talks directly to the listeners about the need for the executive director to not just be aware of what is going on in their dining room, but offers his Five Daily Food & Beverage Tasks for the Executive Director that will allow them to be successful senior living operators and be a leader for their overall community team.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry.
Links:
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
YouTube: https://bit.ly/TFTPdcst
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3nVsaya
Apple: https://apple.co/32NO52H
Stitcher: https://bit.ly/3JlvkDw
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
Innovative thinking pulled from all areas of hospitality and healthcare is going to be required to continue to make the industry the best it can be moving forward. Creating an environment of trust for employees, residents, and families will be a key component of a making our communities great. In Part Two of our conversation with Hands 4 Life Founder & CEO Stacy Shewey, host Aaron Fish gets into the nuts and bolts of how Stacy's vision of a global senior living community model can and should be developed using hospitality experience as well as creating a person-centered approach that allows for trust to exist at all levels of the organization to create the best outcomes for residents.
In 2016, Hands 4Life founder Stacy Shewey traveled to Haiti as part of a mission trip. On that trip, she visited a newly constructed community that included an assisted living facility for the elderly. Witnessing first hand the tremendous need in the developing world for high-quality, compassionate care for the elderly,Stacy began a journey that would lead to the creation of Hands 4Life – one of the few non-profit missionary organizations whose primary focus is on caring for the elderly in developing nations. The need has never been greater. As nations worldwide struggle to prepare for this global ageing crisis, developing countries are particularly at risk of lacking the adequate health, housing, and other services an aging population will require. Drawing on Stacy’s experience in the assisted living industry, partnerships with established humanitarian organizations, and with a firm reliance on God’s word and His grace, Hands 4Life is committed to ensuring that our most vulnerable seniors live out their days in a safe, supportive and spiritually nurturing environment.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry.
Links:
Hands 4 Life: https://hands4life.net/
Stacy Shewey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-shewey-89747a115/
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/6sS5tpkqDRQ
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3nVsaya
Apple: https://apple.co/32NO52H
Stitcher: https://bit.ly/3JlvkDw
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
62% of people over 60 years of age live in developing countries; by 2050 this number will have risen to 80%. 👀
In this Part One of a two episode conversation on Tips from Trestle, The Senior Living Food & Hospitality Podcast, host Aaron Fish speaks with Stacy Shewey, Founder & CEO of Hands 4 Life. Stacy shares with Aaron the purpose and goals of Hands 4 Life, and how they are tackling the aging crisis across the globe, and how their approach to program development is based in hospitality principles. We get educated on the global aging crisis and how Stacy is using her experience in both senior living and the hospitality industry to develop her vision for a new model of senior living community.
In 2016, Hands 4Life founder Stacy Shewey traveled to Haiti as part of a mission trip. On that trip, she visited a newly constructed community that included an assisted living facility for the elderly. Witnessing first hand the tremendous need in the developing world for high-quality, compassionate care for the elderly,Stacy began a journey that would lead to the creation of Hands 4Life – one of the few non profit missionary organizations whose primary focus is on caring for the elderly in developing nations. The need has never been greater.
As nations worldwide struggle to prepare for this global ageing crisis, developing countries are particularly at risk of lacking the adequate health, housing, and other services an aging population will require. Drawing on Stacy’s experience in the assisted living industry, partnerships with established humanitarian organizations, and with a firm reliance on God’s word and His grace, Hands 4Life is committed to ensuring that our most vulnerable seniors live out their days in a safe, supportive and spiritually nurturing environment.
Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry.
Links:
Hands 4 Life: https://hands4life.net/
Stacy Shewey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-shewey-89747a115/
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Audio Version Listen here:
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3nVsaya
Apple: https://apple.co/32NO52H
Stitcher: https://bit.ly/3JlvkDw
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
In this episode of Tips from Trestle, The Senior Living Food & Hospitality Podcast, host Aaron Fish speaks with Nigel Smith, CEO & Founder of Zurena LLC. They discuss how Zurena came about, how what Nigel is doing translates into the senior living space, and just have a great time talking about beverages in general.
Best described as Caribbean bartenders in bottles, Zurena LLC produces and supplies a portfolio of premium, universal drink mixers. Their mixers create high quality tropical cocktails in seconds when added to any spirit, aperitif, bubbly or lager beer. Because our mixers contain no alcohol, they also create high quality tropical mocktails in seconds when added to club soda, teas, juices, milk shakes or crushed ice. They work just as effectively with hot bases, and produce a variety of hot toddies with or without alcohol. They are all-natural, gluten and sodium free for those who care what they put in their bodies. There are no products in the world like Zurena all-natural drink mixers.
Prior to becoming full-time CEO at Zurena LLC in late 2020, Nigel Smith spent over 20 years in strategy and innovation roles at some of the most admired brands in the world, including AARP Innovation Labs, Visa USA and McKinsey & Company. Nigel holds an MBA from Stanford University and a BBA from Howard University. He volunteers with numerous initiatives aligned with his life purpose to uplift communities and to empower Davids in a land of Goliaths. Nigel also serves as a board member of two international insurance companies, where he get sto apply strategic and innovation direction at the highest governance levels.
Tips From Trestle is the podcast discussion senior living food & hospitality. It's hosted by Aaron Fish, and he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & beverage operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry.
Links:
Zurena: www.myzurena.com
Nigel Smith: www.linkedin.com/in/nigelvsmith/
Aaron Fish: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish
Trestle Hospitality Concepts: www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com
Video Version here:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/q3y1lH-zf5Y
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
TFT Host Aaron Fish talks in this episode about a key ingredient that is glaringly missing from your recruitment process, and once addressed could make your hiring quality improve drastically..
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
"Everyone has a starting point, and a story. This is mine, and why I do what I do."
Aaron shares a little more of his personal journey and talks about the little red golf ball on his wall and what its importance is to him and the listeners.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
TFT Host Aaron Fish takes a deeper look at some of the facts and figures around employee engagement. And it's not nearly as good as you may have hoped.
But - he has some strategies and tactics that our frontline leaders can implement (and our executive leaders support) that will allow them to take ownership of their employee engagement and make their communities buck the trends.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
On this episode of TFT, Aaron talks about customer service, and how LEGO® - the toy maker known for tiny building blocks - has taken their customer service philosophy to the next level.
He explains why this can an should be a model for senior living operators to model as they look to create culture around customer service that today's employees can easily embrace.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
In this episode of Tips From Trestle, Aaron talks about trends that are expected to be seen in restaurants in 2022. He deep dives into his top three and explains why he thinks that senior living operators should jump on these trends now to make an impact on their food & beverage offerings.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
"Everyone has a starting point, and a story. This is mine, and why I do what I do."
In the premiere episode, host Aaron Fish talks about how he got into his new venture, and sets the stage for what to expect in this podcast.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support
In our introductory episode, host Aaron Fish will tell you what to expect as "Tips from Trestle" gets started.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support