Tips from Trestle: The Senior Living Food and Hospitality Podcast (Aaron Fish)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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

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

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.

"It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen." - George Orwell, 1984 Stories 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/support Links: Aaron Fish: ⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish ⁠⁠ Trestle Hospitality Concepts: ⁠⁠www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com⁠⁠ Cheryl Slavinsky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylslavinsky Senior Dining Association: https://seniordining.org

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

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..

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
  
  

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

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

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 & ClarkPro Culinary 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

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 

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

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/

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

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

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

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

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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/⁠

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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/

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 

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

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

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

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/

"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.

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

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/

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/

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

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    

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

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/

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/support⁠ Links: Aaron Fish: ⁠⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish⁠ ⁠⁠ Trestle Hospitality Concepts: ⁠⁠⁠www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com⁠⁠⁠ Anna Hall+ https://www.linkedin.com/in/annakhall1/ The Purpose Equation®: https://thepurposeequation.com/

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

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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

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
  

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/

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

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

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

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

In our introductory episode, host Aaron Fish will tell you what to expect as "Tips from Trestle" gets started.

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 where 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

"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

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

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

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

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/

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

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:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

Dani Merlino: LinkedIn

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 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

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:

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.