Tips from Trestle: The Senior Living Food and Hospitality Podcast

If workplace conflicts were a recipe, what would the essential ingredients be for a harmonious outcome?

In this engaging episode, we take a playful plunge into the world of workplace conflict with the dynamic Carol Bowser. She's the guru of getting folks to play nice in the sandbox, and her journey from lawyer to conflict resolution consultant is as fascinating as it is insightful.

Carol dishes out nuggets of wisdom for dealing with office drama. Forget the blame game; she advocates for a conflict triage system, where concerns are met head-on, and labels are tossed out the window. It's like workplace therapy with a twist! Aaron and Carol talk about taming the wild beast of communication styles, especially in the high-stress world of food service. They uncover the secret sauce to bringing harmony between the front-of-house and the back-of-house. Spoiler: it's all in how you talk the talk.

They also tackle the age-old problem of differing workplace goals. It's all about setting expectations, understanding different angles, and ensuring everyone’s on the same page. So whether you’re a workplace peacemaker or just curious about resolving conflicts with a smile, this episode has you covered. Tune in and bring your popcorn – the workplace drama just got entertaining!

Carol Bowser, J.D is a workplace conflict expert. After practicing Employment Law for several years, Carol founded Conflict Management Strategies when she realized a lawsuit can’t deliver the level of resolution and satisfaction that is gained when people are actively involved in creating solutions to their workplace conflict. In her over 20 years of experience, she has discovered some universal themes about workplace conflict and loves to share how people at all levels can strengthen their conflict resolution muscles. She can be reached at [email protected] or at www.conflictmanagementstrategies.com.

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Do you struggle with building innovation in your kitchen design? What if there was an equipment mecca that would let you culinary team play & create their ideal kitchen?

Dive deep with Aaron and Chris into the world of Middleby, a company that's at the forefront of driving technological advancements in the food service industry. Together, they explore the ingenious Middleby Innovation Kitchen (MIK), a sprawling 40,000-square-foot space designed to empower customers in selecting the ideal equipment for their unique culinary needs. With seasoned chefs on hand to guide them, the MIK presents an inspiring platform for innovation and experimentation.

Prepare to be astonished as they uncover how the MIK fuels operators' quests for process improvements, resulting in enhanced efficiency and kitchen profitability. Through tangible examples, they demonstrate how testing equipment and fine-tuning processes within the MIK have remarkably slashed preparation times and boosted overall kitchen performance.

Pull up a seat for your intro to the MIK!

Chris Reeves is the Senior VP of Sales, Strategic Channel Development for The Middleby Corporation. Wanting to expand on his culinary background, he joined one of the largest equipment dealer role ups, offering more services with equipment design and selection. He ultimately joined Middleby, a multi brand equipment manufacturer focused on solving challenges in our industry with equipment innovation. 

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This episode of Tips from Trestle finds us pulling together all the ingredients for creating contract success with your GPO. Aaron is joined by Tony Thanos of Navigator Group Purchasing to share insights on the world of healthcare organizations and how they're optimizing cost-saving initiatives.

We learn how Tony, as the Manager of Field Implementation, is helping organizations build stronger relationships with GPOs, and the key to contract management success. But don't expect this to be a bland conversation; they also delve into the challenges operators face when optimizing their GPO partnerships.

From tackling resistance to supply chain snags, they've got you covered. This is your opportunity to learn the recipe for GPO success, whether you're grappling with distribution dilemmas or simply looking for the ingredients to make your partnership thrive. So, don't miss this episode; it's packed with knowledge to elevate your healthcare game!

Tony Thanos leads Navigator Group Purchasing team of Field Implementation Specialists who span across the country. He works alongside Navigator’s partner Foodbuy on program-saving opportunities as well as helping source the best contracts for Navigator and their members.  Tony is a former Chef with an extensive background in senior living food service operations and is a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM), Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP). He can be reached via email at [email protected]

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How do you create a community that can differentiate itself from the others, and that organically offers easy ways to sell itself with culture and experience? It’s about knowing the market, and building opportunities to create the “love stories” that naturally develop inside those four walls.

Many may know Josh Crisp as one of the hosts of the popular Bridge The Gap Senior Living Podcast, but he wears so many other hats. In addition to hosting duties, Josh is an accomplished senior living executive, marketer, and developer. In his conversation with Aaron Fish, they delve into the evolving landscape of senior living. From tailoring services to the unique needs of local communities to creating engaging environments, Josh highlights the importance of strategic partnerships and exceptional dining and hospitality experiences to community vitality and success.

They also emphasize the role of these experiences in attracting residents and setting communities apart. Beyond physical care, fostering vibrant and inclusive environments for both residents and staff is at the heart of how Josh and his team at Solinity plan, develop, and manage communities. It’s how they create the “love stories” that make a senior living community great.

If you're in the senior living industry and have ever wanted to get some insights on the development side of community experience, this episode offers valuable perspectives. You don’t want to miss this episode!

In addition to his duties as host for the industry leading Bridge the Gap podcast, Josh Crisp is a senior living executive with over 15 years of experience in development, construction, & management across the southeast. Josh is Founder & CEO of Solinity, a senior living development & management and marketing company designed to reshape the industry to better meet the needs of the aging & create intergenerational communities.

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TFT host Aaron Fish visits with Erin Thompson from Aspire for More with Erin about her experiences at the recent Alabama Assisted Living Association Fall Conference. They talk about the big takeaways for leaders, and how the upcoming Culinary Leadership 360 workshop can help to better support and reenergize attendees.

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:

Are you constantly searching to figure out what it takes to win over job seekers in the senior living industry? Get ready for a rollicking ride through the world of recruitment and staffing in the latest episode of Tips from Trestle, where we are working overtime discussing everything from job postings to company culture.

Kate Risa takes center stage in a lively discussion with Aaron about the current staffing landscape. They dive into the importance of adopting a job seeker's perspective when recruiting and onboarding, revealing insights that can transform your hiring game. From crafting enticing job postings to building irresistible total compensation packages, they leave no stone unturned. 

But that's not all—Kate and Aaron also dish out the secrets to hire for heart in new communities, and leveraging technology to create a transparent and attractive hiring process. If you're ready to unlock the formula for recruiting success, this episode is your golden ticket. So are you ready to revolutionize your recruitment strategy? Tune in to learn the tricks of the trade, and connect with Kate and Aaron to supercharge your staffing game. It's time to bring your A-game to senior living recruitment!

Kate Risa is the Divisional Director of Human Resources with LakeHouse Senior Living, a new upper Midwest regional operator of 37 assisted living communities supported by Discovery Senior Living. Kate has over 20 years of HR experience working with many senior living operators and industry support services.

Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here:

TFT is sponsored by:

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:

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:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Links:

Have you ever been inspired to create a solution to a problem because you simply want to help a loved one? How would you even take that simple idea and turn it into a delectable reality?

On this week's episode of Tips from Trestle, we dive into a conversation that's as nourishing as it is entertaining-food manufacturing. We sat down with Taylor Smith, the mastermind behind Broma, an alternative nut butter. Broma is a food product that's more than just a snack; it's a labor of love inspired by the desire to help seniors savor better nutrition.

In this flavor-packed episode, Taylor and Aaron dish out the inside scoop on Taylor's leap into the entrepreneurial world, sparked by a quest to meet her grandmother's nutritional needs. They peel back the layers of nutritional supplementation in senior living, revealing how Taylor crafted a nut butter marvel called Broma. Hold onto your taste buds as Taylor shares her journey in creating a product that is market-ready - from finding the right manufacturer to working with a food scientist to fine tune her product. Taylor and Aaron talk through the obstacles and challenges of growing a brand and a customer-base, and Taylor shares about Broma's expansion plans, from new retail spots to tantalizing product line extensions. It's a culinary journey full of insight, laughter, and a dash of entrepreneurial spirit.

Taylor Smith, CEO/Founder of Broma, started the organization with the mission to always provide delicious, transparent foods made with whole ingredients. In 2019, Taylor's grandmother, Marie, discovered she was protein deficient. Inspired by her grandmother's protein deficiency, she embarked on a mission to create delicious, transparent foods with whole ingredients. With her expertise in Food Studies, she crafted Broma - a dark chocolate almond butter with lentils that elevated the ordinary into a wholesome, nutrient-packed delight. The rest of the story is history.

Tips From Trestle is a podcast focused on discussion about senior living food & hospitality. Hosted by Trestle Hospitality Concepts Founder & CEO Aaron Fish, he shares his thoughts, musings and discussions about the food & hospitality operations, trends and happenings in the senior living industry. To support the podcast, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/tips-from-trestle/support⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TFT is sponsored by:

Links:

Aaron Fish: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronfish/⁠

Trestle Hospitality Concepts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com/⁠

Taylor Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloralexasmith/

Broma: https://www.eatbroma.com/