Tips from Trestle: The Senior Living Food and Hospitality Podcast

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:

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/

What impact does the food experience have on the real estate and investor aspects of the senior living industry? Do investors even consider it when they look at their portfolio?

It's a question that TFT host Aaron Fish wanted to get more answers to, so he connected with Shane Connor to talk senior living investing, real estate, and yes, how the F&B operation impacts all of this. It's a forward looking conversation that is a smart listen for anyone that is interested in better understanding the senior living market and how investors have shifted their thinking about how to approach assets in the space.

Shane Connor is the Vice President of Bull Realty’s Senior Housing Group, specializing in the acquisition and disposition of institutional-quality senior housing and healthcare-related properties with a particular focus on the Southeast. He brings over 10 years of healthcare industry knowledge and has experience investing as well as advising in commercial real estate. His focus is on property types to include Age Restricted Multifamily, Independent Living, and traditional Seniors Housing. Shane is deeply passionate about the intersection of Real Estate, Seniors, and Healthcare. Shane holds a B.S. in Finance from King’s College and a Master’s in Business and Health Administration from The University of Scranton.  He is also actively involved in both the National Investment Center and the Urban Land Institute.

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

TFT is sponsored by:

Links:

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

Trestle Hospitality Concepts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Shane Connor:

Bull Realty: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bullrealty.com/⁠

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:

- 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/

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:

Links:

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

Trestle Hospitality Concepts: ⁠⁠⁠www.trestlehospitalityconcepts.com⁠⁠⁠

Alison Anne:

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/⁠

How does a cupcake explain a great resident engagement program?

In this episode of TFT, we're diving into the state of resident engagement in senior living communities. We talk to Nikki Jo Olsen, who shares insights and trends from the front lines of the industry, exploring what's working and what's not when it comes to keeping residents happy, active, and engaged. From virtual reality experiences to creative dining options, we'll discuss the latest trends and innovative ideas for keeping residents stimulated and social. We even talk about keeping the program focused and successful, even when you have many communities to manage. So toss that bingo card in the trash and get ready to join the party – this episode is packed with fun and practical advice for anyone looking to boost resident engagement in senior living.

Nikki Jo Olsen has been in the wellness and event coordinating industry since 2010. As a Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Trainer, Functional Aging Specialist, and Fitness Studio Manager she has gained the necessary knowledge to understand and implement life enrichment wellness programs for the senior demographic. With experience as a Client Relations Manager, Office Manager, Resident Enrichment Director and a Senior Director of Resident Experience, Nikki Jo immersed herself in the customer experience industry and refined her skills for developing and implementing creative, challenging, unique, and active programs and events while balancing exceptional customer service. Originally from Florida, she graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor's in Recreation Management. She now lives in Nashville with her husband and two daughters.

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

Tips From Trestle is sponsored by:

Show Links:

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

"It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen." - George Orwell, 1984

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

In today's landscape of social media influencers, how is someone supposed to set themselves apart? And why would a full-time employee even need a personal brand?

A personal brand is not just for executives, it's for everyone. In this episode of Tips from Trestle, we sit down with Michelle B Griffin, The Brand Therapist℠ to discuss the value of personal branding and how it can set you apart on platforms like LinkedIn. From creating a standout profile to maximizing your connections, this episode is a must-listen for professionals in the senior living industry at every level.

MICHELLE B. GRIFFIN, is an internationally certified personal brand and marketing strategist, speaker, author, 2x podcast host and community builder who has devoted her career to connecting people, growing communities, and building brands.

As The Brand Therapist,℠ Michelle trains professional services providers and practices worldwide to clearly communicate their story, confidently share their expertise and positively grow their authority and businesses with personal brands that make a statement and make a difference.

Michelle's debut book, The LinkedIn Branding Book, is available on Amazon. Learn more at MichelleBGriffin.com.

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

TFT is sponsored by:

Additional Links:

Connect with Michelle: