Tips from Trestle: The Senior Living Food and Hospitality Podcast

This special Veterans Day episode of Tips from Trestle features Navy Petty Officer First Class Michael Lammey, who survived a catastrophic boiler explosion aboard the USS Frank Cable that left him with third-degree burns over 48% of his body. After enduring more than 50 surgeries, Michael transformed his life-altering experience into hope through Folds of Honor's Speakers Bureau, sharing his story to honor fallen service members and educate audiences about military sacrifice. We explore how Folds of Honor has awarded over $340 million in scholarships to families of fallen or disabled military members and first responders since their inception in 2007. The episode also features Marc Mosley from Ben E Keith Foods discussing their eight-year partnership supporting Folds of Honor's mission. Learn how the work Folds of Honor does creates a lasting impact for military & first responder families facing unimaginable challenges and discover ways to support this life-changing organization.​​​

To Support Folds of Honor, please check out their website at http://www.foldsofhonor.org/

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:

• eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
• WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
• Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
• AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust

#TFT439 #VeteransDay #FoldsOfHonor​​ #MilitaryFamilies​ #VeteranSupport #HonorTheirSacrifice​ #ThankYouVeterans​ #Scholarships​ #SupportOurVeterans​ #MilitaryHeroes​ #VeteransDay2025​

Unlock proven secrets to "Managing from the Middle" in this special episode, recorded live during a recent "Cocktails & Conversations" hosted by Trestle Hospitality. Discover the art of the middle in this insightful episode, as host Aaron Fish welcomes Chrystal Hawley, Regional Director of Operations for Oak Senior Living. Chrystal shares practical strategies for thriving in middle management—balancing expectations from senior leadership with the needs of your frontline team. This episode offers actionable tips for building boundaries, embracing resets, scheduling real downtime, and motivating teams in high-pressure environments. Learn the value of leadership from the center, where communication, collaboration, and culture collide to create lasting impact. Insights for directors, managers, and senior living professionals looking to lead confidently, boost performance, and foster positive workplace culture, this episode reveals secrets to staying resilient and effective, even when caught between competing priorities.

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:

• eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
• WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
• Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
• AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust

#TFT438 #WorkLifeIntegration #SeniorLiving #HospitalityMatters #TimeManagement #LeadershipLessons #FoodServiceInnovation #MomLife #CaringCommunities #ResidentExperience #CalendarHacks #ResetAndRecharge #BoundariesMatter #WomenInLeadership #StorytellingSuccess #TipsFromTrestle

Senior living emergency preparedness expert Kristie Schutt reveals the five critical keys to creating bulletproof emergency preparedness plans for foodservice operations. This essential episode covers comprehensive risk assessment strategies spanning natural disasters, cyber attacks, and human threats. Learn proven techniques for developing emergency policies, staff communication protocols, and Christie shares her insider knowledge on managing power outages, downtime procedures, and maintaining food safety during crisis situations. Perfect for senior living operators, foodservice directors, healthcare administrators, and emergency management professionals seeking actionable strategies to protect residents and maintain operations during hurricanes, floods, cyber attacks, and other emergencies.

Discover how AdvantageTrust supports communities with emergency equipment, shelf-stable foods, refrigerated trucks, and specialized vendor networks to ensure operational continuity when disaster strikes by visiting their website at www.advantagetrustgp.com or email the team at [email protected]

#TFT436 #EmergencyPreparedness​ #SeniorLiving​​ #HurricaneSeason #FoodService​​ #DisasterPlanning​ #HealthcareSafety​ #CrisisManagement #SeniorCare​​ #EmergencyManagement​ #FoodSafety​ #AssistedLiving #OperationalResilience​ #CyberSecurity​ #WeatherEmergency #HospitalityMatters

Senior living emergency preparedness is a topic that always needs a refresher, and we are avoiding the “panic” with expert Kristie Schutt in this week’s episode. Kristie reveals the five critical keys to creating bulletproof emergency preparedness plans for foodservice operations. This essential episode covers comprehensive risk assessment strategies spanning natural disasters, cyber attacks, and human threats. Learn proven techniques for developing emergency policies, staff communication protocols, and Christie shares her insider knowledge on managing power outages, downtime procedures, and maintaining food safety during crisis situations. Perfect for senior living operators, foodservice directors, healthcare administrators, and emergency management professionals seeking actionable strategies to protect residents and maintain operations during hurricanes, floods, cyber attacks, and other emergencies.

Discover how AdvantageTrust supports communities with emergency equipment, shelf-stable foods, refrigerated trucks, and specialized vendor networks to ensure operational continuity when disaster strikes by visiting their website at http://www.advantagetrustgp.com/ or email the team at [email protected]

#TFT437 #EmergencyPreparedness #SeniorLiving #HurricaneSeason #FoodService #DisasterPlanning #HealthcareSafety #CrisisManagement #SeniorCare #EmergencyManagement #FoodSafety #AssistedLiving #OperationalResilience #CyberSecurity #WeatherEmergency #HospitalityMatters

Join Aaron as he interviews Sara Mitchell, co-founder and president of Solinity Marketing, in this essential re-release examining how senior living communities can leverage culinary programs for enhanced marketing impact. Originally aired February 2025, this episode reveals proven strategies for transforming dining experiences into authentic storytelling opportunities that drive occupancy and resident satisfaction.

Sara shares her unique journey from ESPN sports reporter to senior living marketing expert, sparked by her work with legendary coach Pat Summitt during her battle with early-onset dementia. Discover how communities can capture authentic resident testimonials, create compelling video content using simple iPhone techniques, and integrate culinary excellence across sales, marketing, and activities departments. This episode provides actionable insights for marketing directors, executive chefs, and senior living operators seeking to maximize their dining programs' promotional potential through resident-driven storytelling, strategic social media integration, and cross-departmental collaboration that converts prospects into residents

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:

• eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
• WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
• Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
• AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust

#TFT405 #Rerelease #SeniorLiving #CulinaryExcellence #FoodAndHospitality #Marketing #DiningExperience #Storytelling #ResidentVoices #CommunityConnections #FoodMemories #HospitalityMatters #Branding #SeniorLivingMarketing #SeniorLivingCommunity

Tune in to discover how community-first leadership transforms organizational culture and drives measurable business results in this episode of Tips from Trestle! Aaron interviews Chris Catania, community leadership expert and author, who reveals how his proven frameworks can help scale authentic connections across multi-location senior living operations. Learn how Fortune 500 companies leverage community building to increase employee retention, reduce social isolation among seniors, and generate millions in cost savings through strategic relationship management. Listen to Chris’s actionable strategies for measuring community ROI, breaking down departmental silos, and implementing both digital and in-person community programs that enhance the resident experience while strengthening bottom-line performance. This conversation proves why soft skills are essential business strategies for modern senior living operators managing multiple communities.

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:

• eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
• WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
• Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
• AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust

#TFT435 #SeniorLiving #TipsFromTrestle #SeniorLiving #CommunityBuilding #LeadershipDevelopment #SeniorCare #AssistedLiving #HealthcareLeadership #ResidentEngagement #CommunityFirst #EmployeeRetention #SocialIsolation #SeniorWellness #HospitalityIndustry #OrganizationalCulture #BusinessStrategy #AuthenticLeadership

As we grow and develop, we know we have to crawl be fore we can run. And on this episode of Tips form Trestle, we sprint into the details on how to successfully implement senior living technology with Jenn Kent's proven "crawl, walk, run" methodology. As Director of Project Management at Harmony Senior Services, Jen transformed 45 communities from manual paper processes to seamless digital dining operations using eMenuChoice point-of-sale systems. Learn her seven essential steps for technology implementation success, including creating custom playbooks, role-based training approaches, and cross-departmental accountability strategies. This episode reveals practical insights for senior living operators navigating digital transformation, featuring actionable advice on hardware preparation, staff training methodologies, and ongoing system support to drive resident satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:

• eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
• WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
• Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
• AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust

#TFT434 #SeniorLiving #TipsFromTrestle #TechImplementation #DigitalTransformation #SeniorCare #AssistedLiving #HealthTech #SeniorDining #HospitalityTech #ProjectManagement #ElderCare #SeniorLivingTech #AgeTech #CareInnovation #HealthyAging #ResidentExperience

On this bright episode of Tips from Trestle, learn how United Group of Companies illuminates active adult living through their trademarked SUN® Program. Join Aaron as he explores resident engagement with VP of Sales Francine Bass and VP of Lifestyle Joanne DiMarco, who reveal how thoughtful programming transforms communities from apartments into thriving lifestyle destinations.

Learn how the SUN® Program combats social isolation among seniors, turning health risks into opportunities for connection and joy. The dynamic duo shares how their 7 Core Lifestyle Concepts and unreasonable hospitality principles create monthly activities that residents actually want to participate in—generating remarkable retention rates and extended stays that outshine industry standards.

From resident-led cooking adventures to staff-supported educational journeys, see how personalized programming creates authentic community connections that money can't buy. Plus, uncover proven tactics for leveraging social media storytelling, video marketing, and referral-generating events that attract prospects in the expanding baby boomer market. This episode proves that when you sell lifestyle instead of square footage, everyone wins.

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:

• eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
• WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
• Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
• AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust

#TFT433 #SeniorLiving #ActiveAdultLiving #SeniorLifestyle #BabyBoomers #WellnessCommunity #SocialIsolation #55PlusCommunity #SeniorWellness #ActiveLiving #CommunityConnection #LifestyleProgramming #RetirementGoals #HealthyAging #SeniorLivingInnovation #ResidentEngagement #MindfulSeniorLiving

Ready to explore the OG culinary hack for your kitchen? Discover how speed scratch cooking transforms senior living food service operations with culinary expert Cody Middleton from Ben E Keith Foods. This essential Tips from Trestle episode explores practical solutions for labor challenges, cost management, and food safety in senior living kitchens. Learn why speed scratch techniques help small communities deliver restaurant-quality meals while maintaining tight budgets and limited staff. Middleton shares proven strategies for implementing ready-to-use products, reducing food waste, improving resident satisfaction, and enhancing staff quality of life. Perfect for senior living executives, food service directors, and culinary professionals seeking actionable insights on modern kitchen operations, menu planning, and operational efficiency. Host Aaron Fish guides this deep-dive conversation covering everything from financial analysis to staff training, making complex culinary concepts accessible for non-food service managers in today's challenging senior care environment.

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:

• eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
• WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
• Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
• AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust

Connect with Cody: [email protected]

#TFT432 #SeniorLiving #ChefDriven #FoodService #CulinaryExcellence #SeniorCare #AssistedLiving #KitchenEffiency #MenuPlanning #FoodSafety #Healthcare #ElderCare #Hospitality #CommunityDining #LongTermCare #AgingInPlace #SeniorWellness

Discover how exceptional hospitality transforms senior living dining in this essential Tips from Trestle episode. Host Aaron Fish interviews Shawn McGregor, Senior Executive Chef at Healthcare Services Group, who oversees culinary operations for over 2,000 kitchens nationwide. Learn proven strategies for staff training, showtime cooking engagement, and managing dietary restrictions in senior care. Sean shares powerful resident connection stories and reveals why getting chefs out of the kitchen creates unforgettable experiences for prospects and residents alike. This episode provides actionable insights for senior living operators, executive chefs, and marketing directors on leveraging food service as a powerful sales and engagement tool. Topics include kitchen tours, resident satisfaction surveys, clinically-driven menus, and creating authentic hospitality moments that drive occupancy and retention in today's competitive senior living market.

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:

• eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
• WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
• Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
• AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust

#TFT431 #SeniorLiving #ChefDriven #HospitalityExperience #SeniorCare #FoodServiceInnovation #CulinaryWellness #ResidentEngagement #AssistedLiving #HealthyAging #CommunityDining #ElderCare #SeniorLivingMarketing #ShowtimeCooking #DiningExperience #SeniorNutrition