Tips from Trestle: The Senior Living Food and Hospitality Podcast

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 convers...

In this visionary episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron interviews Sanjeev Shetty, co-founder of HelloGard Robotics and V Care Companion. They explore the evolving landscape of robotics and AI in senior living communities. Shetty discusses the shift from dining-focused robots to more diverse applications like cleaning, healthcare assistance, and outdoor delivery. They discuss the importance of prope...

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, emp...

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...

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 i...

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 uni...

This week’s Tactics has Aaron reconnecting with Akshita Iyer from OME Kitchen to take an up close & personal look at their Gen 2 Smart Knob. They chat about the need for this kind of smart device in both senior living and in-home settings. Akshita even provides a demo that showcases the Smart Knob and it’s app in action. Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service . #TT27 #Smar...

In this episode of Tips from Trestle, host Aaron Fish interviews Jared Gleaton, a psychologist and food enthusiast. They explore the concept of foodology, which examines how our senses influence food experiences. The conversation deep dives into how cultural narratives and personal memories shape our relationship with food. Gleaton emphasizes building relationships between chefs and diners to elev...

Tactics this week finds experts Nancy Rhodes and Molly Armstrong discussing strategies to streamline business efficiency and reduce costs in your foodservice operation. The conversation covers practical tips for organizing storage, standardizing order guides, and leveraging technology solutions like Gordon Food Service's ordering platforms and menu management systems. They also emphasize the i...

Aaron shares a conversation from his monthly Cocktails & Conversations event with his good friend, Damon Thomas. Damon is the Senior VP of Operations at Providence Senior Living and shares his journey in the senior living industry. From personal experiences with his grandfather to leadership roles in major companies, Aaron & Damon talk about the importance of adaptability, compassionate le...

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...

This week on Trestle Tactics we are continuing our Lean Thinking series as Aaron brings in Dana Fillmore & Tiffany Nabozny from GFS to share their insights & experiences with ways that operators can find efficiencies in how they approach the biggest task in a kitchen - meal production. Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service . #TT25 #LeanThinking #SeniorLiving #Operatio...

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...

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 Gord...

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 palpa...

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 #Hos...

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 stra...

Picking up where they left off last week, Carrie Serrano & Jessica Hogue from Gordon Food Service finish discussing The 7 Wastes on this week’s Trestle Tactics. They have more great real-world examples from senior living and healthcare  showing how even the simplest process improvement or actions can improve operational efficiency in food service and hospitality programming. Trestle Tactics is...

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...

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...

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...

Eavesdrop on Aaron’s conversation with Seth Winder, a training specialist at ClarkPro, about the critical role of DISC assessments and emotional intelligence (EQ) in team building and development. Seth shares his journey from public education to corporate training, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual tendencies and emotional triggers. The discussion highlights practical applicat...

On this episode of Tactics, Aaron brings in guest host Erin Thompson to discuss the power of shifting from negative to positive thinking to achieve success. She emphasizes acknowledging thoughts, examining their validity, and reframing them for growth. Thompson encourages listeners to assume the identity of their future successful selves and embrace continuous learning to reach their goals. Trestl...

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...

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 fo...