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

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: pcmiddleton@benekeith.com

#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

We're bringing back this fan-favorite episode of Tips from Trestle as we're thrilled to announce our exciting new partnership with Zinnia TV! Join Aaron as he sits down with Allyson Schrier, co-founder and president of Zinnia TV, in this transformative conversation about revolutionizing dementia care through innovative streaming technology.

Discover how Allyson's personal caregiving journey sparked the creation of research-driven, plot-free video content that's changing lives in senior living communities worldwide. Learn about Zinnia's proven ability to reduce agitation, foster meaningful reminiscence, and empower both professional and family caregivers with powerful connection tools.

This re-release comes at the perfect time as Trestle Hospitality Concepts partners with Zinnia TV to bring this groundbreaking dementia-friendly innovation to our clients via our Fractional Director of Resident Engagement program! Hear the science, stories, and research behind this unique streaming service that's earning recognition from major institutions and transforming quality of life for people living with dementia.

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

#TFT421 #DementiaCare #SeniorLiving #MemoryCare #TechForGood #CaregiverSupport #AgingInnovation #DigitalHealth #SeniorWellness #HealthcarePodcast #LongTermCare #DementiaAwareness #FoodService #HospitalityIndustry #CareTech #InnovativeCare

Discover the hidden gaps destroying memory care programs in this essential Tips from Trestle episode featuring Dawn Platt, National Director of Memory Care Programs for Discovery Senior Living. Aaron Fish explores how operators can transform their dementia care approach using data analytics, micro-training strategies, and family engagement techniques across 180+ communities nationwide. Learn why traditional memory care programs fail modern residents, how to measure engagement and behavioral patterns, and practical steps for implementing personalized care plans. Dawn shares her proven methodology for reducing incidents, improving staff retention, and creating meaningful resident experiences through her award-winning podcast "The Disappearing Mind." Essential listening for senior living executives, memory care directors, and healthcare professionals seeking evidence-based solutions for dementia care excellence, staff empowerment, and family satisfaction in today's evolving senior living landscape.

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

#TFT429 #SeniorLiving #MemoryCare #DementiaCare #SeniorCare #AssistedLiving #ElderCare #CaregiverSupport #DementiaAwareness #HealthcarePodcast #SeniorWellness #CommunitySupport #MentalHealthAwareness #AgingInPlace #LongTermCare #HospitalityMatters