CDM, CFPP of the Month - January 2024
Job Title: Foodservice Manager
Employer: Woodcrest of Country Manor
Job Location: St. Joseph, MN
Years at Current Facility: Six Years
Years in Current Position: Six Years
CDM, CFPP Since: 1999
Why did you decide to become a CDM, CFPP?
I was introduced to it at a previous job they asked me to become a CDM, CFPP. I am glad I did with the knowledge I have gained and the friends I have made. I have met a lot of great people from Minnesota around the country. People who share some great ideas and some who share a lot of wisdom.
What are your main responsibilities in your current position?
I am in charge of a beautiful new (6-year-old) kitchen, 21 staff (most are part time), menus, ordering, scheduling, and making sure the residents are taken care of.
How do you organize your time at work to make sure you accomplish all your responsibilities?
To be honest with you that is the hardest, as items come up throughout the day/week, what I may have planned may not work for that day so it either gets moved to the next day or I just stay later to accomplish my tasks.
What is an example of an innovative way you have made change at your facility and how did you implement it?
When we first opened up we had three lunch choices and three different supper choices. We were wasting some food. I had met with a few of the residents and they stated why don’t you just make 3 things for both meals, it was a brilliant idea and so now we have a entrée selection, a grill selection and a fresh homemade soup & sandwich selection. The residents who are on both meals love it as it still gives them choices. I am also not wasting food and we do not have to keep so much inventory.
What was your first job in the foodservice industry?
I was dietary aide at the age of 16 at a nursing home up in Pierz, MN.
Who has been your biggest mentor in foodservice and how have they helped shape your career?
To be honest with you, my home-ec teachers at Pierz Healy High school, Julie Huseth and Jackie Fiedler. Both were very encouraging and instrumental in helping me shape my path in life. From there it would have to be every boss that I had as I learned something new from each employer that I have worked for. I have not worked for a lot as I pretty much stick around and am pretty dedicated.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your position and how do you handle them?
Last year was hiring or at least finding people who were actually interested in working at all. I had so many apply, we would set up a interview and they would never show up. Since then, it has gotten a lot better I have found some people who are dedicated and love their jobs and love where they work.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love getting to know our residents and I have a great team of staff, other department managers and a administrator who believes in the CDM, CFPP program.
How do you stay up to date with current innovations and trends?
I have a wonderful group of food suppliers who keep me informed of the latest trends, etc.
How do you envision the foodservice industry changing in the next few years?
I would hope that people will want to go back to work in person!! I think the world of takeout and home delivery will continue. I believe we will be busier than ever in the next few years.
What is your advice to those just getting started in the foodservice industry?
If you have a vision and a drive then the foodservice industry is for you. Plan on working some long days sometimes, plan on having some ups and downs sometimes, but in the end you will rewarded greatly by what your residents/customers tell you and your business will succeed and you will make a name for yourself. Most importantly HAVE SOME FUN!!!