Welcome to the inaugural edition of The Insider, our internal newsletter designed to bring our team closer together. At Forefront, we believe that staying connected is key to our success, especially as we grow and deliver diverse support services across the country.
With our team spread out over 19 states and across multiple industries, it’s not always possible to interact face-to-face. That’s where The Insider comes in— our digital platform to enhance communication, build connections, and keep everyone informed and engaged. Through this newsletter, we’ll share updates, highlight team achievements, and spotlight the amazing work happening across all corners of the company.
We’re still developing ways for you to get involved in future editions, and we can’t wait to hear your thoughts and contributions. Our hope is that The Insider becomes a valuable resource and a teambuilding tool for everyone at Forefront. Together, we’ll stay informed, connected, and inspired as we continue making an impact.
FOREFRONT AT 5
BUILT ON SERVICE, DRIVEN BY PEOPLE
By Brendan Buffa, Corporate Director of Communications
In November 2024, Forefront will proudly celebrate its 5-year anniversary, a milestone that speaks volumes about the dedication, hard work, and passion of every team member who has helped build our company from the ground up. Founded in October 2019 in a small office in Detroit, Michigan, our co-founders, Dan Bowen and Ryan Williams, shared a vision for what was to come: offering a specialized, boutique support services option that would truly care for its team members and clients, standing apart from the large, big-box competitors dominating the market. With that vision in mind, Forefront has grown into a company that now serves clients in 19 states, partners with over 75 organizations, and has a family of over 1,700 strong—and counting.
Both Dan and Ryan were joined early on by a group of individuals who shared the same vision,
including Pat Carron, Chris Greve, Marissa Murphy, Gary Pollack, Kevin Bray, Jared Hughes, Patrick Johnson, Mark Stibich, Kareem Michael, and Dan Brennan, all of whom left behind roles at competitors to create something unique with Forefront. Together, they set the foundation, but it’s each of you—whether you’ve been with us since the early days or are a newer member of our team— who have made us what we are today. This journey didn’t happen by accident; it’s a direct result of the dedication and heart you all bring to the table.
“Our people are the heartbeat of Forefront. From day one, we’ve focused on creating a culture where every team member feels engaged, valued, and empowered. It’s that focus on our employees that has made the difference,”
Bowen said. “That difference is seen in the way we approach everything—from how we prepare meals, to the care we put into maintaining clean and comfortable environments for our clients. Your dedication to service, day in and day out, is what makes Forefront a leader in our field, and we are confident that the formula we’ve created here is one for a long, healthy story of success.”
It’s our people who, in just five short years, have made Forefront a nationally recognized workplace, earning accolades such as Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work (2022-2024), Inc. Best Workplaces (2024), the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies (2024), Crain’s Best Places to Work (2022-2024), and the Detroit Free Press’ Top Workplaces (2022-2024).
“We are also deeply grateful to serve clients in diverse industries, including healthcare, senior living, education, and government,” Williams said. “The trust these clients place in us is a reflection of your commitment to excellence. Every time you prepare a meal, ensure a safe and welcoming space, or go above and beyond to meet our clients’ needs, you’re not just doing a job—you’re making a difference in people’s lives.”
In 2024, our team revisited and updated our core values, doubling down on the attributes that Forefront has embodied all along: integrity, tenacity, service excellence, creativity, safety, and caring. These values not only guide our work but also shape the way we treat one another. Whether you’re in the kitchen, on the front lines with clients, or behind
the scenes supporting operations, each of you embodies these values in your daily work.
As we celebrate this important anniversary, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you. Thank you for your hard work, for your dedication to our clients, and for being part of the Forefront family. Together, we’ve built something extraordinary. Here’s to celebrating the past five years and to many more years of growth, innovation, and shared success ahead. Let’s keep elevating every day, and making an impact, one meal, one space, one day at a time.
FROM THE CEO’s Desk
By Dan Bowen, CEO & Co-Founder
As we celebrate Forefront’s 5-year anniversary, I reflect on the vision that brought this company to life. From the beginning, we believed there was a need in the market for a provider that was not only professional and highly qualified, but also flexible and adaptable. Over
FROM THE COO’s Desk
By Ryan Williams, COO & Co-Founder
As we mark Forefront’s 5th anniversary, I find myself reflecting on the growth, challenges, and accomplishments that have defined
the years, this approach has resonated with our clients, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the marketplace validate our vision.
Our company was built on the foundation of service excellence, customization, and delivering on our promises, and this remains at the heart of everything we do. The journey hasn’t always been easy, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic hitting just five months after Forefront was founded. We were immediately faced with unprecedented challenges, including labor shortages and inflationary pressures that continue to impact the entire industry. Yet, through it all, we acknowledged through our growth that there is a clear demand for the style of services that we provide. The past five years have shown that our approach works, and I truly believe that if we continue to follow this path, we can build on what we’ve achieved and
reach even greater heights.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible team we’ve built along the way. Forefront’s success is the result of teamwork, handson effort, and a shared commitment to our core values. As we look to the future, we’ll continue to highlight stories of our team members living these values of integrity and service excellence, because they are the ones who make this company what it is.
our journey. When we started Forefront in 2019, our mission was clear: to create a company that truly cares for its people and delivers exceptional service to our clients. Looking back, it’s incredible to see how much we’ve achieved together.
From our humble beginnings in Detroit to becoming a national partner serving hospitals, schools, military facilities, and more—none of this would have been possible without you. The passion, dedication, and resilience you’ve shown, especially during unprecedented times like the pandemic, are what have shaped Forefront into what it is today.
As I think about the future, I see immense potential. We’ve built a foundation that’s strong and poised for even greater success. Together, we’ll
Thank you all for your hard work, and here’s to many more years of growth
continue to innovate, find new ways to serve our clients, and most importantly, stay committed to the values that make Forefront such a special place to work.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I’m excited to see where the next chapter takes us.
Warm regards,
Ryan Williams Chief Operating Officer
AWARDS
Forefront ranks No. 4 in nation on Modern Healthcare’s “Best Places to Work” list
For the third consecutive year, Forefront has been named a Best Place to Work in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare, rising to No. 4 on the 2024 list of top healthcare suppliers in the country. This marks a significant improvement from 2023’s No. 7 ranking, further highlighting Forefront’s commitment to cultivating a workplace culture where employees thrive.
Forefront secures third Best Places to Work Award via Crain’s
For the third consecutive year, Forefront has been named as a Best Places to Work by Crain’s Detroit Business, landing at No. 13, honoring standout organizations that are defying the talent retention odds, excelling in employee engagement, and offering innovative benefits. Forefront was recognized as No. 1 on the 2023 list via Crain’s.
Forefront ranks No. 846 among America’s fastest-growing private companies
After being named to Inc.’s Best Workplaces list in June, Forefront has received yet another accolade from the world’s most trusted businessmedia brand, ranking No. 846 on the 2024 Inc. 5000, which recognizes the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in America. The Inc. 5000 class of 2024 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges.
FOREFRONT’S
Redstone Presbyterian Greensberg, Murrysville, & North Huntingdon, PA
Culinary & Nutrition Services
Redstone Highlands is a leading lifestyle community in Westmoreland County, PA, providing senior adults with independent living, personal care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services. With locations in Greensburg, Murrysville, and North Huntingdon, Redstone offers a full continuum of care and has been trusted since 1980 for its commitment to quality senior living, and is a four-time award winner of the “Best of Westmoreland County” award, most recently in 2024.
Stillwater Medical Center
Stillwater, OK
Culinary & Nutrition Services
Stillwater Medical is a not-for-profit community health system powered by nearly 2,000 employees and 150+ physicians and advanced practice providers who represent more than 40 specialties, allowing them to address the unique needs of each patient. By prioritizing compassion and creating an environment of excellence, Stillwater has been named a Best Places to Work by Modern Healthcare for 13 straight years (2012-2024).
NEW PARTNERS
JULY TO SEPTEMBER 2024
Presbyterian Home & Retirement Community
Quitman, GA
Environmental Services
Presbyterian Home and Retirement Community in Quitman, GA was established in 1949 and provides independent living alongside higher levels of care such as memory support and skilled nursing. As a nonprofit, Presbyterian Homes of Georgia is committed to ensuring residents can remain in their community, regardless of financial changes.
Pioneer Medical Center
Big Timber, MT Environmental Services
Pioneer Medical Center is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the residents and visitors of Sweet Grass County, Montana. The center offers a range of services, including family medicine, walk-in clinics, and assisted living facilities. This service line is an addition to our already existing Culinary & Nutrition Services contract.
St. John’s Skyridge Cottages
Billings, MT
Culinary & Nutrition Services
SkyRidge Cottages, part of St. John’s United in Billings, MT, offers assisted living services in a warm, inviting environment. With 32 apartments spread across two cozy cottages, residents enjoy personalized care tailored to their needs. Forefront already has partnerships with multiple St. John’s locations in Billings, MT.
Children’s Hospital of Troy
Troy, MI
Environmental Services
Children’s Hospital of Michigan – Troy offers specialized pediatric care with services ranging from emergency care to cardiology and orthopedics. As part of the Detroit Medical Center, this location provides world-class medical expertise tailored to children’s unique needs. Children’s Hospital of Michigan has also spent 15 years ranked as one of the nation’s Best Children’s Hospitals by U.S. News.
Cont’d on page 7
ACCOUNT SPOTLIGHT
By Brendan Buffa, Corporate Director of Communications
We are thrilled to announce that Major Health Partners and Arkansas Heart Hospital Encore have earned recognition by Becker’s Healthcare as two of the 350 cleanest hospitals in the United States, achieving a prestigious 5-star cleanliness rating. This recognition is based on the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) surveys, which measure patient experiences and
CELEBRATING CLEANLINESS
MAJOR HOSPITAL
AND ARKANSAS HEART ENCORE
satisfaction levels. This accolade is particularly noteworthy given that it reflects an elite status among over 6,000 hospitals nationwide.
The 5-star cleanliness rating is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing a safe and hygienic environment for our patients. It demonstrates our dedication to excellence in patient care, which directly correlates with positive health outcomes and patient satisfaction. Cleanliness is paramount in healthcare, impacting everything from infection rates to overall recovery experiences.
Health Partners, and Robert Wilson, Director of Environmental Services at Arkansas Heart. Their leadership has been instrumental in fostering a culture of cleanliness and excellence within our facilities.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the incredible teams whose daily efforts ensure our patients receive the best care in a pristine setting. This recognition underscores our mission of better living through superior healthcare and reinforces our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and patient care.
A special shoutout goes to Kerry Montero,
EVS Director at Major
As we celebrate this achievement, we remain dedicated to further enhancing our environment to ensure optimal recovery and wellness for everyone we serve.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Carter Hines
HR Coordinator, Forefront
Russell Miley
Lead Custodian, Mt. Clemens Schools
Forefront’s new partners cont’d from page 5
At Forefront, we demonstrate our mission of service each day by providing nutritious food and maintaining clean environments. But Service Excellence, one of our six core values, extends beyond the walls of our client facilities to our back office support team. In September, Co-Founders Dan Bowen and Ryan Willilams presented Carter Hines, HR Coordinator, with a Service Excellence award for his outstanding work with new account onboarding. During 2024, Carter personally onboarded more than 400 associates. Congratulations, Carter, and thanks for all you do for the Forefront team!
We were honored to recognize Russell Miley, Lead Custodian, for his 20 years of dedicated service to the students and community of Mt. Clemens at the October Mt. Clemens School Board Meeting.
Our Custodial Director, Alicia Forbes, and Supervisor, Joseph Inwood, presented Russell with a $500 check to honor his incredible commitment. Russell exemplifies Forefront’s core values of Tenacity, Caring, and Integrity in everything he does.
A big thank you to VP of Operations David Sadera for joining this memorable celebration, and to the entire Mt. Clemens team for their support. Here’s to many more years of excellence!
Mount Clemens Community Schools is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment where all students can excel. The schools offer a range of programs from early childhood education to high school, ensuring every child has access to quality education.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
FOREFRONT VOLUNTEERS WITH CAPUCHIN SOUP KITCHEN
Our corporate Forefront team joined members of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen for our quarterly community event, spending the day planting a field of garlic, contributing to their mission of feeding and nourishing the Detroit community. It was an honor to be part of this initiative and help plant the seeds for a healthier, more sustainable future.
FOREFRONT JOINS THE HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF EFFORTS
When Hurricane Helene struck the Southeast, Forefront Healthcare joined forces with the Hospital Authority of Miller County to bring much-needed relief to those impacted. Craig DeLeeuw, Director of Facilities, and our dedicated IFM team made a five-hour trip to deliver vital supplies to Homerville, GA, exemplifying the spirit of the Forefront community.
MHP DELIVERS AFTER REACHING 93RD PERCENTILE IN PATIENT SATISFACTION
Sean McKenzie, Director of Food and Nutrition Service at Major Health Partners (MHP), kept his promise to shave his head after the Blue River Cafe reached the 93rd percentile in patient satisfaction, a remarkable improvement from the teens just two years ago. The achievement reflects Forefront Healthcare’s emphasis on fresh, made-from-scratch menu options and exceptional service, overseen by McKenzie and Executive Chef Matt Gindhart.
BACKYARD COOKOUT WITH THE FOREFRONT TEAM
This summer, the Forefront team embraced the sunshine by hosting BBQ events across the country, celebrating by feeding their hardworking teams in the great outdoors. With the grill fired up and the smell of smoked meats in the air, these gatherings brought everyone together to enjoy good food and even better company.
Both Sean and Matt have been promoted to new roles within the company, as this story reflects their former titles.
FOCUS
FOCUS
CULINARY
In our Focus section, catch up with stories that highlight the incredible work happening across our culinary, environmental services, and facility management teams, with an insider’s peek into our government services, human resources, and finance departments.
Forefront adopts Culinary Digital into robust food-tech portfolio
By Marissa Murphy, VP Clinical Nutrition & Wellness
Forefront is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Culinary Digital, a Fulcrum Group company and a leader in food-tech solutions. This exciting collaboration will enhance our operational efficiency by introducing a robust, integrated platform that will streamline our back-of-house operations. Culinary Digital’s flagship product, CulinarySuite, offers a customizable solution that aligns perfectly with our goal of delivering toptier service to the patients and residents we serve.
We specifically sought a partner that could provide both flexibility and customization, and Culinary Digital met those needs.
Since this summer, we’ve been working hand-in-hand with their team, laying out an implementation roadmap. Our collaboration spans multiple areas, including EMR integration, supplier integration, recipe database setup, and the design of patient and resident menus. By incorporating feedback from both our Culinary and Clinical Nutrition teams, CulinarySuite is being tailored to ensure it supports our unique workflows and standards.
By the end of Q4 this year, we’ll begin piloting the CulinarySuite platform at several Forefront locations. This pilot will allow us to assess the system’s
functionality in real-world settings and gather valuable insights for broader implementation. As we move forward, we will share additional updates, including information on training and full-scale deployment, so our teams are fully prepared to leverage this cutting-edge technology to enhance our culinary operations.
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES FOCUS
Streamlining operations with Round Factory
By Alex Romero, VP Environmental Services
In Q3, our environmental services team integrated Round Factory, a digital platform that’s transforming how we can manage tasks and boost productivity, while maintaining high standards of care. The platform helps streamline workflows and provides real-time oversight of critical cleaning activities.
By moving away from manual paperwork and outdated processes, Round Factory enables our EVS teams to focus on delivering top-tier service. Digital checklists provide team members with their daily room cleaning assignments and tasks, ensuring that everything is completed accurately and on schedule. This reduces errors and ensures consistency in our operations.
A key feature of Round Factory is its ability to capture and analyze real-time data. This functionality gives us valuable insights into performance and compliance, allowing our teams to make informed decisions and identify areas for improvement. Automating inspections and satisfaction rounds, along with centralizing documentation, helps us meet industry standards more efficiently and effectively. Additionally, department head surveys are collected through the platform, ensuring feedback is organized systematically and acted upon swiftly.
One of the most important features of Round Factory is its real-time visibility into cleaning activities. Managers and Directors can track progress, address issues promptly, and ensure that cleanliness and safety standards are consistently upheld, creating a safer environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
“Using Round Factory is simple,” said Will Mathis, Director of EVS at Miller County. “You can use your phone or laptop for it to keep track of your deep cleans, client rounds, and patient rounds. In my fifteen years of doing this, this has been one of the easiest tools to use. It lets you pose straightforward questions to patients or residents and keeps track of the answers so you can improve your team’s performance across the board.”
By utilizing Round Factory, our Environmental Services team has been able to simplify processes, enhance compliance, and increase visibility, helping us meet our operational goals while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and care throughout our facilities.
FACILITY MANAGEMENT
Moving ahead with IBM’s Maximo
By David Falls, Corporate Director Procedures and Innovation
This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of equipment failures and unplanned downtime, ultimately saving organizations significant repair costs and enhancing the safety and comfort of occupants.
Maximo, IBM’s asset management software, was adopted in Q3 and has had a transformative impact on Forefront’s Facility Management Department, revolutionizing how we maintain and manage physical assets. By providing a comprehensive platform for tracking maintenance schedules, work orders, and asset performance, Maximo enhances operational efficiency and decision-making processes.
One of the key benefits of Maximo is its focus on preventive maintenance. Facility managers can now easily schedule regular maintenance tasks based on asset usage and historical data.
Maximo also improves data visibility and reporting. The software offers robust analytics tools that allow facility managers to assess asset performance, identify trends, and make informed decisions. By leveraging these insights, departments can optimize resource allocation, manage inventory more effectively, and implement cost-saving measures.
Furthermore, Maximo promotes better collaboration and communication within the Facility Management team. The user-friendly interface enables staff to submit and track work orders seamlessly, ensuring that tasks are prioritized and addressed promptly. Mobile access allows team members to update status and manage tasks in real time, which is crucial for addressing urgent maintenance issues.
In conclusion, Maximo has significantly enhanced the functionality and effectiveness of the Facility Management Department. By enabling preventive maintenance, providing powerful analytical tools, and fostering team collaboration, Maximo helps organizations maintain their assets more efficiently, ultimately leading to reduced costs and improved operational performance. As the role of technology in facility management continues to grow, Maximo remains a pivotal tool for Forefront.
FOCUS
Forefront secures two prestigious government contracts
By Brendan Buffa, Corporate Director of Communications
Forefront Healthcare is proud to announce two prestigious contract awards from the Department of Defense (DOD) and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Forefront has been selected as one of ten companies to provide Healthcare Environmental Cleaning (HEC) services to 150 Medical Treatment Facilities (MTF) under an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract valued at $4.1B over seven years. The services will cover US and outlying areas, including Puerto Rico and Guam. Additionally, Forefront
FOCUS
GOVERNMENT FINANCE
secured a place among 11 companies to compete for medical facility operation and maintenance services contracts under the US Army Corps of Engineers, a $240M firm-fixed-price contract. These contracts reflect Forefront’s ongoing commitment to supporting military hospitals, clinics, and research facilities, helping to maintain the highest environmental standards to ensure safe, clean, and aseptic healthcare environments.
Workday brings new efficiency to Forefront’s finances
By Matt Osterhout, Director of Finance
Throughout 2024, the Finance and Accounting teams at Forefront have been hard at work implementing Workday, our new financial management and reporting system. This milestone represents more than just a software upgrade—it’s a bold step forward in transforming how we manage our financial operations, driving us closer to becoming a more agile, efficient, and future-ready organization.
After carefully evaluating several solutions, we chose Workday for its robust, cloudbased platform that aligns seamlessly with our long-term strategic vision. This unified
system allows us to integrate and streamline processes, ensuring greater visibility and collaboration across departments. The decision wasn’t made lightly; we knew this transition would be a complex one. However, by centralizing our financial systems on the Workday platform, we’re paving the way for more cohesive workflows and enhanced operational efficiency.
Of course, no major system shift comes without its challenges. There have been some bumps in the road, but thanks to the dedication, adaptability, and teamwork of our Finance and Accounting teams, we’ve already begun to see the benefits. We’ve successfully closed our books for
three consecutive months without significant delays—an incredible achievement that speaks to the resilience of our teams and their commitment to driving this change forward.
As we continue refining our processes and gaining familiarity with Workday’s capabilities, we’re confident that the ripple effects of this transformation will continue to strengthen Forefront. This new system is not just a tool, but a foundation for our growth, adaptability, and continued success.
FOCUS HUMAN RESOURCES
Prioritizing mental health during the holidays: Why it matters
By Amy McCreary, VP Human Resources
The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, celebration, and connection with loved ones. However, for some, it can also bring about feelings of stress, anxiety, and even sadness. With social pressures, financial strain, and the increased expectations of making everything “perfect,” the holidays can sometimes take a toll on our mental health.
To manage holiday stress and protect your mental well-being, try incorporating these tips into your routine:
CONNECT TO A COUNSELOR FOR FREE SUPPORT SERVICES
Set Realistic Expectations:
Understand that the “perfect” holiday does not exist. Let go of the pressure to meet every expectation and focus on what truly matters—connection, gratitude, and joy.
Budget Wisely: Financial strain is a significant holiday stressor. Create a realistic budget and stick to it. Remember that meaningful gifts don’t have to be expensive; sometimes the most valuable presents are personal and thoughtful.
Practice Gratitude: In the midst of the holiday rush, it’s easy to forget about the things we are grateful for. Practicing gratitude can shift your focus to the positive aspects of the season and reduce stress.
Stay Active: Physical exercise is not only good for your body but also your mind. It helps release endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters, and can reduce feelings of anxiety.
Seek Support When Needed:
If you are feeling overwhelmed, lonely, or anxious, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Talking to a therapist or counselor can provide valuable support and coping strategies.
Make Time for Yourself: In the midst of holiday preparations, it’s essential to carve out moments of self-care. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet walk, reading a book, or simply relaxing at home, taking time for yourself can rejuvenate your spirit.
Email: eapcounselor@ibhcorp.com
Phone: 1 (800) 386-7055
Monday - Friday, 6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. PST
Web: www.ibhworklife.com
Username: Matters
Password: wlm70101
Forefront recognizes the importance of mental health and offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Guardian. This program offers several services:
• Unlimited telephonic consultations with an EAP Counselor
• Referrals to counselors in your area with up to 3 sessions at no charge
• Robust website with many resources and planning tools
• A complimentary consultation with financial and legal professionals with a discount on legal services
The EAP is available to all associates and their immediate family members.
THE COMPANY
ANNOUNCEMENTS
401K MATCHING AVAILABLE SOON
401k enrollment will be coming up in December. Anyone hired prior to Dec. 31, 2024 is eligible to enroll. Forefront is pleased to announce that we will be adding a match to the 401k beginning in 2025. We are finalizing the details, and more information will be available soon.
FLU SHOTS
Flu season is here, so remember to get your flu shot. Be sure that you are following your facility flu policy. If you are unsure of your requirements, please inquire with your onsite manager.
INSURANCE NEWS
If you participate in the Forefront BCBS plans, the annual deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums will reset on Jan.1. In addition, the annual limits for Guardian dental and vision will also reset.
TAX DOCUMENTS
W2s will be mailed by Jan. 31. They will also be available in the ADP Mobile App. Please do not contact HR prior to Feb. 1. W2’s will be mailed directly to the address we have on file, so please take time to review your address in ADP to ensure that it is correct.
PAYROLL REVIEW
The beginning of the year is a good time to review your payroll tax withholding and determine if you wish to make any adjustments. Changes can be made in the ADP app.
