Issuu

No. 08

Q3 2026

THE Bringing you the latest updates from the field and beyond

Forefront continues to be recognized as a workplace where people thrive, earning two additional 2026 honors: Inc. Best Workplaces and Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work in Healthcare.

Building a Better Feedback Process

This marks our fifth consecutive year receiving recognition from Modern Healthcare and another year of being named by Inc., reflecting the strength of our award-winning culture and the commitment of our associates across the country.

Launching Forefront’s Client Satisfaction Program Will Hawkins, Corporate Director, Brand & Field Marketing

One of the commitments in our Vision 2030 strategy is to be client focused. That means creating intentional ways to listen, learn, and improve based on feedback from the people we serve every day. We recently took an important step forward by launching Forefront’s first formal Client Satisfaction Survey. While we have always gathered feedback through conversations, operational reviews, and day-to-day interactions, we had never conducted a structured survey across our client base. To support our Vision 2030 goals and strengthen our Client Focused pillar, a cross-functional project Cont’d on page 2

Inside this Issue

Cover Story....................................1 From the Founder’s Desk............3 Company News.............................5

Focus...........................................15 Calendar of Events.....................25

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These achievements are a celebration of the people who make Forefront special. Through collaboration, growth, and a shared passion for service excellence, our teams continue to build a workplace where associates feel valued, supported, and empowered to make an impact every day. We’re grateful to our associates who bring our culture to life and make recognitions like these possible.

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Q3 2026

team came together to build a repeatable process for collecting, measuring, and acting on client feedback.

The results gave us our first true baseline across several key areas:

The survey launched in May and was distributed to key client stakeholders across our hospital and senior living communities over a four-week period. The goal was to better understand where we are performing well, identify opportunities for improvement, and create a clear path for action.

One of the most significant outcomes from this project is the creation of our new Client Satisfaction Dashboard. For the first time, we have a central reference point for client satisfaction across our business. This gives our leaders a consistent way to understand performance,

Welcome to Forefront’s Insider Newsletter @oneforefront

Welcome to The Insider, our 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 platform to enhance communication, build connections, and keep everyone informed and engaged.

Cont’d on page 3

Through this newsletter, we’ll share updates, highlight team achievements, and spotlight the amazing work happening across all corners of the company. Our hope is that The Insider becomes a valuable resource and a team-building tool for everyone at Forefront. Together, we’ll stay informed, connected, and inspired as we continue making an impact.

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Overall Score: 4.12 Engagement (Leaders): 4.40 Recommend: 4.23 Partnership: 4.18 Consistency (On-Site): 3.98 Expectations: 3.83 identify areas of focus, and support conversations with both current and prospective clients. As with any new process, there were lessons learned. Client participation was a challenge in some locations, and a small number of facilities experienced access issues due to security settings. We are already evaluating improvements for the

FROM THE

CEO’s Desk Dan Bowen, Co-Founder & CEO

next survey cycle, including a dedicated survey platform to streamline participation and enhance the overall experience. We now have a repeatable process, a formal playbook, and a meaningful baseline to build from. This survey is not about collecting scores. It is about listening, learning, and taking action to strengthen the partnerships that drive our success. Thank you to every associate and leader who contributed to this effort. The trust we build with our client partners is earned through consistent service, responsiveness, and partnership. This survey gives us another way to measure how we’re doing and where we can continue elevating every day.

Survey process. While the scores and dashboard are important, what matters most is the opportunity to hear directly from our clients and learn how we can continue improving. One comment from this survey stood out to me: “Forefront has been a wonderful partner. They truly feel like part of our team rather than a vendor. Their leadership is accessible, responsive, and genuinely cares about our residents and our success.”

One of the things that has always set Forefront apart is our commitment to partnership. We don’t want to simply provide a service vendor. We want to be a trusted partner that helps our clients achieve their goals and better serve the people who depend on them every day.

Feedback like this is meaningful because it reflects the effort our associates and leaders put into building relationships, solving problems, and showing up for our client partners every day.

What I appreciate just as much, however, is the feedback that That is why I am excited about the identifies opportunities for launch of our Client Satisfaction improvement. Those insights help

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us grow. They help us strengthen our operations, improve consistency, and better align with the expectations of the communities we serve. As we move forward, this survey process will become an important part of how we listen, learn, and take action. Our goal is not simply to measure satisfaction. Our goal is to continually earn trust through responsiveness, accountability, and service excellence. Thank you for the work you do every day to support our clients, residents, patients, and communities. The feedback we received is a reflection of your commitment and a reminder that the relationships we build remain one of our greatest strengths.

Dan Bowen Co-Founder & CEO

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Q3 2026

FROM THE

COO’s Desk Ryan Williams, Co-Founder & COO

Included in this newsletter are Forefront’s results from our 11th Gallup Survey. We are very proud of our outcomes and remain committed to continuous improvement. At its core, employee engagement reflects how connected our team members feel to their work, their leaders, and the organization as a whole. When engagement is strong, we see incredible energy, creativity, and resilience which creates value for our clients and helps them deliver on their mission. Our results show that our teams go beyond basic job requirements every day to elevate patient care and operational efficiency. Every one of us is contributing to making a

meaningful difference in the lives of the opportunity to deliver the best the residents and patients we serve. possible service and outcomes. One of the most common misconceptions is that engagement can be managed through a survey. While surveys are essential tools for measurement, engagement is an ongoing process, not a onetime event. Conducting a survey without continuous follow-up and action reduces the experience to a data exercise rather than a cultural priority. We must obtain honest and direct feedback from all of our team members and use our management skills to help craft, create and guide strategies that improve the day-to-day experience for everyone. Engagement is about the day to day passion of our leaders to continuously improve the work environment and experience of our team members, providing them

We must treat engagement as a continuous cycle: measure, discuss, act, and re-evaluate. The real impact comes from what leaders and teams do with the insights gathered. When our team sees their feedback leading to tangible improvements, trust and credibility increase. Employee engagement isn’t just a program or a project, it is a continuous commitment to creating an environment where everyone can do their best work. Remember, hope is not a strategy! Ryan Williams Co-Founder & COO

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FOREFRONT’S

NEW PARTNERS

APRIL - JUNE 2026

Presbyterian Village Little Rock, AR Culinary Services Presbyterian Village in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a faith-based, nonprofit Continuing Care Retirement Community for adults 55 and older. Established in 1965, it offers a full continuum of care including independent living cottages, assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation, allowing residents to age in place as their health needs change.

Wesbury Retirement Community Meadville, PA Culinary Services

Wesbury Retirement Community is a non-profit, faith-based Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Situated on a 110-acre campus, it offers a full continuum of senior living options, ranging from independent living villas to memory support and skilled nursing care.

Little Sisters of the Poor - St. Martin’s Home Baltimore, MD Culinary Services

The Little Sisters of the Poor in Baltimore operate St. Martin’s Home in Catonsville, Maryland. This non-profit Catholic organization offers low-income seniors aged 65 and older a continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. @oneforefront

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VALUES at WORK

Integrity. Tenacity. Service Excellence. Creativity. Safety. Caring. CARING We are empathetic in our interactions and we are supportive or diverse ideas, people, and perspectives. When a confused patient became distressed and attempted to leave the facility, nursing staff found themselves managing a challenging situation while also responding to a medical emergency elsewhere. Recognizing the need for additional support, AM EVS Supervisor Lorenza Roache stayed with the patient without being asked, helping keep the patient safe and providing reassurance until nursing staff could fully respond. A member of the nursing team shared, “His presence was vital. Without him, the patient might have left the building, creating an even more difficult situation.”

Lorenza Roache EVS Supervisor

Lorenza’s actions exemplify our core value of Caring. By stepping in during a critical moment, he demonstrated genuine concern for the patient’s well-being and a commitment to supporting his colleagues when they needed help most. His willingness to go beyond his daily responsibilities reflects the teamwork and compassion that make D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital is a stronger place for patients, visitors, and staff alike. Thank you, Lorenza, for living our values and making a difference when it mattered most.

What’s Happening This quarter, Forefront corporate office team members volunteered with The Greening of Detroit to support its mission of creating a greener, healthier, and more sustainable Detroit. Through hands-on service, our team helped contribute to community revitalization efforts while supporting initiatives that expand green spaces, improve neighborhoods, and bring people together. Giving back to the communities we serve is an important part of who we are at Forefront, and we’re proud to partner with organizations making a meaningful local impact. @oneforefront

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Beyond the Survey: Building a Culture of Continuous Engagement Gary Pollack, Managing Partner Training & Engagement

Forefront’s Spring 2026 Gallup Employee Engagement Survey Results Are In! Our Spring 2026 Gallup Employee Engagement Survey results are in, and we are pleased to report that our overall company score has increased once again! As you know, we conduct the Gallup survey twice each year. This Spring marked our 11th survey since launching the program in Spring 2021. Of those eleven surveys, our scores have improved in ten—an accomplishment that reflects the commitment and dedication of our leaders and team members across the organization. It is especially impressive when you consider the significant growth our company has experienced during that time, both in the number of team members and the number of locations we serve. Achieving an overall score of 4.32, with more than 1,500 team members surveyed, 1,250 participants, and a 78% response rate, is an outstanding achievement and something we should all be proud of. These results demonstrate that our employees are engaged, willing to share their feedback, and invested in helping Forefront continue to improve.

Now it’s time to build on this momentum and move to the next phase of the engagement process: • Share the survey results with your team and thank them for their participation. • Post your department’s scores where team members can view them. • Identify one or two opportunities for improvement and develop an action plan. • Schedule Pulse Surveys to measure progress and ensure your efforts are making an impact. Remember, creating a highly engaged workforce is about much more than conducting two surveys each year. True engagement comes from consistently listening to employees, improving communication, recognizing contributions, and fostering a positive work environment where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to deliver exceptional service. The most successful teams use survey feedback as a catalyst for meaningful conversations and continuous improvement throughout the year. Thank you for your continued commitment to making Forefront a great place to work. Together, we will continue building a culture where employees are engaged, customers are satisfied, and exceptional outcomes are achieved.

@oneforefront

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Moving Our Mission Forward: Vision 2030 Update Vision 2030 is about creating a stronger, more consistent Forefront for our associates, client partners, and those we serve. Over the first half of the year, Throughout the first six months of the year, our cross-functional project teams have made significant progress, launching key operational processes, and resources, and tools designed to support service excellence and long-term growth. As these initiatives move from development to implementation, our focus is on real-world testing,

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refinement, and standardization to ensure they deliver meaningful value across the organization. Review the summary of our progress provided below.

Scan the QR code for full project updates:

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Q3 2026

N E W I N N OVAT I O N S

Highlighting the latest ways we’re strengthening our business through smarter technology, streamlined

processes, and more effective organizational structures.

Culinary Tech Spotlight: Innovation Driving Excellence in Our Kitchens Chris Greve, Senior Vice President Culinary Services

Our culinary teams continue to evolve, embracing technology that enhances safety, efficiency, creativity, and the overall dining experience. This month, we’re highlighting the powerful tools—both behind the scenes and front‑of‑house—that are shaping the future of our operations. From waste reduction to wireless monitoring to next‑generation cooking equipment, these solutions help us work smarter, faster, and with greater consistency. Here’s what’s making an impact across our system. Leanpath: Reducing Waste, Increasing Insight Leanpath remains one of our most valuable tools in the fight against food waste. Through real‑time tracking and analytics, teams gain visibility into over‑production, trim waste, and behavioral patterns that drive unnecessary loss. Leanpath empowers teams to make data‑driven decisions and reinforces our commitment to sustainability. SensoScientific Wireless HACCP: Compliance Made Simple Our SensoScientific wireless HACCP system automates temperature monitoring, logging, and alerting—eliminating manual checks and reducing risk. With continuous monitoring and cloud‑based reporting, teams can stay ahead of compliance requirements and respond quickly when issues arise DayMark: Smarter Labeling & Food Safety DayMark continues to be our recommended standard for labeling and dating. With intuitive tools and strong support resources, DayMark helps ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance across all locations. It’s simple, reliable, and fully aligned with our food safety expectations. ColdSnap: Frozen Innovation on Demand ColdSnap is transforming how we think about frozen desserts and beverages. This rapid‑freeze technology produces ice cream, smoothies, and frozen drinks in seconds—without the need for traditional freezers or storage. It’s fast, clean, and perfect for resident engagement events. @oneforefront

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Bear Robotics: Front‑of‑House Automation Bear Robotics brings autonomous service robots into our dining spaces, supporting staff by running food, bussing tables, and improving workflow efficiency. These robots enhance hospitality by freeing up team members to focus on resident interaction and service quality. Merrychef: Speed + Quality in One Oven The Merrychef high‑speed oven delivers rapid cooking without sacrificing quality. Its combination of convection, microwave, and impingement technologies allows teams to execute menu items quickly and consistently—ideal for retail, cafés, and high‑volume service. Convotherm: Precision Cooking at Scale Convotherm combi ovens remain a cornerstone of our production kitchens. With advanced steam, convection, and combi modes, they support batch cooking, roasting, baking, and retherm with exceptional control and consistency. Amana Speed Steamer: Fast, Efficient, Consistent The Amana Speed Steamer provides rapid steaming with even results, making it ideal for vegetables, proteins, and retherm applications. Its speed and reliability help teams maintain quality during peak service times.

Babylon Micro‑Farms: Fresh, Hyper‑Local Greens All Year Babylon Micro‑Farms is bringing a new level of freshness and sustainability into our communities. These compact, automated hydroponic growing systems make it easy for our teams to cultivate herbs, lettuces, and specialty greens right on‑site—no garden required. The farms monitor lighting, nutrients, and water automatically, delivering consistent, high‑quality harvests with minimal labor. Beyond the culinary benefits, Babylon units spark curiosity and engagement, offering residents a front‑row view of modern indoor farming and creating opportunities for tastings, education, and true farm‑to‑table storytelling. Our Culinary Technology program is constantly evolving. As new tools, platforms, and innovations emerge, we’ll continue to evaluate and introduce solutions that support safety, efficiency, creativity, and resident satisfaction. Technology is not replacing the craft of cooking—it’s elevating it. @oneforefront

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Q3 2026

What’s New on the Forefront Hub

The Forefront Hub continues to grow as a central resource for associates, making it easier than ever to find the tools, information, and support you need. Several new pages have been added to enhance access to key resources across the organization. The Culinary page now includes a dedicated Clinical Resources section, providing valuable information and tools that support collaboration between culinary and clinical teams. A new Vision 2030 page offers an overview of our long-term strategic initiative and includes direct access to project status updates, helping associates stay informed on progress and priorities. We have also launched new Technology Resources and Finance & Accounting Resources pages, creating a convenient location for commonly used forms, guides, contacts, and support materials. In addition to these new pages, several helpful links have been added throughout the Hub. The Safety page now includes an updated Injury Reporting & Process resource to ensure associates have quick access to reporting procedures and important safety information. A new Dashboards link has been added to the Quick Access section, providing direct access to labor, satisfaction, safety, and other operational dashboards. For those looking to enhance their virtual presence or professional branding, downloadable Virtual Meeting Backgrounds and a Forefront LinkedIn Cover Image are now available as well. Be sure to explore the latest additions and take advantage of these new resources.

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Welcome to the Team We’re excited to welcome the newest members of the Forefront team. Each brings unique experience, expertise, and a passion for service excellence that will help us continue creating healthy foods and environments for better living. Learn more about our new team members, their roles, and the impact they’ll make across our organization.

and Sodexo Healthcare. His expertise spans food and nutrition services, environmental services, patient transport, and facilities management, helping him align integrated solutions with the evolving needs of complex healthcare organizations. In his role, Brad will lead business development efforts, including opportunity strategy, proposals, presentations, and contract negotiations, while partnering with operations, finance, and clinical leaders to deliver tailored solutions.

Brad Giles Senior Vice President, Strategic Growth - Healthcare Brad will lead our growth initiatives and develop strategic partnerships with healthcare organizations nationwide to deliver innovative, high-impact service solutions. Brad brings more than 35 years of senior-level experience in healthcare operations and business development, with previous leadership roles at Compass One Healthcare

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Known for his collaborative leadership style and focus on execution, Brad builds strong client partnerships that drive measurable outcomes and enhance the patient experience. Brad is a graduate of Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, PA. He and his wife, Tiffani, have two sons, Jack and JT, and reside on the Gulf Coast of Alabama with their chocolate lab, Bear. Outside of work, Brad enjoys boating, golfing, cycling, and spending time outdoors. We’re pleased to welcome Brad to Forefront and look forward to the contributions he will make as part of our growing team.

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Welcome to the Team

Kristen Azzarello Senior Vice President, Culinary Service Excellence

Kristen brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in acute care and senior living foodservice operations. She will strengthen our culinary programs by leading implementation, enhancing engagement among associates, residents, and clients, and ensuring regulatory compliance and risk mitigation. Most recently, Kristen served as a VP-level safety leader with Cura Hospitality (Elior North America), where she led safety programs across acute care and senior living. She previously served as Vice President of Operations at Allegheny Health Network, overseeing multi-site operations, a $43M+ budget, and initiatives that improved resident satisfaction. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA, Kristen is known for building high-performing teams, driving operational excellence, and leading with a people-first approach. Outside of work, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband, Nick, daughter, Gabby, and their Yorkie, Nina. She’s an avid Pittsburgh sports fan who also enjoys walking, biking, golfing, reading, and family beach vacations. We’re proud to welcome Kristen to the team and look forward to the value her expertise will bring to our clients and colleagues.

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Kristen Hampton Senior Director Financial Performance Kristen Hampton joins Forefront as Senior Director of Financial Performance, bringing more than 20 years of operations leadership and a proven track record of driving financial strategy across complex, multi-site healthcare environments. In this role, Kristen will provide financial and operational education for our operations teams, bring industry benchmarking to our culinary proposals, streamline ancillary processes, support annual budgeting, and partner with our Presidents and Executive team to turn performance data into strategies that strengthen outcomes. Most recently, Kristen served as Member Success Manager at Incite Strategic Partners after serving as Director of Projects at Elior North America (Cura Hospitality), where she led financial planning and strategic growth initiatives for large health systems. Kristen holds an MBA from Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA, a B.S. in Nutrition from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, PA, and is a Registered Dietitian. She lives in St. Johns, Florida, with her husband, Steve, their sons, Conor and Owen, and their two dogs. Outside of work, she enjoys cheering on her sons at sporting events, golfing, reading, and spending time at the beach. We’re thrilled to have Kristen on board and look forward to the impact she will make across our organization. oneforefront.com

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Welcome to the Team

Tony Stokke Regional Director Operations

Enjy Tawadrous Regional Director Operations

Tony joins us with extensive operational leadership experience and a genuine passion for hospitality, making him an outstanding addition to our team. He will initially oversee our clients in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Viginia, and Washington D.C.

Enjy Tawadrous joins Forefront as our new Regional Director of Operations, bringing extensive experience leading multi-site dining operations with a focus on client satisfaction, financial performance, and operational excellence. Most recently, she served as Regional Senior Project Manager at Compass Group North America, where she led operational performance initiatives and managed financial oversight across multiple accounts.

Tony completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Stavanger in Stavanger, Norway before earning a Master of Management in Hospitality from Cornell University. Tony brings a global perspective to our organization. Having lived and worked across Europe and East Africa, he has developed a unique approach to hospitality and service shaped by diverse cultures, teams, and guest expectations. Combined with his operational expertise, that experience will be a tremendous asset as we continue raising the bar across our Mid-Atlantic communities. Tony lives in Potomac, MD, with his wife, Angela, and their two sons. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, staying active, and cheering on his boys at their activities. He’s warm, approachable, and eager to get to know the team, so please join us in giving him a warm Forefront welcome. We’re excited to welcome Tony to the Forefront team and can’t wait to see the impact he’ll make.

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Her leadership experience also includes roles with Quest Food Management and Unidine Compass Group, where she built high-performing teams, improved labor efficiency, and enhanced dining operations through strategic process improvements. Enjy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Saint Louis University, an Associate Degree in Hospitality Management from the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL, and has completed leadership training through Harvard ManageMentor. Based in Chicago, Enjy enjoys volunteering as an Arabic tutor at local churches. Outside of work, she enjoys working out, reading, and exploring the world through virtual travel. We’re excited to welcome Enjy to Forefront and look forward to the positive impact she will make.

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Nutrition Digest Small Changes, Stronger Brain: Protecting Cognitive Health at Every Age Marissa Murphy, MBA, RD/LDN, Senior Vice President & Partner Clinical Nutrition & Wellness

June is National Alzheimer’s and Brain Health Awareness Month with an overall goal of bringing awareness of the global impact of the disease, promoting brain health, and importance of early detection. Brain health is the foundation of how we think, feel, remember, and function every day. Like the rest of our body, the brain thrives when it receives consistent care through quality sleep, proper nutrition, movement, mental stimulation, social connection, and effective stress management. Research shows that healthy lifestyle habits can help support cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Healthy Habits for your Brain: Challenge Your Mind Keep your brain engaged by learning new skills, languages, hobbies, or instruments. Rotate activities that stimulate different areas of the brain such as reading, puzzles, creative projects, or strategy games. Exercise Regularly Physical activity is one of the most reliable brain boosters. Exercises increase blood flow, support neuroplasticity, and are linked to lower risk of cognitive decline. Strive for 75 minutes of vigorous activity or 150 minutes of moderate activity each week.

Protect Your Head and Heart What benefits your heart also benefits your brain. Manage your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels and avoid tobacco use. Wear seatbelts and helmets to prevent head injuries. Choose Brain- Healthy Foods Following the MIND Diet, can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease by 35-53%. This diet emphasizes leafy greens, berries, colorful vegetables & fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, olive oils, fish & poultry. With a reduction of red and processed meats, butter, sweets, cheese, fried foods, and excessive alcohol. Prioritize Sleep Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep at night. During deep sleep, the brain clears metabolic waste and consolidates memories which supports learning, mood, and attention. Taking care of your brain is an investment in your overall health and quality of life. Small, consistent choices today can help protect cognitive function and support lifelong brain health. During National Alzheimer’s and Brain Health Awareness Month, take time to learn more and prioritize habits that keep your brain healthy.

Resources: Alzheimer’s Association, https://www.alz.org/abam Morris M, Tangney C, Wang Y, Sacks F, Bennett D, Aggarwal N. MIND diet associated with reduced incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s Association. 2015;11(9). doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2014.11.009

Check out our Brain Health Whitepaper @oneforefront

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F E AT U R E D

RECIPES

A flavorful twist on a classic burger featuring a juicy Thai-inspired turkey patty topped with sweet chili mayo, vibrant pickled vegetables, and a fresh herb cabbage slaw.

Thai Sweet Chili Turkey Burger Chris Greve, Senior Vice President Culinary Services Makes 4 Servings

INGREDIENTS: 1 Cucumber, thinly sliced 1 Jalapeno, thinly sliced 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp. fresh lime juice, divided 2 1/2 tsp. brown sugar, divided Kosher salt 1 Tbsp. fish sauce, divided 2 1/2 cups shredded green or purple cabbage 1 medium carrot, peeled, grated 2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro leaves 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil 2 scallions, finely chopped 1 (1”) piece ginger, peeled, grated 3 large cloves garlic, grated 1 tsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce 1 lb. ground turkey 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1/3 cup mayonnaise 3 Tbsp. sweet Thai chili sauce 2 tsp. chili crisp 4 brioche buns, toasted @oneforefront

1. Place cucumber and jalapeno in a medium bowl. In a pot, whisk 1/2 cup lime juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 cup water. Heat on high until simmering.. Stir to dissolve sugar, then pour over cucumber and Jalapenos, pressing down to submerge. Place plastic wrap over surface of liquid to keep submerged. Let sit until ready to serve. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk 2 teaspoons fish sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 2 tablespoons lime juice and 1 teaspoon brown sugar. Add cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and basil and toss to combine. Let sit until ready to serve. 3. In a large bowl, stir scallions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, until combined. Add turkey and gently mix with your hands to combine. Form into 4 patties. 4. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Season patties on both sides with a generous amount of salt. Cook patties, turning halfway through, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. 5. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, chili sauce, and chili crisp. 6. Spread cut sides of buns with chili mayo. Top bottom buns with a turkey burger, pickled vegetables, and cabbage slaw. Close with top buns. oneforefront.com

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FOCUS FOCUS

In our Focus section, we catch up with stories that highlight the incredible work happening across Forefront, with an insider’s peek into our culinary, environmental services, facility management, government, marketing, and IT departments.

Culinary Services | Seniors

First Impressions, Lasting Excitement: 100-Day Reflection

Jason Fabbri, President Senior Living Culinary

It’s hard to believe 100 days have already passed since I stepped into my role leading Forefront’s Senior Living Culinary division. What a remarkable first chapter it has been. From day one, my priority has been to get on the ground, in the communities, and alongside the people who make this work meaningful. I’ve had the privilege of touring many of our senior living communities across our footprint, walking dining rooms during service, sitting with residents, and seeing firsthand the care and craftsmanship our teams pour into every plate. Meeting with clients has been equally energizing. The conversations have been honest, forward-looking, and filled with shared ambition for what hospitality in senior living currently is, and most importantly, what it can become. Our partners are not simply looking for a food service provider; they are looking for a thought partner who understands that dining is central to quality of life, dignity, and community. That is exactly the standard our teams are striving to deliver against every day. And speaking of our teams, what an extraordinary group of professionals. The chefs, directors, dietitians, and

culinary staff I’ve met are the heartbeat of Forefront. The shared passion, creativity, and genuine love for the residents they serve is humbling. I leave every visit more inspired than when I arrived. The momentum we are building is real. New partnerships, fresh culinary programming, and a culture of accountability and warmth are coming together in a powerful way. We have so much to look forward to, and I could not be more excited about where we are headed. Thank you for the warm welcome, the candid feedback, and the shared commitment to raising the bar. The best is yet to come!

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FOCUS

Culinary Services | Healthcare

National Recognition for Forefront Culinary Excellence Rob Pasos, President & Partner, Healthcare Culinary

Forefront Culinary is proud to announce that three of our exceptional culinarians have been recognized as winners in the highly respected FoodService Director Magazine Healthcare Recipe Challenge. This prestigious industry competition spotlights culinary excellence across healthcare foodservice, and our success highlights the talent within Forefront on a national stage. Being recognized alongside major industry competitors serves as external validation of the expertise, creativity, and quality culinary programs being delivered across the hospitals and communities we serve. This recognition helps raise awareness of the Forefront brand and reinforces our growing reputation as a leader in healthcare and senior living foodservice. We celebrate and congratulate our three winners, Gus Mandakas from SJU-Wyndstone, and Dakota Willson and Chef Kat Fredenberg from Duncan Regional Hospital: Their inspired creations demonstrate our commitment to elevating everyday experiences through food. This achievement directly connects to Forefront’s philosophy that food is a meaningful part of the

resident and patient experience. Our philosophy is that great dining goes beyond meeting nutritional needs; food should nourish and connect, creating experiences, comfort, choice, and moments of enjoyment. Creativity and culinary excellence are core to Forefront’s approach, which is chef-driven and rooted in local influence. By investing in culinary talent and empowering our teams to innovate, we are actively elevating the dining experience every day. This recognition proves that healthcare and senior living dining can rival traditional hospitality experiences. While these awards specifically recognize these exceptional culinarians, they also reflect the passion, creativity, and dedication found across all of Forefront’s culinary teams. Every day, our associates are creating meals that do more than nourish—they create connections, bring comfort, and help elevate the experience for those we serve.

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FOCUS

Environmental Services

Vigilance Today, Preparedness Tomorrow David Sadera, Senior Vice President, Operations Environmental Services

In healthcare, we often prepare for events that may never happen. Rare outbreaks and unexpected threats dominate the headlines — but for Environmental Services professionals, preparedness isn’t reserved for emergencies. It’s reflected in the work performed every single day. Preparedness isn’t built during a crisis. It’s built through the standards we uphold, the habits we reinforce, and the actions we take long before challenges arise. For EVS teams, that foundation begins with the fundamentals: proper cleaning and disinfection, PPE compliance, attention to detail, and continuous education. These aren’t just operational tasks — they are the building blocks of a resilient healthcare environment. Our teams demonstrate this every day. Preparing an isolation room. Responding to increased volumes during respiratory illness season. Supporting patient care areas through utility disruptions. Performing thorough terminal cleaning after discharge. These situations may not make headlines, but they are preparedness in action.

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Every disinfected surface, every properly cleaned patient room, every employee who follows established safety protocols contributes to a stronger, safer facility. The work may seem routine — but it is anything but ordinary. Preparedness is also about people. The professionalism, training, and dedication of EVS staff are critical to a healthcare organization’s overall readiness. Through competency validation, collaboration with Infection Prevention teams, and a genuine commitment to excellence, EVS professionals provide an essential layer of protection for patients and caregivers alike. While we hope many emergency plans are never fully activated, the work behind them is never wasted. Readiness creates confidence. Education creates capability. Consistency creates excellence. Our commitment isn’t simply to respond when challenges arise — it’s to ensure we’re prepared long before they do.

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FOCUS

Facility Management

Leading the Next Generation of Facilities Management Michael Groth, Senior Vice President, Facility Management

I have just surpassed 180-days in my role as Senior Vice President of Facility Management, and one of my goals from the beginning has been to differentiate the Forefront FM program from any other out there. I am excited to operate under that mission-operative, as it allows me to think critically about the future of Facilities Management and how Forefront can be a part of it. We now have the opportunity not to become more proactive, but rather to become more predictive than ever before. Traditionally, maintenance has been built around two approaches: reacting when equipment fails or performing maintenance based on a predetermined schedule. While both remain important, emerging technology is creating a new path forward-predictive maintenance. Imagine being able to identify a failing bearing, lubrication issue, or motor problem weeks or even months before a piece of equipment breaks down. Today, technologies using sensors, vibration monitoring, ultrasound, and artificial intelligence are making that possible. Rather than relying solely on what we can see, hear, or touch during inspections, we now have the ability to continuously monitor equipment health, and @oneforefront

with the help of AI, receive early warning signs when something begins to change. For Forefront, this represents a tremendous opportunity. Predictive maintenance has the potential to improve reliability, reduce unplanned downtime, extend asset life, and create safer environments for our team members and the people we serve. It allows us to make smarter decisions, prioritize resources more effectively, and focus our attention where it will have the greatest impact. As our FM team continues to mature and evolve, we will be evaluating technologies and strategies that help us move from reactive maintenance to datadriven maintenance. This approach will help us build a stronger operation, improve the client experience, and differentiate Forefront as a leader in healthcare and senior living facilities management. The future of Facilities Management involves utilizing technology, data, and AI to prevent failures before they occur. That future is here, and I am excited about where it can take us.

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Information Technology

A Guide to Safe AI Use Parker Forrest, IT Support Specialist

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are becoming a valuable part of the workplace, helping employees save time, improve productivity, and streamline everyday tasks. While these tools offer many benefits, it is important to remember that not all information should be shared with AI platforms.

of company data. Even seemingly harmless details can become problematic when combined with other information. In addition, AI generated responses may not always be accurate, which can lead to misinformation or poor decision making if the output is not reviewed carefully.

When information is entered into an AI system, it may be stored, processed, or used in ways that are not always visible to the user. This creates potential risks when sensitive information is involved. Personal details such as Social Security numbers, home addresses, phone numbers, financial information, healthcare records, or employee and customer data should never be entered into AI tools unless the platform has been approved for that purpose.

To help ensure the safe and responsible use of AI, employees should use common AI best practices and only use approved AI tools for business purposes. When in doubt, avoid sharing sensitive information and reach out to the IT team before proceeding.

Sharing confidential information can result in privacy concerns, regulatory violations, or unintended exposure

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As AI continues to evolve, maintaining good security habits remains essential. A good rule of thumb to go by is if you would not post the information publicly, do not enter it into an AI tool. By staying mindful of what we share, we can use AI safely, effectively, and responsibly.

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Government It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Ace Burt, President of Forefront Government Services. Ace was instrumental in building and growing our Government Services division, bringing energy, experience, and leadership that helped shape the organization into what it is today. He built a talented team, helped secure our first prime contractor awards, and played a key role in establishing Government Services as a strong, independent part of Forefront. With more than 35 years of success in the government contracting industry, Ace was highly respected

by colleagues, partners, and clients. We are incredibly grateful for his contributions, his leadership, and the knowledge he shared with our team. He will be deeply missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Suzanne, and to his family and loved ones. Kevin Sizelove, Managing Partner at Forefront, will serve in an interim leadership role to support the Government Services team during this transition. Please direct any business inquiries or needs to Kevin as appropriate.

FOCUS Safety

Our Journey to Zero Incidents Pete Shworles, Corporate Director Safety

As Chair of the Forefront Safety Committee, one question I often hear is: “Can we really achieve zero incidents?”

another and speaking up when something doesn’t seem right.

My answer is simple: we have to believe we can. “Zero incidents” is not about expecting perfection from our teams. It’s about creating a culture where safety is part of every decision we make. At Forefront, safety is one of our six core values. That means it is not just a program, initiative, or monthly focus-it is a fundamental part of who we are. The Safety Committee has adopted a longterm vision of creating a zero-incident culture across Forefront. We know this won’t happen overnight. It will happen through consistent actions, strong leadership, and engagement from every team member in the field.

Most incidents are preventable. When we take the time to slow down, assess risk, and make safety part of our daily routine, we significantly reduce the chances of injury.

A zero-incident culture starts with the basics: Identifying and correcting hazards before someone gets hurt, reporting near misses so we can learn from them, following safe work practices, and looking out for one @oneforefront

The goal of zero incidents is not just a metric. It represents something much more important: ensuring every Forefront team member returns home in the same condition they arrived-or better. As we continue building our safety program, I encourage everyone to remain engaged, stay vigilant, and take ownership of safety at your site. Creating a zero-incident culture is not the responsibility of a committee alone. It takes all of us. Together, we can make zero incidents more than a goal-we can make it our standard.

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Marketing

How We’re Growing: The Evolution of Opportunity at Forefront Will Hawkins, Corporate Director Brand & Field Marketing

When Forefront was founded, growth looked a lot like it does for most young organizations. It ran on relationships. In our earliest years, more than half of our opportunities came directly through the networks of our founders, partners, and senior leaders. Trade shows and direct mail played supporting roles, but the handshake and the phone call were doing the heavy lifting. That picture looks different today, and it reflects how much Forefront has grown. Trade shows now account for 40% of our opportunity pipeline, up significantly from 12% in our early years. Personal relationships remain valuable, but they’re no longer the primary engine. Forefront’s reputation is doing more of that work on its own. Direct mail continues to generate leads and new business. Email outreach has grown from nearly nothing in 2019-2020 into a consistent channel for connecting with prospective clients. These trends are directly shaping where we invest. This fall, Forefront takes its largest trade show stage yet at LeadingAge National, with a 20x20 booth that positions us to clients and prospects as a leader in the industry. We’re running a more disciplined sales process through HubSpot, with cleaner data and better visibility into what’s working. We’re also building thought leadership content through our website, social channels, and client-facing collateral, designed to build awareness, earn trust, and keep Forefront top of mind as prospective clients make important decisions. Growth at this stage is built, intentionally, consistently, and with the long view in mind. Every trade show booth, every mailer, every email, every piece of content is a touchpoint that builds on the last. Together, they shape how the market sees Forefront and move prospective clients closer to choosing us. That’s brand building in practice, and it’s central to one of our core Vision 2030 pillars: Grow Forefront. @oneforefront

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Human Resources

Preventing Burnout: A Leadership Responsibility Amy McCreary, Senior VP Human Resources

Five Ways Leaders Can Prevent Burnout 1. Create Realistic Expectations One of the most common causes of burnout is the feeling that there is never enough time to complete the work. Leaders should regularly evaluate workloads, priorities, and deadlines to ensure expectations are realistic and achievable. Ask yourself: Are priorities clearly defined? Does the team have the resources they need? Are we asking people to sustain an unreasonable pace?

In today’s fast-paced work environment, burnout has become one of the greatest threats to employee engagement, productivity, and retention. While burnout is often viewed as an individual challenge, leaders play a critical role in creating an environment where people can perform at their best without sacrificing their wellbeing. As leaders, we must first recognize that preventing burnout starts with us. Our teams often mirror the behaviors and expectations we model. When leaders consistently work excessive hours, respond to emails late at night, or fail to take time away from work, employees may feel pressured to do the same. Healthy teams begin with healthy leadership.

Recognizing the Signs of Burnout Burnout rarely happens overnight. It often develops gradually and can show up in several ways: • Increased irritability or frustration • Declining engagement or enthusiasm • Reduced productivity and focus • Increased absenteeism • Emotional exhaustion • Withdrawal from team interactions • A decline in work quality By paying attention to these signs, leaders can intervene before burnout becomes a larger issue. @oneforefront

Not everything can be urgent. Helping employees focus on what matters most reduces stress and improves results. 2. Encourage Time Off Vacation days, personal time, and mental health breaks are important for long-term performance. Encourage team members to use their earned time off and truly disconnect while away. Equally important, leaders should model this behavior. When employees see their leaders taking time to recharge, they are more likely to do the same without guilt. 3. Foster Open Communication Employees are more likely to speak up about challenges when they feel psychologically safe. Regular one-on-one conversations provide opportunities to discuss workload concerns, stress levels, and barriers to success. Simple questions such as: “How are you doing?” “What’s creating the most stress right now?” “What support do you need from me?” can uncover issues before they become overwhelming.

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4. Recognize and Celebrate Success When teams are under pressure, it is easy to move from one task to the next without acknowledging accomplishments. Recognition reminds employees that their efforts matter.

Consider: Taking breaks throughout the day Using vacation time Delegating appropriately Maintaining healthy routines Building a support network of peers and mentors

Celebrate both large and small wins. A sincere thank you, public acknowledgment, or recognition of a job Remember, you cannot effectively support others if your well done can have a meaningful impact on morale and own energy reserves are depleted. engagement. 5. Promote Work-Life Balance Work-life balance is not about working less; it’s about creating sustainability. Encourage employees to establish healthy boundaries, disconnect after work when possible, and make time for family, hobbies, and personal interests.

The Bottom Line

Preventing burnout is not about eliminating hard work. It is about creating an environment where employees can sustain high performance over time. When leaders prioritize well-being, establish healthy expectations, communicate openly, and model balance, they build stronger, more resilient teams.

Leaders should be mindful of sending messages outside Our people are our greatest asset. By actively addressing normal working hours and avoid creating an expectation burnout and supporting employee well-being, we create of constant availability. a workplace where individuals can thrive, contribute their best, and remain engaged for the long term.

Taking Care of Yourself as a Leader

Leadership can be demanding, and burnout does not discriminate based on title. Leaders must also invest in their own well-being.

The Company Announcements

401k Meetings It’s time for our bi-annual 401k enrollment. Any associate 18 or older that is hired on or before June 30, 2026 is eligible to enter the 401k plan in July. Must have 1,000 hours of service to receive the match Must be employed on the last day of the year (12/31) to receive the match Match contributions occur in March Forefront will match 50 percent up to 6 percent of your gross salary 6 year vesting schedule based on date of hire Vesting begins in year 2 at 20% and vests 20% each year to 6 401k educational sessions will be held Tuesday, 7/14 at 10 a.m. EST and Wednesday, 7/15 at 4 p.m EST.

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Q3 2026

July

August

September

13th - 15th

2nd - 5th

14th

14th - 15th

5th - 7th

23rd - 25th

10th

22nd - 25th

LeadingAge SouthEast Orlando, FL

LeadingAge Illinois Schaumberg, IL

ASHE Annual Conference Minneapolis, MN

LeadingAge Michigan Leadership Institute Acme, MI

Billings Golf Sponsorship Sheridan, WY

25th - 27th

LeadingAge Ohio Columbus, OH

Kairos Annual Conference Lancaster, PA

Ziegler Senior Living Strategy & Finance Conference Marco Island, FL

Lifespan Annual Conference & Expo Thomasville, GA

29th - October 1st

LeadingAge Wisconsin Green Bay, WI

30th - October 1st

Oklahoma Hospital Association Annual Meeting Oklahoma City, OK

CALENDAR of EVENTS @oneforefront

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Q3 2026

Forefront Dogs of the Quarter

Lola April

Mae May

Apollo June

The Insider is Forefront’s newsletter, published and distributed quarterly. The Insider is designed to bring our team closer together through enhanced communication, connections, and team member engagement. Through this newsletter, we’ll share updates, highlight team achievements, and spotlight amazing work happening across all corners of the company. For more information about content and submissions, contact Emma Charen, Senior Graphic Designer, at emma.charen@oneforefront.com. Forefront is a specialized culinary and support services company serving mission driven organizations in healthcare, senior living, education and government throughout the United States. Forefront creates healthy, nourishing foods and maintains clean, safe and resilient environments that enhance the lives and communities they serve. For more information about Forefront’s culinary services, environmental services, and facility management, visit www.oneforefront.com.

@oneforefront

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THE The Insider is Forefront’s quarterly newsletter designed to bring our team closer together through enhanced communication, connections, and team member engagement. Through this newsletter, we’ll share updates, highlight team achievements, and spotlight amazing work happening across all corners of the company.

@oneforefront

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