About Us
Higher Standards: Our Company
Cindy’s Motivation: In her own words
Cindy Heilman
Where did this passion for hospitality come from? I grew up experiencing meals as defining moments- each one an opportunity to enjoy someone’s company. Later, as a food service director, I realized that we are neither born nor often trained in the knowledge, skills and attitudes that impart authentic hospitality.
As I completed my research and earned my Masters Degree in Nutrition and Food Management, I examined the meal priorities of residents and staff, discovering that my own passion for hospitality could transform server training.
Higher Standards was born from this passion. Kind Dining®, Bringing Warmth to the Table, is a 9-part training program that begins that transformation.
On Founding Higher Standards-Turning Research into Action
Sharing meals is one of the most satisfying experiences we do as humans. We talk, we laugh, we discuss, and we interact with each other. Meant for relaxation and pleasure, mealtimes offer opportunity to strengthen connections. My graduate research taught me the connection residents make over meals is vital to their happiness and sense of belonging. Working in restaurants, and food service in senior living communities, enabled me to recognize the gap between server and resident relationships. When servers make a genuine effort to spark conversation, show caring interest, and proper serving skills, it creates a much happier experience for all. Servers are not born with this knowledge, they are nurtured, and trained. I felt compelled to create a training program designed exclusively for servers in this environment.
Collaboration
Higher Standards was founded to create affordable training tools to optimize mealtime relationships in senior living communities. Working in collaboration with expert staff and resource support from three prominent Continuing Care Communities in Oregon, I developed this one-of-a-kind curriculum Kind Dining® training, which specializes in turning food servers from all departments into powerful company assets. Each individual is empowered to grow in their job, to achieve higher service standards and shape nurturing relationships with elders and co-workers around mealtimes.
Results:
Current Clients are Thrilled with their Results. What they are saying;
“Your training was an excellent value for us.”
Jeff Robinett, Executive Director:
Homewoods on the Willamette, Portland, OR.
“I really like how this training is formatted toward the servers. We often forget they are the ones who can make a difference simply by their approach, skills, and knowledge.”
Lisa Maynard, Executive Director & Kind Dining® Trainer:
Springs at Clackamas Woods, Milwaukie, OR.
To read more testimonials go to testimonials page under Kind Dining Training tab.