The Insider Newsletter (January 2026)

A Workplace that Leads:

Forefront Earns Top Honors in 2025

We’re proud to share that Forefront ranked 5th nationwide on the Modern Healthcare 2025 Best Places to Work list. This marks our fourth consecutive year in the Top 10, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to building an exceptional workplace across the healthcare and senior living markets we serve. More than any ranking or number, these honors reflect the people who make Forefront who we are.

From the Desk of Dan Bowen Co-Founder & CEO

Over the last six years, Forefront has experienced tremendous growth. We have built something truly special, a company with a strong culture, great people and trusted client partnerships. Growth however, brings challenges and opportunities. Our growth has outpaced our legacy financial, human resources and operating processes. In essence, we have outgrown many of our existing internal enterprise systems.

That’s why we’re launching Vision 2030.

Our commitment was recognized closer to home as well. Forefront also ranked 2nd on the Detroit Free Press Michigan Top Workplaces list for 2025, earning distinction in the Managers Award category. This marks our third consecutive Top Workplaces Honor, following a 10th-place ranking in 2024 and a 6th-place finish in 2023.

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Starting in 2026, Vision 2030 will become one long-term strategy to strengthen how we operate, how we serve clients and how we invest in our teams. This is an inflection point for our company. The health care and senior living markets are changing quickly and client expectations are higher than ever. We have a real opportunity to become a leader in our industry but only if we evolve and scale the right way.

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What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it is driven entirely by anonymous employee feedback through the trusted Workplace Survey administered by Energage. The survey evaluates what truly matters in the employee experience, including feeling supported, respected, empowered, and encouraged to grow. These are the core elements of the culture we strive to cultivate every day.

“We’re honored to be recognized as a Top Workplace for the third year in a row,” said Dan Bowen, CEO and Co-Founder of Forefront. “This year, more than 6,900 companies were invited to participate, and nearly 90,000 employees across Michigan shared their feedback. To be named among the 201 employers who earned this distinction is something we do not take lightly.” This recognition is a direct reflection of our team’s dedication and the culture we continue to build together. Our goal has always been to create an environment where every associate feels valued, supported, and encouraged to bring new ideas forward.”

Our teams bring care, creativity, and purpose into everything they do. They show up for one another, for our clients, and for the communities we serve, elevating everyday experiences through genuine hospitality and service. These recognitions are only possible because of them.

To everyone who makes Forefront a place people love to work and a company others love to work with, thank you.

Welcome to Forefront’s Insider Newsle er

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 20 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.

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.

FROM THE CEO’s Desk

Dan Bowen, Co-Founder & CEO

Engaged People (Employer of Choice)

Vision 2030 is about becoming more focused, more consistent and more intentional in everything we do. At the center of this strategy is a clear framework for transforming the way we serve, together:

Grow Forefront (Profitability)

We’re committed to growing in the right markets, the right way. That means focusing on markets where we truly stand out, building long-term partnerships and creating sustainable financial strength that allows us to keep investing in our people and services.

Forefront Way (Elevating Every Day)

This is about establishing the Forefront Way with clear standards, consistent execution and shared expectations across the organization. Moving from heroics to habits, building systems and hardwiring processes that make it easier to do things right, every time.

Client Focused (Service Excellence)

We will continue to raise the bar on service. That means sharper insights, more tailored solutions and a relentless commitment to going above and beyond client expectations.

Our people are our greatest strength. We’re investing more in training, development, recognition and support so Forefront continues to be a place people are proud to work and grow.

Over the past year, many of you shared honest feedback through surveys, conversations and site visits. Our recent Discovery Tour conducted by Will Hawkins, Corporate Director Brand & Field Marketing confirmed what we already knew. Our culture is strong. People care about this company. They believe in what we’re building. But we also heard this clearly, that our structure and systems need to catch up with our growth. For example, internal information and documents live in too many places. Processes aren’t always consistent. We rely too much on heroics when we should be building habits.

Transforming How We Serve, Together PURPOSE

Our purpose is to prepare wholesome, nourishing food and maintain clean, safe and comfortable environments that enhance the lives of residents and individuals with significant care needs.

So that’s what we’re doing next. You’ll see new initiatives rolling out around daily huddles, communication rhythms, corporate orientation, recognition, accountability and sales strategy. We’re clarifying our culinary identity. We’re launching the Forefront Hub to make information easier to find. We’re standardizing programs and uniforms so every account reflects the same level of professionalism and care.

MISSION

We deliver outstanding culinary and support services to enhance our partners success and advance their mission.

This isn’t about bureaucracy. It’s about removing friction so our teams can do their best work and provide the best service. Our vision hasn’t changed: Prepare wholesome, nourishing food and maintain clean, safe and comfortable environments that enhance lives.

VISION

Vision 2030 is about building the structure that helps us live that out every day. The next five years matter. Let’s build them well.

We create healthy foods and environments to promote care, healing and better living.

Dan Bowen Co-Founder & CEO

FROM THE COO’s Desk

Ryan Williams, Co-Founder & COO

As 2025 came to a close, we took the time to reflect on many aspects of our business as we plan to execute and improve our operations over the upcoming 5-10 years. As Dan shared about our reflections as we look forward to 2030, we continue to look internally at our systems, processes and practices that are additive or distractive to achieving our goals of providing excellent service to our customers day in and day out.

There are many changes that will occur. One example of those will be how we execute our summer events with the BBQ smoker. As Forefront has grown, our footprint and number of accounts serviced has simply become too large to execute a national smoker tour as we have done in the past. A team of us spent time talking to our executives, customers and team members involved in executing the process and have decided to focus on specific regions of the country each year. By doing so, we will be able to better execute the events we do complete while also allowing our teams to focus on their primary duties and job responsibilities, ultimately delivering more support to our teams nationally by strengthening our core system and processes.

In 2026, we will be focusing the BBQ tours on Washington and Montana, while executing several marketing events throughout the summer in Oklahoma. In the coming weeks, we will be designing marketing materials to support the use of the smoker as an option if any of our clients are looking to host / cater large scale events for their residents or communities. Stay tuned for more details!

As we make changes such as the above, we are also looking at more efficient ways to travel, policies for attending charity events on behalf of our clients and many other functions of our day to day business to ensure our maximum time, effort and energy is focused on what matters most…supporting our team members and clients.

Look forward to a great 2026!

Ryan Williams Co-Founder & COO

FOREFRONT’S

NEW PARTNERS

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2025

Covenant Health Parkwest

Covenant Health Peninsula

Knoxville, TN

Environmental Services

Covenant Health Parkwest

Parkwest is West Knoxville’s premier medical facility and a topperforming heart hospital providing world-class care with the comfort of home. Nationally recognized for award-winning care, Parkwest is consistently named a “Top 10” hospital in Tennessee by U.S. News & World Report.

Covenant Health Peninsula Peninsula, a division of Parkwest Medical Center, offers more than 75 years of combined behavioral health experience, serving children, adolescents, and adults through inpatient and outpatient care. Their team is committed to compassionate, high-quality programs that help individuals and communities thrive.

St Paul’s Senior Living Community

Greenville, PA Culinary Services

St. Paul’s is a nonprofit, faith-based continuing care community serving nearly 400 residents, with an additional 200 seniors supported through home and communitybased services. Located in Greenville, Pa., within an hour of Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Erie, St. Paul’s is highly regarded in Northwestern Pennsylvania for its vision, commitment, and resident-centered care. As a nonprofit, all proceeds are reinvested into the community to enhance services, facilities, staffing, and programs—always putting residents first.

Baptist Medical Center East Montgomery, AL

Environmental Services

Baptist Medical Center East is a 176-bed acute care hospital providing high-quality healthcare, specializing in women and children’s services. Baptist Medical Center East is home to approximately 3,800 baby deliveries each year, making it the third-highest in total deliveries in the State of Alabama.

VALUES WORK at

Integrity. Tenacity. Service Excellence. Creativity. Safety. Caring.

TENACITY

We are dedicated, persistent, and unrelenting in the pursuit of our goals.

In early October 2025, Forefront began a partnership with Wellspring Lutheran Services in Saginaw, MI. The three communities spread throughout Michigan, presented several technical challenges for the opening operational team. With technology support needed on short notice—and IT not typically providing on-site assistance for openings—additional help was requested.

Recognizing the urgency, Parker immediately volunteered to step in to support the team. He drove out that same evening and stayed overnight, supporting multiple locations over the next few days to ensure all technology systems were ready for opening day.

Parker’s tenacity truly shined while on site as he worked tirelessly to ensure all technology related items were ready and functioning properly. Following his departure, multiple leaders reached out to share praise for his determination, responsiveness, and service excellence during the opening process. His efforts did not go unnoticed across the corporate office, where he has already begun to make a strong impression despite being new to the Forefront team. A job well done, Parker!

CARING

We are empathetic in our interactions and we are supportive or diverse ideas, people, and perspectives.

This December, our corporate office came together in a big way to make the holidays brighter for a local family in Detroit through Volunteers of America’s Adopt A Family program. Through this initiative, we were honored to support a family consisting of a single mother and her three young children, all under the age of four.

Taylor VanMaele and Emily Kaley from the Corporate HR team, along with Marta Derevoriz, led the effort, working closely with the family to understand their needs and holiday wishes. What followed was an incredible outpouring of generosity. Team members stepped up immediately, donating their own money and time to ensure that every item on the family’s wishlist was fulfilled.

Because of these efforts, the children received toys and clothing to make their holiday extra special, while their mom was provided with household essentials to support her family, along with additional thoughtful items to help make her holiday season special. In addition, Forefront donated a Kroger gift card so the family could enjoy a warm meal together.

When we think about Forefront as a company, this initiative is intrinsically tied to our core values, especially our value of caring. The compassion, generosity, and willingness to come together shown by our team is a powerful example of who we are as an organization and how we strive to support the communities we serve.

Thank you to everyone who donated, participated, and helped spread holiday cheer to our neighbors. Together, we made a meaningful difference and helped provide a truly special holiday for a family in need.

Gallup Employee Engagement Survey Fall 2025 Results

We are incredibly proud to share the results of our Fall 2025 Gallup Employee Engagement Survey, which once again show meaningful progress across our organization. Our companywide engagement score increased from 4.22 to 4.31, reflecting continued momentum and a strong, growing culture rooted in trust, accountability, and purpose.

This survey, 1,137 team members participated, resulting in an exceptional 80% response rate, the highest in our company’s history. This level of participation speaks volumes. It demonstrates not only engagement, but also confidence that voices are heard, feedback is valued, and action follows insight. Additionally, our engagement ratio reached an all-time high of 10.8 to 1, an important indicator that the number of engaged employees far outweighs those who may be disengaged.

Gallup shares that “a response rate of 50–60% is typical, while an 80% response rate is considered excellent and signals trust, data reliability, and engagement.” These results clearly reinforce that our teams are invested in our mission and believe in the direction of our organization.

At the heart of these results are our frontline teams. To our Environmental Services, Facilities Management, Food and Nutrition teams, we thank you! Your work often happens behind the scenes, yet it is essential to safety, quality, infection prevention, customer experience, and overall outcomes. Your consistency, professionalism, and care directly impact the lives of those we serve every single day, and this success would not be possible without you.

These results are not just numbers—they represent real people, real effort, and real pride in the work being done across our health care facilities and communities across the country. They also serve as a responsibility. We are committed to using this feedback to continue strengthening communication, recognition, training, and support so that every team member has what they need to succeed and grow.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate, share feedback, and contribute to our collective success. Together, we are building a culture where people feel respected, empowered, and proud to belong—and together, we will continue moving forward stronger than ever.

NEW INNOVATIONS

Introducing the Forefront Hub

Will Hawkins, Corporate Director Brand & Field Marketing

The Forefront Hub is our new central place for finding what you need to do your job well. Instead of searching through emails, shared drives, or multiple folders, the Hub brings key resources, tools, and updates together in one clear, easy-to-access location.

As part of this initiative, we are also strengthening how we use Google Drive. Our corporate information drive is being built out to better support the organization, including new folders for operations and other companywide resources. This creates a clearer home for shared information, while still allowing operational and accountspecific materials to remain in private Shared Drives where appropriate.

Highlighting the latest ways we’re strengthening our business through smarter technology, streamlined processes, and more effective organizational structures.

The Hub connects directly to these resources, serving as a single starting point that helps you quickly navigate to the right place without having to know where everything lives.

This is a foundation that will continue to grow over time, helping reduce friction, improve consistency, and support how we work together every day.

Scan the QR code to explore the Forefront Hub, and be sure to bookmark the page so it’s easy to come back to whenever you need it.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

From Hustle to Health: Your Post-Holiday Reset

Marissa Murphy, MBA, RD/LDN, Senior VP & Partner Clinical Nutrition & Wellness

The start of a new year is more than just a calendar change; it’s an opportunity to reclaim your energy. While the holidays bring joy and connection, the “hustle and bustle” can often leave us feeling depleted—physically, mentally, and through our immune systems.

Now is the time to shift from the holiday rush to a season of recovery and restoration. Here are five pillars to help you refocus and flourish:

• Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours per night. Quality sleep is your body’s primary tool for physical healing, cognitive function, and long-term health.

• Move with Purpose: Whether it’s 75 minutes of vigorous activity or 2.5 hours of moderate movement per week, staying active is the fastest way to boost your mood and improve your sleep quality.

• Manage Your Stress: Stress is a natural response, but it shouldn’t be your “new normal.” Reconnect with hobbies, practice mindfulness, or spend time with loved ones to restore your mental balance.

• Hydrate for Vitality: Support your circulation and cellular health by aiming for 6–8 cups of water daily. Try swapping sugary sodas for infused water to keep your energy levels steady.

• Fuel Your Body: Focus on nutrient-rich variety. Prioritize colorful fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to provide the sustainable fuel your body deserves.

Bottom Line: You don’t have to overhaul your entire life in one day. Pick one pillar to focus on this week and build your momentum from there.

Here’s to a healthy, energized, and balanced year ahead!

RECIPES FEATURED

Sticky Korean

Cauliflower Wings

Chris Greve, Senior VP Culinary Services

Ingredients:

2 Pounds Cauliflower, Cut into 2-inch pieces

2 Tbsp Soy Sauce

2 tsp Granulated Sugar

1½ tsp Chinese Five-Spice Powder

1 tsp Ground White Pepper

4 tsp Kosher Salt

6 Cups Vegetable Oil (for frying)

1 Tbsp Sichuan Peppercorns or Whole Black Peppercorns

1 Cup Tapioca Flour

Sauce:

1 Cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce

¾ Cup Dark Brown Sugar (Packed)

2 Tbsp Minced Garlic (About 6 Cloves)

1 Tbsp Fresh Grated Ginger

1 Tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar

1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste)

1 tsp Toasted Sesame Oil

1½ tsp Ground Black Pepper or Gochugaru (Korean chili powder)

1 Tbsp Cornstarch

1 Tbsp Water

Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice wine vinegar, gochujang, sesame oil, and black pepper.

Bring to a Boil: Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches a boil.

Prepare Slurry: In a small separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.

Thicken the Sauce: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the boiling sauce mixture while continuously whisking.

Crispy cauliflower tossed in a sweet-and-spicy Korean-inspired glaze with garlic, ginger, and gochujang for bold, crave-worthy flavor in every bite.

To Prepare:

Step 1

In a large bowl, season cauliflower with soy sauce, sugar, five-spice powder, white pepper and 2 teaspoons salt. Set aside to marinate about 1 hour at room temperature, or refrigerate it overnight.

Step 2

When ready to cook, heat vegetable oil over medium to 350 degrees. Coarsely grind the peppercorns in a spice grinder or coffee bean grinder and mix with the remaining 2 teaspoons kosher salt. Set aside.

Step 3

Wet your hands and toss marinated cauliflower with tapioca flour and about 1 tablespoon water until the tapioca flour looks like small beads and clings to the cauliflower.

Step 4

Working in batches, add the battered cauliflower to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. With a slotted spoon or spider, transfer fried cauliflower to a paper towel-lined plate and season each batch with peppercorn mixture.

Toss in sticky sauce to coat and serve garnish with sesame seeds optional.

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

Our Food Philosophy: Connecting Wellness, Choice, and Experience

Rob Pasos, President Culinary & Nutrition Services

As Forefront continues to evolve as an industry leader, we are being intentional about how our Culinary Division remains well positioned for the future. Change presents opportunity, and we see this moment as a chance to sharpen our focus, clarify our purpose, and strengthen the value we deliver through food and hospitality.

For both Senior Living and Healthcare our commitment to the non-profit sector remains unwavering. Non-profit Senior Living communities represent the largest portion of Forefront’s overall portfolio of business, and we continue to dedicate our expertise to supporting their missions. This commitment allows us to remain aligned with organizations that prioritize partnerships, quality, health & wellness, and the overall well-being of their residents.

At the same time, we are actively developing menus that thoughtfully balance choice, wellness, regional relevance, sustainability, and patient/resident/staff/guest preferences. Food today must do more than nourish; it must connect people and memories, reflect values, support health, and create meaningful experiences.

As part of our Vision 2030 initiatives, we have established a dedicated team focused on developing a clear Culinary Identity, grounded in a well-defined Food Philosophy. Our food philosophy will articulate what we believe, while our culinary identity defines who we are and how those beliefs come to life each day. This identity connects our vision directly to menus, programs, service models, and the overall dining experience.

We are all energized by this work and the direction it is taking. As we also introduce new retail programs, concepts, and menus, this culinary identity will provide the clarity and consistency needed to tie our vision together. Stay tuned for a more formal announcement later in Q1 when more details will be provided!

Environmental Services

EVS Shi Huddles: Small Conversations, Big Impact

David Sadera, Senior VP Operations Environmental Services

In Environmental Services, the beginning of each shift plays a critical role in setting expectations for safety, service, and teamwork. Daily shift huddles are a simple but highly effective way to ensure EVS teams are aligned, informed, and prepared to support patient care and facility operations.

Starting in February 2026, we will roll out a new Daily Huddle Template to help ensure these conversations provide meaningful information to our teams. This template will help our leaders conduct well structured and consistent huddles that inform, recognize and teach.

These brief, focused conversations provide an opportunity to review safety priorities, including isolation precautions, equipment concerns, and potential hazards. Addressing these topics proactively helps reduce risk, supports infection prevention, and reinforces a shared responsibility for maintaining a safe environment for patients, residents, staff, and visitors.

Daily huddles also improve operational readiness by reviewing census levels, admissions, discharges, and anticipated activity. This real-time communication allows teams to align staffing

and prioritize work effectively, improving responsiveness and service consistency during both routine and high-volume periods.

Beyond daily operations, shift huddles play a meaningful role in strengthening employee engagement. Regular communication, recognition, and inclusion help associates feel connected to their work and valued as part of the care team. Engaged EVS teams demonstrate higher accountability, stronger morale, and greater commitment to quality outcomes.

Finally, daily huddles bring Forefront’s values—Integrity, Safety, Creativity, Caring, Service Excellence, and Tenacity—to life. When values are reinforced through daily examples and expectations, they become embedded in how work is performed, not just statements on a wall.

Taking just a few minutes each day, daily shift huddles create safer environments, more engaged teams, and stronger outcomes—proving that small conversations can deliver lasting impact.

FOCUS Facility Management

Enhancing CMMS Utilization: A Roadmap for Operational Improvement

Michael Groth, Senior VP Facility Management

We are in the process of strengthening our CMMS utilization across all of our sites with several foundational elements already underway and a clear roadmap for continued improvement. Our initial focus has been gaining access to each client’s CMMS platform so we can assess system configuration, asset inventories, space records, preventive maintenance schedules, and overall work order flow. With access secured at most sites, we are now actively evaluating the current state of each system and identifying opportunities to standardize data structures, improve usability, and align the CMMS more closely with operational and compliance needs.

We are also working directly with our Directors and frontline teams to enhance day-to-day usage of the CMMS. This includes supporting more consistent work order intake, assignment and closure processes, validating and expanding asset lists; refining space hierarchy, and ensuring that compliancerelated PMs and regulatory tasks are incorporated directly into the system. While these efforts are in progress, our long-

Welcome Michael Groth Senior Vice President, Facilities Management

term goal is to create a consistent CMMS experience across all locations, where each site maintains accurate data and utilizes the platform as a core operational tool.

As we continue developing this program, we are beginning to analyze work order trends, backlogs, and staffing implications to help our teams make more informed decisions about workload distribution and prioritization. Over time, we will expand this into a proactive decision-support framework that enhances planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.

We are also reinforcing the CMMS as a key reporting and communication tool, both internally and with our clients, and work to ensure that progress, challenges, and performance metrics are consistently captured and shared. As this work evolves, each CMMS will increasingly serve as our central source of truth for operational visibility, client transparency, and will assist with regulatory readiness across the organization.

Michael Groth joins Forefront as Senior Vice President of Facilities Management, leading strategy and operations across hospitals and senior living. With more than 15 years of experience, he brings expertise in compliance, process improvement, and team development. Outside of work, Michael enjoys time with his family, and biking. He is excited to support Forefront teams as they continue to grow and deliver exceptional service.

FOCUS

Information Technology

Fake Profiles, Real Risks: Staying Safe on LinkedIn and Beyond

Parker Forrest, IT Support Specialist

Fake accounts are becoming increasingly common across social media and professional platforms. As AI becomes more prevalent in our society, Cybercriminal use these accounts to steal personal information, spread malware, and impersonate individuals or organizations. It is estimated that half of all internet interactions are done by fake accounts. Many fake profiles appear legitimate, often using stolen photos, fake credentials, or AI-generated images.

Even experienced users can be tricked if they aren’t paying close attention. LinkedIn is a frequent target because it is widely trusted for professional networking and recruiting. Attackers often create fake profiles posing as recruiters, executives, or industry peers to build credibility. These accounts typically send connection requests followed by direct messages to start conversations. Once trust is established, they may attempt to phish, send malicious links, or request sensitive information under the guise of job opportunities or business needs.

There are several warning signs that can help identify fake accounts. Profiles that are recently created, have very few connections, or show little activity should raise concern. Generic profile photos, vague job descriptions, and inconsistent employment histories are common red flags. Messages that feel urgent, push for quick action, or ask for personal or financial information should always be treated with caution.

To protect yourself, take time to verify profiles before engaging. Review mutual connections, confirm employment details, and be cautious of unsolicited messages. Never click links or download attachments from unknown contacts and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible. If you encounter a suspicious account, report it through the platform and notify your IT or security team.

Staying alert and informed is the best defense against fake accounts. A few extra moments of verification can prevent serious security risks—for both you and the organization.

FOCUS

Safety

Building a Culture of Prevention & Awareness

Pete Shworles, Corporate Director Safety

As we begin the first quarter of 2026, Forefront’s safety priority is simple: prevention through awareness. Every incident we avoid protects our people, strengthens our operations, and reinforces our commitment to a zero-harm workplace.

This quarter, we are emphasizing four key areas: Slip/Trip Prevention: Seasonal weather increases the risk of wet floors and tracked-in moisture. Wet floor signs must be placed immediately after mopping or spills, and entry mats should be checked regularly.

Safe Lifting Practices: Back injuries remain one of the most common workplace hazards. Bend at the knees, keep your back straight, and ask for help or use mechanical aids when lifting heavy loads.

Cut-Resistant Gloves: Culinary teams must wear gloves when handling knives, slicers, or sharp tools. Compliance here prevents severe lacerations and ensures food service safety.

Ergonomics: Office and administrative staff should adjust chairs, monitors, and keyboards to reduce strain. Short breaks to stretch can prevent repetitive stress injuries.

Safety is not just a checklist—it’s a mindset. Each department plays a role in reinforcing these practices daily. Leaders are expected to model compliance, and frontline staff are empowered to speak up when hazards are observed.

Together, we can make Q1 a strong start to the year by focusing on prevention, accountability, and teamwork. Every safe choice contributes to our mission of protecting people and sustaining operational excellence.

Forefront Awarded Operations & Maintenance Contract at Reynolds Army Health Clinic, Fort Sill Government

Ace Burt, President, Government Services

Forefront Government Services has been awarded a new contract to provide Operations & Maintenance (Facility Management) services at Reynolds Army Health Clinic at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma.

Fort Sill is a major U.S. Army installation and home to the U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence, training more than 20,000 service members each year in field artillery, air defense artillery, and electronic warfare. The installation supports a population of more than 53,000 military and civilian personnel, and its units have participated in every major U.S. conflict since the post was established as a cavalry outpost.

Reynolds Army Health Clinic delivers a wide range of ambulatory and specialty services, including active-duty primary care, women’s and children’s health, laboratory and radiology services, advanced rehabilitation, and troop leadership medical support. The contract scope includes the Reynolds Army Health Clinic as well as the McAlester AAP Occupational Health Clinic and the Pine Bluff Arsenal Occupational Health Clinic.

This task order, awarded through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District MATOC (Multi-Award Task Order Contract), reflects the confidence placed in Forefront’s team and our continued commitment to providing reliable, highquality support for military medical facilities.

Unlike traditional preventive and demand-based maintenance contracts previously awarded to Forefront, this Fort Sill–based MATOC is structured to primarily support systems updates, upgrades, and construction-related activities. Initial projects under discussion include phased replacement of main sewer lines, roof sections, and portions of the parking lot—strategically segmented to manage individual project thresholds. Each task order carries a single-project limit of $250,000, with no annual cap on the number of orders issued.

Over time, this Operations & Maintenance task order is expected to evolve into a multimillion-dollar construction portfolio. The experience gained through this engagement will position Forefront to expand further into the government and defense construction markets, strengthening our division’s capabilities and service offerings. This award exemplifies how Forefront drives organic growth by building new competencies from existing opportunities.

FOCUS

Marketing

From Heroics to Habits

Will Hawkins, Corporate Director Brand & Field Marketing

As many of you know, I recently went on a Discovery Tour, a 10-week series of conversations and on-site visits across Forefront. I connected with people across the organization, from the frontline staff to founders, and spent time digging deeper into how we operate day to day and the experiences people have. The goal wasn’t to evaluate performance, but to view our work with curiosity, fresh perspective, and an honest desire to understand what’s working, where friction exists, and where improvement is needed.

What I learned is that many of the challenges we experience aren’t isolated issues. There are patterns, and information lives in too many places. Execution looks different from account to account. Some standards are well understood, while others are interpreted differently or not clearly defined. There isn’t a clearly defined and consistent Forefront way of doing things. Too often, we rely on individual heroics rather than shared habits.

These insights, combined with things already known at the leadership level, were brought into our recent executive strategy meetings. From those meetings came Vision 2030 and a focused set of initiatives designed to address these challenges and build the structure needed to support our growth goals.

It’s fair to be skeptical about whether real change will follow. We recognize that concern. That’s why we identified the most important opportunities for improvement and took a divide-and-conquer approach, prioritizing early wins while taking a phased approach to larger initiatives so progress happens in real time. Work is already underway across many of these initiatives, and we look forward to sharing what’s taking shape.

This work marks an important shift for Forefront. As we look toward Vision 2030, these initiatives are about building habits that scale, so success isn’t dependent on individual effort, but on clear standards, shared expectations, and aligned execution. They lay the foundation for how we grow responsibly, how we show up consistently, and how we continue to serve our associates and clients with excellence.

Scan the QR code to view the Vision 2030 Initiatives and Teams.

Human Resources

Building What’s Next: Strengthening Our HR and Payroll Experience in 2026

Amy McCreary, Senior VP Human Resources

As we start a new year, we know there is important change ahead—most notably, the transition to a new HR and Payroll system in April 2026. This change is part of our broader focus on strengthening how we support our associates and setting us up for the future.

The new system will bring greater automation and more streamlined processes, helping reduce manual work, improve accuracy, and make everyday tasks easier to manage. The goal is simple: create a better experience for associates, leaders, and HR, so we can spend less time on transactions and more time on what matters most: our people.

While the system will change, our approach will not.

HR will continue to be a steady partner throughout this transition by:

• Communicating clearly and consistently

• Providing training and practical tools before and after go-live

• Listening to feedback and adjusting as needed

• Keeping a people-first lens on every decision

We know change can bring questions. That’s expected—and welcomed. Over the coming weeks, we’ll share more details, timelines, and opportunities to learn and ask questions well before anything changes.

Thank you for the resilience, flexibility, and professionalism you bring to Forefront every day. We’re building what’s next together, and this transition is one more step in strengthening the foundation that supports our associates and our mission. Here’s to a year of progress and continued momentum.

Look For Your 2025 Form W-2 & Earnings Summary in January

This year, you’ll be receiving a Form W-2 and Earning Summary that is easy to read and understand. It’s a single-page form that gives you all the important information you’ll need to answer your W-2 questions, including summary information for gross to taxable wages. With this form, preparing and filing your tax returns will be easier than ever before.

CALENDAR of EVENTS

January

23rd - 24th

Alabama Hospital Association

Leadership Conference Birmingham, AL

February

1st - 4th

Lutheran Services of America

CEO Summit Jacksonville, FL

11th - 12th

LeadingAge Minnesota Institute & Expo

St. Paul, MN

March

5th - 6h

LeadingAge PA - Board Meeting Mechanicsburg , PA

23rd - 25th

LeadingAge Georgia Chattanooga, TN

3rd - 5th

SFCS By Design Conference Roanoke, VA

24th - 26h

HJ Sims Late Winter Conference Ft Myers, FL

16th - 18h

LeadingAge South Carolina Kiawha Island, SC

24th - 26th

The Gathering Ecumenical Conference Indianapolis, IN

The Insider is Forefront’s quarterly 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.

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.