With decades of experience in both foodservice and residential care, our team provides dynamic coaching that integrates culinary excellence, process efficiency and, of course, resident satisfaction.
William R. Lutz is President of Optimum Solutions & Strategies, LLC. Before founding Optimum Solutions in 1997, Bill owned and operated several fine-dining restaurants in Columbus, Ohio. Grand Vu Visionary Cuisine, in Grandview Heights, won critical acclaim from the local media, consistently being named “Four- Star,” and among the “Top Ten” in central Ohio. Bill has been involved in the restaurant industry since 1979. In July 2005, Maurice’s Bistro, a restaurant developed and installed inside the Marian Estates Retirement Community in Sublimity, Oregon, was given the highest honor of “Four Forks” by the food critic from the Statesman Journal.
Bill educates residential healthcare practitioners by presenting various seminars, cooking demonstrations and workshops across the country. Recently, Bill has spoken at many state affiliates of the American Health Care Association, the National Center for Assisted Living, the Pioneer Network, Eden Alternative, and other CEU-accredited venues. “Three Simple Steps to Person-Centered Care…Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner,” and “Compliance vs. P.P.D. – Without the Aspirin” speak to the need for practical improvement in dietary services, and how to enhance foodservice through restaurant-style service, methodology and execution. Additionally, Bill lectures quarterly at the Fisher College of Business “Core of Knowledge” administrator training program, at The Ohio State University. Bill has also been quoted and published in American Living Success, Provider and Contemporary Long Term Care.
Before deciding on a career in Nursing, Robyn worked in several fine dining restaurants in Central Ohio. In 2008, Robyn became an LPN and pursued her nursing career as a staff nurse in several residential health care communities.
Robyn came to Optimum Solutions with extensive experience in both the front and back of house restaurant systems and the dining needs and desires of the aging population she has served.
Robyn is responsible for software and compliant menu development on a facility-to-facility basis through developing and utilizing recipes and restaurant style methods of production and execution. She works closely with the front line care-givers to drive the enhancement of delivery services, as well as the elders they serve to ensure person centered care.
Norman Carmichael
Norman Carmichael has been working in and around the hospitality sector for over thirty years. Initially, he was an owner/partner in an independent, select wine importing company that specialized in small-producer wines of the finest quality. This led him into the kitchens of some of finest chefs in France and Spain where he was welcome to observe and learn. Here he developed his love of cooking, pairing local ingredients with the right techniques to highlight freshness and natural flavors. Relying on that philosophy Norman conceived Maca, a forward-thinking Spanish restaurant and tapas bar. Maca was named one of the top ten new restaurants in Columbus, Ohio and one of the top ten in the state.
Norman was also back-of-the-house manager and director of catering at one of Ohio’s finest gourmet markets. While there, he overhauled food preparation techniques, added take-and-heat meals, offered cooking demonstrations, and expanded the catering menu. Results included a reinvigorated staff, a fresher and more appealing menu and an expanded list of daily specials.
With Optimum Solutions & Strategies, Chef Norman works as a culinary coach, teaching a comprehensive culinary program within residential health care facilities across the country. His guidance provides for vastly enhanced foodservice quality and efficiency.
Craig Pataky
Having founded Optimum Solutions & Strategies with Bill Lutz in 1997, Craig spent the formative period of the company establishing operation manuals and marketing to the industry. After an initial period of helping get the firm off the ground, Craig left to pursue other business endeavors.
Recently returning to the company as Director of Marketing, Craig is now again at the helm of bringing the unique talents and national success of Bill Lutz to an industry that recognizes the need for change to a more person directed care methodology. Craig’s enthusiasm and expertise will continue to drive Optimum Solutions & Strategies to the forefront of Food & Service Solutions for Senior Care.
Please feel free to contact Craig directly to discuss what Optimum Solutions can do for your organization, facility, or design firm.