01/26/2026

David Koelling

How to Build a Hospitality Culture in Your Community & Why You Should

Speaker: David Koelling

Title: How to Build a Hospitality Culture in Your Community and Why You Should

Bio: David, founder of Strategic Dining Services in 2013, built a dining and hospitality business, training and resources to strengthen in-house personnel and enhance the quality of the dining experience and service focused on supporting self-operated dining programs in senior living by providing hands-on support.

Previously, David transformed the fine-dining scene in the dinner cruise industry as the COO of Odyssey Cruises in major cities like Chicago, Boston, and Washington D.C. He's consulted for prestigious venues, including Michael Jordan Golf Centers and Jack Nicklaus’ Wynstone Country Club, and founded acclaimed restaurants like The Greenery and Biloxi Grill.

His leadership as VP of Corporate Services for Senior Lifestyle Corporation earned industry recognition, including the 2011 Industry Innovator Award from the International Council on Active Aging and the Best of the Best 2012 Award from the Assisted Living Federation of America.

With a BA from Michigan State University, David's entrepreneurial spirit has been acknowledged with nominations for Inc. Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year award, and he's been honored by Illinois with the Partner in Eldercare award for his dedication to providing meals for seniors in need.