Guest Safety First, an initiative of Foodservice Safe, is dedicated to enhancing safety in the hospitality industry by offering necessary certification programs. With over 25 years of experience in risk management, we recognized the need for broader outreach and launched this platform to offer accessible online courses and consulting services. Our goal is to help businesses across the nation protect their guests and staff.

In addition to our online offerings, Foodservice Safe continues to provide in-person CFPM certification classes in Illinois, along with online and Zoom options. We’ve expanded our offices to better serve our clients, with locations in Lake Forest, IL, Richland, MI, and Stuart, FL.

Our Expertise

• Proven Experience
  With over 25 years in food safety and guest protection, we offer highly effective training solutions based on industry expertise.

• Accessible Learning
  Our flexible online courses make it easy for businesses to train their teams on their schedule. We focus on simplicity and convenience to meet diverse needs.

• Expert Instruction
  Learn from experienced Zoom instructors who offer engaging live classes and thorough online certification programs. Our expert guidance ensures top-quality training.

Why Choose Guest Safety First

Because experience matters, we’ve built our programs on a foundation of industry expertise and a genuine commitment to food safety. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Proven Experience — With over 25 years in food safety and guest protection, we offer highly effective training solutions based on deep industry knowledge.
• Accessible Learning — Our flexible online courses make it easy for businesses to train their teams on their own schedule. Above all, we focus on simplicity and convenience to meet diverse needs.
• Expert Instruction — Learn from experienced Zoom instructors who deliver engaging live classes and thorough online certification programs. As a result, our participants benefit from top-quality training every step of the way.

Ultimately, Guest Safety First is committed to helping businesses build safer environments. Contact us today to learn how our training programs can enhance your organization’s safety practices.

Guest Safety First is committed to helping businesses build safer environments. Contact us today to learn how our training programs can enhance your organization’s safety practices.

John Gescheidle, President and Founder

Career Overview

John brings a 30-year career dedicated to the hospitality industry, with a focus on education and training. He began his career with The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, where he played a key role in developing and marketing food safety and alcohol awareness programs. Since then, he has continued to teach hospitality and continuing education programs at the post-secondary level.

Specialization & Expertise

John specializes in developing and implementing all training programs offered by Foodservice Safe.

• Approved sanitation instructor and proctor for:

  • National Restaurant Association

  • Illinois Department of Public Health

  • Wisconsin Department of Public Health

• Approved to teach the Illinois Basset program (Illinois Liquor Control Commission)

Professional Involvement

• Active member of:

  • Illinois Foodservice Executives Association

  • Illinois Environmental Health Association

  • Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association

• Serves on the Advisory Committee for:

  • Lake County High Schools Technology Campus

  • Harper College

Education

• Bachelor of Science from Kendall College

• Master’s degree from Regis University

Contact

• Email: john@foodservicesafe.com

Liz Gescheidle, Marketing and Administration

Career Overview

Liz brings extensive experience in the hospitality industry, having worked in restaurants and with organizations such as The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and The Industry Council on Food Safety. Most notably, as Vice President of the Industry Council on Food Safety, she led nationwide efforts to promote food safety education and training. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with restaurant operators, distributors, manufacturers, and associations.

Professional Involvement

• Active member of:

  • Woman’s Foodservice Forum

  • International Foodservice Manufacturing Association

• Founding board member of the Multicultural Foodservice Alliance.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan.

Contact

• Email: liz@foodservicesafe.com