My Recipe for Success

Felix Jones, CDM, CFPP

Milledgeville, GA
ANFP Member Since: 2018

Felix Jones, CDM, CFPP is a seasoned leader in food service and nutrition with over 35 years of experience. As Dining and Nutritional Services Manager at Green Acres Health & Rehabilitation in Milledgeville, GA, Jones has consistently advanced excellence in long-term care dining and nutrition. Since earning his CDM, CFPP certification in 2018, he has served as a ServSafe proctor, CDM preceptor, and President of Georgia ANFP— leading the chapter to win the prestigious 2023 Diamond Award. Other leadership includes serving as Regional Director of Nutritional Services for Empire Care Centers, overseeing 22 nursing homes throughout Florida and Georgia, and 56 facilities with Ethica Health & Retirement Communities. A passionate advocate, Jones has worked to elevate CDM, CFPP recognition and was named CDM of the Year in 2023 for Ethica Health & Retirement Communities. He was also honored as ANFP Volunteer of the Month in 2021. Jones is deeply committed to community service, advocating for domestic violence prevention and serving as Chair for the Baldwin County Board of Elections. Whether he’s promoting industry recognition or grilling for family and friends, Jones leads with heart and dedication.

Steve's Recipe for Success

  1. Master the basics. Know the core fundamentals of food preparation, sanitation, customer service, and safety.
  2. Commit to continuous learning. Stay up to date with culinary trends, new equipment, dietary preferences, and technology. Take courses, attend workshops, and learn and grow with your responsibilities.
  3. Develop a strong work ethic. Reliability, punctuality, and a willingness to go the extra mile make you stand out. In food service, consistency and stamina are often more valuable than flashy talent.
  4. Stay calm under pressure. The pace is fast, and the environment can be chaotic. Learn to stay focused, manage stress, and resolve issues quickly and professionally.
  5. Prioritize cleanliness and safety. Strict adherence to hygiene, food safety, and occupational health protocols protects customers and your career. A single mistake can damage reputations.
  6. Build positive relationships by becoming a team player. Respect and collaboration are crucial. Treat coworkers and customers with professionalism and kindness. The best foodservice operations run on teamwork.
  7. Adapt and innovate. Schedules change, menus evolve, and problems arise. Flexibility and a can-do attitude will help you not only survive but thrive in a constantly shifting environment. Those who adapt quickly often move up or outlast others.
  8. Develop leadership skills. Even if you start at the bottom, leadership potential matters. Take initiative, mentor others, and learn how to manage teams effectively.
  9. Build a strong reputation. Your name matters in this industry. Be known as dependable, respectful, and professional. Word travels fast, and your reputation can open doors. Your network can open doors throughout your career.
  10. Take care of your body and mind. Food service is physically and mentally demanding. Prioritize rest, hydration, nutrition, and stress management to avoid burnout and stay sharp long term.

View the archive of My Recipe for Success articles at www.ANFPonline.org/myrecipeforsuccess. 

Nominate Yourself or a Fellow ANFP Member

Have you spent a career in foodservice? Share your wisdom and advice in a new feature from ANFP. My Recipe for Success is aimed at retired members or those who have spent a long career in foodservice. Share the biggest lessons you’ve learned to a lengthy, fruitful, and successful career in the non-commercial foodservice industry. 

Nomination Form

My Recipe for Success Archive

January 2021 - Dorothy Radermacher, CDM, CFPP
March 2021 - Wanda Dickson, CDM, CFPP
May 2021 - Tom Thaman, CDM, CFPP
July 2021 - Chef Richard "Nick" Nickless, CEC, CCA, AAC, CDM, CFPP
September 2021 - Karen Swift, CDM, CFPP
November 2021 - Paula Bradley, CDM, CFPP
January 2022 - Deborah McDonald, CDM, CFPP
March 2022 - Trish De Leo, CDM, CFPP
May 2022 - Deb Dawson, CDM, CFPP
July 2022 - Rosalind Davis, CDM, CFPP
September 2022 - Ken Owens, CDM, CFPP
November 2022 - Janice Hemel, CDM, CFPP
January 2023 - Bonna Brown, CDM, CFPP
March 2023 - Becky Massey, CDM, CFPP
May 2023 -  Colleen Zenk, CDM, CFPP
July 2023 - Joey Rost, CDM, CFPP
September 2023 - Milton McGowian, DBA, FMP, CDM, CFPP
November 2023 - Robert McKeon, CDM, CFPP
January 2024 - Hunter Hying, CDM, CFPP
March 2024 - Kim Kyle, CDM, CFPP
May 2024 - Sharon Vermeer, CDM, CFPP
July 2024 - Regina St. Clair, CDM, CFPP
September 2024 - Ken Hanson, CPM, CDM, CFPP
November 2024 - Barbara Thomsen, CDM, CFPP, RAC, QCP
January 2025 - Michael Kopec, CDM, CFPP 
March 2025 - Preeti Padmanabhan, CDM, CFPP
May 2025 - Chef Louie Prantil
July 2025 - Rosemary Aho, CDM, CFPP
September - Mark Budd, CDM, CFPP
November - Steve Owen, CDM, CFPP