Career with The Clare Proves to be Another Magical Experience

Derek DeBoer has found that he does not need to work for Mickey Mouse in order to find career bliss. The lifelong resident of Munster, Indiana had a wonderful 20+ year career with Disney, before becoming the director of sales and marketing at The Clare… and he couldn't be more pleased. “I never thought I'd be as happy as I was at Disney, but The Clare is a special place and when I get to work each morning, I am genuinely excited about what lies ahead and how many lives we're going to positively impact,” he said. “It's fantastic.”

The Clare is a retirement community located in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast at Pearson and Rush.

“DeBoer began working for Disney as an intern in college and ended his time there in public relations and sales. “In 2012 I was asked to move to Hawaii for a new Disney venture but reluctantly declined,” he said. “As much as I loved my job, my heart, family and home are here.”

DeBoer was admittedly cynical when it came time to embark on a new job search. “How do you top Disney? Nothing felt right,” he said. When DeBoer learned about the sales and marketing opportunity at The Clare, he pursued it. “I knew right away from the moment that I stepped foot inside The Clare, that I was home,” he said.

The location of The Clare, DeBoer said, is unrivalled. “There's a world of things to do inside The Clare, and then there's the whole world of Chicago just steps outside the door. Everything you could possibly want to do is right here. It truly is a remarkable community.”

“Not only is this is an incredibly beautiful building with the most stunning views of the city… We have five-star dining, and a tremendous variety of programs and activities for every interest,” he said. “The Clare has an indoor aquatic and fitness center, state-of-the-art business center, library, cinema center, concierge service and much more. This may sound trite but this is almost like working on a cruise ship. There is nothing, anywhere to compare to The Clare. We really are one of a kind.”

DeBoer said that he is excited about The Clare's philosophy of providing complete continuing care to seniors, regardless of how their health care needs may change. “The Clare is committed to providing residents with access to an active, lifestyle, vibrant social life and healthy dining options. This all promotes good health and the highest quality of life,” he said. “If residents' health needs change, they have full access to complete continuing care right here in our community in The Terraces at The Clare including memory support, assisted living and skilled nursing care. I feel like I'm helping bestow a wonderful gift onto the residents as well as their families. They're choosing the most beautiful place in Chicago as their home, they're making new friends and they're set for the rest of their lives. It's such a remarkable thing to not have to worry about their futures.”

DeBoer's arrival comes at a perfect time. Chicago Senior Care acquired The Clare last year after the original owners filed for bankruptcy. “Now as a debt-free community, the new owners of The Clare are committed to adjusting entrance fee pricing downward to reflect the realities of the real estate market,“ said Jamie Kneen, executive director of The Clare. “Because of the pricing it's an ideal time for people to be looking at The Clare. With his energy and enthusiasm, Derek is a great asset to help lead The Clare as it continues to prosper.”

DeBoer often hears a comment from residents at The Clare, that is reminiscent of what he frequently heard from customers at Disney. “They say that this is one of the best decision they've ever made. They wish they had done this much sooner so that they could start to enjoy their wonderful lifestyle right away,” he said.

The Clare at Rush and Pearson is a continuing care retirement community in the heart of Chicago with incomparable lifestyle, amenities and the financial stability only a debt-free community can offer. The Clare is owned by Chicago Senior Care and managed by Life Care Services. For more information visit: www.theclare.com or call 312-784-8100.