A Winning Team
They're an impressive team. Dan Harrington, executive director at Sedgebrook senior living community in Lincolnshire, has been joined by his long-time colleague Bill Schneider, the new community resources director. "Dan encouraged me to work in the senior living industry years ago," said Bill. "He called me earlier this year and asked if I knew someone who might be interested in an open activities position at Sedgebrook. My response was three words: 'how about me?'"
Dan was surprised but pleased by Bill's suggestion. "The great thing about Bill is that his first career was in sales and that's all about relationship-building and listening to peoples' wants and desires. A really good salesperson listens well and asks questions about what people are looking for. That translates well into programming here," he said. "In the short time he's been here I've heard and seen him many times, drawing residents into his office to ask what kind of programming they'd be interested in introducing here."
Bill recalled that coming into the senior living industry in sales 8 years ago, allowed him to spend time with people on the cusp of making an important change in their lives. "I found that I was able to make a real difference," he said. "I became increasingly interested in the business side of senior living, and worked in finance, human resources, and then as an executive director." Bill said that he gradually realized that the role of executive director was "more of a business connection with the residents, and I just wanted to have fun with them. The position at Sedgebrook seemed perfect to me. I love to spend time with the residents and to learn about them and their lives. We can learn a lot from the previous generation."
Bill said that he always had a good impression of Sedgebrook and that has solidified in his new role. "It's just beautiful. The grounds are beautiful and clean, and the food is delicious but more than that: the residents are happy and engaged and like each other. That doesn't just happen. That's a culture that's instilled here, and I just want to build on that."
Bill said that he wants to increase the programming developed around the residents' interests, hobbies, and preferences. Furthermore, he intends to have something for everyone. "It's great to have 100 or 200 people show up for an activity. But I want to make sure we offer something to each person and that no one is falling through the cracks."
"Dan and I both believe that as long as you're spending a lot of time at work, you might as well have fun. We've both seen enough in our careers that we've come to know that to be true," said Bill. "I'm thrilled to be here and looking forward to this. I'm glad I have the opportunity of becoming part of this family and having fun!"
SEDGEBROOK
Sedgebrook is a Life Plan Community offering a diverse lifestyle, maintenance-free living, and outstanding amenities. Five-star rated Radford Green Health Care and Rehabilitation is located on the 72-acre Sedgebrook campus in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Sedgebrook is a Senior Care Development, LLC affiliated community and managed by Life Care Services LLC®. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToSedgebrook.com or call 847-901-3319.