Claim OwnershipConnecting the Dots: Senior Living Success with Matt Reiners
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This is Connecting the Dots: Senior Living Successwith Matt Reiners, Girl Dad, Husband, 2x Tech Co-Founder, and Senior Living Enthusiast where we dive right into what drives the senior living industry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of the industry as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction to innovative technology, community culture, to finance & operations. If you're in the senior living industry, it's safe to say this podcast will have something for you.
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Phil Gorski shares his deeply personal journey from a life-altering diagnosis and liver transplant to founding a company that’s transforming how families experience senior living options. Through immersive virtual tours, Phil helps communities build trust, reduce stress, and improve transparency during one of life’s most emotional decisions.Phil Gorski is the CEO and President of Ova-Nee Productions, the company behind Senior Living 360 Tours. After a successful career in enterprise tech and a life-changing liver transplant, Phil shifted gears to focus on creating digital experiences that bring clarity, comfort, and transparency to the senior living search process. His mission is rooted in empathy and powered by tech.Timestamps:[02:00] Phil’s backstory: IBM, illness, and an unexpected pivot[05:00] How a liver transplant reshaped his values around trust and empathy[08:00] Discovering 3D scanning and founding OVNI Productions[10:00] The moment a friend’s comment sparked the senior living 360 idea[13:00] What families really want when researching senior living[16:00] The emotional weight of decisions and why websites fall short[19:00] Why virtual tours are more than just tech—they're digital storytelling[22:00] How virtual tours reduce stress and align family members[25:00] Advice for operators: empathy and transparency are good businessOne organ donor can save up to eight lives and also save or improve the lives of up to 50 people by donating tissues and eyes. For more information about organ donation or becoming a donor, visit organdonor.gov.
In this episode, Matt Reiners is joined by Dr. Malinda Shultice, Founder and CEO of MS Healthcare Consulting and an educator at Iowa State University, to explore how curiosity can be a transformative tool in senior living leadership. From her unexpected entry into the field to the creation of her own company, Dr. Shultice shares actionable advice on how leaders can reduce burnout, foster empowerment, and reignite passion for their work through simple, curiosity-driven practices.With over a decade of experience in senior living, Malinda now helps current and future leaders reignite curiosity and build healthier, more empowered teams. She is also a faculty member at a business school in Spain, where she teaches leadership and entrepreneurship.Timestamps :2:00 – How a part-time job led Malinda to a decade-long career in senior living4:00 – The pivotal moment that shifted her career goals6:30 – Teaching and consulting: a new way to support the next generation of leaders8:00 – Defining “leadership curiosity” in a fast-paced, regulated environment11:00 – Why curiosity and creativity fade—and how to bring them back13:30 – A simple 5-minute exercise to reconnect and listen better17:30 – Empowering vs. solving: the leadership shift that reduces burnout21:00 – Soft skills, hard impact: balancing curiosity with accountability25:00 – What’s next: embedding curiosity into leadership development28:00 – Final thoughts and takeaways from Dr. Shultice
In this episode, we get real about what matters most in senior living marketing; occupancy. Not lead counts. Not clicks. Actual move-ins.Too many operators are still buying “leads” from sources that churn out looky-loos and window shoppers. That strategy? It’s broken. We break down why that is and what your marketing partner should be doing instead.You’ll learn:Why most “lead-gen” metrics are a distractionWhat true occupancy-focused marketing looks likeThe non-negotiables your agency or in-house team should be deliveringReal strategies that convert interest into residents—not just inquiriesIf you’re responsible for census growth and tired of fluffy reports and vague promises, this one’s for you.Let’s move beyond vanity metrics and talk about what really drives move-ins.Drake Strategic: https://www.drakestrategic.com/
This week, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with my friend and all-around senior living powerhouse, Mandy Hampton — CEO of The Ridge Senior Living out in beautiful Montana. (Still haven’t made it out there... working on it!)We dive deep into the untold truths of senior living conferences, from how CEOs really define a “successful” event to the behind-the-scenes prep that makes or breaks the experience for operators and vendors alike. Mandy drops some real wisdom on how her team plans a year ahead, how to build meaningful vendor relationships without being annoying, and the one thing every leader should walk away with from a conference.And yes, we talk about how I may or may not professionally stalk Mandy at every event (in the friendliest way possible, of course).Whether you’re a vendor looking to break through the noise or a leader figuring out how to make conferences worth it, this episode’s packed with insights — and a few laughs along the way.
What do playing the piano, leading with heart, and running operations at a senior living company have in common? Apparently, a lot if your name is Blair Quasnitschka.In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend Blair, VP of Operations at the Maxwell Group (and LinkedIn's most underrated musical talent). We dive into his unique journey — from chasing a dream in the sports world to stepping into the senior living space inspired by his late father’s legacy.We cover a lot of ground in this one: how Blair builds trust across generations, the power of consistency in mentorship, and why vulnerability in leadership might be the biggest strength of all. Oh, and yes we talk pianos too.Whether you're in senior living, leadership, or just trying to figure out your next step this episode's got something for you..
What does it really mean to hustle—and still lead with heart? This week, I’m joined by Dr. Julie Whitbeck-Lewinski, a Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Certified Senior Advisor, and co-owner of multiple Care Patrol offices, to talk about her journey from clinician to senior care entrepreneur.Julie shares how she and her husband took the leap to open their business just one week before COVID hit New York, the challenges they faced, and how those moments tested—and strengthened—their commitment to serving older adults and their families.We dig into:✅ Why “hustle” doesn’t have to mean burnout, and how to align your work with your values.✅ The lessons she’s learned building a mission-driven business in the senior care space.✅ The realities of pivoting quickly when the world shuts down—and why having a heart-centered mission can keep you moving forward.✅ Why it’s never too late to redefine your path, especially in midlife.✅ Her advice for families and professionals navigating the aging journey.Julie’s story is one of grit, purpose, and the power of showing up for the people who need you most—without losing yourself in the process.If you care about senior living, entrepreneurship, or finding purpose in your work, this episode will leave you inspired (and maybe challenge how you think about “hustle”).
Today, I’m hanging out with my friend Erin Thompson, founder of Aspire for More with Erin and co-founder of The Mentoring Company, and let me just say, this conversation brought it. We talk about how Executive Directors can move from feeling overwhelmed to truly empowered by using AI the right way without losing the human touch that makes senior living special.Erin shares her journey from volunteering in senior living at 19 to becoming an Executive Director, and now helping leaders build growth cultures while prioritizing what actually matters.We dive into:✅ How AI can take busy work off your plate so you can spend time with your people.✅ Why “feels like cheating” is a good thing when it comes to freeing your brain for leadership.✅ How to test AI in your workflows today (even if you’re not techy).✅ Why the future of senior living leadership requires embracing change—imperfectly, but intentionally.Plus, we have a little fun along the way (there may or may not be a bald joke in there…).If you’re an ED, regional, or anyone in senior living who’s felt like there’s never enough time in the day, this episode is for you.Give it a listen, and let me know your biggest takeaway!
In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Michelle Daniel, President and CEO of The Eden Alternative and a true force in the world of elder care. With over 30 years in the industry, Michelle shares her deeply personal journey that began as a teenager visiting nursing homes and asking the tough questions most adults weren’t ready to face.We dive into the systemic challenges of traditional senior living models and explore how The Eden Alternative is flipping the script, moving from institutional care to a model rooted in empowerment, dignity, and human connection.Michelle gets candid about what’s broken, what’s working, and what the future should look like for aging in America. We talk about being a “recovering bingo hostage taker,” the power of social justice in shaping her career, and how reframing elder care can create real, lasting impact in people’s lives.If you’re in senior living, care deeply about the future of aging, or just want to hear from someone who’s leading with heart and hustle, this one’s for you.The Eden Alternative: https://www.edenalt.org/
On today’s episode, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Lois Bowers, the powerhouse editor behind McKnight's Senior Living.We went deep into the McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Awards – the history, the growth, and all the behind-the-scenes action that makes it such a meaningful event in our industry. Lois shared how the awards have evolved over 15 years (yep, 15!), from just a handful of categories to a fully loaded, inclusive program recognizing the best and brightest across senior living, skilled nursing, home care, and beyond.We talked about what it really takes to stand out – not just flashy tech, but real-world impact, smart collaboration between vendors and providers, and how these stories are changing the game for residents and staff alike.If you're passionate about innovation in senior care or just want a closer look at what makes these awards so special, this one’s for you. And bonus – Lois gives us some insight into how McKnight’s continues to lead conversations around the future of care.Let’s get into it.McKnight's Tech Awards: https://www.mcknightstechawards.com/
Today’s episode is equal parts inspiring and appetite-inducing.I’m joined by Matthew Thompson, Chief Culinary Officer at Restaura and probably the only person I’ve met who can pair an MBA with a perfectly executed cashew cheesecake. Matthew’s journey from computer science to culinary leadership in senior living is anything but typical… and that’s what makes this convo so good.We dive into:How a side hustle in hospitality during college turned into a decades-long career in culinary innovationWhat it means to truly nourish residents, not just feed themThe evolution of senior dining into a hospitality-first, wellness-driven experienceWhat Matthew learned from sustainable food movements and studying lifestyle medicine at HarvardAnd yes, the backstory on how he’s turning “health food” into something you actually craveMatthew is on a mission to elevate dining in senior living to something that feels personal, purposeful, and honestly—pretty delicious. If you’re in senior care, foodservice, or just a fan of great origin stories, you’re going to love this one.Let’s dig in.
In this episode, I sit down with someone who’s quickly become both a friend and an inspiration, Kim Vassenelli, the Director of Sales and Marketing at Park Rose Estates in Syracuse, NY.When Kim took over her role, the community was sitting at 54% occupancy. Fast forward to today, and they’re celebrating a full house—100% occupancy. We dive into how she made that happen, what a day in her life looks like, and how she balances empathy with sales strategy.Kim shares how “eating the frog” has become her secret weapon for setting the tone each day, how she builds authentic connections with residents and their families, and the creative marketing tactics (like “Seniors With Signs”) that are getting noticed online and in the community.We also discuss the less glamorous aspects of the job, like dealing with paid aggregators and hearing the word “no”, and how Kim has shifted her mindset to turn those challenges into opportunities.Whether you’re in senior living or just looking for a fresh take on sales, marketing, and leadership, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and good vibes.
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with someone who brings an incredibly refreshing energy to the workplace conversation: Linda Cohen, aka the Kindness Catalyst. Linda’s not only a professional speaker and consultant, but she’s also the author of The Economy of Kindness, a book that I’ve personally loved.We dive into Linda’s powerful story, how a personal loss sparked her journey to perform 1,000 mitzvahs (yep, good deeds!) and how that led to her mission to prove that kindness in business isn’t just a “feel-good” idea, it’s a competitive advantage.We talk about:Why kindness isn’t soft—it’s strategicReal-world stories of how compassion turned around employee engagementWhat “kindness burnout” is and how to avoid itThe difference between recognition and validationSimple ways leaders can weave kindness into everyday operationsIf you're in senior living, healthcare, or honestly any people-focused business, this episode is a must-listen. You’ll walk away with actionable ways to foster a more connected, loyal, and productive team.
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Kathy Martin, the President and CEO of Glenmeadow, a senior living community that’s doing some pretty incredible things in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. We talk about her unique journey from higher education to senior living and how she’s leveraging the CliftonStrengths framework to lead with purpose and build a values-driven culture at Glenmeadow.Dr. Martin shares how a career pivot, a leap of faith, and a whole lot of introspection led her to where she is today. And we dig into the real stuff: how CliftonStrengths isn't just a buzzword, but a foundational tool shaping leadership, team dynamics, and trust-building in her community.You’ll hear how she’s integrating wellness into daily operations, why storytelling matters when leading change, and what other senior living leaders can learn from her approach to culture and team development.Whether you’re in senior care, healthcare leadership, or just curious about how strengths-based leadership can drive transformation—this one’s for you. Key Takeaways:Why CliftonStrengths is central to Glen Meadow’s leadership cultureThe power of pivoting: lessons from leaving higher ed for senior livingHow to build trust and team alignment in a care-based communityThe importance of creating a wellness-driven, resort-style living environmentWhat senior living communities can learn from higher ed leadership styles
Today, we’re diving into the good stuff — data, strategy, and what’s actually working in senior living sales right now. I’m joined by Maggie Seybold, VP of Customer Insights at Welcome Home Software, and let me just say... if you’re into nerding out over numbers (or if you just want to move more people in), you’re gonna love this one.We talk about:The biggest sales and marketing trends from 2024 (straight from real CRM data)Why the smartest communities are shifting away from aggregators — and what they're doing insteadHow digital-first strategies are creating stronger, faster lead conversionsThe power of fast, personalized follow-up (and how much it matters when and how you reach out)Why understanding your prospect’s full journey is non-negotiable nowHow top communities are tightening up their sales funnels and boosting move-insThe simple mindset shift that could help your team close faster and retain longerWe even get into why transparency on your website matters more than ever, and why marketing and sales HAVE to be best friends if you want to win in 2025 and beyond.Big thanks to Maggie and the team at Welcome Home for being such amazing partners to the industry and sharing so much valuable insight. Grab your coffee (or your Welcome Home Yeti, if you’re lucky) and let’s get into it.Resources Mentioned:🔗 Welcome Home Software's 2024 Senior Living Sales & Marketing Report Want more episodes like this?Make sure to hit subscribe and leave a quick review, it helps more people find the show and keeps these conversations going!
This episode is pure energyin the best way. I sat down with none other than Christie Freeze (aka See-Freezy if you're feeling funky), who’s not just a video evangelist but a true force in senior living sales and marketing. If there's a way to use video to build trust and turn cold leads into genuine relationships, she’s probably tested it twice, and made it fun while doing it.We dive into Christie’s journey from starting in the industry at 21 to becoming a thought leader who’s redefining what connection means in sales today. She shares powerful stories, practical tips, and yes, we even talk about her superhero alter ego. (Spoiler: Think Tinkerbell meets Mr. Freeze.)If you’ve ever felt stuck doing the same ol' follow-ups or want to bring more heart into your sales process, this episode is your permission to shake things up. We talk video strategy, authenticity, and the future of senior living—and trust me, Christie brings the spark.What we cover:The emotional side of selling (and why it matters)Using video to build real trust at scaleHow Christie’s journey shaped her approach to salesWhy being memorable beats being “perfect”Grab your coffee, hit play, and get ready to be inspired by one of the most passionate voices in our industry. Let’s go!
Today, I’m hanging out with my good friend Bryan Reynolds, a true pro when it comes to content strategy and digital marketing in the senior living world. Bryan’s been in the game for over 12 years, and what I love about him is how he brings heart and storytelling into a space that’s so often overlooked when it comes to digital.In this episode, we dive into Bryan’s unique journey from video production to senior living, and how he’s helping reshape how providers connect with both prospective residents and their families online. We talk about the power of digital presence, content that actually resonates, and what makes a marketing strategy work in our industry right now—not five years ago.If you’ve ever wondered how to better connect, tell your story, and build real relationships through digital channels, you’re going to love this convo. Bryan shares some real gems around where the industry’s headed and why now is the time to double down on your strategy.
Today’s episode is one I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the one and only Carrie Alberts, aka Dementia Darling – and let me tell you, she lives up to the name in every way.Carrie’s energy is contagious. From her standout pink hair to her heart for the dementia care community, she’s built a brand and a movement that’s as authentic as it is inspiring. In this episode, we dive into her journey – how a childhood experience planted the seed for her passion in senior care, and how she’s grown into one of the most beloved and recognizable voices in the space.We get into everything from her early days navigating what dementia meant for her family, to the power of storytelling, personal branding, and yes – even how pink hair became a strategic marketing move.Whether you’re in senior living, caregiving, or just need a dose of positivity and purpose, Carrie’s story is packed with wisdom, laughs, and real talk.💡 In this episode:How Carrie’s family story shaped her path into dementia careThe meaning behind the “Dementia Darling” brandUsing authenticity (and pink hair!) as a marketing superpowerWhat she wishes every caregiver knewHit play and get ready to be inspired.—📲 Follow Carrie (Dementia Darling) on Instagram and TikTok @dementiadarlingGot thoughts on the episode? Tag us or shoot me a DM – I’d love to hear what resonated.
In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend Larry Williams from Unlock Health—a guy who’s got more flow (in both hair and ideas) than most of us can handle. Larry’s journey into senior living marketing is a wild ride, from old-school print shops to becoming a digital marketing leader focused on impact over flash. We talk hoops, heart, and how this industry can change lives when we lean into our stories.We break down insights from Unlock Health’s latest 2025 Senior Living Marketing Survey Report—and let me tell you, the data doesn’t lie. Larry and I dive into what’s working, what’s evolving, and how marketers can keep up (without losing their minds). Spoiler: it’s complex, and that’s okay.We talk:Why digital marketing isn’t a “set it and forget it” gameThe rise of paid search, SEO, and paid social—and how to play them rightThe critical shift toward adult child decision-makersWhy storytelling is still your #1 marketing superpowerHow AI can help us be more human, not lessPlus, we riff on basketball, bad knees (RIP my meniscus), and the amazing humans that make this industry so special.If you’re in senior living, marketing, or just love hearing from people who are passionate about what they do—this one’s for you.👇 Links & Resources:Download the 2025 Senior Living Marketing Survey Report: https://seniorhousingnews.com/survey-ebook/senior-living-marketing-2025/
This one was a blast. I got to sit down with Cristy Ballard, the Chief Growth Officer at Solstice Senior Living, and let me tell you, she brings it.Cristy shares her personal story, starting from humble beginnings (we’re talking grocery bagger and lawn care hustle), to becoming a powerhouse CGO in senior living. She’s been through the grind, made the pivots, and now leads with a bigger purpose than just the bottom line.In this episode, we get into:What drives true growth (hint: it’s not just the numbers)The evolving meaning of successHow personal ambition shifts, and why that’s a good thingHer real talk on sales, leadership, and helping others winCristy’s the leader who’ll hype you up and challenge you to think deeper. We laughed, reflected, and even kinda matched outfits—unplanned, of course.Whether you're in sales, marketing, leadership, or just someone who wants to do meaningful work, this episode is for you.🎧 Give it a listen. You’ll walk away inspired, and maybe with a few new growth strategies in your back pocket.
What makes a truly great Executive Director? In this episode, we sit down with industry executive Dan Wolen to break down what it takes to build and elevate this critical leadership role.We get into the nitty-gritty of:✅ The key traits that separate a good ED from a great one✅ How organizations can better support and develop their EDs✅ The biggest challenges Executive Directors face—and how to tackle them✅ Why investing in leadership growth leads to long-term successWhether you're an ED yourself, a leader looking to strengthen your team, or just someone interested in what makes great leadership tick, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
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