Cullen Gibson: Culture, Compliance, and Customer Service in Senior Care
Release Date: 05/27/2025
Eric Essley: Big Shifts, Bold Leadership in Senior Care
Senior Care: Unscripted
In this final episode of season 1 of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson conclude season one with Eric Essley, President and CEO of LeadingAge Indiana. Essley highlights the organization's focus on advocacy, education, and support for its members, and shares his personal journey from corporate law to senior care, noting the challenges and rapid changes in the industry. He emphasizes the importance of being responsive, professional, and learning from both positive and negative experiences. The discussion also touches on the evolving needs of senior care,...
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Jason Bishop: Elevating Senior Living with Engaging Facilities
Senior Care: Unscripted
In this episode of Senior Care Unscripted, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson interview Jason Bishop, the director of Facilities at Friendship Village in Tempe, Arizona. Jason discusses the unique approach of Friendship Village in building relationships and creating a family-like culture for its residents and staff. He also shares innovations in facility amenities, such as rooftop pickleball courts and a nano microbrewery. With a background in emergency and healthcare services, Jason reveals how he transitioned into senior living, emphasizing the importance of leadership, operational...
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Evan Lubline: Innovation, Resilience, and Advocacy in Senior Care
Senior Care: Unscripted
In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson interview Evan Lubline, the President and CEO of Hooverwood Living, a not-for-profit senior care organization in Indianapolis. Evan shares his journey, describing the organization's growth and the expansion of services, including assisted living, hospice, home care, and Indiana's only elder abuse shelter. He emphasizes the importance of innovation, strategic risk-taking, and maintaining a strong, dedicated team, even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Evan also discusses the potential...
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Rick Edwards: Keeping Senior Care Personal
Senior Care: Unscripted
In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson speak with Rick Edwards, President and CEO of The Villas Senior Center, about the unique aspects of Villa Healthcare, including their skilled facility, Villa Total Rehab, and Villa West, which offers 24-hour nursing care. Rick shares his journey from the banking industry to senior living, emphasizing the value of listening to experts and trusting his team. The conversation covers staffing challenges post-COVID, innovative staffing strategies such as open interviews and recruiting, and the crucial role...
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Joe Pohlen: Hand-On Leadership and Individualized Care
Senior Care: Unscripted
In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson interview Joe Pohlen, CEO of Cardinal Senior Living. Joe discusses the unique approach of Cardinal Senior Living, emphasizing community autonomy and individualized branding, and shares the journey from starting with leased buildings to becoming a fully integrated senior housing operator with 20 communities across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. Joe recounts his unconventional entry into the industry, from real estate to senior care, and highlights the importance of hands-on leadership and employee...
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Loe Hornbuckle: A Unique Approach in Boutique Senior Care
Senior Care: Unscripted
In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson chat with Loe Hornbuckle, operating partner of Sage Oak Assisted Living and Memory Care in Dallas, Texas. Loe discusses the unique, intimate residential model of Sage Oak, which focuses on small, home-like environments for their residents. The conversation covers the evolution of Sage Oak's approach, leadership challenges, the importance of personalized care, and the significant potential of artificial intelligence in improving healthcare outcomes. Low also shares insights on transitioning into the...
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Heather and James Kesler: A Personal Journey in Senior Care
Senior Care: Unscripted
In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson welcome Heather and James Kesler from 1019 to discuss the inception and growth of their family-owned senior care business. The Keslers delve into their personal journeys within the senior care industry and recount the challenges and successes of turning around distressed senior care facilities. Heather and James highlight the importance of maintaining core values, learning from past experiences, and adapting roles within the family business to ensure continued growth and high-quality care for their...
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Cullen Gibson: Culture, Compliance, and Customer Service in Senior Care
Senior Care: Unscripted
In this episode, Cullen Gibson, the COO of TLC Management, joins the podcast to discuss the unique aspects of TLC Management, a privately held, family-owned organization. Cullen shares the company’s history and highlights the importance of culture, compliance, and customer service within the organization. The conversation covers the company's approach to expansion, especially in the competitive Florida market, and their commitment to maintaining high standards and staff satisfaction. Cullen also touches on his personal journey in the senior living industry, emphasizing the significance of...
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Steve Wilder: Enhancing Safety and Security in Senior Care
Senior Care: Unscripted
In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson speak with , president and founder of , about trends and best practices in senior care safety and security. Steve discusses the evolution of risk management, emphasizing the importance of compliance, safety training, and proactive threat assessment. Steve also highlights the need for a culture shift in senior care, where safety and security are seen as shared responsibilities rather than isolated departments. The conversation covers how to address vulnerabilities such as workplace violence and how...
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Aaron Stapleton: Empowering Teams and Transforming In-Home Care
Senior Care: Unscripted
In this episode of “Senior Care Unscripted”, Aaron Stapleton, founder of Trinity In-Home Care, joins Craig and Sara to discuss the company's recent 13-year anniversary, the unique services they provide in non-medical home care, and the rapid growth experienced in the last few years. Aaron shares insights into expanding payer sources, the importance of understanding client diagnoses, and the impact of technology and AI on their services. He also elaborates on leadership challenges, the importance of employee retention, and the need for proactive planning for end-of-life care. Concluding...
info_outlineIn this episode, Cullen Gibson, the COO of TLC Management, joins the podcast to discuss the unique aspects of TLC Management, a privately held, family-owned organization. Cullen shares the company’s history and highlights the importance of culture, compliance, and customer service within the organization. The conversation covers the company's approach to expansion, especially in the competitive Florida market, and their commitment to maintaining high standards and staff satisfaction. Cullen also touches on his personal journey in the senior living industry, emphasizing the significance of mentorship, training, and compassionate leadership. The episode concludes with insights into industry challenges, innovations in staff training and remuneration, and the optimistic future driven by the increasing demand for senior living facilities.