UGOC SPOTLIGHT: UNITED GROUP CELEBRATES OCTOBER WORK ANNIVERSARIES OCTOBER 29, 2021 BY: BEN GOLUB As we move further into the Autumn months and closer and closer to the end of the year, we wanted to take a moment today to recognize two incredible members of our United Group family who are celebrating milestone five-year work anniversaries in October – Hearthstone Village Property Manager Alison Wheeler and Sandalwood Village Lifestyle Manager Paige Nicholl. Alison began her tenure with United Group as an Assistant Property Manager and earned a well-deserved promotion to her role at Hearthstone Village after proving herself to be a crucially important member of our team. Her passion for managing our senior communities has been prevalent in her time here, as she has endeared herself to residents and colleagues alike with her demonstrated expertise in her position, and her willingness to go above and beyond in her efforts to provide a welcoming and vibrant community for our residents. In her five years with United Group, Alison has established herself as a manager, colleague and friend of the highest caliber, and we are so grateful to have her experience, expertise and positivity as an example for us all to emulate. As impressive as this five-year work anniversary is for Alison, we’d like to take this opportunity to offer our additional congratulations, as she was recently married on September 18. She is also a licensed massage therapist, the youngest of 4 sisters and the proud mother of two fur babies (her beloved cats – Boxer and Barack). As Sandalwood Village’s Lifestyle Manager, Paige Nicholl has, in her own words, had a lot of fun. Unsurprisingly to those familiar with her, that feeling has been mutual. Paige has led the charge as one of our organization’s most dedicated and creative minds, offering new and exciting ways to keep residents engaged, active and happy throughout her time with United Group. Her creativity, approachable nature and willingness to think outside the box has truly benefitted both our residents and staff and provided a wealth of fun activities and events for all to enjoy. We couldn’t be luckier to have someone like Paige stewarding our SUN Program and providing new and exciting ways to help our residents live their best lives. In her free time, you can find Paige boating, traveling and spending time with her husband and daughter, Hunter and Addison. She is also a diehard fan of the Florida Gators, so you know where she’ll be on gamedays. Both Alison and Paige are such important members of our team, without whom our organization would not have enjoyed the success we’ve had in recent years. Their hard work, expertise and innovative approach to their positions has had a measurably positive influence on us in so many ways, and we are looking forward to working with them for many more years to come. Learn more about Alison and Paige’s time with United Group below, and please join us in offering our congratulations to them on reaching this milestone anniversary. We are so proud of both of you! Alison Wheeler Property Manager – Hearthstone Village 1.) What do you remember about your first day with UGOC? I remember loving the community and receiving my first Flu Shot after work to protect the residents. 2.) Are you in the same role? What has changed about your role? I was promoted to PM after 4.5 years of being APM. I used to be property manager of Multi-family apartment communities and knew that I would eventually become PM. I enjoy managing senior living much more than Multi-family. 3.) Tell us what an average day at the office looks like: Days are always different at Hearthstone. We could be setting up for a large event over 80 residents, setting up a Wii Bowling game or spending the day problem solving on a repair. 4.) Tell us one of your favorite early memories from your office: My favorite early memories from Hearthstone is getting to know the residents and learning about their lives. I enjoy history and our residents are a big part of history. 5.) What do you love most about United Group? I love the ease of accessibility of retrieving information from Corporate or Grace Hill. 6.) What advice do you want to give yourself now, after working for the United Group for the past 5 years? Don’t let that one bad moment ruin your week when there are so many wonderful things going on. Paige Nicholl Lifestyle Manager 1.) What do you remember about your first day with UGOC? I remember I was very excited and enthusiastic to start my new job at Sandalwood. When I walked into the building everyone was very warm and welcoming. I remember like yesterday, the resident came running up to me and asked me if I was the new “Activities Director”. They were very curious about me and asked me lots of questions! 2.) Are you in the same role? What has changed about your role? I’m in the same role – My title changed to Lifestyle Manager. 3.) Tell us what an average day at the office looks like: Lot’s of multitasking but always very fun! Thankfully, I have the opportunity to be creative on a daily basis. Also, residents love when I socialize with them and participate in the various activities or special events. Day to day responsibilities consist of calling vendors to book or confirm events, making flyers as reminders, monthly calendars, menu’s, RSVP signup sheets for bus trips/dining, shopping for events i.e. decorations, F&B. Room set up and break down. Taking pictures for social media and updating Community TV Channel as needed. Major Projects consist of working with Sales & Marketing on special events throughout the years to drive traffic to Sandalwood to increase the occupancy. We have had some very successful events i.e. Home for the Holidays, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Jimmy Buffet theme Cheeseburger in Paradise, Exclusive Wine Paring Dinner, “Biggest Event Ever” - Luau. 4.) Tell us one of your favorite early memories from your office: I started in the middle of October and there was not many activities planned for the residents. So, my first special event was an Oktoberfest Celebration. This was my way to” WOW” the resident with German Music, Food, Beer/Wine and décor. They have loved me ever since! 😊 5.) What do you love most about United Group? The friendly and family environment. 6.) What advice do you want to give yourself now, after working for the United Group for the past 5 years? Good things come to those who wait! I watched Sandalwood being built and it was only a matter of time before the opportunity came available to interview for the Activities Director job. 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