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What we do is important.  To our clients, and to their clients.  And to society in general.  Our clients generally risk everything when they start construction projects.  Two recent events confirmed this to me -- a groundbreaking on Frienship Village Retirement Community, and the dedication of the historic 630 Lofts affordable housing project.  Our clients have a lot on the line.  They're trusting us with everything they have.  We appreciate that, and it's a sacred trust, but more importantly, when a project is started, there is a significant sense of excitement for what they are able to create for their clients and the residents of their facilities.  It reminds me of the first time I jumped off the high board at the Toledo Recreation Center as a child.  I was excited and scared at the same time. 

But in the end, the thoughts and planning we put in during the pre-development, and the care we put into construction can create environments that enhance people's lives, especially important seniors, who have contributed significantly to society and deserve to spend their "golden years" in an environment with comfort, dignity, and enjoyment.

We're fortunate that our clients entrust us with both of these responsibilities -- their life savings, and their client's future living environment.

While helping with an orientation session for new Project Superintendents and Managers, the topic of teamwork was emphasized and discussed, confirming the importance of working together for the ultimate success of everyone.  It has made a big difference in our company since adjusting our incentive compensation plan many years ago.

One of the Superintendents told me how much he missed teamwork at his prior employer, a smaller company where he had worked for 18 years, and told me how much he was looking forward to it at our firm.  Often, it seems, we forget how fortunate we are.

I received a heartfelt email from Todd Woda, our Superintendent on one of the Trilogy memory care facilities.  Todd gets it as far as our BHAG to be the best builder of senior living facilities in the country, and with respect to our Core Purpose of "contributing to the success of our clients and Associates".  His email was in response to a thank you card I had sent for all the hard work and success he was having pushing his project through a difficult winter construction season.  His note said the following: "I take pride in what I do and hope I am serving well.  The fact is this type of job has a personal aspect to it.  My grandmother and now my father have been afflicted with dementia.  My father is presently in a facility much like the one we are building.  I know from being around people who suffer from dementia that this facility will be the last home they will have.  We owe them a home that allows them a certain quality of life before they leave us.  I hope by giving them a well finished project I (we) have done our part."

Thanks, Todd, for your attitude and hard work.  It is this type of attitude that moves us forward in the service of our clients and theirs.

A recent issue of National Real Estate Investor had a graph on the type of product most favorable to lenders currently.  With occupancies and rental rates for senior living products, I would have thought this would be the most sought after product for lenders in this economy.  I was mistaken.  Multi-family was number one, with senior healthcare second and medical offices a close third.  That same issue of the magazine listed that the most likely forecast is that availability for financing for senior housing won't increase until the second half of 2011.