12-oaks-senior-living

Background

12 Oaks Senior Living, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a full-service senior living management and consulting company with over 30 years of experience. The company specializes in operating Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care communities, aiming to enhance the lives of seniors through exceptional care and community engagement. As of 2024, 12 Oaks manages 36 communities across six states: Texas, Arizona, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.

Key Strategic Focus

12 Oaks Senior Living emphasizes a "high-touch" management model, assigning regional vice presidents to oversee small groups of communities, ensuring personalized attention and operational excellence. The company is committed to leadership development through its IMPACT training program, focusing on competency and character to cultivate effective community leaders. Marketing strategies are tailored to local markets, incorporating digital and traditional campaigns to maximize outreach. Additionally, 12 Oaks employs prospect-centered selling techniques using the Sherpa CRM to guide potential residents through the decision-making process.

Financials and Funding

In 2024, 12 Oaks reported a 14-point increase in portfolio-wide occupancy, with several communities achieving 100% occupancy. Staffing stability improved significantly, with 94-95% full employment. The company more than doubled its expected Net Operating Income (NOI) production and operating margin for the year.

Pipeline Development

12 Oaks is focused on expanding its portfolio through strategic partnerships and management agreements. In September 2024, the company added The Retreat at Carrollton, a 122-unit assisted living community in Carrollton, Texas, to its management portfolio. This addition aligns with 12 Oaks' goal to scale and curate its community portfolio to meet growing demand.

Technological Platform and Innovation

12 Oaks is implementing electronic health records (EHR) through a partnership with August Health to streamline data management and improve efficiency across communities. The company is also integrating artificial intelligence and data warehouses to enable predictive analytics, allowing proactive addressing of resident and operational needs. System integration and development further enhance day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless workflows and effective resource management.

Leadership Team

• Richard K. Blaylock, Chief Executive Officer: Brings extensive experience in real estate development, construction, and community management.

• Greg Puklicz, CMA®, President: Over 30 years of diversified financial, operational, development, and executive management experience.

• Lori Jones, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Clinical Officer: Registered Nurse with extensive senior living experience, leading operational and financial aspects of communities.

• Melissa Labor, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Chief People Officer: Over 25 years of experience in human resources, focusing on creating thriving environments for employees and communities.

• Aaron Catoe, MAOL, Chief Resource Officer: Over 24 years of senior housing experience in operations, leasing, marketing, and staff development.

• Linda Green, Chief of Staff: Oversees support staff for operational functions and office management, with a background in risk management and operations.

• Kelli Sawyer, Vice President of Accounting: Over 18 years of experience in senior living financial management.

• Eilleen Aldridge, Vice President of 12 Oaks Solutions: Over 20 years of management, operations, and team-building experience, responsible for managing a team of consultants.

• Paul Wang, Vice President of Asset Management: Over 12 years of experience in asset management, financial and operational reporting, and transaction management.

• Michelle Garrett, Regional Vice President of Operations: Over 20 years of management, operations, and team-building experience, supporting property management operations.

• Travis Wick, Regional Vice President of Operations: Over 20 years of management, operations, and training experience, specializing in memory care programming and sales training.

• Adam Bechtold, Regional Vice President of Operations: Over 10 years of experience in senior living, with a background in nursing and medical fields.

• Lydia Robertson, Regional Vice President of Operations: Over 25 years of experience in property management, effectively managing various types of assets.

• Shantel Arrowood, Regional Vice President of Operations: Proven leader devoted to enabling seniors to live their best lives, overseeing operational, sales, and financial performances.

• Renee Beavers, Regional Vice President of Operations: Over a decade of experience in senior living, known for commitment to empowering others and driving excellence.

• David Ensor, Vice President of Sales & Marketing: Responsible for overseeing sales and marketing strategies across the portfolio.

• Terese Corbin MJUR, MSN, RN, Vice President of Care and Compliance: Over 30 years of experience in healthcare and senior housing clinical leadership roles.

• Jack Blaylock, Vice President of Facilities and Capital Projects: Oversees capital planning, facility improvement projects, and regulatory compliance.

• Lisa Michalsky, Controller: Oversees financial reporting and accounting functions.

• Steve Nguyen, Learning and Development Director: Focuses on employee training and development programs.

• Rebecca Cline, Finance Manager: Manages financial analysis and reporting.

• Erika Robledo, Human Resource Director: Oversees human resources functions, including employee relations and benefits.

• Marlene Garcia, Human Resource Manager: Supports human resources operations and employee engagement.

• Jim Beck, Regional Facilities Manager: Over 30 years of construction, management, operations, and training experience, supporting maintenance operations.

Leadership Changes

In 2024, 12 Oaks appointed Melissa Labor as Chief People Officer, bringing over 25 years of experience in human resources to enhance employee engagement and organizational culture.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The senior living industry is experiencing growth due to an aging population and increased demand for quality care. Operators are focusing on enhancing resident experiences, improving operational efficiencies, and addressing staffing challenges to remain competitive.

Competitor Analysis

• Sonida Senior Living: Based in Dallas, Texas, Sonida operates senior living communities across the United States. The company has implemented centralized recruitment and training processes to improve employee retention and satisfaction.

• Pegasus Senior Living: Operates 34 communities across the United States, focusing on reducing executive director turnover through data-driven staffing models and enhanced support systems.

• Merrill Gardens: A Seattle-based operator with a portfolio of senior living communities, emphasizing leadership development and operational excellence to improve executive director retention.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

12 Oaks has partnered with August Health to implement electronic health records, enhancing data management and operational efficiency. The company is also integrating artificial intelligence and data warehouses to enable predictive analytics, allowing proactive addressing of resident and operational needs.

Operational Insights

12 Oaks' "high-touch" management model, focusing on personalized attention and leadership development, sets it apart in the industry. The company's emphasis on competency and character in leadership training fosters a culture of excellence and employee engagement. Tailored marketing strategies and prospect-centered selling techniques further enhance its competitive position.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

12 Oaks aims to expand its portfolio through strategic partnerships and management agreements, focusing on scaling and curating its community portfolio to meet growing demand. The company is advancing value-based care by partnering with healthcare providers to enhance resident services, including therapy, lab testing, pharmacy, physician care, and geriatric care. Leveraging technology for operational efficiency, 12 Oaks is implementing electronic health records and integrating artificial intelligence to enable predictive analytics. Building strong leadership and culture remains a priority, with a focus on relational leadership and a high-touch management model to foster stability across communities.

Contact Information

For more information, visit 12 Oaks Senior Living's official website:

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