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CategoriesD. Brooks Holstein LifeCare Properties The Blake at Waco

Design Partner Awarded for The Blake at Waco

By Wendy Peavy,

Banko Design, LLC receives prestigious award for the design of Waco’s leading senior living community

WACO, TX – LifeCare Properties with Blake Management Group proudly recognizes partner Banko Design for their 2022 Bronze Award from the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) for The Blake at Waco.

Each year, the ASID meticulously selects from first-rate applicants spearheading the design industry in innovation, combined with progressive human and global impact. For their exceptional design of The Blake at Waco—a 110-unit assisted living and memory care community— ASID awarded Banko Design the Bronze Award in the Multifamily Senior Living category.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and pride for our team, as well as our partnership with LifeCare Properties, that led to this award,” said Melissa Banko, Principal and Owner of Banko Design. “With this project, we wanted to emulate a striking combination of traditional Texas roots with an immaculate, modern aesthetic. We want every person who walks through those doors to feel the intentionality behind each of our design decisions that is evident in every corner of the community.”

Beautifully appointed, The Blake at Waco lends itself to an extraordinary environment with a rich history. Influenced by central Texas’ rolling landscapes and nearby farmlands, its design has no shortage of immaculate architectural and historical elements. Featuring intricate detailing through wooden beams, stunning light fixtures and inviting fabrics, the community highlights a striking Southern aesthetic with rich blue and green accents.

“The Blake at Waco was idealized for seniors seeking a 24/7 unmatched care experience with resort-style comfort and service,” said Brooks Holstein, founder and managing partner of LifeCare Properties. “The team at Banko Design far exceeded this mission. From their thorough planning to intricate detailing, they have created an unrivaled atmosphere that feels like home to residents.”

ABOUT BANKO DESIGN, LLC

Banko Design is a full-service boutique interior design studio, specializing in senior living, multifamily, and boutique hospitality spaces. The team of talented designers and interior architects work from their studio in Marietta, GA, while serving communities across the United States. Priding themselves on prioritizing collaboration with their clients to bring their visions to life, Banko Design creates beautiful, functional spaces that personify strong character and individual narratives. They offer turnkey services, as the team manages all aspects of each project through completion, meeting budgets and exceeding expectations.

For additional information on Banko Design and their project with The Blake, please visit https://bankodesign.com/portfolio/blake-at-waco/.

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CategoriesD. Brooks Holstein Jeremy Cole LifeCare Properties

Jeremy Cole Completes Prestigious Harvard Real Estate Program

By Wendy Peavy,

As an organization, LifeCare Properties emphasizes the importance of “lifelong learning”. Founder Brooks Holstein, is committed to the personal and professional growth of our team and it was with this growth in mind that Brooks encouraged Jeremy Cole, our Managing Partner and COO, to enroll in the Advanced Management Development Program in Real Estate (AMDP) through the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. As an alumnus of the program, Brooks (AMDP ’05) has first-hand experience with this once in a lifetime opportunity.

The AMDP is an executive development program in real estate held over the course of one year at the end of which, participants receive a Certificate of Completion and are granted full alumni status at the Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) and Associate Member status within the Harvard Alumni Association.

Harvard’s AMDP explores subject matter ranging from development economics and planning, to walkable cities and urbanism. A diversity of students allows for collaboration of minds from various real estate industries, granting the peers the ability to learn not just through coursework and projects but from each other as well. “From Saudi Arabia to Seattle, my Harvard classmates will impact the world with thoughtful design and developments for decades to come,” Jeremy said.

Despite this diversity, Jeremy was the only senior living and retirement expert in his class. And, as the face of senior living changes daily, the knowledge gained from such an opportunity is exponentially beneficial. “The level of talent and vision from both the program faculty and my classmates exceeded every fathomable expectation,” Jeremy enthused.

Better understanding US demographics and design trends across the spectrum of housing through his interactions with his classmates has provided Jeremy with additional tools to understand the resident of the future.

Reflecting on his experience Jeremy predicts, “The modern ideas that are dreamt, discussed, and implemented through Harvard’s Advanced Management Development in Real Estate program can increase the level of care and comfort of residents for many years to come.”

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CategoriesCOMVEST Properties LifeCare Properties

Team-Building Philosophies That Promote Effective Leadership and Goodwill

Founder and Senior Managing Member Brooks Holstein, recently had his debut as a Forbes Business Council Blog contributor.

Forbes Business Council is an invitation-only community for successful business owners and leaders.

“The perfect recipe for success ultimately lies within the mind of the leader, the one who openly appoints the right people to accomplish a mission, objective or goal…”

Read more in Forbes.

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Wendy Peavy
CategoriesCOMVEST Properties LifeCare Properties

Brooks Holstein accepted into Forbes Business Council

By Wingspan,

Forbes Business Council Is an Invitation-Only Community for Successful Business Owners and Leaders

BILOXI, Miss., Sept. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — D. Brooks Holstein, Founder and Senior Managing Member of LifeCare Properties, LLC, has been accepted into the Forbes Business Council, the foremost growth and networking organization for successful business owners and leaders worldwide. LifeCare Properties is a wholly-owned affiliate of COMVEST Properties, LLC, a Biloxi, Mississippi-based commercial real estate development company.

Brooks was vetted and selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of his experience. Criteria for acceptance include a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and honors.

“We are honored to welcome Brooks Holstein into the community,” said Scott Gerber, founder of Forbes Councils, the collective that includes Forbes Business Council. “Our mission with Forbes Councils is to bring together proven leaders from every industry, creating a curated, social capital-driven network that helps every member grow professionally and make an even greater impact on the business world.”

As an accepted member of the Council, Brooks has access to a variety of exclusive opportunities designed to help him reach peak professional influence. He will connect and collaborate with other respected local leaders in a private forum and at members-only events. Brooks will also be invited to work with a professional editorial team to share his expert insights in original business articles on Forbes.com, and to contribute to published Q&A panels alongside other experts.

Finally, Brooks will benefit from exclusive access to vetted business service partners, membership-branded marketing collateral, and the high-touch support of the Forbes Councils member concierge team.

“I am honored to join the Forbes Business Council as I have always admired the Forbes brand for identifying innovative companies,” Brooks said. “This is an exciting opportunity for me to network with and contribute to the idea exchange of an elite group of business leaders.”

ABOUT FORBES COUNCILS
Forbes Councils is a collective of invitation-only communities created in partnership with Forbes and the expert community builders who founded Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC). In Forbes Councils, exceptional business owners and leaders come together with the people and resources that can help them thrive.

To learn more about Forbes Councils, visit forbescouncils.com.

About COMVEST / LifeCare
Founded in 2003, COMVEST Properties, LLC is a commercial real estate development company. In conjunction with its wholly-owned affiliate, Net Lease Developers and transactional development partners, COMVEST has developed over two million square feet of retail shopping centers and single tenant retail properties.

In 2018, COMVEST expanded its development platform with the formation of LifeCare Properties, LLC, focused on the development of resort style senior living communities. Under the terms of a joint venture with Blake Management Group, LifeCare brought The Blake senior living brand to markets in Texas. To learn more, visit lifecarepropertiesllc.com.

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CategoriesLifeCare Properties The Blake at Tyler

LifeCare Properties and ERG Enterprises Announce New Texas Senior Living Community

By Wingspan,

LifeCare Properties and New Orleans-based investment group ERG Enterprises, have joined forces to introduce The Blake at Tyler, a resort-style senior living community in East Texas. The Blake at Tyler, opening in 2023, will be the third Blake Community to come to Texas and will be managed by Blake Management Group.

LifeCare Properties (LCP) is the developer of this 100,000-square-foot assisted living and memory care community. Known as the Rose Capital of America, Tyler is centrally located on the I-20 corridor in Northeast Texas, ninety miles east of Dallas. As a regional hub accessible by several large cities and current population of over 225,000 residents, Tyler serves as the health care center for Northeast Texas and is home to some of medicine’s most advanced care. Tyler has four Level Three hospitals including a Level I trauma center. Additionally, Tyler has grown to be a predominant community with cultural diversity and quality education. The resort-style suites of The Blake will be designed for resident comfort, safety and enjoyable living that complements the culture of Tyler.

“We could not be more excited to continue our successful expansion of The Blake’s resort-style design and resident-centric senior living communities.” said Brooks Holstein, Founder and Managing Partner of LifeCare Properties.

Brooks added, “Tyler is a vibrant town with a progressive business community and astute leadership. We are confident Tyler’s seniors will be very impressed when they see what The Blake at Tyler will offer.”

The assisted living options include two-bedroom suites, one-bedroom suites and studios. The memory-support area of the community, focused on Alzheimer’s and dementia care, will feature both studio and one-bedroom suites specifically designed to provide a safe environment where resident’s socialization and specialized cognitive therapy plans are paramount. Walk with Me, Blake’s one-of-a-kind dementia care program, will also be available at The Blake at Tyler.

The Blake at Tyler will be located at The Crossing, along the Old Jacksonville corridor in Tyler. The Crossing is a thoughtfully planned and expertly executed multi-use residential, commercial, and retail development. The community has been carefully designed to provide natural surroundings, safety and diversity

“We are thrilled to join LCP and BMG in offering seniors a vibrant community that optimizes their quality of life. There is an incredible need for senior living communities like The Blake at Tyler, a reason we value the partnership and work to ensure older Americans gain access to the accommodations they deserve,” said Eric George, M.D., Founder and CEO of ERG Enterprises.

Dr. George, a full-time practicing hand surgeon and renowned entrepreneur, founded ERG Enterprises in 2006. While maintaining a fully-diversified portfolio, the company specializes in hospitality and healthcare, owning and operating entertainment venues, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, healthcare clinics and more.

Deeply rooted in hospitality, The Blake strives to provide the best care and quality of life. Communities are staffed by registered nurses 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Blake also takes pride in delivering an exceptional dining experience with highly-trained chefs and food prepared purposefully for seniors. The Blake at Tyler joins The Blake at Waco and The Blake at New Braunfels in LCP’s senior living development portfolio.

Visit https://blakeattyler.com, for upcoming information about The Blake at Tyler.

More About LifeCare Properties 
LifeCare Properties, LLC, was founded on the core values of integrity, knowledge, accountability and results. Its goal is to design, build, and lease up unparalleled quality resort style senior living communities throughout the United States. Its parent company, COMVEST Properties, LLC, is a family-owned multi-generational development and investment company where these values have enabled growth across several real estate categories from hotels, to restaurants, to retail, and now senior living.

For additional information on LifeCare Properties, please visit www.lifecarepropertiesllc.com.

More About ERG
ERG Enterprises is a leading investment company committed to improving the human condition on a global scale. Since its founding in 2006 by Dr. Eric George, the company has grown the value of its portfolio to more than $1 billion in assets through intelligent investments and a partnership-first approach. ERG’s fully-diversified approach includes investments in more than 15 different industries and assets under full control and ownership in more than five. The company’s broad vision is complemented by an unparalleled depth of expertise and talent.

For additional information on ERG, please visit www.ergenterprises.net.

More About Blake Management Group
Defining senior living excellence, Blake Management Group is a privately held senior living operator formed in 2007 with the goal of providing outstanding senior living services that are meaningful, compassionate and innovative. Based in Jackson, MS, Blake Management Group is responsible for the operation of communities throughout Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

For additional information on BMG, please visit www.blakeliving.com.

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CategoriesLifeCare Properties The Blake at Waco

Move-In Coordinator/Director of Activities Joins Waco Team

Jole Cromwell, Move-in Coordinator/Director of Activities, The Blake at Waco

As construction nears completion on The Blake at Waco, Blake Management Group (BMG) has hired Jole Cromwell to serve as Move-In Coordinator and ultimately transition to Director of Activities.

Jole’s previous experience in senior care as a Director of Life Enrichment uniquely qualifies her to fill these roles.

More about Jole.

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Wingspan
CategoriesThe Blake at New Braunfels

DOS Named A Rising Star of New Braunfels

Vanessa Hayes, Director of Sales, The Blake at New Braunfels

Vanessa Hayes, Director of Sales for The Blake at New Braunfels, was recently recognized at the 4th Annual Rising Stars of New Braunfels Gala, honoring 20 outstanding young leaders in the New Braunfels Community.

As described in a Chamber Article, “The awards program and gala were hosted by the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, the New Braunfels Jaycees, and the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung…Intense review of all qualified applications was conducted by a Selection Committee to find the 20 Rising Stars. To be considered for the award, the individual must be under the age of 40, live or work in New Braunfels, and have made significant contributions to the community through continued success in their professional or community service activities.”

Read more.

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Wingspan
CategoriesLifeCare Properties The Blake at New Braunfels The Blake at Waco

BMG Fills Crucial Director of Wellness Positions in Texas

Blake Management Group (BMG) recently hired Directors of Wellness (DOW) for their Texas communities nearing completion in Waco and New Braunfels. Responsible for complete oversight of a community’s wellness systems, the DOW is one of the most crucial staff members.

Amanda Harness, Director of Wellness, The Blake at Waco

At The Blake at Waco, the role has been filled by Amanda Harness, BSN, RN.
More about Amanda.

Megan Perez, Director of Wellness, The Blake at New Braunfels

Megan Perez, RN, has accepted the position at The Blake at New Braunfels.
More about Megan.

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Wingspan
CategoriesThe Blake at Tyler

The Blake at Tyler Breaking Ground Soon

By Wendy Peavy,

Lifecare Properties has kicked off the New Year with an announcement of more expansion in Texas. This year we will break ground on our third Texas community, expanding to the beautiful city of Tyler Texas.

Known as “The Rose Capital of America” for its long history of rose cultivation, Tyler is Northeast Texas’ major economic, educational, financial, medical and cultural hub.

The Blake at Tyler, a 115-unit assisted living and memory care community managed by Blake Management Group, will be located in one of Tyler’s premiere neighborhoods and will open in 2022.

Please visit our site again soon for more information about this project.

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CategoriesLifeCare Properties The Blake at Waco

The Blake at Waco Construction Progress: November 2020

By Wendy Peavy,

Waco, Texas – Despite a global coronavirus outbreak and local rainfall totals to date 20 inches over the annual average, construction on The Blake at Waco remains on schedule.

“Overall, I am very pleased with the current construction pace in Waco,” commented Adam Mitchell, LifeCare Properties’ Director of Development and Construction. “This year has presented a whole host of challenges, from over two months of inclement weather to navigating the pandemic, but we remain on schedule for 2021.”

Work on the site situated at Legends Crossing began in December 2019. Although “weather days” are factored into construction-scheduling, the global health threat declared in March of this year called for unique problem-solving. Anticipating labor and supply chain disruptions the team proactively ordered building materials, FF&E, and continue to creatively overcome obstacles resulting from COVID-19.

The next construction schedule milestones include roof work and window installation, as well as beginning interior work.

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CategoriesLifeCare Properties The Blake at New Braunfels The Blake at Waco

Our Residents Can Breathe Easy

By Wendy Peavy,

(November 2, 2020) -The health and safety of our residents and associates in senior living will always be our top priority.  At LifeCare Properties (LCP), we have been diligent over the past several months to find solutions in both the design of our communities, as well as the processes and policies we implement above and beyond the recommendations of healthcare organizations.

As we respond to the current pandemic, we are confident one element in particular will be a differentiator in keeping seniors safe. Every LCP development features a a Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization air purification system (NPBI). This is a process that works to clear the air of pollutants, dust, allergens, mold, bacteria and viruses (e.g., COVID, SARS, MRSA).

Patented by Global Plasma Solutions, Inc (GPS), this revolutionary technology constantly generates a high concentration of positively and negatively charged ions that travel through the air continuously working to remove dangerous particles. When ions disperse throughout a space, they combine with particles in the air and begin to cluster, making them easier to capture in filtration systems.

These ions also disrupt pathogens’ surface proteins, rendering them inactive and unable to replicate. In addition to cleaning the air, this air purification system breaks down chemical, pet, cooking and other odors into basic harmless compounds, leaving indoor air smelling fresh and free of odor-causing agents.

GPS’ ionization technology is trusted to clean the air in hundreds of thousands of installations worldwide – including hospitals, school, airports, and more. Notable installations include The White House, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins, and Boston Children’s Hospital.

“The strongest defense against these infections will continue to be the efforts by our care teams and processes to keep infection control measures first and foremost on our minds”, said Brooks Holstein, LCP Founder.  He added, “that said, we are committed both to our ionization technology as well as our approach to be provocative throughout the months ahead.”  “As the information and research changes, we will change as well.”

LCP and our operator Blake Management Group (BMG) are introducing the technology to the BMG family of communities with installation in The Blake at Waco and The Blake at New Braunfels, upscale assisted living and memory care communities in Texas developed by LCP.  These 112-unit communities will be managed by BMG, a proven leader in senior living.

 

 

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CategoriesLifeCare Properties The Blake at New Braunfels The Blake at Waco

LifeCare Properties Partners Tour Texas Sites

By Wingspan,

October 22, 2020 – Recently, managing partners Brooks Holstein, Jeremy Cole, Adam Mitchell, and Daniel Payne of LifeCare Properties (LCP) toured the Texas construction sites of The Blake at Waco and The Blake at New Braunfels. The 112-unit, upscale assisted living and memory care communities are being developed by LCP and will be managed by Blake Management Group (BMG), a leader in senior living. Joining the LCP team for the site visits was Anita Davis, BMG Texas Regional Director of Operations.

With roof trusses being installed at The Blake at Waco and second-floor walls going up at The Blake at New Braunfels, construction remains on schedule for early 2021.

“During the visits with BMG and onsite teams, lease-up and deposits are exceeding our expectations at this point.  We are looking forward to a productive end of year and early 2021,” noted Jeremy Cole, LCP managing partner and Chief Operating Officer.

The Blake at Waco is located at 5901 Crosslake Parkway, Waco, Texas, 76712.

The Blake at New Braunfels is located at 220 Creekside Crossing, New Braunfels, Texas, 78130.

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CategoriesLifeCare Properties The Blake at Waco

Director of Sales Hired for The Blake at Waco

By Wendy Peavy,

(October 13, 2020) – Blake Management Group (BMG) has hired Haley Gardner to serve as Director of Sales for The Blake at Waco currently under construction in Waco, Texas. The 112-unit, upscale assisted living and memory care community is being developed by LifeCare Properties and will be managed by BMG, a leader in senior living.

Haley has been in sales for eight years and has been serving seniors for two and a half years. She says she finds the relationships with and the impact she has on seniors are true blessings.

To learn more about Haley, visit her BMG bio by clicking here.

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CategoriesLifeCare Properties The Blake at New Braunfels The Blake at Waco

National Real Estate Development Group Announces New Partner And Chief Operating Officer

By Wingspan,

Commercial real estate development company, COMVEST Properties LLC and their Senior Living Division LifeCare Properties LLC, announce new Managing Partner and COO

BILOXI, Miss. and LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Biloxi, Mississippi-based commercial real estate development company, COMVEST Properties LLC/LifeCare Properties LLC, announces a powerhouse name in senior living to their leadership team. Jeremy Cole joins the company as Managing Partner and Chief Operations Officer.

COMVEST/LifeCare Properties (LCP) is headquartered in Biloxi on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. COMVEST, through its wholly owned affiliate LifeCare Properties LLC, is a multi-generational and diverse commercial real estate development company that is currently focusing on luxury senior living communities that feature assisted living and memory care.

As Managing Partner and COO, Mr. Cole will oversee the company’s portfolio for asset management, strategic initiatives and pursuits for new development opportunities and innovation.

Cole will operate and expand LCP’s satellite office, located in the Butchertown historic district of Louisville, KY, as the city is an epicenter for senior living real estate, operations, technology and thought leadership.

“After working alongside the COMVEST/LCP team for the past several years, I’m thrilled to now be part of it and help drive expansion of this special development team and mission,” said Jeremy Cole. “Our founder, Brooks, has been a mentor to me and I respect his broad experience and acumen across many categories of real estate. He is a Harvard Alum and served on the Real Estate Advisory Board at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Brooks has a very diverse background in commercial real estate development. After seven years of being CEO for Blake Management Group, I look forward to adding my seasoned perspective to how we design our spaces, how we team with operations, and ultimately how we enhance the lives of seniors. We plan to target what we believe are growth markets and trade areas in the Southwest and the Mid and Mountain West. These are fun places to be for all ages.”

Cole spent more than 15 years in management consulting, working for Accenture LLC, Marriott International and as a campaign manager for various political campaigns. He has an MBA with a focus in Operations Management and a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Kentucky. He has been accepted to Harvard Graduate School of Design’s Real Estate Development program and will be a proud member of the 2021 class.

Cole’s experience and specialties include but are not limited to senior living executive management; senior care and service delivery excellence; senior software management; senior community operations and program/project management.

“We are thrilled to add Jeremy to our leadership team at COMVEST/LCP,” said Brooks Holstein, Managing Member. “Not only will he bring a tighter focus on senior living operations for all LCP assets, but he will also be a great partner and role model for our employees and vendors.”

Holstein has an expansive background in Corporate Real Estate development beginning his career in 1979 with Wendy’s International. He founded COMVEST Properties in 2003. In conjunction with Net Lease Developers and transactional development partners, COMVEST has developed over 2 million square foot of shopping centers and various single-tenant retail properties while establishing a lucrative retail portfolio. In 2018, COMVEST elected to exist the retail sector and expanded its development platform with the formation of LifeCare Properties, LLC, focusing primarily on upscale, resort-style senior housing. Under the terms of a joint venture with Blake Management Group, LifeCare Properties will assist in the expansion of The Blake senior living brand beginning with Texas communities: The Blake at Waco and The Blake at New Braunfels.

To learn more about Jeremy Cole, please visit his his LinkedIn profile by clicking here.

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CategoriesLifeCare Properties The Blake at New Braunfels

The Blake at New Braunfels Hires Executive Director

By Wendy Peavy,

(June 26, 2020) – Blake Management Group (BMG) has hired Shauna Metcalf to serve as Executive Director at The Blake at New Braunfels currently under construction in New Braunfels, Texas. The 112-unit, upscale assisted living and memory care community is being developed by LifeCare Properties and will be managed by BMG, a leader in senior living.

“I am excited to be part of new development. My passion lies in startups and I love every step of that process. It’s fun to watch a community take shape and to have a hand in all of it, especially building a culture of excellence for our future residents!” Shauna said.

To learn more about Shauna, visit her BMG bio by clicking here.

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CategoriesLifeCare Properties The Blake at Waco

Waco Native Hired as Executive Director for The Blake at Waco

By Wendy Peavy,

(November 25, 2019) – Blake Management Group (BMG) has hired Melissa Frazier to serve as Executive Director of The Blake at Waco currently under construction in Waco, Texas. The 112-unit, upscale assisted living and memory care community is being developed by LifeCare Properties and will be managed by BMG, a leader in senior living.

A native of Waco and a longtime Baylor Bears fan, Melissa began her senior living career with Emeritus Senior Living as a Senior Executive Director in Dallas operating a 278-unit community. She worked her way up to be a Regional Director of Sales and Marketing with Emeritus and Brookdale following Brookdale’s acquisition of Emeritus. Melissa then joined JEA Senior Living as a Regional Director of Sales and Marketing and eventually an Operations Specialist offering operational support to JEA communities throughout the country. She joins BMG after serving most recently as an Operations Specialist for Tulsa, OK based Senior Star.

To learn more about Melissa, visit her BMG bio by clicking here.

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