This month, we turn the Sponsor Spotlight on The Summit of Blue Ash, one of our Platinum Sponsors, and its Executive Director, Russ Conrad. We truly appreciate their support of the APA!
APA: Tell us a little about The Summit of Blue Ash.
The Summit of Blue Ash - Evolve Senior Living, is an independent living, assisted living and memory care community. We provide senior living apartments located just steps from Summit Park. We provide a wonderful community that offers a vibrant lifestyle that includes meals, housekeeping, nursing care to our assisted living and memory care residents. An active community that focuses on movement and engagement – exercise classes, swimming pool, yoga and ballet just to name a few. Each day, our residents can develop friendships by enjoying time at our bistro for a casual lunch or a laugh or two a social hour. We have been APA members since last year (Evolve Senior Living has only managed the property for two years). We will be hosting the annual APA Scholarship Presentation and Holiday Networking Event this December 3. (FYI: registration will be opening soon, so keep an eye on your inboxes!)
APA: How long have you lived in Cincinnati? Where else have you called home?
My family and I moved here 18 years ago from Atlanta. Prior to that I lived in South Carolina, Michigan, and I originally grew up in northern Ohio near Cleveland.
APA: Thinking about your professional life, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the culture and hospitality that I work hard to build in my communities for residents, families and team members. Caring for seniors and their families is a privilege, and I take every opportunity to provide the environment that all will thrive.
APA: If we were to ask your best friend about you, what would they say?
I would hope that he would say that I was a kind and funny person who is a loyal friend and devoted deeply to the things that I care about.
APA: Who or what inspires you, and why?
The many residents that I have worked with over the years – I can’t just name one. There are so many that have inspired me because they are so positive, kind and encouraging. Aging is not easy and having such a positive attitude is something I try to do each day.
APA: It's often said we can learn a lot from our elders. What's the most important lesson you learned from an older adult?
Laughter is the best medicine and to do your best every day to make someone smile.
APA: Share one thing that might be surprising for others to learn about you.
I grew up on a large family-owned dairy farm. The farm is still in my family, and located in northern Ohio.
APA: Where do you like to be when not working? What might you be doing while you're there?
When not working, I like to be with my wife and kids watching them play sports, going on vacation, or just hanging out in our backyard. Being with family and friends enjoying time together.
