Eagle’s Trace Employee Takes Advantage of Career Choices in Senior Living

Houston, Texas—For Andrew Ferraiuolo, a career in senior living has meant working hard and taking advantage of new possibilities.  But it also comes with a sense of family.

"Every day is a new day, and when I am able to assist a resident, the gratification means much more because of the bond we share.  I consider residents like family," said Ferraiuolo, the Financial Analysist at Eagle's Trace, the Erickson Living retirement community in West Houston.

On July 2, 2007, he started as a flex-time employee on the special projects team at Fox Run, a sister community located in Novi, Michigan.  It was the ideal job while he attended Saginaw Valley State University, earning a bachelor's degree in health science. 

Following college, Ferraiuolo pursued a full-time position at Fox Run.  "I became the health care sales associate responsible for marketing our Erickson Advantage Medicare offering.  I received great benefits and began to obtain a working knowledge of the industry," he said.

Eventually, an opportunity to spread his wings came along…1,300 miles away.  "Eagle's Trace was preparing to open its continuing care neighborhood so I moved to Houston.  A job in the admission department gave me the chance to enhance my skill set," described Ferraiuolo, who currently resides in Memorial City.

In 2014, Ferraiuolo was promoted to his current position as financial analyst.  In this role, he provides budget oversight support for all departments, partners with Erickson Living on accounts receivable & payable and ensures accuracy on billing statements and other financial matters for residents.

"We are fully aware that we are stewards of the residents' money," noted Ferraiuolo, who also oversees the philanthropy office and serves as the move-out coordinator at Eagle's Trace.

Education has been important to his professional advancement.  In 2017, Ferraiuolo earned an MBA (with a concentration in finance) from Baker College and is currently enrolled there to receive an associate's degree in accounting.  He took advantage of the tuition reimbursement program offered by Eagle's Trace.

"Tuition reimbursement has been a huge help.  It removed much of the financial burden and stress traditionally associated with student loans, improving my work-life balance," described Ferraiuolo.  "It truly demonstrates the strong emphasis placed on career development by our company."

Eagle's Trace employs more than 475 full and part-time staff members.  Benefits include 401K, paid time off, comprehensive medical benefits, tuition reimbursement, on-site employee health care, discount programs and much more. 

The value of mission

We share our gifts to create communities that celebrate life.

While new employees of Eagle's Trace are exposed to the mission statement of Erickson Living for the first time, Ferraiuolo was familiar with the meaning behind the words from his experience at Fox Run.  

"I did have preconceived notions about senior living, but my grandmother lived at Fox Run.  Between seeing her enjoyment of community life and being employed there, those ideas changed," said Ferraiuolo.  "I realized very quickly that we work in our residents' homes, atypical of most job environments.  Because of this reality, you foster relationships, and ultimately, you gain friends and family."

That connection is not lost on the leadership team of Eagle's Trace.

"Andrew is the type of everyday hero that Eagle's Trace is recruiting," stated Stephen Aigner, Executive Director.  "When people join our team, they earn more than a great job in a booming industry – they gain unparalleled access to an array of rich experiences and knowledge that will prove invaluable to their personal and professional growth.  What's also rewarding for them is that they get to change lives for the better." 

Ferraiuolo recognizes that the future is bright.

"This career has allowed me to be compassionate, think creatively and cultivate business acumen.  It is challenging, but rewarding…and why I am nearing eleven years with the company," concluded Ferraiuolo.

For more information about career opportunities at Eagle's Trace, please visit https://jobs.ericksonliving.com.  Visitors can register for email alerts about job postings by field of expertise and location.

About Eagle's Trace:  Eagle's Trace, one of 19 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 71-acre campus in West Houston, Texas. The community is located in Harris County and is home to 825 residents. Additional information about Eagle's Trace can be found at EaglesTraceCommunity.com.