The Endless Benefits of Working at Siena Lakes

Brandon Price had worked in the restaurant industry for 18 years when he was laid off during the pandemic. Out of necessity, he tried other things. But he still had the itch to get back into the business he loved.

When the Human Resources rep at Siena Lakes, the Erickson Senior Living community in Naples, Fla., was talking with Price’s wife, Laura, at a church group, she told her that Brandon should apply for an available position.

“I wanted to at least do the interview. But once I got into the community and met the leaders I would be working with, that’s what sold me,” Price recalls. “That and the opportunities for advancement. Erickson is opening many new communities in the next five years, and I like to know that I can move up.”

A positive environment

Also during his interview, Price met staff who had all worked for ESL between 9 and 15 years.

“That is incredible. You don’t see companies that manage to retain employees like this,” he says. “No one stays that long if they don’t like their jobs. Besides talking about my background, they wanted to truly get to know me.”

“The services we offer to more than 30,000 residents nationwide are only as good as the people providing them,” says Alan Butler, Chief Executive Officer of ESL. “This is why we take the hiring process very seriously in order to identify the best people. As a growth company with a bright future, we strive to be an employer of choice by providing an unparalleled workplace experience.”

Now that he’s been the Assistant General Manager for two of Siena Lakes’ restaurants, Stoney’s and The Gulf, he loves and embraces the positive work atmosphere.

“We want people to enjoy working here. Before our shifts, we have a pre-shift meeting—like a huddle—with the entire staff working in the restaurants. We go over what’s going to happen for the day,” he explains. “It’s a big emphasis of mine to go over our values. And when we see employees doing something positive, we reward them!”

“Siena Lakes is all about community. Residents and staff come together to share the ups and downs of life and support one another every step of the way,” says Executive Director Mike McCormick. “We are a community of fun, family, and friendships, and we celebrate life together every day.”

Career opportunities

Price has already established his Individual Development Plan (IDP), through which he works one-on-one with his immediate supervisor in setting goals and regularly meeting to see how’s he’s doing with them. 

“It’s not something we write down and forget about. We go over my goals regularly,” Price says.

He’s also getting ready to finish earning his college degree by utilizing ESL’s tuition reimbursement plan.

Healthy work/life balance

Price and his wife have five kids ranging from age 3 to 17. And sometimes, a doctor or dentist appointment might occur.

“They tell us all the time, ‘If you have something come up, tell us’ and ‘If you need anything else, let us know; we got you,’” says Price. 

ESL also has a commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.

“We have a diverse group of people working here—different races, cultures, LGBTQ, etc. We celebrate it,” says Price. “I have never had a job where people truly care the way that Erickson does!”

To learn more about open positions and career benefits at Siena Lakes, visit https://www.ericksonseniorlivingcareers.com/.