Career Advancement and Enrichment Are on the Menu at Windsor Run

A dining services career at Erickson Senior Living opens the door to numerous opportunities, powerful mentors, and unbeatable benefits. At Windsor Run, an Erickson Senior Living community in Matthews, NC, employees enjoy a work environment encouraging professional growth that can result in promotions and exciting new roles.

“Windsor Run provides team members with a work environment that encourages professional growth through incredible benefits and educational support,” says director of dining services Kelly McGrath. “This positive work culture has resulted in the promotion of numerous dining services team members.”

A success story

Illustrating this commitment, Chef Ben Smith began working at Windsor Run in 2021 as a sous chef and, within the year, was promoted to executive chef. In this management role, he enjoys leading his team of dining service professionals, creating new menus, and interacting with community members. As an Erickson Senior living employee, Chef Ben also enjoys competitive benefits and enviable work-life balance.

“I live close to Windsor Run, also in Matthews,” he says. “I watched the community as it was built. At the time, I was working for another retirement community, but Windsor Run was always on my radar. When the opportunity opened, I was excited to apply.”

From the beginning, Ben found support and encouragement from his supervisors.

“Kelly McGrath has always been supportive of me and my goals,” he says. “We not only work well together, but we also have each other’s trust. When the executive chef position opened, Kelly encouraged me to apply, helping me throughout the hiring process.”

Windsor Run connections

For Ben, serving community members on a daily basis, provides numerous benefits that a traditional dining service career outside of Erickson Senior Living does not offer.  

“Serving our residents is one of the most unique and most rewarding parts of a dining services career at Windsor Run,” he says. “I spent the early part of my career working in dining at hotels. Guests would come and go, and although you’d go out of your way to make a difference, they would leave and you’d never see them again. At Windsor Run, we are so fortunate to build relationships with those we serve. I dine with residents every, single day. I learn their names and their stories. They become family. I’m at home here at Windsor Run.”

Currently, Ben is preparing to open Windsor Run’s newest restaurant, the Seaboard Grill, slated for 2024.

“I’m really excited about this new option for our residents,” says Ben. “The menu will offer casual meals with a southern flair such as sweet potato salad and southern fried chicken with maple pepper jam. We will also offer sandwiches and light entrees.”

As Windsor Run’s dining services program continues to grow, Ben looks forward to welcoming new members to his team.

“When it comes to opportunities, the sky is the limit here,” he says. “We value every employee and the work they put in, rewarding successes and promoting from within. The best part of my position is the ability to give back to my staff. Throughout my career, I had a lot of really good chefs invest in me. Now, it’s my turn to do the same. I enjoy educating my team and then watching them become successful. That’s the best part of my day.”

Learn more about career opportunities and the benefits program at Windsor Run by visiting EricksonSeniorLivingCareers.com.