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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 Prices 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, thats 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 environmentAlso during his interview, Price met staff who had all worked for ESL between 9 and 15 years.That is incredible. You dont see companies that manage to retain employees like this, he says. No one stays that long if they dont 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 hes been the Assistant General Manager for two of Siena Lakes restaurants, Stoneys 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 meetinglike a huddlewith the entire staff working in the restaurants. We go over whats going to happen for the day, he explains. Its 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 opportunitiesPrice 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 hows hes doing with them. Its not something we write down and forget about. We go over my goals regularly, Price says.Hes also getting ready to finish earning his college degree by utilizing ESLs tuition reimbursement plan.Healthy work/life balancePrice 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 heredifferent 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/.  

Belle Isle, the final residence building at Siena Lakes, the Erickson Senior Living community in Naples, Fla., is now accepting reservations! It's a great time to learn more about this vibrant community and its spacious apartment homes."Belle Isle, which is scheduled to open in fall 2025, is already 90% reserved," notes Sales Director Suzy McAllister. "Our Priority List members were the first to reserve these new homes and their response was enthusiastic!"Spacious floor plansBelle Isle will bring 67 brand-new apartment homes, featuring high ceilings throughout, updated kitchens with modern appliances, and high-end finishes. They'll also boast beautiful lake views, as the building has a prime location on the west side of Siena Lakes, surrounded by water.Many floor plans will be 1,600 square feet or more--as many prospective residents have indicated an interest in open-concept living. "We have had a huge demand for larger apartment homes," explains McAllister. "That's why 66% of the floor plans in Belle Isle are above 1,600 square feet--with some as large as more than 2,300 square feet. And we've made the layouts better too."Future residents will have a variety of apartment homes to choose from, such as a one-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath layouts and two-bedroom, two-and-a-half baths with den floor plans. 'Exciting and fun'And with an array of amenities, activities, and resources just a short stroll away from every apartment home, it's no wonder why Belle Isle is in high demand. The residence building will be connected to Dolce Commons, home of the Sales Center and future home of an activity center and a new restaurant--sporting a patio with outdoor dining, a private meeting room, and private dining. But Belle Isle residents will also have access to the entire community via a climate-controlled walkway, making it easy to get to club meetings and exercise classes, rain or shine. As a popular retirement destination, Naples has attracted many seniors who now want to explore their senior living options in the area they know and love. "With Belle Isle opening, they'll get to meet new friends, share their stories, and explore the abundance of amenities and activities together," she notes.Worry-free livingAnd as McAllister points out, Siena Lakes offers a higher level of service--more maintenance and repairs are covered than a traditional community. "For example, if an appliance needs to be repaired or a light bulb needs to be replaced, you don't have to take care of it yourself," she says. "One call to our maintenance department, and it will be addressed."You don't even have to be in your apartment home, if you don't want to. You can grab lunch with friends, work out in the fitness center or pool, or participate in clubs when maintenance swings by. She continues, "While some neighborhoods in the area take care of basic maintenance, we take care of many of the other burdens that currently fall on you, like changing filters and maintaining the HVAC system." And with a medical center right on campus, scheduling and getting to annual wellness exams, sick visits, and vaccinations will be a breeze. Don't wait! With Belle Isle almost completely reserved, it is time to explore your options. "Not only is the Priority List the best way to learn about available apartment homes at Siena Lakes, it also offers exclusive invitations to social events and updates on community happenings."To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

In 2021, Margo and Harry Hiltz moved to Siena Lakes, an Erickson Senior Living community in Naples, Fla., eagerly anticipating their exciting new life. Based on the experience of Margo's parents, Mark and Petie Snyder, who had lived at Oak Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Parkville, Md., the couple were eager to enjoy the same maintenance-free, amenity-rich lifestyle they enjoyed."I visited my parents at Oak Crest, between one and three times a week for 11 years. I was impressed with the way management ran things," says Margo. "I no longer worried about them. If something happened, I knew they'd be taken care of."Retiring to Florida, from Maryland in 2015, Siena Lakes offered the couple the opportunity to enjoy the Erickson Senior Living lifestyle in Florida. "They had everything Harry and I wanted," says Margo.Maintenance-free livingOne of the things Margo and Harry looked forward to the most with their move was the freedom from the worries and responsibilities of maintaining their house. As Siena Lakes residents they now have the maintenance-free lifestyle they wanted. If an appliance needs to be fixed or replaced, they just make one call to the General Services team, and it's taken care of."I'm so glad we no longer have the responsibilities of our house," says Margo. "If I have a light bulb go out, General Services comes and changes it. When I come back home on Thursdays, housekeeping has been here, and our home smells fresh, it's clean, and the glass is glistening. I think, 'Yay! I don't have to do this anymore!'"The Hiltzes also enjoy the many benefits of Siena Lakes' monthly service package covering the costs of heating and air conditioning; most utilities; flexible dining plans in four restaurants; maintenance, including repair and replacement of appliances; a fitness center and swimming pool; and regularly scheduled transportation. "I just write one check and I'm done! I don't have to worry about paying the utilities or for the water or anything," says Margo.The monthly service package also includes the peace of mind that comes from 24-hour security and emergency response. When Harry experienced a medical issue, Margo simply pulled the emergency cord in their apartment, and security arrived in minutes. As trained emergency medical technicians (EMTs), the Siena Lakes security team is equipped to handle a wide variety of problems, calling an ambulance if necessary, or contacting a Siena Lakes physician who is on-call 24/7."I love the security here," Margo says. "I know that if we need help, we will have it within minutes."The couple also appreciates that when they travel, they simply lock their front door and go. On-campus security ensures that their apartment is safe and secure when they're away.An array of amenitiesFree from worries, the couple participates in a variety of activities and groups that match their unique interests. Margo currently volunteers on the Resident Services Committee's guest services committee.They plan activities like musical performances, trivia, trips to local theaters, and other events. "We do things both on and off campus," Margo says.An avid card player, Margo organizes games of canasta with neighbors and plays the card game Hand, Knee, and Foot. She also serves as a general on the Resident Emergency Advisory Team, working with Siena Lakes management, as needed, to relay information regarding any weather emergencies to all of the residents in her building. Like his wife, Harry enjoys giving back to his neighbors, serving on both the IT committee and of a new committee for residents who are hearing or visually impaired. The couple also appreciates time spent with their new Siena Lakes neighbors. On Friday mornings they enjoy friendly conversation and freshly made baked goods at Pietra's Bar."Everybody sits down, has a piece of cake, and talks about anything that's happening in their lives," she says. "It's an hour to get together before everyone goes off to start their day."Margo also enjoys taking the occasional moment for herself, looking out one of her apartment home windows onto the courtyard below."We look out at a peaceful Zen garden. Looking out at it brings you down to earth," she says. "It really is carefree living."To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.