Annual Letter from Leisure Care's COO, Ryan Rasar
2019
I write this letter annually to offer an inside look at our company and how we operate. At the core, we set out each year focused on creating new strategies to improve the lives of our employees, residents and family members.
As Chief Operating Officer, I am responsible for overseeing Leisure Care’s operations, ensuring that each of our communities provide a first-class experience for our residents and employees. This is more important than ever as we continue to expand and open the doors to new communities across the country.
Leisure Care’s Growth
We are in the midst of one of the most exciting times in the company’s history – with new developments and acquisitions taking us into new markets and expanding our presence in others. To prepare for this growth, we’ve strategically aligned our operations team and taken progressive measures to increase efficiencies and augment consistencies.
As always, our leadership team is committed to continually evolving our innovative programming and operating the best senior living company in the industry.
Three-Thirds Lifestyle
Leisure Care’s “Three-Thirds Lifestyle” philosophy is a key pillar of our company’s culture. Initiated years ago to support a balanced life for all employees, the concept of “Three-Thirds Lifestyle” means that putting family first and contributing to the community are just as important as making meaningful contributions to the company.
When life is good at home, we are all more dedicated, efficient, creative, and ultimately, productive team members that provide better care for our residents.
The One Eighty Foundation
Leisure Care is deeply committed to supporting The One Eighty Foundation, which is the charitable arm of Leisure Care’s parent company One Eighty.
The Foundation hosts two annual fundraisers, with the first held each February. “February Fitness Frenzy” brings together the home office and all of our communities to track their fitness activities through a healthy competition which raises money for the Foundation. The other key annual fundraiser is called the KIRO Kids Classic, which is a golf tournament hosted by the Foundation in Seattle.
Programs such as these provide a great avenue for employees and residents to give back to their communities and help children in need.
Commitment to Residents & Employees
Operationally, our goal is quite simple: to be the best employer possible and create the best experience for our residents. Our current growth platform gives us even more opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives and support career advancements for our employees.
We’re constantly looking for great people who like to have fun while doing good work. We enjoy promoting stellar employees who not only believe in our vision and culture, but who bring it to life each and every day. That is just one reason why our turnover is low, and tenure is high.
We know that by hiring – and nurturing – the right people in the right positions, we can provide the best possible customer service for our employees, residents and their families.
This is how we operate at Leisure Care, and you’ll feel the difference right when you walk through the door.
Sincerely,
Ryan Rasar
Chief Operating Officer
Based in Seattle, Washington, Leisure Care was founded in 1976, and is one of the nation’s largest privately held retirement and assisted living companies. We own, manage, develop, and consult in all facets of the senior living business.
Now that we have all the nitty-gritty facts out of the way, let’s talk about how we tick. Don’t worry—it won’t take long. Our goal is simple: to create happy residents, families, employees, and partners. That’s who we are, and if you make your home with us, work for us, or work with us we think you’ll more than notice. And that makes us happy, too.
You might be asking, “Who’s One Eighty?” The short answer: “One Eighty is the parent company of Leisure Care.” The long answer: “One Eighty is a diversified company, catering to the needs of seniors and non-seniors alike in a broad range of markets, predominately in the hospitality industry.” The One Eighty twisted-thinking answer: ”Conventional wisdom is so lame. Spoil the customers silly no matter what!” Whether it’s retirement communities around the globe, our full-service travel agency, our low-acid coffee company, great tasting roasts, or our charity foundation, we approach everything through our customers’ eyes. Take a look at our website. See how twisted we are.
WORKING WITH SENIORS IS SERIOUSLY FULFILLING
By working at Leisure Care, you're making a difference in people's lives—one of those intangible rewards that's hard to find. And at Leisure Care, we hope to make a difference in your life too. The principle of leading a balanced life forms the foundation for our company culture. We call it the 'Three-Thirds Lifestyle'. In short, it means putting family first, giving back to the community second, and finally, meaningfully contributing to the company.
Everyone who works for Leisure Care possesses the natural desire and instinct to serve others. We hire people based on the core competencies of integrity, trust, teamwork, and initiative, but a sense of humor is integral regardless of background or skill set.
We believe that we should make a positive impact on everyone that we come in contact with every day. This means every colleague, resident, family member, and even the clerk at the grocery store. Our employees don’t wear scrubs or speak in hushed tones. Instead, we’re excited, passionate, playful, and engaging. We want you to laugh, have fun, and truly enjoy your work. We believe that a respectful, enjoyable environment attracts and retains the best kinds of employees.
FAMILYWe believe a balanced life is a happy life, and a happy life starts at home. That’s why family’s the first priority in the Three-Thirds Lifestyle. Nothing’s more important than spending time with your loved ones and enjoying quality time together.
Embracing philanthropy is a defining characteristic of the company’s dynamic culture. We encourage our employees to set a heartfelt example by proudly supporting community organizations through donation, volunteer work, and other means.
It may seem backwards to ask employees to place work last in their line of priorities, but it’s the right thing to do. Because when life is good at home, our employees are more innovative, dedicated, and efficient, and our communities are much more fun.
Stroll through the doors of a Leisure Care community and you may be surprised. Folks are having fun, the staff is cheerful, and the vibe… it’s energetic, tranquil, and cozy all at the same time. Stay awhile. Take it all in. Imagine what it would be like to live in such a place. To be pampered. To do all the things you’ve put off for years. To have so much fun it’s kind of ridiculous. Now doesn’t that sound like a retirement out of a dream? Ahhhhh.
Leisure Care Retirement Communities are truly more resort than a retirement community. Have as much fun as possible with peace of mind as well. Enjoy your own private apartment home. Live as you always have, but without having to mow the lawn, fix a leaky pipe, or even vacuum. Wouldn’t you rather relax and concentrate on more important things, like having the time of your life? We thought so. https://leisurecare.com/our-communities
I have been working at Leisure Care part-time (More than a year)
Pros
Extremely flexible hours, perfect if you are a student or have a busy schedule. Friendly coworkers, like a family.
Cons
There is little to no room for growth as a server.
Application
I applied online. I interviewed at Leisure Care (Portland, OR) in June 2018.
Interview
Rushed, not overly honest about position, crisis hiring practices, not overly thorough , less than a half hour, uninformed about the position details and staff, more interested in blowing smoke than actual substance.
Interview Questions
Let us know if we're missing any workplace or industry recognition – Add Awards
