Advertise on podcast: ALF BOSS Podcast

In this episode of the ALF Operations Podcast, we sit down with Lauren Filion, Executive Director of Sugar Mill Manor Assisted Living in Homosassa, Florida. Lauren shares her remarkable 13-year journey at the same facility — starting as a resident care aide on the floor and working her way up to administrator. We discuss the biggest challenges in assisted living operations, from staffing shortages to marketing strategies, and Lauren offers practical advice for new administrators on building systems, maintaining communication, and avoiding burnout. We also cover census trends, the importance of a dependable second-in-command, and how facilities serving Medicaid populations can balance budget constraints with quality care. Whether you're a seasoned administrator or just starting out in the industry, this episode is packed with real-world insights from someone who's done it all.

In this episode of the ALF Operations Podcast, we sit down with Judith Mellon, Executive Director at an Innovation Senior Living community in St. Cloud, Florida. With nearly 30 years of experience in assisted living — spanning New York and Florida — Judith shares her insights on running a 45-bed, middle-market facility, navigating staffing challenges, and maintaining compliance in a highly regulated environment. We discuss the importance of serving the underserved middle market, her boots-on-the-ground marketing approach through cold walk-ins, dealing with AHCA surveys and retaliation complaints, and what makes her St. Cloud community feel like family. Judith also shares practical advice for new administrators looking to build referral relationships in their communities.  Connect with Judith: 📞 Main: 407-892-8502 📱 Cell: 407-979-4862 ✉️ [email protected]

In this episode of the ALF Boss Podcast, I sit down with Keith Kilpatrick, owner of Navarre Gardens Assisted Living Facility, to talk about his journey from working in an eight-bed ALF at 19 years old to owning three successful assisted living facilities. We discuss staff retention, community involvement, controlling costs, keeping facilities full, expansion, and the importance of owners truly understanding the assisted living business. If you own an ALF—or you're thinking about opening or buying one—Keith's story is worth hearing.  Guest: Keith Kilpatrick  Owner, Navarre Gardens Assisted Living Facility

What does it really take to buy an assisted living facility, turn it around, and build it into a successful operation? In this episode of the ALF Boss Podcast, I sit down with Holden Hayes, owner and operator of Lincolnshire Assisted Living in Clearwater, Florida. Holden shares his journey from real estate and student housing to purchasing an assisted living facility during one of the most challenging times imaginable—the middle of COVID. We get into the real-world challenges of operating an ALF: staffing, choosing the right residents, building a strong team, dealing with growing pains, staying involved as an owner, and learning when to say no to an admission that isn't the right fit. Holden also shares how his facility went from having empty rooms to being full—and why marketing still matters even when you don't have an empty bed. We talk about social media, Google Business Profile, community relationships, referrals, and why facility owners shouldn't get discouraged just because their posts aren't getting likes or comments. One of the biggest messages from this conversation: assisted living isn't a passive real estate investment. You're caring for people's lives, and owners need to understand the operation, the people, the compliance requirements, and the culture of their facility. If you own an ALF, are thinking about buying one, or are working toward opening your first facility, there are a lot of lessons in this conversation you can learn from.    Guest: Holden Hayes  Lincolnshire Assisted Living – Clearwater, Florida  Hosted by: Pascal Bergeron, ALF Boss

It's been a long time, but I'm getting back on track with the podcast. Please upload this podcast.   In this episode of the ALF Operations Podcast, Pascal Bergeron sits down with Alberta Granger, CEO of the Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA), for a conversation about the future of FALA and her vision for strengthening Florida's assisted living community. Alberta brings decades of regulatory and industry experience to the role, including 35 years in Florida state government and 13 years serving as the Assisted Living Unit Manager for the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). She later joined FALA in 2009 and has spent years working directly with assisted living providers across the state. Alberta shares her plans to rebuild trust, grow FALA membership, strengthen relationships with regulators and lawmakers, and ensure that assisted living facilities of every size — including small ALFs and Adult Family Care Homes — have a strong voice in Tallahassee. Pascal and Alberta also discuss the importance of FALA getting back into facilities, connecting directly with owners and administrators, advocating for providers, and remaining present during Florida's legislative and regulatory process. Alberta's message to Florida providers is clear: FALA is here to listen, advocate, provide real regulatory knowledge, and stand behind the assisted living community. Topics discussed include: Alberta Granger's background with AHCA and FALA Her vision as FALA's CEO Rebuilding trust within Florida's assisted living community Advocacy and representation in Tallahassee Supporting small ALFs and Adult Family Care Homes FALA's relationships with AHCA and other state agencies Visiting and connecting directly with Florida providers The growth of small residential assisted living facilities FALA's upcoming annual conference What's ahead for FALA under Alberta's leadership Presented by ALF Boss — helping Florida assisted living providers with compliance, operations, training, licensing, and more.

In this episode of the ALF Boss Podcast, I sit down with Doug Adkins, Owner and CEO of DaySpring Village and DaySpring Senior Living — one of Florida's most respected leaders in the assisted living industry. Doug has been operating facilities since 1987, serving thousands of residents across Florida through both limited mental health and senior living communities. His perspective is shaped by nearly four decades of experience, from surviving the early days of ALF operations to becoming one of the strongest advocates for sustainable Medicaid funding and better care models in Florida.   We discuss:  His journey from converting a small motel into a 126-bed ALF  Growing from one community to multiple campuses, including new developments like DaySpring Commons  Why Florida's Medicaid funding model is broken — and what needs to change  The challenges of rising costs, staffing, and overregulation  His proposed Funding Methodology Workgroup and how it could transform access to care  The story behind Emily's Promise, a foundation created in honor of his daughter, which inspired the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, requiring blood clot screenings for seniors in ERs   Doug's insight, experience, and compassion for the industry make this a must-listen episode for anyone who cares about the future of assisted living in Florida.

This week on the ALF Boss Podcast, I talk with Kenneshia Martin, Owner & Administrator of Trinity Gardens Assisted Living in Riverview, FL.    After 15 years in physical therapy and rehab leadership, Kenneshia decided to open her own ALF — and she shares every step of the journey:  From buying the property to passing AHCA inspection  What to expect from zoning, fire marshal, and health inspections  How being organized made her survey a breeze The mindset it takes to stay patient through delays

This week on the ALF Boss Podcast, I talk with Elizabeth Valadez from Living Well Menus, carrying on the 30-year legacy started by her mother, Ana Alvarez—a true legend in ALF dietary services.    We dive into:  The right way to handle menus, portion sizes, and documentation  Proper puree preparation that keeps you compliant  How to avoid common AHCA dietary citations  Simple tools every ALF kitchen should be using If you run an assisted living facility in Florida, this episode is a must-listen.

This week on the ALF Boss Podcast, I talk with Melissa Asaftei, Owner & Operator of Citrus Garden Assisted Living in Winter Springs.  From buying her first facility at 25 to running it for nearly two decades, Melissa shares what it really takes to succeed in residential care—long nights, big heart, and a clear why.    Topics include:  Expanding small ALFs the right way  Building relationships instead of rivalries Staying passionate when things get hard

This week on the ALF Boss Podcast, I sit down with Janette Radle, Regional Wellness Director at AgeWell | Solvere Living.      She oversees nine assisted living communities across Florida and shares her insights on:  Strengthening medication management  Supporting care teams through mentorship, not micromanagement Balancing leadership with compassion and accountability

On this episode of the ALF Boss Podcast, I sit down with Deby Okum, Director of Community Relations at Diamond Edgewater Assisted Living & Memory Care in Edgewater, Florida. Deby's story is both personal and powerful. After caring for her father and struggling to find the right resources, she made a promise—to become an advocate and a resource for seniors and their families. Today, she's one of the most trusted names in Volusia County for helping families navigate Medicaid, VA benefits, and assisted living placement. We discuss: Her journey from the beauty industry to senior living leadership The importance of urgency and consistency in follow-ups How she helped grow census from 52 to 78 residents in under nine months Her passion for educating families about Medicaid and veteran benefits Creative networking, community partnerships, and event strategies that make a difference Deby's story is a reminder that compassion, hustle, and honesty are what truly drive success in senior living.

In this episode of the ALF Boss Podcast, I sit down with Shereve Smith, owner and operator of Northwood Manor Assisted Living in Wesley Chapel, FL. Shereve has been in the industry since 2009, transitioning from a career as a respiratory therapist to running her own six-bed boutique assisted living community. With both a standard and limited mental health license, she brings a wealth of experience in navigating regulations, staffing, marketing challenges, and the realities of running a smaller, family-style community. We discuss: Why passion is essential to succeed in assisted living The challenges small ALFs face with compliance and marketing How placement agencies have changed the industry The importance of proactivity, organization, and mentorship Her team's incredible loyalty, with staff who have been with her for over 16 years Shereve's story is packed with wisdom for both seasoned operators and anyone looking to enter the ALF industry.

On this episode of the ALF Operations Podcast, I sit down with Ashley Braden, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Blake at Hamlin. Ashley's path into assisted living wasn't traditional—coming from emergency medical services, she quickly discovered a passion for senior living and has since become a standout marketer known for her creativity, energy, and ability to connect with families. We talk about: How she transitioned from EMS to senior living marketing The importance of authenticity and follow-up in building referrals Why listening more than you speak is key in sales Her passion for Alzheimer's and dementia care advocacy Lessons learned from both sides of the industry—EMS and senior living Ashley shares what it takes to succeed in ALF marketing and how being genuine, approachable, and proactive can change everything.

On this episode of the ALF Boss Podcast, I sit down with Pavi Ruether, Executive Director at Banyan Place Assisted Living in Boca Raton, FL. Pavi's journey is both unique and inspiring—starting as a physical therapy assistant, becoming a licensed clinical social worker, and eventually stepping into leadership as an Executive Director. We talk about: Her transition into assisted living leadership and the challenges she's overcome How her LCSW background shapes the way she manages residents, families, and staff Building a strong team with almost zero turnover Creative initiatives like Employee of the Month, Thank You Thursdays, and karaoke with residents What it takes to thrive as an ED, from having thick skin to leading by example Pavi's energy, positivity, and proactive leadership shine through in everything she does. This is a must-listen for anyone considering or currently working in senior living leadership.

In this episode of the ALF Boss Podcast, I sit down with Michael Almeida, Executive Director of Brookdale Phillippi Creek in Sarasota, FL. Michael's journey into assisted living is nothing short of inspiring—he began as a maintenance director and, through hard work, perseverance, and a passion for serving seniors, worked his way up to executive leadership. As a Navy veteran and former corpsman, Michael shares how his military background shaped his leadership style, how he overcame challenges during COVID, and why being approachable, fun, and down-to-earth has been key to his success in growing census and building strong teams. If you've ever thought about becoming an Executive Director—or want to hear the mindset it takes to thrive in senior living—you won't want to miss this conversation.