NIC Chats

In this episode of NIC Chats, host Lisa McCracken sits down with Eric Winograd, Chief Economist at AllianceBernstein, to unpack the economic turbulence shaking markets, businesses, and households across the U.S. and beyond. From dramatic policy shifts and new tariffs to the ripple effects on inflation, growth, and consumer confidence, Winograd offers a candid, data-driven look at what's driving today's volatility, and what it could mean for senior housing.Highlights include:Why “uncertainty” is the economic watchword of the momentThe real impact of tariffs on prices, growth, and investment decisionsHow labor shortages and demographics are shaping construction and caregivingWhat to expect from the Fed and fiscal policy in the months aheadThe outlook for international investment and U.S. market stabilityTune in for expert insights on navigating a bumpy economic ride and why, despite the challenges, the U.S. may be better positioned than many think.Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of NIC Chats by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

What does the future of senior living look like when real estate trends intersect with the needs of a new generation? Host Lisa McCracken sits down with real estate researcher John Burns, CEO of John Burns Research and Consulting, to uncover the surprising ways baby boomers are rewriting the rules of retirement living. Learn why most retirees choose to age in place, the rise of multi-generational living, and the growing popularity of “build-to-rent” communities as flexible options for older adults seeking proximity to family. Burns offers a candid look at how labor shortages, material price hikes, and immigration trends are influencing both the availability and affordability of senior housing. He underscores the importance of investing in staff as a key differentiator for senior living communities. Looking ahead, McCracken and Burns discuss how advances in technology — particularly artificial intelligence and robotics — could transform aging in place and healthcare delivery, potentially extending both lifespan and healthspan for seniors.  Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of NIC Chats by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

Is the caregiver shortage keeping you up at night? You're not alone—and there's a solution. In this episode of NIC Chats, recorded live at the 2025 NIC Spring Conference in San Diego, Lisa McCracken, Head of Research & Analytics at NIC, sits down with Jennifer Adams of Smartlinx to explore how innovative workforce technology is transforming post-acute care. With over 25 years in the industry, Smartlinx offers solutions for solving staffing challenges through smarter scheduling, compliance tools, and cost-saving strategies.Adams dives into the root causes of the labor crisis—rising costs, burnout, and turnover—and explains how disconnected systems are holding facilities back. She shares real-world success stories of how Smartlinx's integrated platform has helped organizations reduce overtime, improve staff retention, and minimize reliance on costly agency labor. Whether you're a leader in post-acute care or simply curious about the future of healthcare staffing, this episode is packed with actionable insights.From uncovering hidden labor costs to creating sustainable solutions for staff satisfaction, this conversation offers a roadmap for overcoming workforce challenges. Tune in to learn how technology can help your organization thrive while ensuring better outcomes for caregivers and residents alike.Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of NIC Chats by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

The traditional HR department is undergoing a transformation in senior care. What was once a siloed administrative function is now emerging as a strategic driver of business outcomes—when implemented correctly.This eye-opening conversation with Paul Jarvis from Procare HR explores how senior living and skilled nursing organizations can reimagine their HR functions to directly support broader business goals. Jarvis breaks down how the fragmented approach of disconnected payroll, benefits, and scheduling systems fails to provide the insights needed for strategic decision-making in today's challenging environment. He shares practical examples of how properly implemented HR systems can reduce agency costs, optimize staffing for resident needs, and improve financial performance through targeted recruitment strategies.Ready to transform how you think about HR? This conversation will challenge your assumptions and provide a roadmap for aligning your people operations with your organizational mission. The future of senior care depends not just on clinical excellence but on the strategic management of our most valuable resource—our people.Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcast by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen.

In this episode of NIC Chats, Lisa McCracken sits down with Ryan Novaczyk, CEO of New Perspective Senior Living, to explore his insights as an operator in the senior living industry pursuing a growth strategy. Novaczyk shares a personal story of how his grandmother's struggle with Alzheimer's inspired him and his father to create a better living environment for seniors. He discusses how his family's experience led to the founding of New Perspective, which now operates 42 communities across the U.S., focusing on providing a hospitality-driven model that emphasizes life engagement and purposeful living for its residents. The conversation delves into the significant changes Novaczyk has witnessed over his 25 years in the industry, from technological advancements to shifts in operational complexity and increased resident acuity. He highlights the importance of collaboration and servant leadership, particularly in New Perspective's co-CEO structure, which allows for a more agile and effective management approach. Novaczyk also touches on the challenges of new construction due to high costs and interest rates, and the opportunities arising from acquisitions and partnerships. He emphasizes the value of networking and collaboration within the industry, encouraging operators to share insights and best practices to drive growth and improve care for seniors. Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcast by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen.

Is the aging population a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs? Hear from an expert in the world of AgeTech and longevity investing, Abby Miller Levy, managing partner and founder of Primetime Partners, a venture fund focused on aging and longevity. In this illuminating episode of NIC Chats, host Lisa McCracken unlocks the secrets of what investors look for in companies and products focused on the aging population.Drawing from her experience as co-founder of a wellness company, Miller Levy reveals:The challenges of finding commercially viable businesses in the aging spaceAreas of opportunity, including care capacity and risk stratificationCommon misconceptions and barriers faced by entrepreneurs in the senior care marketThe role of AI in aging-related startupsOpportunities for innovation in financial longevity and workforce solutions for older adultsAdvice for entrepreneurs seeking entry into the aging sectorMiller Levy shares insider tips on how to catch an investor's eye in the competitive world of age tech startups. Whether you're an entrepreneur with the next big idea, an investor seeking untapped potential, or simply curious about the technologies shaping our longer lives, this episode is your roadmap to the future of aging.Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcast by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen.

Sean Kelly, President and CEO of Front Porch, joins the NIC Chats podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of senior living. Sean shares his unique journey into the industry, reflecting on childhood experiences that shaped his perspective on community and intergenerational connections. He offers insights into the changing needs and expectations of baby boomers, emphasizing the importance of engagement, purpose, and community integration in senior living environments. Hear Kelly's perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, including the need for creative partnerships, innovative service models, and addressing middle-market affordability. He also discusses Front Porch's strategic focus on culture, performance, and leadership development. Kelly concludes with a call to action for industry leaders to amplify their voices and change societal perceptions about aging, highlighting the potential for personal growth and discovery in later life. Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcast by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen.

In this episode of NIC Chats, host Lisa McCracken welcomes Jim Lydiard, Chief Strategic Advisor for Pine Park Health, to discuss value-based care in senior living. Jim shares his journey from a personal connection with senior care to becoming a leader in healthcare innovation. The conversation delves into the complexities of value-based care, comparing ACO and Medicare Advantage models, and exploring the evolution of healthcare partnerships in senior living communities.The episode offers valuable insights for senior living operators considering healthcare partnerships, including tips for assessing potential partners and the importance of organizational culture in successful implementations. Jim shares humbling experiences from his career, highlighting the challenges and lessons learned in implementing value-based care models. The discussion concludes with a look at emerging healthcare trends, including the concept of "health hospitality" and the growing focus on rural care and Medicaid innovation.Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcast by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen.

How can senior housing operators position themselves for success in the evolving healthcare landscape? Hear insights on this and more from Dianne Munevar, Vice President of Healthcare Strategy at NORC at the University of Chicago. In conversation with Lisa McCracken, Dianne shares her professional journey and her passion for developing public policies that improve the lives of vulnerable populations, particularly older adults. The discussion centers on the groundbreaking research conducted by NIC and NORC, including the Forgotten Middle study and the "value of senior housing" research. Dianne highlights key findings from these studies, such as the impact of senior housing on residents' health outcomes and access to care. The podcast also explores the challenges facing the aging population and healthcare system, and the potential role of senior housing in addressing these issues.  Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcast by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen.

In this episode of NIC Chats, recorded live at the NIC Fall Conference in Washington DC, host Lisa McCracken interviews ProCare HR's Brett Landrum, founder and co-CEO, and Paul Jarvis, head of sales and marketing. The conversation explores ProCare's evolution from a foundational HR services provider to a data-driven solutions company for HR in the senior care industry. Landrum and Jarvis discuss the transformative role of data analytics in workforce management, highlighting the importance of actionable data in improving operational efficiency and financial performanceThe podcast delves into the complexities of scheduling in senior care facilities and how ProCare's integrated approach combines technology, data analytics, and expert coaching to optimize workforce management and reduce labor costs. Hear how ProCare helped a large skilled nursing facility significantly reduce labor costs and improve efficiency, plus advice for organizations just starting their data analytics journey. Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcast by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen.

Has the labor market reached a tipping point? And, why is healthcare one of the few sectors with employment numbers still below pre-pandemic peaks? Listen in as Paul Ashworth, Chief North America Economist for Capital Economics joins Lisa McCracken on the NIC Chats podcast to answer these questions and more. As they discuss current economic trends, learn why Ashworth thinks the U.S. economy is in a Goldilocks period, but what challenges might be looming as we head into 2025. You'll also hear Ashworth's prediction of the size of potential rate cuts in September and beyond.Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcast by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen.

Fresh off the release of his new book, A Culture of Promise, Fee Stubblefield, Founder and CEO of The Springs Living, joins Lisa McCracken on a new episode of the NIC Chats podcast. Listen in as Fee shares his motivation for writing the book and what he's learned about the importance of culture in an organization.Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcast by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen.

Live from the 2024 NIC Spring Conference, listen in as Lisa McCracken, Head of Research & Analytics at NIC, sits down with Brett Landrum, Procare HR Founder and Co-CEO. Landrum expands on the capabilities that allow Procare HR to help operators deliver better quality of care, resident satisfaction, and financial results. Joining the discussion was Susie Koenig, Founder & CEO of healthcare management and consulting services firm SAK Healthcare. In today's environment, with some senior housing and care companies facing distress situations, Koenig shares how SAK Healthcare has found success partnering with Procare HR as they work to shore up communities in distress.  Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcast by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen.

Listen in as Beth Mace, Senior Advisor at NIC, sits down with Zach Bowyer, Senior Managing Director and head of living sectors at Cushman and Wakefield to discuss today's capital markets, including the intersection of property market fundamentals and capital market pressure as well as how current conditions are affecting valuations and investment strategies. From discussing distressed properties and buyer profiles to exploring the inflection point at which the industry finds itself, this podcast is filled with insights on the unique challenges and opportunities within the senior housing sector. Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcast by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen.

Are you ready to unravel secrets to success with the senior living workforce? In this episode of the NIC Chats podcast, broadcast live from the 2023 NIC Fall Conference in Chicago, NIC's Head of Research & Analytics, Lisa McCracken, discusses solutions to senior living workforce challenges with Brett Landrum, Co-CEO of Procare HR. Listen in as they uncover the crucial elements of successful human resources strategies in senior care. Learn why Landrum believes it's all about the basics, and discover insights on: Gathering key metrics that unveil your employee satisfaction. The future of on-demand staff vs. core staff in the senior care industry. The age-old debate: company wages vs. company culture – what really drives employee satisfaction and retention? Tune in and gain the knowledge you need to help your workforce thrive in senior care. Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcast by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen.

Delve into the senior housing transaction market with Beth Mace, Senior Advisor at NIC, in this captivating conversation with Al Della Porta, Managing Director and head of the Capital Markets Group at AEW Capital Management. Learn about the challenges and opportunities arising from the swiftly changing interest rate environment, and gain insights into how seasoned professionals like Della Porta are adapting to market shifts. Explore how senior housing fares in today's shifting landscape.Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcast by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen.

In this first episode of our new NIC Chats podcast series focused on today's capital market conditions and implications for senior housing and care, NIC senior advisor Beth Mace speaks with Jim Costello, chief economist on the MSCI Real Estate Assets team. Learn why Costello likens today's capital markets to a stretchy rubber band, why he believes distressed assets may prompt a transactions turning point, and when he thinks the market will settle down. Hear Costello's perspective on how, and why, today's capital markets turmoil affects senior housing differently than some other commercial sectors. Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcast by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen.

In this special episode, discover the remarkable experiences and lessons learned from our very own host, NIC Chief Economist, Beth Mace. This time, Chuck Harry, NIC's Chief Operating Officer, poses the very questions Beth has expertly asked more than 25 other industry leaders over the years. Drawing from her vast experience, Beth offers wisdom and perspectives that can only come from a true expert in the field. Gain insights into the senior housing sector, including tactics Beth advises to increase resident and staff retention. Join us as we celebrate the invaluable contributions of this industry icon. And, of course, it wouldn't be a NIC Chats podcast without the “two truths and a lie” that help you get to know industry leaders better. Listen in to hear what draws Beth to France every year, and if she really was the first female ice cream truck driver in the Boston suburbs. Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcast by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen.

Join us as we delve into Susan Barlow's inspiring journey, exploring how her interest in senior housing propelled her as Co-founder & Managing Partner of Blue Moon Capital Partners, and NIC Board Vice Chair, to find success leading a women-owned business. On this episode of the NIC Chats podcast, those involved in senior housing debt and equity will gain valuable insights on selecting the right operators, aligning investment structures, and navigating the evolving landscape of the senior housing industry. And don't forget to test your detective skills with Beth Mace in another exciting round of "Two Truths and a Lie." Make your guess on which statement about Susan is actually false:Susan's upbringing involved living on a cattle ranch in Wyoming.Senior housing has deep roots within her family.She holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in nursing.Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcast by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen.

What is thematic investing and why does Kurt Read swear by it?  What makes a good investment opportunity?  And did Kurt actually herd sheep for Rupert Murdoch? In this episode of NIC Chats, Kurt Read, managing director of RSF Partners and NIC board chair, talks with Beth Mace about RSF's thematic approach and requirements for investing and why this is the time for radical transparency in the senior housing industry. Later, they address how the labor shortage in senior housing has created growth opportunities for young professionals.  Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcast by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen.

“The senior housing industry shouldn't be afraid to disrupt itself,” said John Cochrane, president and CEO of HumanGood, on the latest NIC Chats podcast with Beth Mace. Listen to Cochrane share how HumanGood is embracing change by working to apply its existing operational models to lower-income middle market housing, integrating technology, and offering healthcare services to create positive long-term outcomes for residents. The old notions of aging are going away, but Cochrane has confidence that the senior housing industry can adapt as it always has. “I've been in this field now for almost 30 years. I have never been more excited about the future of our field, about the importance of our field, about the opportunities in our field than I am today.”Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcast by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen.

How is “wellness” defined in senior living? According to Brenda Bacon, founder & CEO of Brandywine Living, it's about providing residents safety, protection, and happiness—and making every day worth living. Brandywine Living started while the senior living industry was still in its infancy and has put resident well-being at the forefront since day one. Bacon joined NIC Chief Economist Beth Mace to discuss how Brandywine's leadership adjusts offerings to meet the needs of residents in its 30+ communities, how the company works to make life more exciting for the older adults it serves, and why seeing every challenge as an opportunity is key to succeeding in the industry.  Want to join the conversation? Follow NIC on LinkedIn.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcast by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen.

Q: What do Disney and the senior housing industry have in common? A: Sarah Duggan has worked at both, and they each rely on a strong culture to maintain their workforce. Duggan, the Executive Director of Wholesale Banking and Seniors Housing and Healthcare Lending at Synovus Bank, acknowledges that workforce retention is the largest challenge facing the senior housing industry, and the key to engaging young people is to bring them directly to the sites to see the mission and positive impact in action. Listen to this NIC Chats podcast and learn what Duggan looks for in a borrower, how the current economic climate has affected lending activity, what she thinks the senior housing industry should do more of, and what she's bullish about.  Want to join the conversation? Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcasts by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen.

Have you considered Gen X as an audience for your communities? Jane Arthur-Roslovic, CEO & co-founder of multifamily developer and operator Treplus Communities has and is all in on the active adult property type. Noticing few options for younger and healthier older adults who wanted an active, community-based living arrangement, Arthur-Roslovic and her siblings teamed up to create Treplus Communities—currently  operating five resource-rich active adult communities in Ohio for adults age 55+. Arthur-Roslovic joined NIC Chief Economist Beth Mace to discuss how active adult properties meet the needs and desires of residents, the challenges and opportunities facing the emerging asset class, and the role she expects Gen X and Millennials to play in driving near- and long-term demand.  Want to join the conversation? Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcasts by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen.

Early in the COVID pandemic, Henry Kissinger noted that the historic challenge for leaders was to manage the crisis while building the future. This inspired NIC Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor, Bob Kramer, to consider what it means to build the future, and what the future might look like for senior housing and care. Kramer has identified “Six Key Drivers” that will shape the senior living industry over the next 10 years. Learn more about these drivers in this insightful conversation with NIC Chief Economist, Beth Mace.  A blog series detailing each key driver is available on our website. Want to join the conversation? Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our podcasts by giving us a review on Apple Podcasts, ...

The NIC Chats podcast was “On the Road” at the 2022 NIC Fall Conference. NIC Chief Economist, Beth Mace, was joined by VIUM Capital's Steve Kennedy, co-founder and Executive Managing Director, and Alison Lemle, Chief Underwriter, who shared their experiences and insights on today's capital and debt markets for the senior housing and health care sectors. Hear Kennedy and Lemle's perspectives on how the pandemic has reshaped the industry, where they see the business heading over the next few years, and their thoughts on how to respond to today's capital market conditions.

Arnold Whitman knows how to adapt during market disruption. As the Founder and Executive Chairman of Formation Capital, he created his business by responding to industry needs during a distressed market, finding opportunities in the challenges. Recent market disruptions are moving the industry toward greater technology interoperability, which Whitman predicts has the potential to improve quality of care and reduce overall healthcare costs. Disruptions are also causing the industry to reconsider how to attract new talent, which Whitman says requires de-stigmatizing the industry and highlighting how interesting and fulfilling it can be. “We need to attract the type of person who is focused on giving back, and recognize and reward laborers and workers at every level,” he said. “It's going to be challenging…but our industry has always been very good at adapting.” 

When looking for senior housing options for a loved one, Patricia Will, founder & CEO of Belmont Village Senior Living, told herself, “If I can't find one, I'll make one.” From developing her first community—designed to provide a level of care and service that she'd expect for her own family—to now operating and developing communities in 15 states, Will has continuously put the needs and desires of residents first. Will joined Beth Mace, NIC's chief economist and director of outreach, to discuss the evolution of her career in senior housing and care, the innovative programs Belmont offers to keep residents healthy and engaged, and the resilience of their staff throughout the pandemic.   

Facing unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, senior living providers responded with courage and resilience. Offering a behind-the-scenes look, Cindy Baier, President and CEO of Brookdale Senior Living, returns to NIC Chats to discuss her new book, Heroes Work Here, with Beth Mace. Baier shares how the book preserves these caregivers' important role in history from their efforts to save lives throughout 2020 and 2021 and serves as a guide for leaders who are navigating unchartered waters.  Hear how Brookdale's heroes responded to the public health crisis and the steps Baier took as a leader to make employees feel valued and listened to. All net proceeds from the book will go to Brookdale's associate compassion fund, which provides financial assistance to eligible associates facing financial challenges. “This really is the story of our incredible associates, our everyday heroes, so it's only fitting that the proceeds from the book should go back to support them when they need it most,” said Baier.  

Fee Stubblefield, founder and CEO of The Springs Living, has never been more excited or optimistic about senior living. Listen as he and Beth Mace discuss how having a purpose, mission and plan has helped solidify his company's reputation among both residents and staff, leading to The Springs Living being named one of the best workplaces for aging services. Plus, learn which 2022 NIC Spring Conference session gave Stubblefield a lightbulb moment and how his family has inspired his business decisions, even down to the company name.

Roosevelt Davis, Senior Director of Seniors Housing at Fannie Mae – one of the largest sources of capital for lenders financing multifamily properties, including seniors housing and care properties – explains how the organization was able to manage risk to continue supporting the industry and providing capital during the COVID-19 pandemic and what the Fannie Mae team looks for when underwriting seniors housing deals. Davis shares his advice for career success with Beth Mace, including the importance of perseverance, constantly learning, and working in an industry that you love.    

Lynne Katzmann, founder and CEO of Juniper Communities – a nationally recognized premier senior living provider – explains how her leadership style has changed over time, but her commitment to creating a better environment for the people she serves remains consistent. Katzmann talks about the challenges of being an entrepreneur and the importance of the “three P's” – passion, planning, and perseverance. Holding your passion close, planning for the consumer of today and of tomorrow, and persevering through the numerous problems that arise.

Brian Sunday, Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager at AEW Capital Management— one of the largest real estate asset managers in the world—shares how his mentor helped him see the full potential of the senior housing industry. AEW wants to add value to their operators and takes pride in doing more than just writing a check. Sunday talks about throwing out AEW's business plan early on in COVID to ensure their operators had the tools and resources they needed to keep residents and employees safe, and what he believes is the biggest challenge facing the industry.  

Cindy Baier, President and CEO of Brookdale Senior Living—the nation's largest senior living operator in the country—shares how growing up on a farm taught her the benefit of hard work. She tackles tough problems by studying them from every angle, utilizing a team with diverse perspectives, and putting every idea on the table, even the unlikely ones. Baier talks about the rewarding connections and relationships Brookdale staff have with residents–what she calls a “second paycheck”–and how this industry is unmatched with opportunities to make a difference.  Key Insights:  The importance of a leadership team being representative of the residential population to gain a true understanding of what they want, how they feel, and what they need. (6:41) Serving side-by-side with staff members who are doing the work—such as maintenance and housekeeping—to make well-informed decision.s (15:10) How a supportive care community fosters relationships within families by alleviating the burden of being an unpaid caregiver. (26:19)  

Tana Gall, President of Merrill Gardens—a private, family-owned company based in Seattle, Washington—chats with Beth Mace about growing up in a town of just 324 people in eastern Washington to now running a company that operates 70 communities across 20 states in the U.S. Gall shares tactics that have helped keep costs down in their moderately priced communities, and how they've had success reducing staff turnover.

Peter Kane, Managing Director and Group Head, Healthcare Banking at CIBC US, has been involved in financing senior housing since 1998, with a team that's been together more than 15 years. Listen in as he and Beth Mace discuss the challenges of financing through the pandemic, particularly with skilled nursing, which is Kane's specialty, and what is happening in the market today. On a more personal note, you'll hear about Kane's upbringing in a large family, and his experience on the golf course with Michael Jordan.

Don Husi, Managing Director of the Senior Housing & Care Finance team at Ziegler, offers inspiring perspectives from more than 30 years in the industry. In this engaging conversation with NIC's Beth Mace, Husi shares his thoughts on growing talent in the industry and innovative ideas to strengthen the sector. Listen now!

VIUM Capital's Brendan Healy, Senior Managing Director, and Scott Tittle, Managing Director, Head of Governmental Relations and External Affairs, share their perspectives on how the pandemic has reshaped the industry, where they see the business heading over the next few years, and their thoughts on how to overcome today's labor challenges. You'll hear some things that will surprise you!

Kelly Cook Andress, President, Sage Senior Living, talks to Beth Mace about her early career working for the legendary Paul Klaassen of Sunrise Senior Living, how she runs her own 1,265 unit business like a Tyrannosaurus Rex, and how sleeping on the floor of a 1-bed apartment in New York for three weeks inspired improvements in her communities' resident apartment designs. 

Ed Williams is a Managing Director in Berkadia's senior housing and healthcare group, one of the largest HUD lenders in the senior housing and care sector. In this episode, Williams shares with NIC Chief Economist Beth Mace how working in the industry has allowed him to combine his passions for caring for seniors, and for crunching numbers. They discuss the differences in HUD, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae lending – but discover plenty of personal similarities, both coming from large families, overcoming adversity, and employing tenacity and persistence to achieve early success in their careers. 

Get to know some of the leading voices and business leaders influencing seniors housing and skilled nursing today. Expect a little more humor, a few good stories from the frontlines, and perhaps a priceless insight gained from deep experience.   You may know that with the recent acquisition of Holiday Retirement, Atria Senior Living has expanded to 447 communities across 45 states and seven Canadian provinces. But did you know that Atria's Chairman and CEO, John Moore, owns a restaurant in Louisville that serves best-in-class bourbon, whiskey, and scotch? And would you like to know what the “B-52 of senior living” is? Listen to NIC Chief Economist Beth Mace's conversation with Mr. Moore, for some ‘aha' moments on the future of senior living – and a few insights of a more personal nature from a leader who is driving that future today. 

Host Beth Mace sits down with Gaurie Rodman, Director of Development Services at Aptura, a Direct Supply Company to learn her vision for the future of senior housing design, including meeting the needs of the ‘forgotten middle,' and evolving the senior living built environment post-pandemic. You'll also hear about Rodman's emigration to Milwaukee from Sri Lanka with two suitcases and $20, her first business, her host moms, and her connection to the world of rock and roll!  

What do Bill Clinton, Pierce Brosnan, and the founding of one of the leading woman-owned businesses in seniors housing & care have in common? Listen to NIC Chief Economist Beth Mace interview Kathryn Sweeney, Managing Partner and Co-Founder at Blue Moon Capital Partners LP, to find out! In this NIC Chats episode, hear about Sweeney's approach to business, the importance of having a personal perspective in investing, and how the industry will grow in the coming post-pandemic years. 

In this authentic, engaging interview, Beth chats with industry thought-leader Scott Thurman, Chief Credit Officer, HUD Lending at Greystone, who's responsible for over $1 billion in FHA lending in the sector. You'll hear Thurman's insights on the state of the industry today, suggestions for growing talent in seniors housing, his personal and career influences, plus his Lego collection! 

You may think you know industry thought leader Bob Kramer, NIC co-founder & strategic advisor and founder of Nexus Insights, but in this engaging interview, you'll learn some things that may surprise you. Kramer shares stories on how he started in the seniors housing industry, his tips on living an authentic life, his insights on the future, and even his taste for rock concerts!

Get to know some of the leading voices and business leaders influencing seniors housing and skilled nursing today. Expect a little more humor, a few good stories from the frontlines, and perhaps a priceless insight gained from deep experience.