Imagine being told no by an entire state department and deciding to do it anyway. In this episode, Isabelle Guarino talks with Mandi and Graham about how they pioneered residential assisted living in Rhode Island and turned a housing dilemma into a massive opportunity.
Discover the step by step journey of these two innovators who moved across the country to fill a desperate need for senior housing.
🏠 The Journey of the Trailblazers
Mandi and Graham share the raw reality of being the first to open a small care home in their state. They dive deep into the challenges of finding the right real estate in the Northeast, where two story colonials are the norm and ranch style homes are a rare find. You will learn about the importance of local connections, like the city councilman who helped them navigate zoning when everyone else said it was impossible.
🏗️ From Conversion to Ground Up Construction
The conversation covers their transition from a single family home conversion to a massive ground up construction project for their second home, Whipple House. They discuss the hurdles of construction in the Northeast, from frozen ground to unexpected rocks, and how they managed the loan process when things got complicated. Whether you are interested in self funding your first project or learning how to raise capital for your second, this episode covers the financial and operational realities of the industry.
📣 Marketing and Community Impact
You will also hear about their unique marketing approach that bypasses traditional placement agents in favor of authentic community building through Facebook and local outreach. Mandi and Graham explain why being the first in your market is a powerful advantage and how to educate families on the benefits of a residential care home over a large facility.
Listen to this episode of the Assisted Living Network Podcast here.
