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.

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.

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.

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.

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.