In this month’s Culture of Joy, we’re excited to spotlight Dennis, whose hands-on skills, genuine care, and positive energy have made an indelible impact on both the residents and team members at The Waterford at Hartford.
Dennis’s journey began with a background in construction. His innate ability to connect with people quickly made him an invaluable member of the team.
Now serving as Maintenance Director, Dennis has truly found his calling. With a strong commitment to ensuring that every resident feels safe and comfortable, Dennis goes beyond just fixing things. He creates an environment where residents feel heard, cared for, and valued.
Dennis doesn’t just fix things. He fosters a sense of belonging, encourages a spirit of independence, and brings warmth to every interaction. Whether he’s stepping in to help with a kitchen task, driving the bus, or making someone smile with a quick fix, he leads with joy and purpose every day.
Thank you, Dennis, for bringing heart and care to everything you do. You truly exemplify what it means to create a Culture of Joy.
Q&A with Dennis
Q: Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role at The Waterford at Hartford?
A: I’m Dennis and I’ve been the Maintenance Director at The Waterford at Hartford for 13 years.
Q: What brought you to The Waterford at Hartford?
A: My brother worked at a senior living community and heard about The Waterford at Hartford needing a Maintenance Director. I worked in construction in the past so he thought of me for the job.
Q: How is this job different?
A: I worked in factories and warehouse settings before. At the community, when I fix something, it puts a smile on the residents’ faces.
Q: Tell us what a day in the life of a Maintenance Director is like.
A: I start every morning checking the maintenance log. If there’s nothing pressing, I do a walk around the building to make sure everything is in place. Residents or a team member may flag me down for help. I turn rooms over when someone moves out to get them move-in ready. I also have monthly tasks I keep up with.
Q: What type of jobs do you get requested to complete?
A: Anything from troubleshooting a pendant to replacing a battery or hanging a TV. I hang pictures and can help with bed frames. Help setup their cable boxes; TV is very important!
Q: It sounds like you’re busy helping out around the community!
A: Oh yes, and I step in when other departments need help too. I help drive the bus and sometimes I jump in the kitchen if they need help.
Q: Sounds like you wear many hats.
A: I sure do.
Q: For those of us who haven’t been, what is The Waterford at Hartford like?
A: The community is really nice. The residents are really great. We like to joke around and have fun. The team works really well together, too. We solve problems and get along really well.
Q: I’m sure over the last 13 years you’ve developed some great relationships.
A: Definitely.
Q: How would you say your role as Maintenance Director is rewarding?
A: I love putting a smile on their faces, whether it’s fixing something, cooking a meal, or spending time with them. Sometimes the family members see me and thank me, and I get taken aback by that. I’m here to provide a service and I’m doing the best I can. It’s rewarding to know I’m making a difference in someone’s life.
Q: When you trade in your maintenance belt for your chef’s hat, what are your specialties?
A: I helped out when some of the kitchen team was out due to illness and I made enchiladas that the residents loved. They really raved about them.
Q: I’m sure you used some great Wisconsin cheese, too!
A: Absolutely!
Q: Do you have a favorite on-the-job memory?
A: I have a lot! One of my first jobs holds a special place in my heart. A residents faucet was broken and they didn’t have hot water, so I replaced her faucet and when I got it all hooked up, she was so happy. There was also another gentleman whose belt was broken and asked if I could fix it. I thought, this poor guy probably had this belt for 30 years and didn’t want to replace it, so I fixed it for him by replacing the set of screws in the belt buckle.
Q: Wow, you really can do it all!
A: There’s never a dull day!
Q: What’s life like outside of the community when you’re not fixing odds and ends?
A: I love to camp with my family. We’ve gone with our kids and three grandkids for the last four years. We try to go to new spots every trip to see a new place. We go for the 4th of July and we also have a campground we love for Halloween where the kids can trick-or-treat around the campsites. When I’m not camping, I enjoy gardening, metal detecting and casino visits.
Q: That’s awesome! Sounds like you have fun.
A: Definitely!
Q: It’s been a pleasure getting to know you and learning about your career, Dennis. When I’m in the area, I expect to try those famous enchiladas!
A: Thank you! I’ll have them ready!
Dennis’s story is a shining example of the dedication and heart that define life in a senior living community. Driven by a passion for helping others and a talent for fixing just about anything, Dennis brings reliability, warmth, and a sense of humor to every day. The strong, caring environment he’s helped foster at The Waterford at Hartford reflects the impact of showing up with kindness, humility, and a willingness to go above and beyond. Dennis’s work reminds us how one person’s steady presence and genuine care can truly make a difference.
Become a Social Butterfly and Shimmer Through Your Senior Years
It’s never too late to transform into a social butterfly. Senior living communities are designed to promote health and happiness while allowing you to build new friendships in your later years.
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