Aegis Living Celebrates 20 Years as a Leader in Assisted Living

Aegis Living was founded by Dwayne Clark in 1997 with seven employees in Redmond, Wash. Just one year later, the company had 145 employees and opened its first community in Pleasant Hill, Calif. Today, CEO and Chairman Clark continues to lead the company operating 28 senior communities with 2,000 residents and approximately 2,200 employees in Washington, California and Nevada.

"When we first formed Aegis Living 20 years ago, our mindset was one of disruption due to the existing industry norms," said Clark. "We planned to hire differently, put people before profits, and develop a different kind of building and community for our residents. We were convinced there was a need and very excited about inventing a new choice for seniors."  

Innovation and Employees Drive Success

CEO Clark's vision for Aegis Living was born out of disappointment with senior living options and sub-par service standards when he was caring for his own aging mother. He was committed to doing things differently by creating beautiful and well-appointed communities akin to a five-star hotel, coupled with highly trained and valued nurses, caregivers, managers and operations staff that put the residents first.

"At Aegis Living, we believe employees are at the heart of our success and we treat them like family as we want them to treat our residents like family," said Judy Meleliat, president of Aegis Living. "Unlike what's typical in the senior living industry, we recruit from outside the industry – including the hospitality and retail sectors – and offer training and on-going education. We reward employees through competitive pay, profit sharing and bonuses, but also delight in rewarding employees in novel ways like our Big Dream Vacation Giveaway and Big Lotto Giveaway."

Future Growth

Aegis Living expects to continue its rapid, managed growth with 10 new communities planned over the next several years. Double-digit annual revenue growth is forecast in the next five years with an estimated $300 million in 2021. With new assisted living communities, Aegis expects to create approximately 800 new jobs in the next four years, with 300 planned in the next 12 months.

The company is a neighborhood-oriented business and recognizes regional and cultural differences. For example, in 2001 Aegis Living opened its first Asian community in Fremont, Calif., and this fall, Aegis Gardens of Newcastle in the Seattle area will open and is already being recognized as one of the most distinctive Chinese senior communities in the country. 

20-Year Celebration Activities

Aegis Living plans anniversary celebrations across its 28 communities for staff and residents. In addition, the company hosted a birthday party with a carnival theme for employees and family in the Seattle area where the company is headquartered. Among other activities, the company gave away a new car and other prizes through a raffle as it does every year on its anniversary.

An unveiling of Aegis Living's new corporate headquarters in Bellevue, Wash., coincides with the company's 20-year anniversary. Like all of Aegis' communities, the new headquarters are impeccably laid out with great attention to detail boasting distinctive design elements, company characteristics brought to life through art and unique employee amenities.

About Aegis Living

Aegis Living is a national leader in assisted living and memory care. The privately-held company founded in 1997 is headquartered in Bellevue, Wash., and operates 28 communities in Washington, California and Nevada, including culture-centered communities. Follow the company on Twitter @aegisliving and Facebook or visit the company website at aegisliving.com.

SOURCE Aegis Living

Related Links

http://www.aegisliving.com