Building a Culture for Sustainable Success
Creating a workplace culture that evokes pride, belonging, and purpose doesn’t happen overnight. It takes vision, intention, and consistent effort from leadership and team members alike. But when those pieces come together, the results are powerful—not only in the day-to-day operations but in long-term, sustainable success.
During my time as Interim VP of Marketing for The Aspenwood Company, I’ve witnessed firsthand how deeply culture shapes outcomes. From day one, I was welcomed into an environment that was both supportive and inspiring. Associates weren’t just doing their jobs—they were living out a mission. Leadership made thoughtful, timely decisions that balanced cost and function, empowering teams to operate with both efficiency and care. It was clear: Aspenwood’s commitment to excellence extended far beyond the services provided to residents. It was embedded in how they treated their people.
That commitment shows up in the communities as well. Take, for example, Village of Meyerland. Here, culture is not just a buzzword—it’s lived daily. Associates describe their workplace as nurturing and purposeful. Sandar Larkin, a valued member of the Concierge Team, shared her perspective:
“Having been part of Village of Meyerland for nearly a year, I’ve found a sense of purpose under the umbrella of The Aspenwood Company. Working closely with brilliant managers, dedicated staff, and wonderful residents has been a gift. I’ve seen residents transition from wheelchairs to walkers, and walkers to standing proudly on their own—thanks to the tireless work of clinical teams, dietary programs, and activities that enrich body, mind, and spirit.”
Her reflections highlight an important truth: culture isn’t abstract. It shows up in the joy of a resident regaining independence, in the comfort of a well-kept home, and in the simple kindness of a concierge greeting a family member with care. It’s in the details—from innovative programs like doll therapy for memory care residents, to the dedication of a maintenance team that works behind the scenes to ensure safety and comfort.
Of course, culture also requires accountability and trust. Sandar shared how much pride she takes in being the “first impression” for families—whether on the phone or at the front desk. It’s this kind of ownership and responsibility, shared across all levels of the organization, that fuels both resident satisfaction and team pride.
The result? A company positioned not just for short-term success but for long-term growth. As Sandar so perfectly put it:
“From what I’ve seen, I’m optimistic that The Aspenwood Company will only continue to grow—maybe even beyond the U.S.”
And the data supports this approach:
Companies with strong cultures see a 4x increase in revenue growth compared to those with weaker cultures (Forbes).
77% of employees believe a healthy work culture enables them to do their best work (Deloitte).
Organizations that support work-life balance have 25% less turnover (SHRM).
Gallup research shows that employees who strongly agree their employer cares about their wellbeing are 69% less likely to look for a new job.
At the heart of it all is a leadership team that recognizes potential, celebrates contributions, and builds pathways for associates to thrive. That investment in people pays dividends far beyond one quarter or one year—it builds a legacy of excellence.
In a world where turnover and burnout often dominate conversations about senior living, The Aspenwood Company proves that when you build a culture of trust, care, and purpose, sustainable success follows naturally.
For me, the experience has been nothing short of inspiring. And for associates like Sandar, it’s been life-changing. Together, these stories remind us: building culture takes work, but the rewards are profound—for residents, associates, and the future of the organization.
Live Life Well. Balance at Work. Thrive Together.
Ready to find your purpose and join a culture built for success? Explore career opportunities with The Aspenwood Company today!
Written by — Christina O’Leary