Being ‘a purposeful resource’
Published 8:01 pm Tuesday, November 19, 2019
- Andrew Schwarz, the new director of sales at Oak Park Place, stands next to a tree that is decorated year-round at the assisted living facility. - Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
Sales director at Oak Park Place enjoying new position in health care industry
After working for five years at Albert Lea’s Verizon store, Andrew Schwarz is now working as the director of sales at Oak Park Place.
Schwarz, whose background is in sales, mortgages and real estate, said when people come to Oak Park Place looking for assisted living and memory care options for their families, he helps show them the facility and teaches them about the options available there. He also works closely with discharge planners and social workers and does outreach with other groups throughout the community, such as the Albert Lea Senior Center.
“I think this is a good fit for me, personally,” he said. “This position is very geared toward being a purposeful resource.”
The Albert Lea man was working at the phone store off of Bridge Avenue when he found out about the position from a friend. He said he was looking for a change of pace in his life, interviewed with the organization’s corporate office and was offered the job. He started Sept. 9.
He said he likes the opportunity the position gives him to get out and meet with people throughout the community and likes that he can be a resource for people searching for assisted living for their loved ones.
Oak Park Place is on Bridge Avenue in Albert Lea. – Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
“This position gives me the opportunity to connect,” Schwarz said. “Everyone communicates, but few connect. I’m trying to connect more on a personal basis.”
He said perceptions of senior care facilities have changed over the years.
“This is a home away from their home,” Schwarz said. “We try to do our best to make it an environment where people are more of a name versus a number.”
Oak Park Place is made up of The Grove Assisted Living and Autumn Lane Memory Care, a secured memory care community. It offers residents three meals a day, light housekeeping and helps them with transportation to things such as doctors appointments, among other responsibilities.
He said his first few months have gone well and he thanked the others in leadership positions at the facility, who he noted are great to work with.
In his spare time, Schwarz said he enjoys antique collecting and enjoys attending auctions and garage sales. He also likes to play bingo at the American Legion.
His wife, Corissa, is a paralegal at Peterson, Kolker, Haedt and Benda law firm.
