Haylee Ergenekan

I attribute my success to hard work, dedication, sleepless nights, and answering calls on the weekends instead of stepping away from family functions to make sure that client feels seen. I think it's putting no boundaries and having acceptance and understanding that this is life, this is what we do, and we have to find a way to balance, of course. I think my people skills are key - I think people feel safe with me. I've had so many people tell me, you know, you know every name in this room. I always said fly through the party, how dare I not know everybody? I think I attribute it to just understanding what people really need, what they need to feel seen and to feel heard. People love to be invited, they love to be included, and I think I do that well. I've been told that I've been able to make others feel safe, that I walk in the room and I know everyone's name, which is important especially since I am the one that is conducting most of the structures or meetings.

I always considered my mom to be the queen of hospitality, so her values always stuck with me. My mother was the queen of hospitality - she is such a visionary. I've been lucky enough to have great mentors along the way and been able to build those relationships, and they've always been there for me and gave me a chance without having a formal education to support and move up quickly. Within the industry, I do have some women and some men that have influenced me heavily in helping build the relationships, teaching me how to connect, teaching me how to make sure that I'm present. They've become... they've shifted from mentors to confidants, and I'm very fortunate for them.

My advice is to build your sphere as big as possible. When you're starting out, you absolutely meet everyone, attend everything, be a part of everything that's going on. The more people that you know, build your village. Truly, because there are people in this industry that I would not be able to do what I do now without them. Try to have a good support group, try to attend all of the meetings, find time to get to know the people in your industry, because it is a really, really good group of people taking care of seniors. The heart is huge, and then don't forget some time for yourself. I think that just comes with the territory. I'm always looking to expand my network. I think it would be shameful for a sales and marketer to say they have enough friends.

I think one of the biggest opportunities in senior living right now is that the industry is booming, creating tremendous potential to serve more families while continuing to raise the standard for hospitality, care, and community engagement.

Hard work, dedication, going the extra mile, taking calls when you're not at work - really having no boundaries but balancing it off with a healthy work and home life. Being responsible for your professional conduct is important to me. I've always been told that I've been able to make others feel safe, that I walk in the room and I know everyone's name, which is important especially since I am the one that is conducting most of the structures or meetings. While I am passionate about my work, I am equally committed to giving back. Community involvement has always been an important part of who I am. I have been actively involved with the Family Peace Center, supporting initiatives that help survivors of domestic violence and their children. Through this work, I have helped organize charity events, back-to-school programs, and special projects designed to bring comfort and support to families facing difficult circumstances. One project that was especially meaningful to me involved creating activity bags for children staying in domestic violence shelters. Knowing that a small gesture could provide comfort, entertainment, and a sense of normalcy during a challenging time reinforced why community service is so important to me. I have been responsible for running the programs and bringing these ideas to the organization and really bringing them to life and implementing them. I believe we all have an opportunity to make a difference, and I am grateful to be part of efforts that support those in need. As a full-time mom and wife and all of the things, especially taking care of my mother and my father-in-law, that's a lot, but I think that just comes with the territory.