Oasis Senior Advisors make a strong first impression, whether it’s with seniors and their families or on the business community. Fort Myers franchisee Cindy Walker was recently named a finalist for the prestigious Horizon Council Start Up of the Year award.
The honor is part of the Industry Appreciation Awards given out annually by the Horizon Council, the Horizon Foundation and the Lee County Economic Development Office. The Start Up Award recognizes companies founded in Lee County within the last three to five years that have shown continued growth financially and in staffing while demonstrating leadership and overcoming challenges.
Walker took over the Fort Myers franchise in April and helped position it as the market leader for senior housing made simple. The franchise is one of 75 in 28 states across the country for the Bonita Springs-based Oasis Senior Advisors, which began operations in 2014.
“We’re so proud of Cindy for being such a great ambassador for the compassionate, personalized service we give nationwide,” Oasis Senior Advisors CEO Tim Evankovich said. “This award is another recognition of our firm belief in our model of providing a life-changing service at no cost to seniors.”
Walker received a signed letter of congratulations from state Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto along with a trophy for having been named a finalist. But the greatest gift is the satisfaction of knowing she’s making a difference in the lives of so many, Walker said.
“We don’t just give seniors the names of communities that fit their needs,” she said. “We go on tours with them and their families, answer their questions, facilitate resources to ease their transition, and follow up to make sure they’re always receiving the right level of care.”
She understands the daunting challenge that the search for senior housing poses to many, having worked previously as the executive director of an assisted living community. Her lengthy career in health care administration and nursing dates back to age 13, when she was a candy striper at a nursing home.
That experience has given her an understanding not just of the complex set of housing options facing seniors and their families, but range of the emotions they experience as they try to navigate them. It’s that personal touch that distinguishes her and her fellow Oasis Senior Advisors from others in the market.
“We rely on the strength of our people,” Evankovich said. “We’re extremely careful about choosing the right franchisees. Cindy is a sterling example of that.”
Visit oasissenioradvisors.com to see how Oasis puts its core principles into action.
