Adam Benton is Co-Founder and Senior Vice President at Stellar Senior Living. Benton founded Stellar with his father Evrett, who is the former CEO of Five Star Senior Living.
In this Hot Seat interview, Benton shares how he spent time living in Sicily for two years, his view that all industry professionals should sleep in their communities at least once, and what he is doing at 7 a.m. on a Saturday.
It’s 7 a.m. on a Saturday. Where are you right now?
On the Peloton, trying not to wake up my two year old twins.
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Hiking
If you could trade places with any other person for a week, who would it be and why?
I would trade places with my son with Down syndrome. I want to better understand how he sees the world.
What’s your favorite destination worldwide?
Sicily! I lived there for two years in my 20’s as a missionary for my church. Amazing people, food, and culture.
What’s the emoji you use most often?
What was your first job in senior living and what was your biggest on-the-job lesson from that experience?
Starting Stellar was my first job in senior housing. I learned that the Executive Director role is the most important job in the company.
What is your most important people management principle?
Make hard decision quick.
What’s one thing all senior housing professionals can do to improve the resident experience?
All senior housing professionals should stay the night in a community.
If you were recruiting someone to join the industry for the first time, what are three words you would use to describe the senior living industry?
Different Every Day
Complete the sentence: In 2050, I hope senior living is ….
…Innovating!