Susan Bond

Consultant

Susan Bond has over 25 years' experience in sales, marketing, and management services. As a licensed real estate broker in two states for over 18 years, she was a consistent multi-million dollar producer. At the time of her licensure in Alabama, she was the youngest broker in Montgomery County. While living in North Carolina, Susan assisted as Interim Relocation Director for all levels of management and employees for Universal Furniture Company when the company relocated its headquarters to the state.

In 1995, Susan relocated to Sarasota, Florida, where she embarked on a new career in the assisted living industry. Her initial position was with Alterra at Clarebridge, its memory-care community. In that position, she took the property from start-up to stabilization with an extensive waiting list. For her achievement, she was designated ALS National Dementia Trainer/Partner throughout the U.S. to train and prepare marketing staff as they opened new dementia properties.

Susan then moved to Merrill Gardens to help the community overcome a negative image. In six months, she had successfully admitted and retained 56 new residents, bringing the census up from 75% to 94% and earning a reputation as an effective troubleshooter for challenged properties. In 1999, Heritage Healthcare of America, a national not-for-profit management company, enlisted her to come aboard when the company acquired a Florida property. In eight months, a dynamic team successfully raised the census from 43% to 97%.

Her interest in the senior living industry reflects Susan's lifelong interest in humanity. In 2002, she was appointed a Florida Long Term Care Ombudsman, an advocate for the rights of seniors. She has co-chaired the Alzheimer's Memory Walk in Sarasota, served as a "Loaned Executive" for United Way, was a presenter for the N.C. Legislature on adolescent substance abuse (a cause of passion) and currently serves on the boards of several civic organizations.