Jacob Little’s journey into senior care began at age 15, driven by a desire for a cellphone and spending money. He took a job at an independent living facility where his great-grandmother lived, discovering a passion for assisting older adults. This early experience led him to his current position as a senior care adviser at ProMedica Senior Care in Baltimore, Maryland, where he guides families in choosing suitable senior living arrangements.
Rapid Career Advancement to Management
Little quickly advanced in his career, becoming a dining room manager at an assisted living community by age 19. He expressed a strong affinity for the role, and despite the dining area being under reconstruction upon his arrival, he successfully implemented significant improvements to the department.
His goal was to provide residents with an exceptional restaurant-style dining experience. To achieve this, he trained servers in proper etiquette and managed various responsibilities, including hiring, budgeting, and administrative tasks. This experience proved foundational for his subsequent career steps.
Transitioning Successfully into Sales
While conducting residential tours, Little collaborated closely with the marketing team, frequently being asked to discuss the dining experience. Encouraged by positive feedback from the executive director, he recognized sales as his next career progression.
He secured a sales associate position at a newly opened independent living community in Columbia. This community successfully welcomed 75 residents within a month and a half of its grand opening. This shift from dining services to sales became a crucial stepping stone for his future leadership roles.
Emphasizing Resident Relationships
In subsequent years, Little developed a career blending operational expertise with community engagement. He served as an account manager at WayForth and Town & Country Movers Inc., where he supported seniors and their families with relocation planning and logistics. His dedication to customer service led to his recognition as a top salesperson.
In 2024, Little took on the role of leasing and outreach coordinator at Atrium Village in Owings Mills, Maryland. His responsibilities included fostering connections with potential residents, organizing outreach programs, and contributing to increased occupancy. These experiences honed the skills he now applies at ProMedica Senior Care in Baltimore.
Insights into Senior Care Trends
In his capacity as a senior care adviser, Little integrates sales leadership with a personal commitment to improving seniors’ daily lives. Drawing on over a decade of experience, he assists families in identifying their specific needs and connecting them with appropriate services. He emphasizes that active listening is a critical component of his work in the industry.
Little also points out how current trends in assisted living influence operations. He notes that some individuals aged 60 and above mistakenly associate senior care communities with traditional nursing homes. He clarifies that senior living has evolved significantly over the past two decades, now functioning as a vibrant community. Residents benefit from amenities such as meals, housekeeping, transportation, and social activities, receiving personal care assistance while preserving their independence.
The sector has also seen the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI), though its role remains limited. Staff utilize AI to manage initial inquiry calls, generating transcribed summaries of conversations. This information helps Little better understand and address individuals’ needs during one-on-one interactions.
Leadership Grounded in Respect
Little attributes his achievements to his commitment to listening and showing respect to colleagues across all levels. He advocates for fostering positive work environments where team members feel appreciated, stating that individuals ultimately desire a workplace where they can be content, underscoring the importance of treating everyone with respect.
Mentorship and formal education have also been instrumental in Little’s professional growth. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and his continuous pursuit of knowledge has enhanced his management and strategic planning capabilities.
Professional Engagements and Future Goals
Beyond his responsibilities at ProMedica, Little is actively involved in various professional organizations, including the Baltimore City Provider Council, the Senior Provider Informational Network, and the Northwest Chamber of Commerce. He also contributes to research and care initiatives through the Alzheimer’s Association.
Little’s professional aspiration is to become an executive director within the next three to five years, planning to achieve this by expanding his expertise in dining, nursing, sales, and marketing. In his personal life, he is married and enjoys spending time with his dogs, cats, and friends.
