River City Six – Wendy Tridle

Meet Wendy Tridle, a senior advisor with CarePatrol of Nebraska (www.carepatrol.com).

Tell us a little about your business.

Care Patrol gives seniors and their families an easier and less stressful way to find safer senior care choices for their loved ones. We are a FREE senior housing placement service that helps families find assisted living, independent living, memory care and in-home care options. We assess client’s care level needs, financial needs and general preferred locations to recommend the best and safest care options. As a CarePatrol senior advisor, I personally meet with all of our clients to gain a full understanding of their needs. I then personally identify the most appropriate communities and accompany each family as they tour. After the tours, I help families navigate the often-difficult decision-making process.

How did you get started in the business?

My passion is assisting people with making changes to better their lives. I started my career 20 years ago helping my clients make positive changes in their commercial interior spaces. In 2009, I shifted gears to assist seniors by creating a less stressful and more organized, usable, and functional living space as well as applying that to other aspects of their lives. That ended up being very enjoyable and meaningful work for me and I found myself progressively spending more time wanting to help them.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

I’m a very social person and would like to know and keep in touch with everyone. Forming relationships is important to me and staying in touch with people is challenging, especially in this fast-paced world.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

I have the opportunity to help so many people in my profession, and to connect with each of them so differently. I learn so much from my clients! Several years ago, one client contacted me a week after his wife died and was left with no one to help him. I helped place him in assisted living and also connected with him on funeral planning, lawyer, realtor, etc. He told me, “You are the best thing that happened to me…” This was personally rewarding beyond measure.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband Mike and I have been married for 19 years and we have three boys, Dylan (16), Carson (12), and Zac (9). All three are soccer players so if we aren’t at work, at school, or home, you can find us at the soccer field.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

In 2010, I ran the half marathon in memory of my cousin, Bryan Terrell, who was 30 when he passed from lymphoma. I raised money and trained with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. During that time I enjoyed hearing people’s stories and was truly inspired.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

I am a busy “soccer mom” but when I’m not at a soccer game, I like to go to concerts, movies, and out for dinner.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t write anything down that you don’t want someone else to find and read.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?

Devoted.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?

Architecture. I would love to design an assisted/independent living community.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

Mobile: (402) 730-2542; Email: wendy@carepatrol.com; Website: www.carepatrol.com.