Elk Ridge Village ( www.ElkRidgeSeniorLiving.com ) is a retirement community located in Elkhorn just north of 192nd and Dodge that offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and Special Memory Care.  Jon Barr is the Dietary Director and Executive Chef at Elk Ridge Village.

How did you get started in the business? – I have always had a passion for cooking and I was fortunate enough to have an uncle who is a chef and opened his own restaurant, working with him really turned my passion into a career.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – I have had several but I think the most challenging situations I’ve experienced were starting businesses from the ground up and working through the growing pains and the peaks and valleys of the business.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Having the opportunity over the last seven years to literally see the growth of our community; it has been a great achievement.

Tell us a little about your family. – I am happily married to my beautiful wife Shannon and we have an amazing daughter Norah that is 8 months old.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Becoming a father has been wonderful turning point in my life.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Spend time with family and friends, golfing, grilling or just spend time out doors.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I was in a curling league for a couple of years.

What are you the most proud of? – Becoming a father and for working hard to achieve the goals that I set for myself.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Apply yourself and you can do anything

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

If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Take it Easy” by the Eagles.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? – I would like to have the speed of the Flash so that I can accomplish all the tasks I need to and still have time to relax.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – My sense of humor.

Which talent would you most like to have? – I would like to play an instrument.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I would like to be a great teacher.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I am involved with the Make a Wish Foundation; we host the annual Wish Makers Ball at Elk Ridge Village.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain.

What is your favorite movie? – Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

What is your favorite TV show? – Right now, Game of Thrones or Last Man on Earth.

What is your favorite local restaurant? – Dante, Mai Thai or Lazlo’s.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Jimmy Fallon

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – I can be reached at (402) 763-8692 Ext. 201 or via email at Jon.Barr@elkridgeseniorliving.com.  You can also find out more about Elk Ridge Village at our website, www.ElkRidgeSeniorLiving.com.