Walnut Grove is a Resort Lifestyle Community located at 4901 S. 153rd Street in Omaha, NE. Karla Frese is the Marketing Director for Walnut Grove Retirement Community.
Tell us a little about your business. – Walnut Grove offers independent senior housing with luxurious choices for maintenance-free living in a safe and secure community setting. We believe that amenity-filled living should also be affordable, so we don’t require a buy-in fee and residents pay an all-inclusive monthly price, month by month. We are honored to serve our residents and committed to doing everything we can to help them enjoy life to the fullest. Home health care nurses, physical therapy, and geriatric assistance are welcome from third party resources.
How did you get started in the business? – I started in January of 2008. It was a calling of service and fun – the perfect combination! I wondered what my purpose in life was and I consider myself very lucky to have found it. My love for the residents is overflowing. Every day I have the opportunity to make a difference for these wonderful residents and their families.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The biggest challenge is being a ‘career mom’ and finding a great balance of family and work. I’m blessed with an awesome support circle!
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – So far I’ve helped 398 families with their community deposits to start their retirement planning.
Tell us a little about your family. – My husband, Derek coaches Track & Field at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln. We are blessed with two daughters: Rosalyn (5), who starts kindergarten this month, and Ruby (2). We had our first family vacation this summer to Disney World; it was magical and very, very hot!
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Family/play time, we love to visit Grandma and Papa whenever we can too.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I grew up on a farm in West Point, NE.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Change your thoughts and you change your world.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Loving.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Education; I’d love to be a teacher.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Church and school. The heart that gives, gathers.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Nell Scovell and Sheryl Sandberg.
What is your favorite TV show? – The Office.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Stop by for a coffee, call (402) 861-1611, email me at WGMktg@RLCommunities.com, or visit our website at www.WalnutGroveRetirement.net.