River City Six – Mary Grosserode

Meet Mary Grosserode, transition consultant at Bridge to Better Living (www.BridgetoBetterLiving.com).

Tell us a little about your business.

Bridge to Better Living (BBL) helps seniors and families research and find the best retirement living options. I meet with clients to learn their social interests, medical needs, physical conditions, and financial status. This information is used to develop a plan with them to visit communities in the Omaha area to meet the client’s wishes and needs. We schedule tours at the client’s convenience. Each tour, a transition consultant (like me) accompanies the client and is available for any questions or feedback. If a client needs transportation, we are able to provide it in a BBL vehicle and we have an enjoyable day visiting retirement communities. This provides more time to know each other better as insights and histories are shared. Plus, there is no cost to the client or family. How awesome is that!

How did you get started in the business?

I have worked in the Omaha retirement industry for many years. The owner of BBL, Mary Ann Stallings, and I met several years ago when she was giving a client a tour at a retirement community where I was working. I recognized the value of her approach with seniors and the communities immediately. This year I reached out to her and, luckily, she had an opening.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

Leaving my comfort zone. Cold calls were difficult to learn, but now I love them. I look forward to meeting the person who is behind the “door” and needing my assistance.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

In past sales positions, I achieved the President’s Club Status. This award honored my ability to fill a community by building trusted and long-lasting relationships with future residents.

Tell us a little about your family.

I have a daughter, son-in-law, and grand-dog in Omaha, all of whom I adore.

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

Being a single mother.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?

I saved a child who was drowning.

Who inspires you?

My daughter.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” – Maya Angelou.

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

Compassionate.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?

I think I do use my greatest talent…listening.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?

The Alzheimer’s Association. My mother had this disease and I have experienced firsthand how hard it is to see a family member suffer from Alzheimer’s and how the entire family is affected.

What is your favorite TV show?

The Office.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Gorat’s Steakhouse.

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

I would like to have dinner with my parents. They died very young, so when I work with seniors and listen to their life histories, it makes me wonder what stories my parents would have shared with me.

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

Phone: (402) 802-3301; Email: mary@bridgetobetterliving.com; Website: www.BridgetoBetterLiving.com.