Terry Walsh focuses on creating a vibrant atmosphere for Friendship Village residents. “The toughest challenge is always to convince people that living in a robust, active senior living community such as ours means living a great life again, enjoying themselves and being social, and many simply can’t get that being isolated in their longtime homes,” he says. Walsh’s experience in the military informs his “troops eat first” work ethic—one that literally could have translated into his childhood dream job of chef. Fast-forward to today, and Walsh says that mentality still rings true. “Take care of your troops first. They will always take care of you.”
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has been your or your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months? Over the past year, our company has built a platform, including a proprietary smart phone application and in home devices that offer seniors and their adult children, curated services to help them thrive in their own homes, to manage their houses, to provide social interaction, healthy meal deliveries, scheduled activities and events, as if they live at a senior living community, but actually living in their own home.
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? Expanding beyond bricks and mortar to help people as they age to extend their independence as they age, from the comfort of their own homes without being a burden on their adult children.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? Senior living needs to become more “living” focused and not fall into the typical routine of “senior living” focused. Thrive, be active, participate, travel, enjoy themselves and live the lives they’ve always wanted, with a little help from their friends.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome (excluding the pandemic) and why? The toughest challenge is always to convince people that living in a robust, active senior living community such as ours means living a great life again, enjoying themselves and being social and many simply can’t get that being isolated in their long-time homes.
Keep up with local business news and trends
Subscribe to the St. Louis Business newsletter to get the latest insights sent to your inbox every morning.
MENTORS & PEERS
To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? I go to my board of directors and to my senior staff. They keep me grounded to our purpose and mission.
Do you have a business mentor? If so, who and why? I did at one point. The former CEO of Alexian Brothers Health System in Chicago, who taught me that not every decision needs to be overthought or drawn out. Some are five-minute hallway decisions.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? “The troops eat first.” I learned this early in my military career. Take care of your troops first. They will always take care of you. This has been true every day, since.
If you could have dinner with any two area business leaders, who would you choose and why? An innovator who thinks outside the box. A retired CEO who can tell me their own leadership lessons.
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment and why? I don’t think St. Louis touts its world-class businesses and what it’s doing to change the world, enough. If we could tell the story of St. Louis’ value to the country and the world, perhaps its reputation would improve.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? Chicago, Illinois
What was your childhood aspiration? To be a chef. That didn’t go anywhere and probably shouldn’t have, anyway.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? Newspaper delivery route on a bicycle. The job has to get done, every day. No excuses.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? BA in Biology from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. Master of Healthcare Administration from Baylor University. Master of Strategic Studies from the US Army War College.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? Probably marketing. I like to figure out how to tell stories that persuade.
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? Shack’s Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em!
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? The Boys in the Boat. Hard work and perseverance.
What’s your hobby/passion? Watching my kids do well.
What is your most prized possession? My family.
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? I played the tuba in high school.
What is your go-to karaoke song? The world does not want me to sing.
