For Walsh, leadership at Friendship Village is all about presence and purpose. “One of my favorite things to do in my work is to spend time with residents, having a cup of coffee or meeting with them in small groups,” he says. “These interactions inspire ideas that our team uses to continually elevate the experiences of the seniors who have chosen to live in our communities.” Walsh is especially proud of his team’s personal touch and new innovations, such as SeniorConcierge, which is designed to help seniors thrive at home while staying active, connected, and fulfilled.
2026 QUESTIONNAIRE
What advice would you give to the next generation of St. Louis entrepreneurs or leaders? Love what you do. Understand the needs of the people you are trying to serve. Give them more than they expect.
What’s a risk you took in business that didn’t pan out—but taught you something valuable? In an earlier role, I oversaw multiple senior living communities across several states. Although it was rewarding, it was very difficult to be “present” and to really understand and absorb what the residents and employees needed and wanted, and I think this inability to be present was a disadvantage. In my current role, I am present all day every day in one way or another, and I think it contributes to the synergy across the organization.
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck or uninspired? One of my favorite things to do in my work is to spend time with residents, having a cup of coffee or meeting with them in small groups, or just wandering through the dining venues, hearing their comments and opinions. These interactions inspire ideas that our team uses to continually elevate the experiences of the seniors who have chosen to live in our communities.
Who in your company (or industry) deserves more recognition for their impact? The groundskeepers, the housekeepers, the activities team, the shuttle drivers, the chefs, the servers, the dishwashers. These are the professionals who deliver the “service after the sale.” Our residents are proud to invite friends over to show off their home, inside and out, and to wow them with not only the look and feel of our campuses but, more importantly, the individual and personal connections our staff excels at delivering that makes their residence here the home they didn’t know it could be.
What’s a local organization, nonprofit, or initiative that more people should know about—and why? We have developed a new program called SeniorConcierge that is designed completely around helping seniors thrive in their own homes, even if they choose to not move to a senior living community. Not the traditional private duty caregiver programs that are so prevalent, but services to help them live and maintain their homes, provide transportation, tailored meal services, and, perhaps best, social connections and events that reinvigorate their lives so that they do more than sit at home so that they can stay active and healthy and engaged. It’s good for theirs and their adult children’s peace of mind.
2025 QUESTIONNAIRE
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
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.
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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.
