A Culture of Promise: The True Story of a Small Company's Quest to Transform the Senior Living Industry

by Fee Stubblefield

What began as a simple promise became an entrepreneurial journey to change an industry. In A Culture of The True Story of a Small Company’s Quest to Transform the Senior Living Industry, author Fee Stubblefield encapsulates the best insights on how to build an organization from the ground up and the challenges and opportunities the senior living industry as a whole faces. Even if you aren’t in senior living you will want to read this book because every family and every sector of the economy and government is touched and impacted by our country’s rapidly aging population.

Fee’s passion for building organizations, culture and being disruptive was nurtured in part by his unusual upbringing at a place called Lehman Hot Springs, a small family resort deep in the Blue Mountains of Oregon. Its healing waters and natural setting offers a rich metaphor for organizational culture and business principles that will cause you to think about solving problems in a whole new way. Fee’s promise not to put his grandmother “in an old folks’ home” unlocks the power of having a sense of purpose in serving others and being a part of something bigger than ourselves.

Travel with Fee through an authentic 100-year story of discovering meaning and connecting dots of a family’s failures and triumphs. Learn about a new kind of promise, the paradoxical aspirational promise, that is guaranteed to fail but necessary for those who want to accomplishing great things. The investment of time reading this book will be well worth the price of admission as you will get an insider’s view into what it really takes to be successful and make a difference in your corner of the world.

Genres: Nonfiction

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2024

Reviews

[Barbara Reiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

THROUGH PERSISTENCE AND HARD A NEW MODEL WAS CREATED. "WHAT THE MIND CAN PERCEIVE, ONE CAN ACHIEVE."

[Santiago Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

"A Culture of Promise" by Fee Stubblefield is an inspiring book that tells the story of a small company’s mission to revolutionize the senior living industry.
The book is full of practical insights on building a strong organizational culture and the importance of having a clear sense of purpose. Even if you're not in the senior living sector, the lessons on leadership and innovation are valuable. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in making a meaningful impact.

[Sofi · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Culture of Promise: The True Story of a Small Company's Quest to Transform the Senior Living Industry" by Fee Stubblefield is a remarkable and inspiring read. Stubblefield chronicles the incredible journey of a small company with a big vision, offering a compelling narrative of innovation, dedication, and compassion. The book highlights the challenges and triumphs of transforming the senior living industry, making it a must-read for anyone interested in business, healthcare, or elder care. Stubblefield's storytelling is both engaging and heartfelt, providing valuable insights and motivation. This book is a testament to the power of vision and perseverance.

[Juliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

This book was recommended to me by my brother; the first thing he told me was that it would change my perspective on many things related to our parents' aging and how we could understand them a little better in different areas.
The book tells the story of how the elder care industry is an entrepreneurial and governmental journey. Even if you don't work in that sector, the book becomes relevant as the aging of the population affects all families and economic sectors, in fact, we are all going down that path.
The author's dedication to building innovative organizations offers lessons about organizational culture and the purpose of serving others is something this book focuses on 100%. It is a true case history that is full of connections of failures and triumphs that one really needs to succeed and strive to serve to improve the quality of life of others.
I loved it.

[Saya Jacaranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dignity and respect for the elderly

This book offers a journey into the world of senior care, a theme that I had not known at all before. The plot is build from the author’s heartfelt promise to his grandmother. But it definitely has a broader mission to revolutionize elder care. I highly appreciate this point. I think we give way too little attention to this topic in our society. Yet, we will all end up in a situation like that eventually. The central themes of dignity and respect for the elderly resonated with me on a whole other level. I would say that this book is particularly meaningful for those invested in senior care or organizational culture, but also for entrepreneurs, caregivers, and anyone with aging loved ones.

[Chico's Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a lot of valuable lessons to learn from this book. One of them is understanding what is limiting you from growing your business. I have learned from this book that you should know how to choose the right partners and maintain and live up to the values you stand for. Do not compromise them and be a sellout to make a profit. Build a company with strong values and be able to recognize and overcome everything that is hindering your company from growth. Also, having a suitable venue for communication within the company is helpful because there might be things that others from your company thought could benefit everybody, and having an open line for everyone in the company helps you build a strong company.

[Caro Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read!

I have learned quite a lot from this book and it touched me deeply as my grandmother wa as strong woman but when the time came, none of the nursing homes we checked were good enough to our standards or liking, especially in my home country. So we catered to her and made sure she was always well taken care of and great professionals would cater to her in her own home.
This book is filled with purpose driven insight on organization and meaningful change. I highly recommend this book to everyone because I believe it is a wonderful help to all those entrepreneurs who want to set the standard and make a difference in areas where many won’t.

[Aneley Sánchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new paradigm.

Based on the life of the author and the promise he made to his grandmother not to leave her in a nursing home, this book tells the story of how a promise became the necessary impulse to create a company that transformed the senior living industry.
It is much more than a simple guide to build and develop a business. Although it offers tools and advice to develop in the industry, I think it is more valuable because it offers a holistic and loving vision of the elderly. I would really like everyone who wants to get into the senior housing industry to read this book; it can make a huge positive change!

[Ivan M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stubblefield centers this book on how he developed his company, in the complex world of senior living. Many people, including me, suffered from family members who ended up in a nursing home, wishing to get out. For the final years of anyone's life, peace and tranquility are required to transition to the next chapter.

What I liked about this book is that it is not only centered on the entrepreneurial part, it has a very unique and humanitarian side, making the vision of the company a worthy one, concentrating on the future rather than how much money they're going to make.

Overall, it is an inspirational business book, a great fit for new entrepreneurs.

[Terrie Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read and very informative. I don’t think people plan for this stage of life enough this book literally could be a guide to all you need to know. Also , make us mindful of the politicians we chose in office.

[✨ ੈ✩‧April ♡ ʚ♡⃛ɞ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.25 stars)
Thank you for the giveaway read!
Fee Stubblefield’s A Culture of Promise: The True Story of a Small Company's Quest to Transform the Senior Living Industry is an insightful and inspiring read that delves into the challenges and triumphs of reshaping the senior living industry. This book offers a compelling look at how one company’s dedication to culture and innovation can drive significant change in an often-overlooked sector.

Stubblefield’s narrative is both engaging and enlightening, providing a detailed account of how a small company took on the monumental task of improving senior living environments. The book excels in illustrating the impact of a positive organizational culture on both employees and residents. Stubblefield’s firsthand experience and passion for the subject matter bring authenticity and depth to the story.

One of the standout features of A Culture of Promise is its focus on the human element of business transformation. Stubblefield does an excellent job of highlighting the importance of empathy, leadership, and vision in creating meaningful change. The book provides practical insights and strategies for fostering a supportive and innovative culture, making it a valuable resource for leaders and professionals in the senior living industry.

The storytelling is well-structured, with a balance of personal anecdotes, case studies, and broader industry insights. Stubblefield’s writing is clear and accessible, making complex concepts and industry-specific challenges understandable for a general audience. The book’s narrative flow keeps readers engaged, and the blend of inspirational stories and practical advice provides a well-rounded perspective on the subject.

However, the book occasionally delves into industry jargon and detailed operational aspects that may be less engaging for readers not familiar with the senior living field. While these sections are important for a comprehensive understanding, they can sometimes slow down the narrative for those seeking a more general overview.

Overall, A Culture of Promise is a highly commendable book that successfully captures the essence of transforming an industry through a commitment to culture and innovation. Fee Stubblefield’s firsthand account offers valuable lessons and inspiration for anyone interested in the intersection of business and compassionate care. With its strong narrative and practical insights, it earns a well-deserved 4.25-star rating and is recommended for those looking to understand and effect change in the senior living sector.

[Haerlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Description
What began as a simple promise became an entrepreneurial journey to change an industry. In A Culture of Promise: The True Story of a Small Company’s Quest to Transform the Senior Living Industry, author Fee Stubblefield encapsulates the best insights on how to build an organization from the ground up and the challenges and opportunities the senior living industry as a whole faces. Even if you aren’t in senior living you will want to read this book because every family and every sector of the economy and government is touched and impacted by our country’s rapidly aging population.

Fee’s passion for building organizations, culture and being disruptive was nurtured in part by his unusual upbringing at a place called Lehman Hot Springs, a small family resort deep in the Blue Mountains of Oregon. Its healing waters and natural setting offers a rich metaphor for organizational culture and business principles that will cause you to think about solving problems in a whole new way. Fee’s promise not to put his grandmother “in an old folks’ home” unlocks the power of having a sense of purpose in serving others and being a part of something bigger than ourselves.

Travel with Fee through an authentic 100-year story of discovering meaning and connecting dots of a family’s failures and triumphs. Learn about a new kind of promise, the paradoxical aspirational promise, that is guaranteed to fail but necessary for those who want to accomplishing great things. The investment of time reading this book will be well worth the price of admission as you will get an insider’s view into what it really takes to be successful and make a difference in your corner of the world.

My Take:
As someone who cares for vulnerable populations. I found this title captivating because I'm eager to understand the perspectives on elder care. The book outlines promises, revisits Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and introduces various theories and metrics that guide care decisions and shape organizational culture. It serves as a valuable tool for students of gerontology, organizational studies, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, it benefits advocates for the elderly by providing pertinent questions and considerations.

[Margaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, a huge thank you to the author, Fee Stubblefield, the publisher, Forbes Books, and Goodreads for the privilege of winning A Culture of Promise in a giveaway. I will also post my review to Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

This nonfiction memoir/business book is a compelling narrative based around a promise the author made to his grandmother to never put her in a nursing home. This promise would change his life and the lives of so many elderly and their families. Stubblefield decided to make the senior living space better for not only his family members, but for as many as he could.

The narrative is woven between a lot of great business insight and methods for creating good culture in a workplace where care and empathy has to be at the forefront. Through the author's story, you'll find a very unique perspective on success and failure in the business world, and what those things can mean for real people. Stubblefield's passion for building culture in an organizational and innovative way is clear throughout, inspiring the reader to make changes in not only their work life, but in their personal life as well.

As our population is aging, and as the care of aging family members will be a topic of conversation around the great majority of our dinner tables, we all need to be looking to make a better future for everyone. When our must vulnerable are treated with the dignity and tenderness they deserve, the rest of us can sleep well knowing we are doing what we can. However, we should always wake up in the morning and try to do even better, as Stubblefield shows us. Even though I'm not in business, I found a lot of interesting and unique insights in the book to take forward into my life and relationships with the older people in my life. It helped me realize that planning for your future is critical for not only yourself, but for your family and legacy. There's a lot of valuable lessons to be learned in this book!

I would recommend this book for almost everyone, because we are all touched by aging and care for older family members in some way. If not, we should at least be aware of those in our communities and do what we can in our own ways to try to help, and this book can give you some inspiration for action. If you like memoirs, success stories, inspirational and motivational tales, business stories, entrepreneurial stories, or work in the senior living industry, this is a must-read!

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

The senior living industry is one that comes with intrinsic challenges. The field is vast and complex, and there are living, breathing human beings at the core of it. Healthcare entities that cater to them have a duty of care that they can’t afford to neglect. However, while some companies rise to these challenges, others bypass basic decency in the spirit of making a quick buck.

This book is a deep dive into the senior living industry and the pernicious difficulties and quiet moments of triumph that are often a part of it. The author talks about his upbringing and the connection that he feels with senior citizens. His life’s journey and senior living are all wound up together, and you can’t talk about one without the other. Anyone who is approaching their Golden Years or has relatives who are approaching retirement age shouldn’t hesitate to read this book for the many gems and the wealth of wisdom that it contains.

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transformative Leadership in Senior Care...

Fee Stubblefield's book, A Culture of Promise: The True Story of a Small Company's Quest to Transform the Senior Living Industry, tells a captivating story about business drive and personal values. Driven by a pledge to his grandmother, Stubblefield shares insights from his childhood in Lehman Hot Springs, demonstrating how purpose can drive genuine company development. The book dives into the problems facing the senior living industry, highlighting the importance of compassionate care and ethical procedures. Using personal tales and professional insights, Stubblefield gives a model for creating mission-driven businesses. This uplifting and educational book is a must-read for anybody interested in senior care, entrepreneurship, or organizational development, as it provides significant insights for altering industries and improving lives. Highly recommended.

[Marina Lujan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, the author, with a sincere and committed voice, shares with us his education and the deep connection he feels with older people, thus revealing his motivation for writing this work. I decided to read this book because the topic it addresses worries and occupies me, since my mother is reaching an advanced age. Finding a suitable place for her, where she is treated with dignity and care, is a priority for me. This book gave me a detailed and honest look at what the senior housing industry really entails, laying bare both its flaws and its achievements.
The significance of staying informed on this subject is immense. Grasping the challenges and opportunities in this area is crucial for making informed choices and ensuring our loved ones receive optimal care. This book is an essential reading for anyone with elderly family members or those keen on improving the elder care system.

[Karli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a powerful read that looks at an industry that is often overlooked and heavily scrutinized. The senior living community , which is rapidly growing in our country, has many needs that need to be fulfilled if the people within that community are going to be adequately cared for. The companies and individuals who take on these challenges are facing a continuous uphill battle as they struggle to keep up with the growing needs and the growing numbers. It is important to remember that these are people we are talking about, not just numbers on a chart or boxes to be checked off. The book focuses on one company and what it did to ensure that senior citizens were taken care of. The author does a great job of showing hos his life led to the decisions that ensured that people came first rather than the profit. These are lessons that seem common sense, but are often overlooked. Many business leaders would benefit from this read and the ideas that it presents.

[Janier Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fee Stubblefield's deep and impactful narrative is an inspiring story where you can understand how a small company managed to not only innovate in the palliative care industry but also revolutionize the concept of palliative care. In this book, you can understand how the author details the process that his company went through, highlighting the entire corporate journey, both successes and failures in reaching the goal or mission of providing a quality of life or at least better treatment to the elderly in his region. It is an inspiring book on issues of commitment, leadership and innovation as long as you are compelling to the cause. I recommend this book for all those who are starting their entrepreneurial career and want to reach success through dedication and a clear vision of purpose. I enjoyed the book.

[Agustina Sureda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a captivating story that shares how an organizational culture can be created within the senior living industry. The author was determined to keep his grandmother out of a traditional nursing home, so he decided to create a space where seniors can have a better life. In this book, he shares his insights on building a purpose-driven organization, while also telling stories about his way of living when he was a kid. I have to say, this is a wonderful idea that can lead to a fantastic experience for seniors and their families. It is definitely a new way of thinking and a great approach. This book is truly inspiring and makes a difference!  

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stubblefield's passion for building organizations, culture and being disruptive took him to the top of the business world. Willing to give his all and turn a promise into reality, Fee transformed the senior housing industry. In the book, this author brings together his knowledge of how to build an organization from the ground up and the challenges and opportunities of the senior housing industry as a whole.
I thought this book was brilliant; it is told in such a way that it makes the reader instantly feel empathy for Fee's drive to want to change the senior housing industry. It is certainly a book that I recommend to all those who are interested in this industry.

[Dani Savante · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Culture of Promise” is the true story of one small business' quest to transform the senior housing industry. It is a very interesting and compelling read that offers more than just a narrative about entrepreneurship. What I found most interesting is the purpose, passion and innovation with which it explores, in the context of the rapid aging of the population.
I found this book to be an inspiring journey that begins with a simple and sincere promise that serves as the trigger for an extensive search followed by many achievements.
What made me feel comfortable reading it is its narrative, which is deeply personal.

[Mayra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Culture of Promise by Fee Stubblefield is an appealing search of the entrepreneurship and organizational culture within the senior living industry. This book gave me a deep look into the senior living industry and the malicious difficulties in it. Along the pages, the author talks about his life’s journey and senior living, and he explains how he cannot talk about one without the other. As regards the literary aspect I have to mention the fact that the author did a wonderful job when passing his knowledge on, as it is not easy to put his experiences into words. I could follow the read with no effort and had a pleasant time with this book. I recommend it 100%.

[Melissa Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. It's a reminder to humanize the work you do everyday. It's enriched in so many ways, and Fee Stubblefield shows how. Family members transitioning into nursing homes can be hard, and it's hard work to make it successful. And of course the transition from nursing homes back to home with family as well. I appreciated that the author provided the key takeaways after every chapter. This is a heavy subject, and he wants you to remember key things. The writing was great, and it's a reminder that there will always be people behind the work you do and who you're doing it for.

[Mia C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Culture of Promise" is an eye opening read. The author's journey to transform the senior living industry is truly inspiring.
I think that the natural setting is a beautiful metaphor for business principles. The author's passion for building a meaningful organization is evident. The book is full of genuine stories of challenges and triumphs. It made me think about the power of purpose and serving others. It is a must read for anyone looking to be inspired and learn about building something impactful. Highly recommend it!

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥MUST READ 🔥

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never give up. We all look at things differently, but there's always one person looking at the same thing you are and wondering how they can make it better.

[Yvonne Marks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the way the author feels about senior housing and nursing homes. I am happy he is working on making them better places for people to live in. There were times that I felt the book was a bit repetitive in the narrative.
Thanks for the free book.