January 14, 2021
As the vice president of marketing for Accura HealthCare, Mike Brown is grateful for the opportunity to share the stories of long-term care residents and those who serve them.
How did you get started in the long-term care profession?
I started working in long-term care in 2015 when I became the marketing director at a Tealwood Senior Living skilled nursing community located in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Prior to 2015, I spent time working to become a certified PGA teaching professional, as well as handling marketing and advertising campaigns for northeast South Dakota businesses as an account executive for a radio broadcast group. Neither of those careers have given me as much pride as I currently have while working in long-term care. I am thankful every day for having the opportunity to help share the stories of our wonderful residents and incredible health care heroes.
What do you like most about working in long-term care?
Working in long-term care gives me the greatest sense of pride, especially working for a company such as Accura HealthCare. We live by our mission statement of, “Partners in care, family for life,” and I truly get to see and hear about that mission every day. Having pride in the work that I do and knowing that I am a part of a family-centered culture means the world to me.
What would you tell others to encourage them to consider a career in long-term care?
There are so many benefits to choosing a career in long-term care. Establishing and building relationships with residents go such a long way. Having the opportunity to have a direct and positive impact on the health and happiness of someone is incredibly rewarding.
What lessons have you learned working in long-term care that also help you outside of work?
I have had many life lessons in my six years in the long-term care industry. The first of which is to not take time for granted. We are not all given the same amount of time, so if you are going to do or say something, do not wait. Another lesson I have learned along the way is to look for the good. No matter how much negativity there may be going on around you, always seek out the good – it is out there. And if you cannot find the good, be the good.
When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy spending time with my wife, Mandy, and our two sons, Spencer and Nolan. I also enjoy playing golf, traveling, fishing and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings (there’s always next year).
What is your favorite quote and why?
“Whatever you are, be a good one.” – Abraham Lincoln
There are many quotes by Abraham Lincoln that I appreciate, but the simplicity of this advice is very fitting for our current times.
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