Baldwin Living CEO and Director Paul Burkett (pictured) is a regular sight at Sydney Airport’s domestic terminal.
With five of Baldwin Living’s retirement villages outside NSW, he was making 79 flights a year in 2019 before COVID-19 came into the country.
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“I believe you need to be hands-on and talking face-to-face with the residents, the staff and the residents association,” Paul said.
“You discover small issues, that you wouldn’t on the phone, that can be dealt with before they become big issues.”
Paul, who started his career in the hospitality business (eight years as General Manager for Rydges Hotels & Resorts, four years as General Manager for Amora Hotels) before entering the retirement living sector, knows the importance of the personal touch.
“I think being at the villages shows management that I care and I see how the village managers engage and advise them whenever necessary,” he said.
“I also find it good for capital works. I am told a village’s swimming pool needs attention and go and take a look at it and see if the work envisaged is really necessary or needs expediting.”
Paul accepts the 4am starts and had been hosting every Christmas event held at his eight villages until COVID.
“I am at every milestone event,” Paul said.
“From October to December I will be travelling constantly to villages, as this is the first year since COVID we have resumed resident Christmas parties.”
Baldwin Living’s current occupancy rate is 98%, which is testament to Paul’s endeavours.
“That is probably the highest you can realistically achieve,” he added.
