Distinctive LivingX

Our values are lived out daily through the C.A.R.E. framework: Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. These values mirror the reasons our team members choose senior living—they want to provide care with heart, take accountability for meaningful outcomes, respect every resident and colleague, and strive for excellence in everything they do. We don’t just talk about these values; we recognize and reward them through programs like the CARE Award (Employee of the Month), weekly Distinctively Deserving spotlights, and recognition events during National Assisted Living Week. By tying recognition and growth back to our values, our employees see their own purpose reflected in our mission.

Our CEO, Joe Jedlowski, embodies Distinctive Living’s mission by leading with transparency, compassion, and innovation. He frequently shares messages that emphasize culture (“Our people make us distinctive”), prioritizes recognition of frontline staff, and ensures decisions are rooted in care for both residents and employees. His active presence in leadership development and culture initiatives, along with his willingness to listen and respond to employee feedback, makes him a living example of the CARE values.

We have an open-door culture at every level, encouraging team members to speak up with ideas, concerns, and innovations. Leaders conduct on-site visits and listening sessions to gather feedback directly from staff. Employee voices are elevated through regular pulse surveys, town halls, and recognition programs that highlight contributions across all roles. We believe that the best ideas come from the floor up, which is why we integrate employee suggestions into policy improvements, celebrations, and program rollouts. Every initiative, from new benefit designs to workplace celebrations, is informed by the people doing the work.

Employees collaborate through a culture of openness, shared purpose, and teamwork. We actively integrate collaboration at every level—between caregivers, department directors, regional leaders, and our senior leadership team. Cross-functional meetings, leadership summits, and site visits provide spaces to share ideas and best practices. We also use platforms like GoHappy to keep all communities connected, highlight achievements, and encourage engagement across states. Collaboration is further strengthened through company-wide initiatives such as the CHAMP Wellness Plan, CARE Leadership Mentorship Program, and Distinctively Deserving recognition program, which bring diverse teams together to innovate and celebrate each other.

· Tailored commission programs to reward strong performance.

· Self-funded health benefits with a focus on affordability and choice.

· Wellness support through the CHAMP Plan, including personal health navigation, mental health support, and financial tools.

· Bonus programs that directly connect community performance to reward.

· Special recognition gifts (T-shirts, banners, birthday and anniversary gifts) to celebrate milestones. These unique offerings demonstrate our commitment to not only competitive pay but also personal well-being and recognition.