The Meritage Project

Solera Senior Living
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Society & Culture

Senior living is about people. So is The Meritage Project. Join host Phil Lord for personal conversations with the industry’s legends and today’s trailblazers—the people who have led and are leading the way in shaping how we live as we age. We go beyond the title to explore the experiences, relationships, and convictions behind their work. Their why. Their how. Their impact. And the legacy they hope to leave, in business and in life. A podcast by Solera Senior Living. New episodes the first Friday of each month.

  1. 6d ago

    Senior Living Legends: Kurt Read

    Before Kurt Read helped shape senior living, his grandfather helped shape him. Season 2 of The Meritage Project kicks off with our Senior Living Legends series, where host Phil Lord sits down with Kurt Read to get to know the person behind decades of influence. Kurt shares the lessons, relationships, and convictions that have guided his career—from his grandfather’s advice to imagine life decades into the future to the belief that great businesses create room for people to take risks, fail, and grow. Then, Kurt’s son, Maxwell, joins to share his journey from professional ballet to exploring senior living—and the influence his father has had along the way. It’s a conversation about looking ahead, finding your own path, and the legacy we leave through others.

  2. Sep 14

    Behind the Problem Solver: John Shafaee

    Behind every title is a person, with a story worth hearing. In this episode of The Meritage Project, host Phil Lord sits down with John Shafaee, Founder and CEO of ALIS, to explore the personal experiences behind more than 20 years of innovation in senior living. John reflects on immigrating to the United States from Iran at eight years old and becoming a translator and problem-solver for his parents—an early responsibility that shaped his relentless drive to help others. He shares how an unexpected introduction to senior living revealed both the complexity of caring for another person and the opportunity for technology to make that work easier without diminishing its humanity. Throughout the conversation, John discusses the mentors, co-founders and family members whose voices continue to challenge and inspire him; the lessons he learned while building ALIS through persistence and sweat equity; and why listening to customers fundamentally changed the direction of the company. He also offers a thoughtful perspective on artificial intelligence, where it can give valuable time back to community teams and where human judgment, connection and care must always remain at the center. With honesty and vulnerability, John reflects on the personal cost of building a company, the importance of prioritizing the people we love and the legacy he hopes to leave: one defined not by money or power, but by seeing people, elevating others and keeping the path open for those who follow. Thank you to our sponsor, ALIS: https://www.go-alis.com/

  3. Aug 3

    Behind the Next-Gen Leader: Liz Dreifuss

    Behind every title is a person, with a story worth hearing. In this episode of The Meritage Project, host Phil Lord sits down with Liz Dreifuss, Executive Director of Modena Cherry Creek, whose connection to senior living began before she could even walk. Raised alongside the residents and team members at the communities her mother led, Liz initially resisted following the same path. But after beginning her first job as a senior living server at 16, studying human development, family sciences and gerontology, and gaining experience across a variety of community roles, she discovered a calling of her own. Liz reflects on the leap that brought her from St. Louis to Denver, the lessons she has learned through failure and the leadership principles that guide her today—from proactive communication and self-awareness to authenticity and showing up for her team. She also shares her commitment to developing the next generation of senior living leaders, what residents have taught her about forgiveness and the legacy she hopes to build by working hard, having fun and helping others feel supported and confident. Thank you to our sponsor, ALIS: https://www.go-alis.com/

  4. Jul 20

    Behind the AI Entrepreneur: Raphael Rubens

    Behind every title is a person, with a story worth hearing. In this episode of The Meritage Project, host Phil Lord sits down with Raphael Rubens, co-founder and CEO of Candid, to explore the experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial journey and vision for the future of senior living. Raphael reflects on growing up in Amsterdam, the profound influence of his grandmother—a Holocaust survivor—and the winding path that took him from dreams of becoming a professional soccer player to hospitality, real estate and entrepreneurship. He shares how his grandmother’s desire to preserve her life story inspired the earliest version of his company and ultimately led him to move into a senior living community for two months to better understand the lives of residents and team members. Throughout the conversation, Raphael shares the lessons he gained from living alongside residents, the importance of maintaining purpose at every age and how listening closely helped Candid evolve from an AI-powered biography platform into a hiring solution for senior living operators. He also offers a thoughtful perspective on the future of AI, its potential to reduce administrative burdens and how technology can create more time for meaningful human connection. With curiosity and candor, Raphael discusses his commitment to building technology that helps people find meaningful work, improves the care residents receive and leaves a lasting social impact on the industry. Thank you to our sponsor, ALIS: https://www.go-alis.com/

  5. Jun 1

    Behind the Maverick: Kim Smith

    Behind every title is a person, with a story worth hearing. In this episode of The Meritage Project, host Phil Lord sits down with Solera’s Vice President of Operations, Kim Smith, to explore the experiences that have defined her remarkable career and leadership philosophy. Kim reflects on the lessons instilled by her father, her years on Capitol Hill, and the entrepreneurial chapter she built with her family in New Mexico. She shares the pivotal decision to leave behind a successful business and familiar life to pursue an unexpected opportunity in senior living—one that ultimately became her professional home and a career she continues to be passionate about today. Throughout the conversation, Kim offers thoughtful insights on integrity, risk-taking, lifelong learning, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. She also shares the routines that help her stay grounded—from daily meditation to weekends spent on her family boat, where she finds time to recharge and reflect. With honesty and heart, Kim discusses the principles that continue to guide her today and the legacy she hopes to leave behind: leading with grace, doing the right thing, and helping others reach their full potential. Thank you to our sponsor, ALIS: https://www.go-alis.com/

  6. May 4

    Behind the Experience Curator: Jess Tougeron

    Behind every title is a person, with a story worth hearing. In this episode of The Meritage Project, host Phil Lord sits down with Solera’s newest Executive Director, Jess Tougeron — a leader whose path from retail and hospitality to senior living is rooted in connection and purpose. Jess reflects on her early influences, the experiences that shaped her leadership, and the unexpected transition that led her to senior living. What began as a career shift quickly became a calling — one centered on creating joy, building relationships, and honoring each resident’s story. Along the way, her personality shines through — from her love of mini Highland cows to the meaningful (and often humorous) bonds she forms with residents. With warmth and authenticity, she shares the lessons that guide her today and the legacy she hopes to leave: to make people feel seen, valued, and happy. Thank you to our sponsor, ALIS: https://www.go-alis.com/

  7. Apr 6

    Behind the Artist: Erik Sprohge

    Behind every title is a person, with a story worth hearing. In this episode of The Meritage Project, host Phil Lord sits down with The Reserve at Lake Austin resident, artist, and storyteller Erik Sprohge — a man whose life has spanned continents, careers, and creative expression. From his early childhood in Latvia and Germany to building a life in Houston, Erik reflects on the experiences that shaped his identity, his artistry, and his perspective on the world. Trained as an architect and later known for his watercolor and acrylic work, Erik shares how precision, curiosity, and imagination have guided him through each chapter of life. But for Erik, art has never simply been about technique — it has always been about storytelling. Through his work, he captures not just places and moments, but the deeper reflections that come with time, change, and lived experience. Now residing at The Reserve at Lake Austin, Erik offers an honest and deeply human perspective on aging, love, and legacy. He speaks candidly about caring for his wife, Helen, navigating the realities of memory loss, and finding meaning in this current chapter of life — one filled with both gratitude and complexity. With humor, humility, and wisdom, Erik reminds us that life is not about having all the answers, but about continuing to evolve, to create, and to be unapologetically yourself. Thank you to our sponsor, ALIS: https://www.go-alis.com/

  8. Mar 2

    Behind the Tastemaker: Chef Kristen Burman

    Behind every title is a person, with a story worth hearing. In this episode of The Meritage Project, host Phil Lord sits down with Solera’s Corporate Director of Culinary Experience, Chef Kristen Burman — a leader known for her creativity, heart, and the joy she brings to every kitchen. Kristen reflects on growing up in a close-knit Chicago family, the discipline and love that shaped her, and the path that led her from competitive athletics to culinary school and a life in food. Along the way, she discovered a simple truth: meals matter most when they bring people together. Now in senior living, her purpose is clearer than ever. Whether learning the story behind a resident’s favorite recipe or honoring a special request, Kristen believes great hospitality starts with listening. For her, it’s not about recognition — it’s about connection, service, and community. With warmth and humility, she shares the lessons that guide her leadership, the balance of family life, and the value she hopes to pass on: when you start something, you finish it.

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5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Senior living is about people. So is The Meritage Project. Join host Phil Lord for personal conversations with the industry’s legends and today’s trailblazers—the people who have led and are leading the way in shaping how we live as we age. We go beyond the title to explore the experiences, relationships, and convictions behind their work. Their why. Their how. Their impact. And the legacy they hope to leave, in business and in life. A podcast by Solera Senior Living. New episodes the first Friday of each month.

Information

  • Creator
    Solera Senior Living
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Solera Senior Living
  • Show Website
    The Meritage Project