Meet David Tucci, Maintenance Director at Stroudwater Lodge, who has been working in senior living since 2013 after a career in facilities maintenance across a variety of industries. David found a renewed sense of purpose through the meaningful relationships he built with residents and considers it a privilege to care for the many “grandparents” he has gained along the way. He values the passion and support of the Northbridge team and enjoys helping new residents and their families feel welcomed from the very first pre-move meeting, making each transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Maintenance Director Spotlight – David Tucci
Maintenance Director: David Tucci
Community: Stroudwater Lodge
How long have you been working in senior living and what first made you interested in the field?
Since the age of 16, I have worked in Facilities Maintenance in various settings such as court houses, law enforcement stations, sports venues, manufacturing plants, and old hotels. In 2013 I was feeling under-stimulated and without purpose. That is when I was fortunate enough to be given an opportunity with Northbridge Companies at Avita of Stroudwater in Westbrook, ME. I immediately felt a positive change in my attitude and spirit, which came directly from the residents in which I was serving. The feeling of gratitude, friendship, and purpose cannot be matched in any other line of work!
What is your favorite part about working in senior living?
I was not close with my grandparents as a child, but I always had a respect and admiration for my elders. This came from my wonderful parents! Working in senior living gives me daily opportunities not only to provide assistance and services, but to also create relationships through respect, trust, and friendship. I now feel blessed to have dozens and dozens of “grandparents”!
What is one thing you wish everyone new about being a Maintenance Director?
There is a certain stigma and common misconception surrounding the Maintenance and Housekeeping field. What some may not realize and understand is how stimulating and gratifying it is! There is very little redundance and monotony in this line of work. Each day takes you to a different part of the community to do any number of different tasks. We do a little bit of every skilled trade. We NEVER have boring days!
What is one piece of advice you would share with someone thinking of starting a career in senior living?
Things will inevitably get stressful from time to time, but you do not need to feel overwhelmed. Prioritization will be one of your most valuable skills. Make a list of what needs to be done. Then break that list down into sub-categories of TODAY, NEXT WEEK, NEXT MONTH. You can’t focus on everything all at once. My former boss and person who hired me once told me, “No worries. Tomorrow is a new day.” I never forgot that!
What is the best part about working at Stroudwater Lodge or at Northbridge?
Everyone I’ve met and worked alongside, from the Home Office and ownership, all the way through each of the Northbridge communities that I have visited, and of course here at the Stroudwater Campus. There is so much passion and positive energy coursing through the veins of this company. Also as a father of 4 amazing children, a husband to my lovely career driven wife, and a son to my widowed mother, I am someone who needs a healthy work-life balance. The understanding, flexibility, and compassion that Northbridge has always granted me is greatly appreciated!
What is your favorite way to help a new family during the move in process?
I am a firm believer that my service to the residents and their families begins at the Pre-Move meeting. It is so important to meet them at this juncture to introduce myself, allow them to put a face with the name, detail my service offerings, take note of their preferences and requests, and just hopefully make the often difficult transition as non stressful as possible. This first impression can have a very long lasting impact!
Interested in working at Stroudwater Lodge?
Click here to apply!