New Approach to Headquarters

A New Approach to Company Headquarters

Written by Abby Williams

Meadows Senior Living founders Steve Orndorff and Mike Williams have always tried to think outside the box - whether through therapy animals, creating Lavender Hills (a new dementia program) or organizing parades outside of residents’ windows. In its newest effort to drive innovation, English Meadows, established in 2008, has turned a local vineyard into its corporate headquarters. Named English Meadows Farms, it’s also called “Finca Del Valle” or “farm in the valley.” When Williams, CEO, saw Firefly Hill Vineyards for sale, he considered the future of senior living. Sitting on nearly 50 acres, the stunning property holds a vineyard, house and farm land. While typically unorthodox for an office space set up, Williams had a bigger vision. Now transformed into a work environment, the entire English Meadows office staff has settled into the former tasting house. The community conference table doubles as a space for home-cooked meals, and desks are found now throughout the two-story open building. Part of the farm has been converted into educational space, team member overnight accommodations, work gatherings, special events, and a source of local, fresh ingredients for its campuses. In this way, traveling staff can feel at home, even while they’re at work, staying in the farm’s guest house. “My hope is that English Meadows Farms becomes a place where our team members can learn, connect with one another and see how appreciated they are in a relaxing atmosphere,” states Williams. In late July, English Meadows Farms had its first company gathering in an indoor/ outdoor activity room with a ping pong table, arcade and table games and a beverage station. Formerly a garage, the space was converted by Alkemis Design. English Meadows’ head chef Bobby Bonds plans to use the farm’s two kitchens for training. He has already started experimenting with fresh baby tomatoes and mint from one of the gardens and plans to plant more for fresh ingredients. Williams stays focused on company culture. “If you’re in the senior living industry, you must put people above everything else. English Meadows is in the business of caring for and improving lives – residents and staff - and that’s what we strive to do every day.”

English Meadows operates senior living communities in: Blacksburg, Abingdon, Crozet, Manassas and Washington, D.C. www.englishmeadowsslc.com