Jeff Johnson
Dining Services Director
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?
I grew up with my dad as a chef at a senior living community for 30 years. I was 17 when I decided I wanted to be a Dining Services Director for my career.
Did you go through any special training or education that helps with your current role?
I received a degree in Business Management from Rochester Community and Technical College. The food aspect I decided to learn hands on. I’ve done every position available in the industry at one time or another, from dishwasher to sous chef.
What is the best part of your workday?
Interacting with the residents and learning more about them and the amazing lives that they have lived.
What makes your community stand out from your competition?
Our staff. It’s a great big family who wants to work hard to make the lives of the residents the best that they can be.
More About Jeff…
I’m the happy husband of my wife of 20 years, Laura, and the father of four beautiful children: Alayna 18, Aiden 15, Hailey 13, and Lucas 6. We have two puppies, a Maltese named Teddy and a Maltipoo named Tater Tot. We live between Oronoco and Mazeppa on a 5-acre hobby farm.
I’ve grown up in the food service industry. For 30 years, my father was a chef at Charter House Retirement Center here in Rochester. I started my career at Charter House when I was 16 and waited on tables in Sky View Dinning on the 22nd floor. I met my wife while working there!
How do you spend weekends?
Hanging with the family, camping, hiking, and doing work around the “farm.”
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?
Spending time with family and seeing the kids grow up and try new things.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
I collect Pyrex casserole dishes. I have over 300 pieces.
