Devonshire Welcomes James Abbott as a Senior Sales Associate

By Kelly Shue

Devonshire, the Erickson Senior Living community at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., is excited to welcome James Abbott as a senior sales associate!

While Abbott is new to his role, he's not new to the community. He joined Devonshire in 2002 as a hospitality intern after moving to the country from South Africa.

"It was an experience that really resonated with me. I learned that I wanted to work with seniors and make an impact on their lives," says Abbott. "I never left senior living after that."

During his career, he brought his passion and talents to several other retirement communities, but one important factor drew him back to Devonshire--the culture.

"Devonshire is such a warm, welcoming community, and staff members are encouraged to find work-life balance. That was important to me," he explains. "My only regret is that I didn't come back sooner!"

Pursuing his calling

During his two-year internship at Devonshire, he "received a well-rounded hospitality experience by working with a variety of departments, including Dining Services and Housekeeping," he says.

Following his internship, he continued to work in senior living hospitality, serving at communities in Florida, Montana, and Arizona, until he and his wife Andrea decided to start a family.

"I began looking for other opportunities in senior living because the non-traditional hours required of hospitality were not conducive to being the husband and dad I wanted to be," he explains.

As a result, Abbott took on the role of resident relations director at a retirement community in Palm Beach Gardens, responsible for managing transportation, security, the front desk, hospitality, and operations.

"The position allowed me to be closer to residents as they transitioned to their new lives, which I was excited about," he says.

The stars align

Eager to take on new responsibilities, Abbott then moved into senior living sales. Hired as the sales director for a new retirement community in West Palm Beach, Fla., he was responsible for connecting directly with prospective residents.

But when a new management company bought the community, he thought it might be time for a change.

"I was no longer having day-to-day, face-to-face interactions with residents," he notes. "And my role was demanding more time away from my family than I was comfortable with. I wanted to find a position where I would never again have to miss a dance recital."

Then, he learned about the open senior sales associate position at Devonshire.

"It really felt like it was meant to be," says Abbott. "When I was offered the position, it was a full-circle moment. Coming back to Devonshire, back where it all began, has been incredible."

Fostering connections

Since joining the sales team earlier this year, Abbott has fostered meaningful relationships with many prospective community members and helped them learn more about Devonshire.

"I believe that it is such a privilege to work where people live," he says. "It's rewarding, helping people see the possibilities their lives could hold. When you help someone make a decision that is right for them, at their pace, when they are ready, the impact on their lives--and yours--is unbelievable."

One of the ways Abbott connects with prospective community members is through Devonshire's referral program.

"When our community members are so happy with their lives here at Devonshire that they want to share that with their friends and loved ones, they are doing my job for me," he says, with a laugh. "My job is to provide these friends and loved ones with all the information they need to ensure that Devonshire is the right community for them as well. It's important that they make the decision for themselves."

He adds, "There is never any pressure! That's why this kind of sales is great for me. It aligns with who I am as a human. It's about helping people find their path."

And, just as Abbott helps prospective community members find the right path for their future, current community members are doing the same for him.

"I've met some amazing community members who are open and share freely that, even with all the great things they've done, they regret not spending more time with their family," he says. "I carry that with me, and I'm so grateful that Devonshire encourages work-life balance."

He continues, "As a result, I'm able to do what I love and then go home and spend time with the people I love--my wife Andrea and our two girls, Ellery (9) and Cecily (6). I'm a very lucky man."

To learn more about vibrant, independent senior living at Devonshire, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.