Native Wichitan Jack West’s quest to franchise his senior living facilities into rural America got a boost today with a write-up in the The Dallas Morning News.
West, who developed and sold the Wichita retirement community Georgetown Village in the 1980s, now lives in Dallas, where he moved “for a woman,” he told me recently in an interview. His wife lives there and wanted to stay there, he said.
West’s company, Country Place Senior Living, so far operates homes only in Kansas and much of his administrative staff remains in Wichita. But West, a former KFC franchise owner, opened his company to franchising last fall to expand the concept. So far he has awarded one contract to a couple who plan to build a home in Scandia, just west of Belleville.
He said he plans to award more franchise contracts in Texas and Missouri in the near future.
It’s a great business to be in. Despite the economy, senior housing development is on the rise with projections for growth and profit very favorable. Why? People will continue to age, and, with baby boomers beginning to swell the ranks, senior housing will continue to be in demand for years to come.
I’m not sure I’ve ever had lunch with a person for whom a dish is named while actually also eating said dish, but that’s what I did today at the Petroleum Club. I had “The Nestor,” a new take on tuna salad, while dining with Nestor Weigand of J.P. Weigand & Sons. Charming company and tasty tuna, too.
Nestor (the person, not the dish) waved to a number of prominent folks from across the room, but he actually rose to greet one VIP personally.
Oilman Carl Sebits was lunching a few tables over with his grandson and another dining companion, and Nestor said an enthusiastic hello. Privately, he pointed out that Sebits has never, ever been seen downtown without a tie on. Given that Sebits is almost 93 and has been coming downtown for decades and decades, it’s quite the gentlemanly accomplishment.
Our McClatchy Washington bureau has some interesting reporting today jogging President Bush’s memory about his oil price options.
It’s difficult for a layman to know what – or who – to believe in an era where you hear drivers muttering political profanities to themselves at the gas pumps.
But really, does it matter? The reality of the situation is that disposable incomes are being eroded by gasoline prices and it’s a matter of time, especially with the President feeling powerless, before the impact will show up in shuttered retailers.
And that’s good for no one.