From Drummer to Director at Meadow Ridge

Meadow Ridge Plant Operations Director, Sal Gaetano, is a man of many talents.

When he was younger, he was a professional drummer in a band that played across the country. “I made my living playing music with this band, Mystique. We recorded so much music and toured all over the country” he recalls.

He also rebuilds and restores motorcycles. These days, Sal shares his mechanical skills and warm personality with the residents and associates of Meadow Ridge, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Redding, CT.

Return to Meadow Ridge

Sal started as a mechanic at Meadow Ridge in the early 2000s and left briefly for a job that was closer to his home in Danbury. “I hated it.  It was corporate, it was cold. It wasn’t Meadow Ridge and I realized how awesome Meadow Ridge was to be part of.”

Just over a year later, he got the call to come back. “I said, ‘Thank you, Lord.’ The rest is history and I’ve been here for 23 years altogether.”

Planting Seeds of Care

In his current role as Plant Operations Director, Sal is responsible for the team that manages and maintains Meadow Ridge’s scenic grounds and beautiful buildings—a point of pride for everyone at the community.

What is really special about Meadow Ridge, Sal says, isn’t the well-appointed campus. “What’s stayed constant here is that family feeling.”

Importance of Relationships in the Workplace

As a leader, Sal fosters camaraderie among his team and encourages everyone to deliver the best customer service. “We work with residents all day long. My team, we get along with everyone. We listen and really try to provide what they need.”

The relationships at Meadow Ridge make the workplace feel like family. It’s one of the reasons, he believes, there’s a lot of longevity among associates and why he is still happy after 23 years.

“If you’re here for just a paycheck, this is not the place to be, because we really care about people.”