For Kyle Yates, a college job serving meals became the beginning of a calling. Twenty years later, the relationships remain his favorite part of working at Legacy Retirement Communities (legacyretirement.com). Whether he is helping someone think through a move or spending time with his wife and three sons, Kyle keeps coming back to the same lesson: be present for the people in front of you.

Tell us a little about your business. – We are a family-owned and operated senior living community proudly serving Lincoln, Nebraska. With four locations offering independent living, assisted living and memory care, we help residents and their families find the right solutions for their individual needs. Every person has a unique story, preferences and needs, which is why we take a one-on-one approach rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. At the end of the day, our goal is to make residents and their families feel supported, valued and truly at home.

How did you get started in the business? – In many ways, I feel like I was born into this business. After 20 years at The Legacy, I have the unique opportunity to look back and see how God was guiding me long before I realized it. When I was younger, I was searching for my calling in life. Little did I realize that God had already answered that question and placed me right where I was meant to be. I began working at The Legacy as a kitchen server while attending college. It didn’t take long for me to realize that the connections I made with the people I served were more than just part of a job; they were something I genuinely loved. Today, as a Retirement Living Advisor, I have the privilege of continuing that same kind of service by building relationships with residents and families and helping guide them through some of life’s most difficult decisions. Looking back, I can see that what started as a college job became much more than a career. It became my calling.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – One of my biggest professional challenges has been learning to let go of the outcome and simply be present. To truly support someone, I have to set aside any expectations and focus on what is best for them, even when uncomfortable or uncertain. Getting to know people on a deeper level—their stories, what matters to them and how they envision their future—can be emotionally challenging. When you do this work with genuine care, you aren’t just hearing their stories; you’re feeling them. Many are facing major life changes, and whether you’re 22 or 102, change is never easy. Leaving a home where you’ve raised a family and built decades of memories can be especially difficult. I’ve learned that helping people navigate the emotional side of a move is often much harder than the physical move itself.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – What’s a day off? With three boys—Harper, 12; Grayson, 10; and Eli, 19 months—life is rarely quiet. My wife, Leyla, may be outnumbered, but she definitely has us outgunned! Between the boys’ sports, St. Peter’s School and Leyla’s work at Von Maur, we’re always on the go. They are my world, and being with them brings me more happiness and peace. I joke about never having downtime, but working in senior living reminds me how quickly these seasons of life pass. I’ve learned to embrace the chaos, the messes, the noise and even the struggles, because someday life will be quieter, cleaner and more organized. I know there will come a day when I’d give anything to have just one more day of the beautiful chaos. Until then, I’m leaning into the skid and hanging on for dear life!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – You can learn more about Legacy Retirement Communities at legacyretirement.com.