SECOND ACT OF THE MONTH AWARD
Each month, we give the 50PlusToday SECOND ACT Award to an individual who made an intentional decision to change gears in this phase of life. It’s our goal to recognize and support people who reinvented themselves at age 50Plus and we choose recipients who are creative, innovative and inspiring to others. Their pivot might involve a new career, business, community effort or lifestyle. A successful, happy and meaningful life means different things to different people; reading what others did might start you thinking about your next journey! The bottom line is that your second half of your life can be as good as, if not better than, the first! We hope to inspire our readers with success stories from others. (Is there someone you know that created a wonderful second act that you would like to nominate? Complete this form to submit their name for consideration!
The recipient for April 2022 is Joyce Logan
When Joyce was laid off from her corporate job after 24 years in the gift industry at age 50+, she decided it was time to begin her entrepreneurial journey. Inspired by a difficult personal experience, she set out to help others navigate the complicated and emotional logistics often faced when deciding on future living plans for a loved one. Her vision turned into a successful business venture she calls Ruby Care Senior Living Advisors, named for her beloved mother-in-law, Ruby.
With an education in social work, along with great compassion and love for people, Joyce never stops serving. Among her peers and clients, she is known for her integrity, sympathetic style, lively personality and always going the extra mile to complete a task. It’s no surprise Joyce has helped hundreds of clients in the last five years.
50PlusToday: What are your unique skills that contribute to your success?
JL: One of my unique attributes that contribute to my success is my ability to listen. One learns more from listening rather than interrupting or talking over people. Listening well enables you to understand a person’s story and helps in building trust, which goes a long way in establishing relationships. Careful listening enables you to ask the right questions which then allows you to find the correct solutions. Colleagues tell me all the time, “People tell you everything.” Most often I respond, “People love to be heard and that comes from careful listening.”
50PlusToday: What did you do before starting your entrepreneurial journey?
JL: I started my career in social work once I graduated from Ohio State University. After changing careers, I then spent 25 years in business development in the gift industry. In 2016, well into my 50’s, I began my entrepreneurial journey with Ruby Care Senior Living Advisors as my “third act”.
50PlusToday: Tell us about what you are doing now.
JL: I am the founder of Ruby Care Senior Living Advisors. At Ruby Care, we simplify the often overwhelming and emotional process involved in finding the right solution for a loved one. My goal is to save families and older adults time and undue stress when they need to find a senior living community. We work with a wide range of communities including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Residential Care Homes. I remind our clients that “not everything is found on the internet”. Our concierge service streamlines the senior living search. This process includes meeting with clients and their families to find out their health needs and living situation desires. After the initial meeting, we set up tours, accompany clients on those tours to help ask those questions that they may not think to ask. While the most important factor is that our loved one receives the appropriate level of care in a community in which they feel comfortable, pricing is also an important consideration that we help navigate. Our service is complimentary for the families; we are compensated after clients’ placement by the communities. We act as advocates for our clients.
50PlusToday: What passion led you to start this new endeavor?
JL: In 2016, I went through a company downsizing after 24 years of service. I found myself asking, “what am I going to do next?”. As I have a social work background, years of passionate volunteer experience, and a desire to make a difference, I knew I wanted to utilize these skills to help people in a new and rewarding career.
As someone who cared for two aging family members, one local and one out-of-state starting in 2022, I am well aware these experiences can be emotionally and physically draining. The time I spent navigating these situations inspired me to find a way to offer personalized service to families looking for solutions to their health and housing needs. Ruby Care Senior Advisors became my vision.
50PlusToday: How does your age and experience help in your success?
JL: My years of experience taught me that the key to success in all aspects of your life is to put time and energy into what you love. This lesson applies to building friendships, volunteering, developing a spiritual and healthy lifestyle, and especially when starting a business. I learned that you must put in effort every single day in all you do in life because doing so is the difference between success and failure.
50PlusToday: What unique skills did you have from your previous job/business/lifestyle that help you in this new position?
JL: Whether working as a social worker or a business development professional, my goal was to provide the best customer service possible. It’s essential to treat people with respect, actively listen, and offer intentional and thoughtful solutions. I attribute the success of Ruby Care to the application of this philosophy both in my own life and sharing it with my clients, colleagues, and employees.
50PlusToday: What advice would you give someone in this age group searching for their meaningful second act?
JL: Make sure you do your research on the industry you choose to pursue before investing in a new venture. Once you launch your business, take moderate steps, and don’t try to take on too much all at once. Starting a business takes a lot of time away from family and friends; tread lightly and take your time to avoid burnout.
50PlusToday: Finally, please give us three random facts about yourself.
~I love college football especially Ohio State.
~I love coffee, especially soy lattes
~I can’t start my day without making my bed! It sets my day up to complete things.
50PlusToday: Your favorite quote:
“Treat people the way you want to be treated. Talk to people the way you want to be talked to. Respect is earned, not given. “
MORE ABOUT JOYCE…
Joyce Logan spent most of her life in Texas but was originally born and raised in Ohio. Her heartfelt compassion for others began at a young age. As a result, Joyce chose to pursue social work in college, earning a BS degree from Ohio State University.
Joyce spent several years in Business Development before Ruby Care became her vision, a venture inspired by her time spent caring for her mother-in-law Ruby, beginning in 2011. Now she enjoys helping seniors and their families navigate the complicated choices they face when deciding their future living plans. She currently is a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) as well as a Board Member of DFW chapter of the National Placement Referral Alliance (NPRA).
With great compassion and love for people, Joyce never stops serving. She is actively involved in her community including AWARE, the Alzheimer’s Association, Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center and Junior League of Collin County.
Check out the Ruby Care Senior Living Advisors website for more information about Joyce and Ruby Care or contact her at (214) 536-2979 or jlogan@rubycaresenior.com
