From Dishwasher to Director
In his twenties, David Schupack began his job as a dishwasher at The Watermark in Southbury, Connecticut. Twelve years and several positions later, he’s now the regional director of operations for Watermark Retirement Communities. With hard work, passion, and a love for senior living, David was able to advance his career with Watermark and has learned plenty along the way.
After seeing his mom work in the same skilled nursing unit for 40 years, David was drawn to working in senior living, referring to it as his “why.”
“Seeing the compassion she had for working with elderly [residents] and knowing that’s the way she treated people that weren’t her family was the way that I would want my family treated,” he said.
Now located in Tampa, his position as regional director allows him to wear many hats in his role acting as a temporary executive director for communities, onboarding new associates and directors, and traveling to different Watermark communities to help when needed. While David started as a dishwasher, his many roles before regional director included business office support, associate executive director, and interim executive director.
If David were to give advice to someone who wanted to work in senior living, he would say dedication is essential.
“Ensuring you have a passion for it and want to care for seniors and help — the passion to do what we do,” he said. “[For] all of us who do work in senior living, I think it takes a special type of person to do [this job] … You can’t rush the process. Patience and hard work are what will ultimately help you achieve your goals.”
David has won several awards with Watermark including the Thrive Award at The Watermark at East Hill in 2015, and the Thrive Award at The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay in 2016 and 2017.
But daily tasks, responsibilities, and accolades haven't stopped David from remembering an important aspect of his job: being lighthearted and having fun. “Encouraged by my fellow associates ... I embraced the Watermark operating principle of ‘Not Taking Yourself Too Seriously’ and wound up frequently dressed in costume for community-wide events,” he said. “I entertained residents and colleagues alike dressed as The Lorax, a cowboy, an elf, and, most memorably, a mermaid.”
Outside of work, David enjoys running, swimming, barbecue smoking, and spending time with his wife, son, and dogs.
Like David, associates at Watermark have the opportunity to progress in their career thanks to the Pathways Program. Watermark has pathways for a variety of positions from executive director, sales director, to director of dining services, and more.
Through his career, David has had the opportunity to meet, help, and lead other associates and residents. His favorite part is the effect he has on others' lives every day.
