Celebrating the People of Progress Residential® 

What makes an organization truly great? We believe it’s the people.  

We’re fortunate to have a team of individuals who are both passionate about their job and deeply dedicated to our residents. They go above and beyond, fueled by a genuine desire to make a positive impact on residents’ lives and in the communities we serve.  

In this post, we’ll shine a spotlight on a few exceptional team members and the inspiring ways that they each contribute to Progress.  

Meet the People of Progress  

Below, you will meet a few of the individuals who are the heart and purpose driving this amazing team. They consistently create community, working with empathy to create impact that extends beyond our homes and offices to benefit the community at large. 

Name: Rue B.  

Role: Supervisor Customer Care 

Location: Tempe, Arizona 

“Inclusivity” and “humor” are words that others often use when describing Rue’s leadership style. He has a gift for rallying his team together to overcome challenges with his sense of humor and genuine ability to make everyone feel welcome, valued and included. He embraces change with open arms and serves as a role model, living our Core Values every day. Rue’s passion for coaching, supporting and mentoring shines through his approachable and collaborative spirit. He’s been praised through by internal peers for being an amazing leader who makes those around him thrive. 

What Rue’s Colleagues Have to Say: 

Rue’s qualities inspire everyone around him to follow his lead, making him a remarkable example of a leader who creates community. We are all so very proud of you, Rue, and so thankful to have you on our team. 

If I had to pick one example that shows how Rue creates community, I would tell you about a time, just like many occasions before, when he went out of his way to assist a fellow peer do something they have never done. He provided his best practices, best experiences, both bad and good, while also gifting us with his sense of humor to bring some laughter and ease the nervousness associated with trying something new. 

Name: Ashley T.  

Role: Learning Delivery Specialist  

Location: Tempe, Arizona  

Onboarding new team members isn’t just about training; it’s about instilling confidence and a sense of belonging. Ashley masters this art with patience, empathy and a deep understanding of the day-to-day challenges and rewards. “Pleasant,” “Informative,” and “Helpful” are just a few words that describe Ashley. She truly cares about others’ success. Her classroom training sessions are known for being fun, engaging and informative, leaving no new hire behind and fostering a collaborative learning environment.  

What Ashley’s Colleagues Have to Say: 

Ashley has a natural ability to make others feel comfortable around her and create a sense of community. She is always thinking of her team members and trainees with every action she takes, ensuring their thoughts and feelings are taken into consideration. 

Understanding the importance of connection, Ashley consistently works to create a welcoming, understanding community within the classes she trains – as well as carries that out to the existing team members in the department she works with.  

Ashley recognizes and appreciates others’ hard work and celebrates others’ successes. 

Name: Russell M.  

Role: Service Technician III – HVAC  

Location: Phoenix, Arizona 

Russell is known for his technical skills and the positivity he radiates, which shines through with teammates and residents alike. No matter the weather conditions, he works to get the job done right and exceeds expectations. Russell embodies the definition of “professional” both in his technical expertise and his dedication to resident satisfaction and team support. He’s received numerous shout outs from colleagues for his strong work ethic, care for residents and genuine camaraderie.  

What Russell’s Colleagues Have to Say: 

Russell’s humility and positive attitude have played a crucial role in our team’s success during a period of significant change over the past year. 

His presence is reassuring to all team members, knowing he can be relied upon to step in, contribute and enhance the overall resident experience. 

Russell’s friendly demeanor shines through in his interactions. He greets everyone in the office and actively participates in events.

Name: Mike D.  

Role: Regional Renovations Director  

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada 

Mike has been a pillar of support, volunteering his time and expertise for pilot initiatives, process changes, cross-training opportunities and more. He understands the importance of involving all stakeholders and encourages collaboration across roles and departments. His willingness to share resources and knowledge has streamlined training plans, improved processes and fostered a true sense of community within our organization. 

What Mike’s Colleagues Have to Say:  

Mike inspires others to make an impact. He cares deeply about his peers.  

I’m privileged to work with Mike every day.  

Thank you, Mike, for everything that you do to make Progress a great place to work. 

Mike, you deserve a double high five! You’ve gone above and beyond to ‘CREATE COMMUNITY’ this year. I truly appreciate all you do for our teams, future residents, and success. You create a community of trust and collaboration! 

These four individuals provide a glimpse into the incredible group of people that make Progress – well, Progress! They remind us that our individual contributions, fueled by collaboration and a shared spirit, truly make a difference. 

Rue, Ashley, Russell and Mike – along with the rest of our wonderful team members — inspire us all to reach even higher.  

Learn more about our teams, career opportunities and life at Progress.  

Asia Faoro
Asia Faoro
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