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Lori Draves-Reinart, 53, and Shelly Maynard, 49, of Meridian Acres, a 40-bed residential facility on Meridian Road (M-30), one-half mile north of the US 10 Freeway in Sanford.
Meridian Acres helps seniors with daily activities and provides memory care, which is even more unique. Each resident has his own private apartment. It’s all personal pay. They have 35 employees.
Both Lori and Shelley graduated from Sanford-Meridian High School, and are both registered nurses, receiving their education at Ferris State. Lori has a Bachelor of Science degree from CMU.
Lori is married to Marty. He is an electrician. They have one son, Parker.
Shelley is married to Bill. He is a sales engineer. They have a son, Zachary, and a daughter, Haley.
How long have you owned your business?
Shelly: We opened in November 2018.
What inspired you to become a business owner?
Shelley: We were both home care visiting nurses. Lori is still there. We go into all these types of facilities and treat patients. Then, we had an opportunity, so we bought Olson Manor on Olson Road south of Sanford (sold in July). We had a waiting list so that’s when we decided to build here. We both have someone who is thinking of starting registered nurses. We were given the right opportunity at the right time.
Lori: Rich Campau was the owner of Olson Manor (also called Hillcrest). He had been encouraging us to buy for several years and was willing to sell us a land contract.
What makes Sanford a great place to own a business?
Lori: He was particularly interested in preserving memory.
Shelley: We were both born and raised here, and so were our husbands, so it felt natural to do it here.
What are some ways your business is active in the local community?
Shelly: We were part of the Sanford Shines parade, we make a tree every year. He contributed to the athletics facility at Meridian Schools. We are part of the Sanford community and participate in any way we can. Awarded to Sanford Youth Baseball Diamonds. We are members of the Sanford Chamber of Commerce and donate to the Sanford Historical Society.
What are some of your interests and hobbies?
Lori: We do boating and downhill skiing.
Shelly: My husband and I love to do anything outdoors. In the summer we ride our Harleys, we go boating, and we ride side by side.
What are some local businesses that can help your business succeed?
Lori: We work with Arnold Sales, cleaning supplies. Try to keep things local. Buy food from the Sanford Food Center and local farmers.
Any final thoughts to share?
Lori: We thank our staff every day. Without them, it wouldn’t be possible.
Shelly: I want to thank the families for trusting us with their loved ones. If you are looking for a facility, visit it and make sure you are comfortable.
Lori: Do a tour drop, don’t make an appointment. The staff must be ready to see you when you show up. If you see smiling staff and lots of smiling residents, you’re probably in the right place. Check out social media to see the various activities happening for residents. Ask for references from families. Happy families talk to other families.
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