Sophie Simard,
a Rental Manager dedicated to residents’ well-being
|Lévis
Sophie Simard came to Margo Residence just after it opened three years ago. It’s safe to say she knows it like the back of her hand and that she has assisted with the arrival of every new resident! Even more interesting is the fact that Sophie Simard started out at Le Groupe Maurice as a receptionist, but rose through the ranks to become a rental manager who is highly regarded by everyone. Let’s take a look at her path.
Sophie Simard, you don’t come from a background in retirement residences, do you?
Sophie Simard: No, I don’t. I used to work in funeral services, but I just didn’t see myself continuing in that field and I decided to go in a different direction. The vision and values of Le Groupe Maurice completely aligned with what I was looking for: empathy, authenticity, honesty. So I started as a receptionist at Margo, then I became an advisor and just recently I was promoted to the rental manager position.
What do you like most about your work?
Sophie Simard: I really value the contact with residents. I feel privileged to support them and live with them. I do everything I can to ensure that they’re happy and fulfilled and that they can enjoy life to the full. My door is always open to them – they can come see me at any time to share their happy moments or the more difficult ones. I’m also happy to see that people rely on me. Some even stop in every day just to say hello!
You have the reputation of being very dedicated to your work. How does that play out?
Sophie Simard: I’m involved at the time of the rental, but not only then, because I try to be present all the time. For example, I might go see a resident who is having trouble changing channels on her television, I take part in activities, and I sometimes serve tables during dinners. When a resident changes sectors because he has to be moved to the care level, for example, I continue to visit, if only just to say hello.
What are the biggest challenges you have to deal with?
Sophie Simard: The biggest challenge but also my greatest pleasure is to succeed in making people around me happy. That is the goal I have set for myself: to make them happy.
What sets Margo apart from other homes?
Sophie Simard: We have a very good team, totally dedicated to our residents’ well-being, and Karine, the general manager, is great. People sense that everyone is working in the same direction and it makes a huge difference. When newcomers come to visit the home, I really want to take them by the hand and tell them, “Come in, you’re going to be very happy here!”
Thank you, Sophie, for this great interview and continue making Margo residents happy!
