Kerry Walsh: Reached for his toolbox and found his true calling.

Maintenance Director Kerry Walsh of Continuum Services has always been a builder. He started his own business as a furniture manufacturer and still restores old vehicles and motorcycles. So it may surprise some that he started out in Life Enrichment 24 years ago.

“I drove the bus and worked my way up through culinary. Then for 10 years I worked in Life Enrichment. I found my true calling in maintenance and I’ve been here ever since.”

Kerry knows the buildings at American House Spring Lake very well and considers it a great asset. But he believes everything starts with the people.

“I love working with the residents. It’s pure joy to serve others. I can do that all day long. I love the histories of the residents. All the great things these people have done in the past amaze me. We’re all here to serve our residents and American House.”

He works in and around all eight buildings on campus. Every morning he checks his work orders on his phone to plan his day. Then Kerry does a walk around the buildings and checks all the mechanicals. One of the biggest challenges he faces is the variety of things that can go wrong on any given day.

“Believe me, I’ve seen it all but there’s nothing we can’t handle. One of the most difficult things for me is calling in a vendor to fix something. Coming from a background of very little means, I’ve always had to do everything myself. So to call someone in is hard for me but I’m getting better at it,” Kerry said with a laugh. “Everything feels like my responsibility. This is what they hired me for, you know? That’s just the way I am.”

When told he had been chosen as an exemplary employee, Kerry didn’t waste any words. “I’m here to do my job. I’ve never been one to seek out praise. I do my job the best I can and to tell you the truth, I didn’t want to sit down and do an interview. I’m not one to talk about myself.”

Kerry lets his work speak for him, but he’s always happy to chip in where he isn’t even expected to be. “On Family Night, I’ll help out in the kitchens. I’ll pick up plates and talk to the residents. I’m here to support American House and Continuum and to create the best environment possible. That’s what we do here at Spring Lake.”

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We all have a story. A story that taught us something, changed us and helped define who we are. At American House, your next chapter is waiting to be written. We’re here to help you write it. Your way.