Connected Living is a purpose-driven social impact organization that strives to seamlessly connect elderly individuals with their communities, families, and friends.
Let’s delve deeper into this initiative through an interview with Sarah Hoit, the CEO of Connected Living.
Introduce us to Connected Living.
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts, Connected Living was established with the mission of providing technological solutions to senior living communities. Our aim is to facilitate compassionate care and improve communication between seniors and their families.
Connected Living empowers millions of older adults to overcome the “digital divide” and strengthen their connections with loved ones and communities. We have collaborated with numerous communities across the nation, aiding them in enhancing occupancy rates, reducing employee turnover, and enriching the lives of seniors and their families.
What were the initial obstacles you encountered?
We faced the challenge of creating a market that had not yet existed. Many senior living facilities lacked essential infrastructure, such as Wi-Fi, which was necessary for our products to function effectively.
Was there a specific moment in your business journey that catalyzed its growth?
Over time, we noticed a significant shift in decision-making among families with older adults. It became evident that families were unwilling to choose a facility lacking connectivity for their loved ones. This realization propelled our growth, especially as the global pandemic accelerated the need for innovation in the senior living industry. Overnight, our products and services transitioned from being considered optional to becoming essential. Now, it’s uncommon to find senior living facilities operating without robust virtual connections for residents to stay connected with their families and address healthcare needs.
How has your company’s trajectory evolved since its inception? Can you provide some statistics? What factors have contributed to your company’s enduring success?
From a young age, I’ve always believed in the importance of making every day count and giving back to others. This belief has been the driving force behind my involvement in community service and politics. Witnessing the impact of individuals pursuing their passions versus those who do not further solidified my determination to make a positive difference. At Connected Living, we are deeply passionate about our mission of helping people. We are not afraid to take calculated risks, push boundaries, and explore unconventional paths, which has been integral to our longstanding success.
What specific products and services does Connected Living offer, and what sets them apart from others in the market?
Connected Living has gained prominence in the senior living sector by introducing advanced technologies such as Temi robots, mobile apps, in-room programming, smart home features, and voice technology to long-term care facilities for seniors. These technological solutions are aimed at promoting resident engagement and encouraging elderly individuals to enhance their communication and social connections, thereby improving their overall well-being.
Additionally, Connected Living recently announced a strategic partnership with Temi in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizing the urgent need for enhanced interaction among older adults, who are among the most vulnerable populations. This collaboration has resulted in Connected Living becoming the U.S. partner and distributor of Temi powered by Connected Living, an interactive robot tailored for senior living and healthcare facilities.
Moreover, Connected Living offers a comprehensive suite of technology services designed to foster connected communities for seniors. This includes a range of pre-configured devices such as iPads and tablets, Alexa-enabled skills, a dedicated TV channel featuring senior-focused programming, and a private smartphone app facilitating better communication with family members and peers.
How do you determine the direction for Connected Living’s products and services?
Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognized an opportunity for Connected Living to make a significant impact. Consequently, we decided to expand our technology offerings to assist major universities across the country, leveraging our successful strategies implemented in senior living facilities.
Understanding the critical importance of safety and engagement for both in-person and distance learning, Connected Living now provides universities like Texas A&M with a range of solutions. These include hands-free temperature capture, mobile attendance tracking, private mobile apps, and engagement programming for specific programs such as nursing.
Leadership
What do you believe are the duties of an entrepreneur?
An entrepreneur must possess a strong passion for their work and be committed to helping, caring for, connecting, and protecting people. They should be willing to take calculated risks, challenge norms, and explore unconventional paths to achieve their goals.
Can you provide an overview of your professional background and the notable milestones in your entrepreneurial journey?
As a serial social entrepreneur, I co-founded Connected Living in 2007, driven by personal experiences witnessing my grandmother’s struggle with Alzheimer’s and overseeing my grandfather’s care in an assisted living facility.
My journey into entrepreneurship began during my time at Dartmouth College, where I crossed paths with Al Gore and later worked on his campaign. After completing my MBA at Harvard Business School, I served as the Deputy Director of National Service in the White House, where I played a key role in the launch of AmeriCorps.
Following my tenure in the White House, I founded Explore, Inc., a Baltimore-based company aimed at providing homework support and study skills to middle-school-age children nationwide. This venture was highly successful and eventually acquired by one of our largest competitors.
How do you support and nurture your team? What sets your team apart from others?
Our team embodies diversity and camaraderie. Each member brings unique and valuable perspectives to our work. We are all driven by a shared commitment to making a positive social impact, rather than solely focusing on financial gains. The concept of a “double bottom line” is deeply ingrained in our company culture.
Do you have any memorable experiences with clients that stand out?
One of my most cherished experiences was implementing our program with the District of Columbia and Atlanta Housing Authorities. Providing connectivity to seniors and underserved communities opens doors to education, employment opportunities, healthcare access, and fosters greater equality. Witnessing residents lining up eagerly for our classes and gaining access to computer labs was incredibly fulfilling.
Can you share your favorite book with us and why it’s meaningful to you?
My favorite book is “The Killer Angels: A Novel of the Civil War” by Michael Shaara. I’m drawn to historical narratives, and this account of the Battle of Gettysburg always resonates with me. Particularly, the depiction of Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain’s heroic defense of Little Round Top and his courageous charge downhill with bayonets due to low ammunition levels. It exemplifies bravery, leadership, and resilience in the face of adversity, which profoundly impacts me.
Who do you admire the most?
I hold deep admiration for my parents. Throughout my life, they have exemplified how to prioritize family, make positive contributions to society, and successfully manage a business simultaneously.
In the professional realm, one of my earliest mentors was Al Gore. During my involvement in his ’88 presidential campaign and work on environmental issues, he demonstrated the importance of possessing extensive knowledge in a field, pursuing one’s passions, and assembling a team that challenges ideas rather than merely agreeing with them. Gore often emphasized the value of making mistakes as a sign of pushing boundaries and striving for meaningful impact, which were invaluable lessons in effecting change and disrupting the status quo.
Whose entrepreneurial journey do you find particularly inspiring?
I find Steve Jobs’ business story incredibly inspiring. His relentless drive for innovation and ability to envision possibilities that others couldn’t conceive at the time are remarkable. One of my favorite quotes from him is, “People who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”
Is constant vigilance a necessity or a tactic?
What are your thoughts on this? Constant vigilance is undoubtedly a necessity. It’s imperative to remain driven towards improvement, innovation, attentive listening, adaptability, and continuous growth every single day.
In today’s competitive landscape, how do you manage to stay ahead?
I find solace and rejuvenation in nature and the outdoors. Spending quality time with my family, engaging in activities like horse riding and sailing, allows me to recharge and maintain a sense of community and service.
