Shows
Inspired Or AcquiredJoe Pohlen - Big Vision & Big Impact Buying Assisted Living CommunitiesIn this episode, Joe Pohlen, CEO of Cardinal Senior Living, shares his journey in the assisted living industry, discussing the growth of his business, the challenges faced, and the importance of operational excellence. He reflects on his transition from self-storage to senior care, the significance of family dynamics in his entrepreneurial journey, and his ambitious goals for the future. Joe emphasizes the critical role of leadership in turning around distressed properties and the complexities of due diligence in acquisitions. Joe Pohlen on X: https://x.com/joepohlenCardinal Senior Living: https://cardinalseniorliving.com/Clint Fiore & D...
2025-12-1743 min
Senior Care: UnscriptedJoe Pohlen: Hand-On Leadership and Individualized Care In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson interview Joe Pohlen, CEO of Cardinal Senior Living. Joe discusses the unique approach of Cardinal Senior Living, emphasizing community autonomy and individualized branding, and shares the journey from starting with leased buildings to becoming a fully integrated senior housing operator with 20 communities across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. Joe recounts his unconventional entry into the industry, from real estate to senior care, and highlights the importance of hands-on leadership and employee trust. He also addresses the need for political advocacy in representing senior living residents...
2025-06-1731 min
Cash Flow Connections - Real Estate PodcastWhy Senior Living Is Finally Gaining Real Momentum - E1073 - TTIn this Topical Tuesday episode, I spoke with Joe Pohlen who is the CEO of Cardinal Senior Living. He has built a portfolio of 20 senior living communities across Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, through a blend of compassionate care, safety, and a sales-focused culture.
Be sure to tune in if you’re interested in learning about:
How his firm grew to 20 communities with a long-term, owner-operator model focused on alignment and care.
Why senior living is just now starting to benefit from the “silver tsunami” and how COVID shaped the future of the industry.
...
2025-05-2730 min
Joe DeFranco's Industrial Strength Show#489 The Secret To Conquering "Impossible" Tasks, Evil Workouts, Wolf Encounters & More w/ Calahan SkogmanThis week Joe welcomes former college basketball player turned writer/actor - Calahan Skogman. Together, Joe & Calahan discuss a variety of topics. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: How Joe first "discovered" Calahan; How/Why Calahan first got into fitness; How Calahan can distinguish the "real ones" vs the "fake ones" in the fitness industry; Motivation vs Discipline; How does training affect Calahan's writing; Calahan's favorite/most evil workout; The powerful self-talk Calahan uses to conquer life's most difficult challenges; Would Calahan be willing to do a drastic/unhealthy physique transformation for a movie role; Calahan's close encounter with a pack of wolves...And M...
2024-09-191h 27Joe DeFranco's Industrial Strength Show#489 The Secret To Conquering "Impossible" Tasks, Evil Workouts, Wolf Encounters & More w/ Calahan SkogmanThis week Joe welcomes former college basketball player turned writer/actor - Calahan Skogman. Together, Joe & Calahan discuss a variety of topics. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: How Joe first "discovered" Calahan; How/Why Calahan first got into fitness; How Calahan can distinguish the "real ones" vs the "fake ones" in the fitness industry; Motivation vs Discipline; How does training affect Calahan's writing; Calahan's favorite/most evil workout; The powerful self-talk Calahan uses to conquer life's most difficult challenges; Would Calahan be willing to do a drastic/unhealthy physique transformation for a movie role; Calahan's close encounter with a pack of wolves...And M...
2024-09-191h 27
POWERS#286 - Joe Pohlen - Co-Founder of Cardinal Senior Living - Building a Better Future For Seniors in Assisted LivingWe'd appreciate you filling out our audience survey, so we can continuously work on providing relevant content to our listeners. https://www.thefortpod.com/surveyJoe Pohlen is the Founder and Partner of Cardinal Senior Management, an assisted living company operating facilities in Michigan and Pennsylvania.This is Joe's second appearance on The Fort, if you'd like to hear round 1, you can do so here.On this episode, Chris and Joe discuss:➡️ Family dynamics and American culture towards how we treat...
2023-06-011h 11POWERS#286 - Joe Pohlen - Co-Founder of Cardinal Senior Living - Building a Better Future For Seniors in Assisted LivingWe'd appreciate you filling out our audience survey, so we can continuously work on providing relevant content to our listeners. https://www.thefortpod.com/surveyJoe Pohlen is the Founder and Partner of Cardinal Senior Management, an assisted living company operating facilities in Michigan and Pennsylvania.This is Joe's second appearance on The Fort, if you'd like to hear round 1, you can do so here.On this episode, Chris and Joe discuss:➡️ Family dynamics and American culture towards how we treat...
2023-06-011h 11
Joe talks YPO#11: Scott Mordell - Former CEO of YPOScott is the former CEO of YPO. Scott and Joe talk about his journey leading organizations in various industries, from horse racing to garage and gate openers and everything in between. Scott joined YPO as a member in 1995 and most recently served as its CEO beginning in 2011. Scott helped expand YPO membership, and transition it from a primarily US organization to an international organization focused on leadership impact. He shares a great deal of wisdom, resources, and advice for YPO members and several strategies, philosophies, and tips for CEOs. Scott has enjoyed 36 years of marriage w...
2022-01-2037 minJoe talks YPO#10: James Scarlett - Owner of Scarlett, Inc.Joe sits down with James Scarlett. James works in business development for Scarlett Inc, a manufacturing and equipment sales company. James is the third generation in the family business, growing up cleaning machines and sweeping the floor as a young kid. He attributes his curiosity, something he learned from his father, has helped him in his professional and personal life. A man of many hobbies James enjoys racing sailboats, riding bikes, skiing, fishing, and many others. They get into an interesting conversation about private aviation and James’ many injuries on the podcast. James says, "I am m...
2022-01-0634 min
Seniors Junction PodcastEpisode 37 - Social isolation, affordability and involving seniors in assisted livingJoe Pohlen, Founder and Partner of Cardinal Senior Management has prospected and built a portfolio of multifamily, student housing and self-storage in West Michigan for the last 9 years. Cardinal Senior Management (CSM) is a regional operator of assisted living and personal care communities on the east coast. More info - https://cardinalseniormgmt.com/Get the latest podcast updates by subscribing to our newsletter on https://seniorsjunction.com Credits: Hosts: Namrata Bagaria, Paul Merkley Intro & Outro Music: Aaron Shandilya Video Production: Aaryaman Chandgothia
2021-12-2022 min
The Business of FamilyJoe Pohlen - Caring for Elders & Why it's Important to Have DaughtersJoe is the owner of Cardinal Senior Management, an operator of assisted living communities in the Untied States. Joe started the company with his business partner in 2015 and hopes to continue their growth in the coming decade with a focus on affordability and decentralized leadership. Joe lives in Grand Rapids, MI with his wife and 4 year old son.
Standout Quotes:
"Unless someone's livelihood and their family’s livelihood depends on what you're doing, you're not an entrepreneur" - [Joe]
"Unfortunately, the US gets a reputation for not caring for our elderly the way a lot of ot...
2021-12-1240 minJoe talks YPO#9: Brett Vanderkamp - Founder & President of New Holland Brewing CompanyJoe sits down with Brett, the founder and president of New Holland Brewing Company. With a retail presence in Holland and Grand Rapids, New Holland is both a brewery and distillery with a full-service restaurant, a spirits tasting room, and an online store. At 24, he began New Holland Brewing in 1997 and has grown the company to nearly 500 team members. Brett serves as CEO, overseeing the corporate and leadership teams and continuing to forge their path into the future. Brett’s original partner in opening New Holland Brewing Company, Jason Spaulding, helped grow the company and eventually established Bre...
2021-11-2541 min
Street Smart Success98: The Difference Between Good and Great in Senior Living Makes a Huge Difference on the Bottom Line10,000 people are turning 75 every day in this country. There are currently more people in their 70’s 80’ and 90’s than ever before. The demand for Assisted Living is just at the tip of the iceberg and operators are poised to do well if they can serve this population responsibly.
Today’s guest, Joe Pohlen, Principal of Cardinal Senior Management, is having great success buying underperforming assets and repositioning them by treating residents and employees the way they should be treated.
Learn more at https://www.streetsmartsuccess.com
2021-11-1845 minJoe talks YPO#8: Aaron Veldheer - Managing Director at Strategies Wealth AdvisorsJoe sits down with Aaron Veldheer, the Managing Director and Senior Wealth Advisor for Strategies Wealth Advisors, a wealth management firm. Aaron helps families and institutions manage their wealth by providing comprehensive financial planning and investment management. Aaron played college basketball and was an NFL Contract Advisor for his brother Jared Veldheer, a 12 yearNFL veteran and team MVP for conference winning Arizona Cardinals. Aaron helped to negotiate his $37.5 million deal with Arizona. There are a ton of great stories around this sports chapter of his life. Aaron, Jodi and their three sons Lennox 13, James 10, and Be...
2021-11-1142 minJoe talks YPOBONUS: YPO New MembersIn a special podcast episode, Joe sits down with Wade Wyant, the former Membership Engagement Chair for YPO West Michigan. They discuss all you need to know as a new YPO Member. YPO is an organization for young presidents or CEOs looking for peer support and community. YPO members learn tips and tricks to grow or expand their business from each other, have access to exceptional educational opportunities, and enjoy a social environment. Wade and Joe talk about the value of YPO and some of the incredible experiences they had over the years. Wade shares his experience c...
2021-11-0436 minJoe talks YPO#7 Wade Wyant: Entrepreneur at Red Wagon AdvisorsJoe is joined by Wade Wyant, an entrepreneur at Red Wagon Advisors, where he focuses on coaching companies through implementing the Scaling Up system. Wade has started several successful companies in the Information Technology sector in cyber security and used the Scaling Up system to help them succeed. Wade has also experienced what it is like to have a business fail. He calls himself 'a recovering CEO' and views Red Wagon's work to help other CEO's avoid the mistakes and common pitfalls. He feels his life's purpose is to build teams. Wade has been married for 27 years this...
2021-10-2830 minJoe talks YPO#6 Jason Johnson: President of JE Johnson Inc.Joe sits down with Jason Johnson, president of JE Johnson Inc., a mechanical contracting company for commercial, industrial, and residential customers throughout Michigan. Jason's father started J.E. Johnson in 1979 in Midland, Michigan. Jason has been in the family business since he was 14. He worked his way up in the company and took over as president and CEO in 2012. Jason is a father and husband and has two boys Easton who will soon be 10 in November, and Torren, 4. The most impactful memories in his life are when he married his wife Erin in 2016 and gained his son Ea...
2021-10-2137 minJoe talks YPO#5 Brett Logan: Owner and President of Immaculate FlightBrett Logan is the owner and president of Immaculate Flight, an aircraft cleaning and detailing company working with private owners, flight departments, commercial carriers, and government fleets. Brett was the person who got Joe into private aviation and they discussed his journey on the pod. As a kid on family vacations in Harbor Springs, he would sometimes sit for hours at the end of the runway to watch planes come in. In 2005, he and a partner began Immaculate Flight. Brett shares the story about how he and his wife Lynne had a six-month-old child and use...
2021-10-1432 minJoe talks YPO#4 Jordan Notenbaum: Co-founder & CEO of Mobile Defenders - Founder of Tech DefendersJordan Notenbaum is the co-founder and CEO of Mobile Defenders, an electronics distribution company, and the founder of Tech Defenders. After graduating from Grand Valley State University, Jordan got in on the ground floor of phone repair. He calculated that he and his partner needed to repair 1.43 phones a day to pay rent. The business quickly expanded, and in 13 months, they had four stores. As the business expanded, they encountered various challenges from supply chain issues, retail locations, working with China that Jordan details on the pod. He also founded Tech Defenders, which he...
2021-10-0735 minJoe talks YPO#3 Jason Ruud: President of S.A. Morman and Co.Jason Ruud is the president of S.A. Morman and Co., a commercial doors, hardware, and security systems company based in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. He and his wife Kristin bought the company from her father in 2019. They are proud to be the 6th generation in the family business, which started in 1857. The company has 75 employees between its two locations in Grand Rapids and the Kalamazoo/ Portage area. He cares deeply about his employees and says, ‘we call them family members.’ Jason is the father of fraternal twins Bennett & Quinn and son Graham, all under 3! He has...
2021-09-3041 minJoe talks YPO#2 Jeff Helminski: Managing Partner of Auxo InvestmentJoe sits down with Jeff Helminski, Managing Partner of Auxo Investment. He has compiled a diverse professional background over the past 20 years, including experience in private equity investing, manufacturing engineering, high-volume assembly operations management, and real estate development. Jeff helped start the Opportunity Resource Fund which supports homeownership, small business, and real estate development in Michigan. At his first job after college, he worked at General Motors, where they built 1,296 trucks a day--- one every 54 seconds, which made $10,000 net profit per truck to GM. In his spare time, Jeff sits on the Spectrum Health Hospital Group...
2021-09-2337 minJoe talks YPO#1 Roger Mali: Owner & CEO of Mission Point Healthcare ServicesJoe sits down with Roger Mali, the owner, and CEO of Mission Point Healthcare Services. Mission Point specializes in skilled nursing care and senior housing management. He began with two facilities, and over the years, Roger’s business has grown to include 28 facilities throughout Michigan. His company has 2,800 nursing beds, 60 assisted living beds, and the support of 3,400 skilled employees. He and his wife Amiee split time between homes in Birmingham and Traverse City, where his wife is a winemaker and vineyard operator. Roger enjoys time with his two sons, Christopher and Emerson being outdoors. For...
2021-09-0948 minJoe talks YPOWelcome to Joe talks YPOJoe talks YPO is a podcast interview series with current YPO members, by YPO members, and for YPO members. YPO is a global leadership community of Chief Executives driven by the shared belief that the world needs better leaders. Through YPO, we're inspired and supported to make a difference in the lives, businesses, and the world we impact. This podcast will introduce you to some of the amazing people within the organization. Your host is Joe Pohlen from the West Michigan Chapter. A little about me. Joe is the co-founder and owner of Cardinal Senior Management, an...
2021-09-0201 min
POWERSRE #146: Joe Pohlen - Co-Founder of Cardinal Senior Living - 'Assisted Living 101'Today's episode features Joe Pohlen, Founder and Partner of Cardinal Senior Management, an assisted living company operating facilities in Michigan and Pennsylvania. On this episode, Chris and Joe dive into the different levels of senior care and look into how Joe's facilities look and operate. Joe describes the process of acquiring buildings, the sales process of adding residents, and how they focus on maintaining the dignity of the resident above all else. They also have a sobering discussion on just how hard the pandemic hit seniors.Enjoy! (03:18) - Joe’s Background and Career
2021-05-311h 27POWERSRE #146: Joe Pohlen - Co-Founder of Cardinal Senior Living - 'Assisted Living 101'Today's episode features Joe Pohlen, Founder and Partner of Cardinal Senior Management, an assisted living company operating facilities in Michigan and Pennsylvania. On this episode, Chris and Joe dive into the different levels of senior care and look into how Joe's facilities look and operate. Joe describes the process of acquiring buildings, the sales process of adding residents, and how they focus on maintaining the dignity of the resident above all else. They also have a sobering discussion on just how hard the pandemic hit seniors.Enjoy! (03:18) - Joe’s Background and Career
2021-05-311h 27
Rental Property Owner & Real Estate Investor PodcastEP040 Turning Around a Distressed 52-Unit Apartment Community, The Path from providing Student Housing to Investing in Multifamily, Apartments and Assisted Living with Joe PohlenMy guest today is Joe Pohlen, a successful investor and entrepreneur who started buying single family student rentals while he was still in college. Joe has grown his portfolio to include Multifamily and Apartments in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing and Battle Creek, Michigan, which he oversees through his management company; Ancora Management. Joe will also be discussing his recent acquisition of several independent and assisted living facilities, and the extensive turnaround and receivership experience he gained during the great recession. You'll also learn the steps Joe went through to turn around a distressed 52...
2016-10-171h 27