The philosophy at Traditions of America is completely customer-centric – we cannot rest until YOU are in your DreamHome. Working tirelessly, often times behind the scenes, our employees are truly the “Team Behind the Dream” and they enable Traditions of America to set the gold standard for 55+ living day-in and day-out. Our new “Meet the Team Behind the Dream” blog series is specifically devoted to highlighting the people who work hard to ensure our homeowners Live Better every single day in their DreamHome.
Cue Rachel Bechard – Lifestyle Director at Lititz. Read on to learn everything from Rachel’s most memorable career moment as Lifestyle Director to what superhero she would be … and more!
Q: Describe your typical day at TOA:
A: Every day is different, but it starts the same: listen to voice mails, check emails, answer questions, review the calendar. From there it can go from attending committee meetings to setting up for events. As Lifestyle Director at Lititz, I plan speakers and events, and I get to know the Lititz homeowners. I spend a lot of time listening to the homeowners – they are genuinely the coolest people. I’ve been in customer service my whole life, and the most important part of customer service is listening: getting to know your customer, their likes, dislikes. Getting to know the homeowners at Lititz has opened up a world of possibility when it comes to planning events, trips, and speakers.
Q: Favorite part of your job?
A: Planning and putting on events for homeowners. I love working with our social committee at Lititz to do fun, extravagant things! In February we had a Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance catered by Scarlet Runner (all locally-sourced, made from scratch gourmet catering). For Cinco de Mayo, a DJ came to our party and led group dances. This month we are turning our clubhouse into an Escape Room experience for Lititz!
Q: Most memorable moment in TOA career?
A: When one of our actors got sick and had to bow out of playing in our Murder Mystery production and I stepped in as “Simone Carlton” (THE MURDERER!) for our show!
Q: Career theme song?
A: “Eye of The Tiger”
Q: If you were a superhero, who would you be, and why?
A: Karin Murphy from The Dresden Files. She is tiny, fierce, loyal, and her “superpower” is that she’s just plain human. She’s able to face horrors beyond anyone’s imagination with grit and determination. She fights monsters and protects people. She is strong, noble, and always there for her friends.
Q: First job ever?
A: Bussing tables and rolling silverware for Hoss’s Steak & Sea House (the one right down the road from Traditions of America at Lititz!)
Q: Where would we find you after hours?
A: At a local craft brewery or outside by the pool!
Q: Word that best describes you?
A: Heartfelt
Q: If your life had a movie title, what would it be?
A: “Tiny, but FIERCE!”
Q: If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three items, what would they be?
A: A boat to get back off the island, a pitcher of craft beer, and sunscreen (because your skin is your best friend!)
Q: If you could meet any historical person, who would it be and why?
A: Vincent Van Gogh. I’d love to tell him how much his art would shape future artists for generations to come. It seems so unfair that such a creative, talented human being died penniless, thinking he was a horrible artist, consumed by depression and loneliness.
Maryland ranks 2nd highest in the U.S in average household income for people age 65 and up, yet residents get clobbered by high taxes and costs of living. While Maryland does not tax social security benefits, distributions from individual retirement accounts are fully taxable. Maryland is also one of only two states that has both an estate and inheritance tax, making it one of the least tax friendly states for retirees. Oh – and by the way – the other state that has both is, you guessed it, another one of Pennsylvania’s infamous neighbors – New Jersey!
The Buying Event kicked off with a short presentation featuring an 
After showcasing a few more action shots from the Gator tours, including some renderings of Cranberry’s future Clubhouse and amenities, and explaining how Traditions of America will help future homeowners sell their existing home with Traditions Realty, the presentation shifted gears to the moment everyone was waiting for – the lottery drawing for lot selection! As the fish bowl with everyone’s name on folded cards was brought on stage, the anticipation and excitement in the room was palpable. The first lucky couple to be drawn from the bowl received an uproarious applause, as they made their way to the front of the room to place their glimmering golden sticker on the massive site map, claiming their future home site. True pioneers!
Over the next hour, as more names were called and more people selected their lots, the laughter and jubilance in the room continued to build, coming to a crescendo when forty, yes forty, lots were reserved by the end of the hour. Celebratory champagne and hors d’oeuvres were served, and it was truly heartwarming to see our future residents meeting their future neighbors. This successful Buying Event, while it does underscore Cranberry’s desirable location and attest to the hard work of our staff, on a deeper level signals the beginning of life-long friendships among the residents. We cannot wait to watch our pioneers experience the 
Saratoga
Our attention to customer happiness doesn’t stop after closing. The Traditions of America team continues to place homeowner satisfaction as a top priority with the 
Location, location, location: with interstate highways nearby, and the Pittsburgh International Airport and burgeoning arts, dining and sports scene of downtown Pittsburgh only a short drive away, Traditions of America at Cranberry is perfectly positioned for ease and convenience. Heading in to the city to see the Pirates or Steelers play couldn’t be easier!
