Behind every title is a person, with a story worth hearing. In this episode of The Meritage Project, host Phil Lord sits down with Solera’s newest Executive Director, Jess Tougeron — a leader whose path from retail and hospitality to senior living is rooted in connection and purpose.

Jess reflects on her early influences, the experiences that shaped her leadership, and the unexpected transition that led her to senior living. What began as a career shift quickly became a calling — one centered on creating joy, building relationships, and honoring each resident’s story.

Along the way, her personality shines through — from her love of mini Highland cows to the meaningful (and often humorous) bonds she forms with residents. With warmth and authenticity, she shares the lessons that guide her today and the legacy she hopes to leave: to make people feel seen, valued, and happy.

Thank you to our sponsor, ALIS: https://www.go-alis.com/

Behind every title is a person, with a story worth hearing.

In this episode of The Meritage Project, host Phil Lord sits down with The Reserve at Lake Austin resident, artist, and storyteller Erik Sprohge — a man whose life has spanned continents, careers, and creative expression. From his early childhood in Latvia and Germany to building a life in Houston, Erik reflects on the experiences that shaped his identity, his artistry, and his perspective on the world.

Trained as an architect and later known for his watercolor and acrylic work, Erik shares how precision, curiosity, and imagination have guided him through each chapter of life. But for Erik, art has never simply been about technique — it has always been about storytelling. Through his work, he captures not just places and moments, but the deeper reflections that come with time, change, and lived experience.

Now residing at The Reserve at Lake Austin, Erik offers an honest and deeply human perspective on aging, love, and legacy. He speaks candidly about caring for his wife, Helen, navigating the realities of memory loss, and finding meaning in this current chapter of life — one filled with both gratitude and complexity.

With humor, humility, and wisdom, Erik reminds us that life is not about having all the answers, but about continuing to evolve, to create, and to be unapologetically yourself.

Thank you to our sponsor, ALIS: https://www.go-alis.com/

Behind every title is a person, with a story worth hearing. In this episode of The Meritage Project, host Phil Lord sits down with Solera’s Corporate Director of Culinary Experience, Chef Kristen Burman — a leader known for her creativity, heart, and the joy she brings to every kitchen. Kristen reflects on growing up in a close-knit Chicago family, the discipline and love that shaped her, and the path that led her from competitive athletics to culinary school and a life in food. Along the way, she discovered a simple truth: meals matter most when they bring people together. Now in senior living, her purpose is clearer than ever. Whether learning the story behind a resident’s favorite recipe or honoring a special request, Kristen believes great hospitality starts with listening. For her, it’s not about recognition — it’s about connection, service, and community. With warmth and humility, she shares the lessons that guide her leadership, the balance of family life, and the value she hopes to pass on: when you start something, you finish it.