FEBRUARY FEATURED FEW

Name: Gail Rucks

Organization/Title: General Manager at Woodcrest of Country Manor

Length of time as a FEW member: Just starting third year as a FEW member. Great organization and members, dearly miss our monthly luncheons.

Hometown: Sauk Rapids, Minn.

Family: Both of my parents; a son with a granddaughter and two great-grandkids (yes I’m great! :); a daughter, son-in-law and two grandkids; Sadie, my cockapoo; and a new “friend” from the South who is teaching me to have fun and laugh again. He makes me happy!

What do you actually do at work? Oversee the day-to-day operations of 60 senior apartments with assisted living services and 24 memory care apartments. I have a GREAT team of managers and staff. 

What was your first job? First job was as a receptionist at Country Manor in Sartell.

How do you help others succeed? I like to present an idea/concept to an individual and allow them to create a plan and an outcome, thus taking the ownership, making sure the individual has the necessary tools available to be successful.

What is your biggest accomplishment? Working and experiencing many growth opportunities for the same company for almost 48 years; thus, earning the trust to have responsibility for a brand new project.

Is your desk/office messy or organized? Desk was very messy until I read this question. As of this moment, my desk has never looked so organized. So...let’s see if it can last.  

Are you a task-oriented person or a people-oriented person? Very much people oriented. However, I have never missed a deadline.

Do you have or are you a mentor? I have an excellent mentor, my boss. He has taught and coached me “Servant Leadership” for which I am truly grateful.

Who is your oldest friend and where did you meet them? My best friend, who also ironically has the name Gail, is like a soulmate. We met when we were both members and officers of the Eagles Auxiliary in St. Cloud. Started traveling together and we always have a lot of fun and laughter.