President’s Remarks

By Melissa Auten

2025 SAGE President of SAGE

Hello Senior Housing advocates!

 

We are excited for 2025 and your Council on SAGE has planned a great line up of events guaranteed to make you think about how together we can best serve all Generational Environments. 

But while we plan for great education, networking and exposure we have heavy hearts as so many families, friends, colleague are suffering from the difficult loss of HOME. BIASC’s philanthropic arm is HomeAid. The HomeAid LA Chapter is is holding an Essentials drive in Irvine and Santa Clarita this Saturday, January 18th. More information below. Please donate if you can!


As we all help to rebuild LA we will still continue programing and we hope you can join us this year. Professional engagement is an investment in you and we sure hope this year you will participate with us at all of our SAGE events. As well as ask your colleagues and clients to attend with you so that we can broaden our expertise and talents together to provide the best in Senior housing.

 

These opportunities allow you to gain personal insights and build relationship with others who are as passionate as you

 

Our first event is on Feb 6th. We hope you’ll join us and be inspired to get involved! 

 

Thank you.

Event Recap

Event Recap: Think Tank 2024 – Imagining the Future of 55+ Senior Living


On December 13, 2024, SAGE proudly hosted the much-anticipated Think Tank event – our first in five years! It was wonderful to reconnect with so many forward-thinkers in the industry at the winter session, held at the impressive BSH Experience & Design Center in Irvine.


The morning program, running from 8 AM to 12 PM, was a lively and engaging experience. Attendees enjoyed a warm welcome, delicious refreshments (a big thanks to BSH!), and dynamic, interactive sessions that sparked innovative ideas for shaping senior living today and in the future.


The event was expertly hosted by Gina Nixon, a seasoned marketing strategist, and featured three outstanding speakers: Deborah Blake, Chris Porter, and Peter Dennehy. These industry leaders shared invaluable insights about the evolving 55+ buyer – who they are, what motivates them, and how their needs have transformed over the years.


Dynamic Discussions and Expert Insights

The Think Tank was more than just a series of presentations – it was a deep dive into the data, trends, and opportunities shaping senior housing. Deborah Blake, founder of Ipsum Group, along with Chris Porter and Peter Dennehy of John Burns Research and Consulting, brought decades of expertise to the table.


Their talks covered best practices, market preferences, and innovative strategies to meet the growing demands of the 55+ housing sector. From research and consulting to marketing insights, their presentations sparked meaningful discussions and ideas that flowed well beyond the scheduled 12 PM conclusion.


A Thank You to Our Community

This Think Tank was a testament to the power of collaboration and forward thinking. Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and contributed to the success of the event. And of course, a special thank you to our speakers for sharing their expertise and inspiring new approaches to senior living.

Here’s to continuing the conversation and innovating together as we create meaningful, vibrant communities for the 55+ market. We look forward to seeing you at our next Think Tank!

Advocacy Corner

As the Homebuilding Industry we have come together with HomeAid LA and offer a helping hand during this difficult time. This Saturday, we are hosting a Homebuilders Essential Donations Drive to provide vital supplies to those affected, and we would love for you to be a part of this initiative.


Event Details

Date: Saturday, January 18th

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Drop-off Locations:

2000 FivePoint, Irvine, CA 92618

27426 Navigation Ave., Valencia, CA 91381

 

We’re collecting a variety of essential items that will help families get back on their feet.

Spotlight of the Month

Spotlight of the Month – SAGE Welcomes Two Visionary Leaders to Our Board of Directors: Maureen Ladley & Natalie Maples Brenner

 

We are delighted to announce two exceptional additions to SAGE’s Board of Directors: Maureen Ladley and Natalie Maples Brenner. Their expertise, dedication, and passion for innovation will be invaluable as we continue to drive the future of senior housing and development.


Maureen Ladley – Principal of Ladley & Associates


With a career rooted in strategic marketing, Maureen Ladley brings a rare blend of curiosity and precision to the field of consumer research. As the Principal of Ladley & Associates, she has built a firm renowned for its innovative, results-driven approach to understanding consumers and delivering actionable insights.


Before founding her firm, Maureen served as Vice President of Strategic Marketing at Centex, where she directed research initiatives across the western and southwestern regions. Her academic contributions include teaching sustainable marketing at Boston Architectural College’s Sustainable Design Institute. Maureen’s thought leadership has been featured at prestigious platforms such as the Arizona Housing Forum and NAHB.


Maureen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from UCLA and certifications in qualitative and quantitative research from the Insights Association. A dedicated member of the Urban Land Institute and the National Association of Home Builders, Maureen’s commitment to advancing the housing industry is evident in every endeavor she undertakes.


Natalie Maples Brenner – Real Estate Advisor and Legal Expert


Natalie Maples Brenner brings unparalleled expertise in real estate transactions, development, and legal strategy. Her career spans a wide spectrum of real estate matters, including site acquisition, land use, leasing, and due diligence. Natalie has served as lead counsel on complex transactions, including commercial, industrial, and mixed-use developments, as well as high-stakes mergers and acquisitions.


Natalie’s experience extends to niche markets, such as medical office buildings, renewable energy projects, and national retail chains. She also provides invaluable counsel on tax-driven transactions involving historic tax credits, opportunity zones, and REITs. Her ability to navigate intricate title and survey matters, as well as implement remedies in cases of defaults, highlights her dedication to delivering comprehensive solutions for her clients.


Natalie’s legal acumen is matched by her deep

of real estate and finance. Her expertise will undoubtedly strengthen SAGE’s strategic vision and mission.


A Warm Welcome to Our New Board Members

We are thrilled to have Maureen and Natalie join our leadership team. Their impressive track records and commitment to excellence will help SAGE continue to lead the way in the senior housing industry. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to these outstanding professionals!

SAGE Board Member Chat

 

In a recent conversation with David Pintar, Director of Project Development at CW Driver he says is happy to serve on the SAGE Board of Directors for many years now because of the PEOPPLE! And we couldn’t agree more. Dave said at CW Driver they believe in WE and that’s the same feeling he gets volunteering on the Board.


Building Better Communities & Lives Together, is CW Drivers mission. A few of Dave’s favorite projects in So Cal have been Montecedro, Episcapol community services, and Altadena. If you can get out and visit them we highly recommend touring these fantastic projects.


Being from SoCal Dave has seen many changes SR Living over the years. The biggest being the increased costs and program changes over the last 2 decades. As SAGE Members we have to continue to advocate for affordable homes and less regulation.


Dave’s hope for our Council is to increase our membership and make more people aware of the value of membership.

New Members

Welcome SAGE new members!

We are so glad you are here!

Join Today: https://www.councilonsage.com/join-now

Kendall Carre

https://www.p11.com/

 

Maureen Ladley

https://ladleyandassociates.com/

 

Joseph W. Hanely III

https://www.nossaman.com/

Peter Dennehy

https://jbrec.com/

 

Natalie Maples Brenner

https://www.nossaman.com/

 


 

Upcoming Events

Don’t Miss Upcoming Events with SAGE!


February 6, 2025 – Back by Popular Demand!

"A Powerful Discussion About Adaptive Reuse"

Join us for an engaging and insightful event featuring a panel of industry experts who will explore the transformative potential of adaptive reuse. Discover how underutilized spaces like malls and retail centers are being reimagined as livable solutions to address housing needs of today.


Featured Panelists:

  • Doug Pancake
  • Michael Massie
  • D. Rocky Rockefeller, AIA

Hosted by Dave Pintar

Event Details:


📍 Innovation Office Park

150 Progress, Irvine, CA 92618

🗓️ Thursday, February 6, 2025

⏰ Time: 7:30am networking- registration

               8:00am Program

               9:30am Program Concludes

This discussion will dive into the complexities, challenges, and opportunities of converting retail spaces into residential use. Gain valuable insights from seasoned professionals about what to consider, key strategies, and how to navigate potential hurdles in these transformative projects.


Why Attend?

  • Learn actionable strategies for adaptive reuse projects.
  • Hear real-world examples and lessons learned from experts in the field.
  • Network with like-minded professionals committed to innovation in affordable housing solutions.

Seats are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping the future of housing. RSVP today!

 

SAVE THE DATE 2025 SAGE AWARDS

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025

 

Check out our 2024 SAGE Awards Winners on our website!

Click Here

Thank You to our Sponsors

Premier Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors

Bassenian Lagoni

Bosch, Thermador & Gaggenau

CDC Designs

C.W. Driver

Danielian Associates

Fuscoe Engineering, Inc.

Land Concern, Landscape Architecture

Outdoor Dimensions

Ridge Landscape Architects (RLA)

Western Community Housing Inc. 

W.E. O’Neil Construction

Thank You for Reading!

BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

PHONE: (949) 777-3859

EMAIL: kdistefano@biasc.org

 

© 2025 Building Industry Association of Southern California.

All Rights Reserved. Visit biasc.org today.

Facebook  Instagram  Linkedin  Twitter  Youtube