Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/809553
94 | M A C O N M A G A Z I N E A P R I L / M A Y 2 0 1 7 Women In Business Jimmie M. Powe, Community Executive The Gables at Wolf Creek 5228 Forsyth Road | 478.476.4433 thegables@thecottages.us | thegables.us *** How did your career path lead you to your current position? After a 25-year career in shopping center management, I retired at 64, only to discover I was bored and hated my new unstructured lifestyle. One of the owners of The Cottages on Wesleyan, Randy Griffin, was a church acquaintance at Martha Bowman United Methodist Church, and I called him to ask if he had something I could do. He had recently started construction of the retirement community, The Gables at Wolf Creek on Forsyth Road. We met and I went to work a week later. My office was in the construction trailer equipped with the barest necessities. My first task was pre-leasing -- and I loved it! I met the most wonderful people who were looking to downsize from their large homes. Describe your role as Community Executive for The Gables. The people who live in The Gables really matter to me. Every person brings a uniqueness to our community. I consider each resident to be my friend. As a senior myself I seek a way, each and every day, to validate the worth of every one of my residents. What are your goals at this point? My goal as Community Executive is to encourage seniors to remain active, to participate in resident activities, and to socialize with neighbors and continue to enjoy life. I smile when I am out in the community and see several people gathered on a front porch engaged in lively conversation. I am convinced that interacting with others on a regular basis extends life. What is most rewarding about your job? I had the unique privilege of watching the actual construction of our patio homes and clubhouse so I know how well-built they are. The Gables at Wolf Creek is a thriving business, but more than that, it is a healthy, vibrant community, reminiscent of the neighborhoods where we grew up with neighbors who looked out for each other. To have been present from the beginning and part of growing a community has been a delight. In my heart The Gables at Wolf Creek is mine, and I am so very proud to have been a part of its success. Where do you envision yourself five years from now? I'm approaching my 78th birthday. In five years, I expect to be living right here surrounded by great friends, enjoying life, and participating in the many and varied resident activities.