For Tim Bumbaugh, the Environmental Services Manager of Presbyterian Senior Living’s HMC branch, working in senior living isn’t just a job; it’s a lifelong journey of dedication, passion, and continuous growth. With an impressive 46-year tenure, Tim’s story is a testament to the impact of commitment, learning, and the invaluable relationships built along the way.
Tim's journey with PSL began at an early age, following in the footsteps of his parents, who worked at Quincy Village. At just 15 years old, Tim started his career at Quincy, a community with a rich history, originally serving as an orphanage. What began as a summer job quickly evolved into a year-round commitment, with Tim working in various roles, including maintenance in the health care center during the winter months.
Over the years, Tim’s dedication and eagerness to learn did not go unnoticed. Under the mentorship of a great supervisor who took him under his wing, Tim began taking classes in electrical, plumbing, and other technical skills. His hard work and growing expertise led to a steady progression in his career, moving from laborer to technician, then to specialist, then Assistant Director, and finally Director of Maintenance at Quincy Village before he moved into his current position.
When PSL’s Housing Management Corporation (HMC) branch reached out to Tim, he was initially hesitant to leave his long-time home at Quincy. However, after some thought and a bit of persuasion, he decided to take on the challenge. The transition, though daunting, proved to be a fruitful one. Tim recalls asking to be shown the most challenging property at HMC—only to find out later that he was spared the toughest assignment, something he and his colleagues still joke about today.
At HMC, Tim brought with him a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective. His main goal was to establish a structured approach to ensure consistency across the board. While Quincy Village was a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) that required knowledge of various care levels, HMC presented its own unique set of challenges. The needs of the staff and residents were different, and the regulatory environment varied, with HMC being governed by different bodies than Quincy.
One of the most significant aspects of Tim’s role is ensuring the safety and comfort of the residents—a responsibility he takes very seriously. He recalls an instance involving fire doors at HMC, where new regulations required additional training and adjustments. "You have to have a passion for it, a love for it," Tim says, emphasizing the importance of dedication in this line of work. "If you don’t, find another career."
When asked about advice for those starting in a similar role, Tim's message is clear: "Be very open-minded. Find a trade—HVAC, electrician, something that gives you a solid base—and grow with that." His philosophy is to work the job, not let the job work you, a mindset that has undoubtedly contributed to his long and successful career.
Reflecting on his own journey, Tim admits that he once considered a completely different path. "When I graduated from high school, I tossed around the idea of becoming a state police officer," he shares. "But now, looking back, I’m very, very proud of what I’ve done. You make friends, you work as a team, you work to support each other, and you all speak the same language."
Even after moving to HMC, Tim's connection to Quincy Village remains strong. He often receives calls from his former team members, seeking advice or reminiscing about past projects. "They’ll ask, ‘Can I take you back 20 years? Was this done for a specific reason?’ And I might have to pull from the filing cabinet, but I have it," Tim says with a smile.
For Tim Bumbaugh, the past 46 years have been more than just a career—they've been a testament to the power of dedication, community, and lifelong learning. As he continues to support the staff and residents at HMC, Tim remains committed to the values that have guided him throughout his journey: providing a safe, comfortable environment for all and ensuring that his work makes a positive impact on the lives of those he serves.