George Barrett: Founder of Joy Senior Living Services, Spreading Joy and Kindness in East Dallas
I am a Plano Senior High graduate and a proud Texas A&M Aggie. After working in various leadership roles in the high-tech industry for 27 years, I decided to start my own company to help seniors — Joy Senior Living. This need was made apparent to me as I helped my own mother navigate the change from the home in which she’d lived for 40+ years. We worked hard and found her a perfect community based on her needs. However, that journey was overwhelming and prompted me to find a way to help others through this process. Outside of work, I’m a member of Lake Highlands UMC, on the board of Casa de Vida, an adult day services program for seniors with dementia, and enjoy spending time with family and friends. I grew up playing tennis and love all sports, especially college football and basketball. Our family loves to travel – especially to a beach!
Getting to know George.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife Katie and I have been married for 7 years. She is an executive director at Richardson ISD. My daughter, Grace is a senior at Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville, OK, where she plays collegiate basketball. They are both proud graduates of Lake Highlands High School. We made a Covid decision to add to our family by adopting a tiny German Shepard puppy, Aggie – who has grown into an 80-pound gentle giant!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am the founder of Joy Senior Living. Our mission is to help seniors find joy in their new homes by providing “white glove” concierge service, firsthand knowledge and experience, and passion for our elders and their well-being. My favorite thing about my work is seeing seniors thrive in their new homes, making friends, and having fun.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Mico, Glorias, El Vecino and El Fenix. My mom and I have been going to El Fenix for 50 years. Both of us have been eating the same dish every single time we go – a soft cheese taco and a sour cream enchilada…and of course a sopapilla. We call it The Nana plate! My wife and I are going to really miss Blue Goose and Matt’s. Do you see a theme with my favorite restaurants?
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
25 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
No single person comes to mind … some of the most interesting members of our community that I know are the residents of my mom’s community. There’s a WW2 vet, artists, retired educators, and so many other fascinating folks who live there. I always find myself listening to their life stories and walking away entertained and inspired.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
My dear friends live in Costa Rica on the Nicoya Peninsula. If I could travel anywhere right now, it would be to spend a long vacation with them!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My current favorite show is Succession on HBO and I am a forever fan of Saturday Night Live.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
When it comes to my business and assisting seniors, I always advise my clients and their family members, if at all possible, to make decisions regarding senior living options before there is a crisis like a fall or sudden illness that requires you to make a fast decision. A change like this is usually quite emotional – planning ahead allows you to find a community that is just right rather than having to settle for what is available. I also remind clients that no community is perfect 365 days a year. Problems may arise, but they are easily resolved with a little patience and kindness.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To attend Wimbledon or any of the grand slam tournaments
Q: What is your go-to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Anything from the 1980s
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The original Matt’s in the Lakewood Shopping Center and the Balcony Club.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Roger Federer. I’d love to hear about his career and the interesting stories he has about being a professional tennis player. I’d ask my father-in-law to treat us to lunch at Lakewood Country Club and allow us to hit a few balls on the courts.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Lake Highlands/East Dallas is a small town in a very big city. The people living in our community always support each other…especially when someone is in a crisis. When someone is in need you always see such an outpouring of support. There are so many great organizations designed to help others and our community – Feed Lake Highlands, For the Love of the Lake, Forerunner Mentoring, and White Rock Center of Hope, just to name a few.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Continuing to help seniors in our DFW community. I love what I do and hope to help more and more seniors and their families.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My first wife, Sharon, passed away when Grace was 1 year old. I raised Grace as a single dad until marrying Katie 13 years later. I was lucky to have tremendous support from my mom and Sharon’s family. As a result, we have a very large and unique extended family who we are close to and treasure.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Costa Rica
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and the best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month is October – the weather’s usually nice, college football is getting good, and we get to celebrate my daughter’s birthday on Halloween. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. We host a huge family gathering of around 40 family members. It’s usually a 3-day event and such a blessing to have everyone together to celebrate. My favorite single day would have to be Jan 21st because that’s the point at which the days start to get longer and we know that spring is right around the corner.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A Mico skinny frozen margarita with salt
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mother, Joy Barrett. She taught me to always be kind, to work hard, and to maintain a positive attitude. She was the inspiration for my business and my interest in supporting seniors.
Q: How do you ignite kindness in your community?
Looking for ways to step in and help others in need. I’ve taken the time to get to know all of the residents in my mother’s community and try to make the effort to visit with them when I’m there.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
freshly brewed coffee
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Home to me is a place where family and friends gather, a place for rest and comfort, and the best spot to watch an Aggie game!
Read more inspiring stories like this on Faces of East Dallas.
