Mike Wendt: Returning Employee

What he missed most

With the way the economy is today, commuting to work can be challenging. Expenses can add up. Mike Wendt, Culinary Supervisor, worked at Knute Nelson for four and a half years, and he was happy. Knute invested in him as an employee, so he invested his time and talents, and enjoyed his work along the way. Yet, because of the economy, he felt a tug to find work closer to home.

An opportunity became available that was close to where he was living. He loved that it was a close commute, and to him, it seemed like it would be a good fit. Mike’s previous background was in the restaurant industry. Long hours, working nights, weekends and holidays just got to be too much. He said, “I wanted to find more work-life balance that worked better for my family.” That is what drew him to Knute Nelson in the first place. This new opportunity, close to home, was also in the senior living realm. Because it was in the same field, he thought it would be a good transition.

After he left Knute Nelson, he said, “I found that I was missing the leadership that Knute provides. I felt like I was missing the pieces to grow personally and professionally in my career. Knute Nelson does a great job with promoting and investing in their employees, and that’s what I was missing the most. I just wanted to get back into that environment.”

Mike made the decision to return to Knute Nelson and returned to open arms. “I felt very welcomed back. Everybody was great, and for me it felt great to be back,” said Wendt. When asked if things feel different this time around, he said “This time I just know that I am very supported here and am a part of more than just a job. Knute has always given me the tools I needed to make sure my goals are being met and they’ve helped me find the right direction to grow in.”

The biggest positive he experienced from this work transition is that he is more appreciative, about everything. He says, “I’m more aware of my goals now and what I want. I know that with Knute Nelson, it’ll be easier to achieve those goals. I’ve learned that not every company out there does what Knute does for their employees. The tools and professionalism are amazing. And for that I am thankful.”

Bring amazing into your life by working for an organization that cares about you, all aspects of you.

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