Matt Humphrey's Unique Dual Job in Michigan as Chaplain and Sales Move-in Coordinator Requires That He Know His Bible and Fox Run Apartment Floor Plans

NOVI, MI (April 13, 2011) – Matt Humphrey knows his Bible. He also knows floor plans of two-bedroom retirement community apartments. It’s all part of his unique dual job as Chaplain and Sales Move-in Coordinator at Fox Run, a continuing care retirement community in Novi that has nearly 1,000 residents. He may have what many consider one of the most unusual jobs anywhere. He certainly has an eclectic mix of professional skills not normally found in the business world.

Humphrey, who has a bachelor’s degree from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, once managed customer service for a luxury automobile dealership and once owned a small business. His faith drew him to volunteer at churches he attended. It is this combination of spirituality and pragmatic business acumen that makes his work at Fox Run intriguing.

“I believe that I have the gift of encouragement,” said Humphrey, who assists with marketing luncheon events, provides tours of Fox Run for visitors, answers phone calls and schedules appointments when he is not sharing the Word of God with existing residents and staff. “Sometimes it is just a matter of spending time and talking with a resident, or prospective resident, about his or her life. A lot of people find comfort in knowing that I will pray with them, and when I leave I add them to my prayer list. I always ask for updates on what we’ve been praying about.”

When he is not selling apartments Humphrey speaks quarterly at Fox Run’s Wednesday evening worship service, and if a minister cancels for any reason he is always willing to stand in. Humphrey is involved with the Novi Minister’s Association on behalf of Fox Run, a forum where he and other members of the clergy discuss issues affecting the greater community.

He hosts Bible discussions at Fox Run and has just started a “Chat with the Chaplain” series where he takes a person from the Bible (this month is Moses, next month will be Ruth). “We will talk about their life and times and draw application to our lives in 2011,” he said. “ This is receiving attention from residents with various faith backgrounds.”

Humphrey enjoys his dual job duties. In his sales capacity his goal is to be a calming and reassuring voice -- much like his work as Chaplain -- and keep the move process as stress-free as possible. This, he said, often opens the door to people being more comfortable to speak with him about their lives and expectations of their new life at Fox Run.

Just recently a retired minister and his wife moved into Fox Fun. Also, a family whose volunteer work at their church is very important to them moved in , as did another family whose wife has since had several opportunities to speak at Fox Run’s worship service and join the Interdenominational Council. Humphrey said they moved in and immediately asked, “Where are there needs and how can I serve?”

“I just met with a resident yesterday with a chaplain background who told me she prefers to serve one-on-one as opposed to being in front of a crowd.,” he said. “We’ll be integrating her into volunteer roles for new residents, and a listening ear for our assisted living residents. The dual role allows me to see more than just one side of our residents, and I have learned so much by sharing my time this way.”

“The bottom line for me is people,” said Humphrey, who is a self-described information freak who reads non-fiction, business publications, leadership development, apologetics, philosophy, and biographies. “ All of my career choices revolve around my heart in caring for people, far beyond the ‘sale.’

But sales work has shown him the value in asking the right questions, staying focused, following through, delivering a quality product, and continual education. “ People are dynamic, their needs constantly change. As a sales professional I need to be aware of the changes and adjust to them. In my ministry I have found that God is not only timeless but timely – He can meet the needs that we have each day. In so many of my conversations with residents they have affirmed His provision.”

Humphrey lives in Novi with his wife Erin and their 6 ½-month-old daughter, Selah. He has both his grandmother’s and his father’s Bibles on display in their home as a reminder of God’s impact on his and his family’s lives. “God has been so faithful in my life and family,” he said. “It’s what prompted my wife and I to name our daughter Selah, which means -- in Hebrew – “Stop and consider all that God has done’”

###

Fox Run, which has nearly 1,000 residents, is a continuing care retirement community in Novi, MI, It is managed by Erickson Living.

Mel Tansill
Public Affairs Manager
Fox Run
4100 13 Mile Road
Novi, MI 48377
Cell: 410-241-7614
EMail: Mel.Tansill@Erickson.com

This release was published on openPR.