“Life is short enough. Let's not 'die' before our time. Let's maximize and live these last years to the fullest—exploring, giving, learning, and truly living.”
Chase Rolland believes that senior living should be about more than just staying alive—it should be about living with purpose. Too often, society creates spaces where seniors exist rather than thrive. Through his work, Chase is determined to change that by building communities that foster connection, activity, and meaning.
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What inspired you to start this journey, and what personal experiences shaped your passion for this work?
Chase Rolland: For years, I’ve studied the need for quality senior living. My passion comes from seeing firsthand how the elderly are often placed in environments that focus on keeping them alive but not necessarily helping them live meaningful, fulfilling lives. My wife and I have five grandparents over 80, and all four of our parents are still living. We see the challenges seniors face every day in our own community here in Texas.
What problem does your project solve, and why is now the right time for it?
Chase Rolland: The right time was yesterday. We are already in a crisis when it comes to quality senior housing. Seniors need more than just a place to stay; they need a community where they feel a sense of belonging and joy. The demand is growing rapidly, and the industry needs to catch up.
Was there a defining moment when you realized you had to take action and create this project?
Chase Rolland: I’ve been passionate about construction and development for a long time, but many projects felt like they were just about making the numbers work. This was different. I saw an opportunity to create something meaningful—something that would have lasting financial, emotional, and social returns. That was when I knew I had to move forward.
How does your approach to senior living stand out while maintaining affordability for residents?
Chase Rolland: Our approach is highly specialized and designed to meet the specific needs of senior communities while ensuring affordability without compromising quality. We take a strategic approach by carefully selecting locations, integrating surrounding amenities, and tailoring our developments to the unique needs of our residents. Unlike traditional models, we incorporate additional income streams to offset costs, such as welcoming the public to our golf course, attracting visitors to our top-tier restaurants, and offering high-end amenities like a lazy river, golf simulators, and event spaces that families can rent on weekends.
Additionally, we leverage favorable financing options, including government programs, tax incentives, and Qualified Opportunity Zones, to attract investment and make our projects financially sustainable.
While financial strategy is key, our focus goes beyond numbers. We are committed to creating a meaningful social impact by fostering connections, improving quality of life, and addressing healthcare access for seniors. By aligning with governmental support and public policy, we ensure our communities serve both the residents and the broader society in a sustainable, forward-thinking way.
What trends in senior living do you find most compelling, and why is this a market worth investing in?
Chase Rolland: The senior living market is an incredibly compelling investment opportunity due to both rising demand and the current lack of high-quality facilities. Many existing communities are outdated, uninviting, and fail to support a vibrant lifestyle for seniors. As the aging baby boomer population continues to grow, the need for modern, well-designed senior living options such as independent living, assisted living, and memory care will only increase. Additionally, government incentives and tax breaks make this an attractive area for development, further enhancing its viability as a stable and lucrative investment.
By 2060, the U.S. senior population is expected to double, making this sector one of the most stable long-term investments. Seniors are often willing to pay for premium services that enhance their quality of life, leading to consistent revenue for developers. Additionally, facilities that offer wellness programs, social engagement, and high-end amenities create a strong value proposition for both residents and investors.
What are the key factors in successfully developing senior living communities, and how do you navigate the challenges involved?
Chase Rolland: Developing senior living communities comes with many of the same challenges as other real estate projects, but location is even more critical. Meeting specific building codes for accessibility can also add complexity. Understanding the exact senior demographic you are serving is essential for designing a community that meets their needs.
Balancing accessibility with aesthetics is another important factor. Functionality is essential, especially in assisted living and memory care facilities, but seniors also deserve beautiful and peaceful spaces. A thoughtfully designed environment should be both practical and visually appealing to create a place where residents feel comfortable and at home.
Strategic partnerships play a crucial role in overcoming challenges. Knowing what you do best and where you need support is key. Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, we focus on being a retirement and independent senior living community. Health-related services are available as optional add-ons rather than core offerings. Collaborating with healthcare providers, local governments, and other service providers ensures that residents have access to the right resources while allowing us to stay true to our vision.
How do you assess the long-term return on investment (ROI) for senior living communities?
Chase Rolland: The ROI on our projects differs from traditional real estate measures because we focus on government-incentivized areas and markets. By building in Qualified Opportunity Zones, incorporating sustainable practices, and creating SAFE communities, we can construct more efficiently, reduce costs, and enhance safety, leading to stronger returns for investors.
The senior living sector is also less affected by market cycles since the demand for senior care continues to grow. This long-term need provides a more stable and predictable return. Additionally, residents tend to stay in a community that meets their needs, increasing brand loyalty and ensuring steady occupancy rates. By integrating technology-driven health monitoring and strong social environments, we enhance the appeal of our communities, making them more attractive to both seniors and their families.
What makes senior living communities stand out in terms of sustainability, innovation, and long-term success?
Chase Rolland: Senior living communities offer distinct advantages over other housing projects by fostering a deep sense of belonging and connection. Unlike traditional housing, which prioritizes cost and location, these communities thrive on engagement and social interaction. A well-established senior living community becomes a home for life, attracting new residents who seek a vibrant and supportive environment.
Sustainability and innovation are key to the long-term success. Proximity to essential services such as healthcare and grocery stores is crucial, but so is the integration of meaningful activities. By offering opportunities for creativity and lifelong learning, such as woodworking, painting, and cooking classes, residents can stay active and engaged. Thoughtful design that encourages social interaction and personal growth transforms these communities into places where seniors do not just live but truly thrive.
What’s the biggest misconception about senior living, and how does your work challenge that?
Chase Rolland: The biggest misconception is that the elderly are just hanging on, that their best years are behind them. That’s not true. Seniors have so much more to give, to experience, and to create. Our communities will be designed to foster active, engaging, and fulfilling lives.
Where do you see your work in five years?
Chase Rolland: Success in five years would mean a thriving senior community in Decatur, Texas, serving as a blueprint for replication. This community wouldn’t just impact its residents but the surrounding area as well. Our goal is to expand into multiple communities, creating spaces where seniors don’t just exist but truly thrive.
What role will technology play in future senior living communities?
Chase Rolland: Technology will play a significant role in future senior living communities, making everyday tasks easier and improving overall quality of life. As the world becomes increasingly smart, senior communities are evolving to integrate technology in a way that prioritizes ease of use. Seniors should not have to navigate a whole new digital world, so the goal is to make smart living intuitive and accessible. From managing daily activities and payments to signing up for classes and social events, technology will streamline these processes. Immersive experiences like virtual reality will also allow seniors to explore new adventures, whether it is flying a plane or driving a race car, all in a safe and controlled environment. Innovation in senior living is not just about convenience; it is about creating a more connected and enriching experience.
How does your approach to senior living create a meaningful impact while enhancing residents’ quality of life?
Chase Rolland: A well-designed senior living community should go beyond meeting basic needs—it should foster meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. Our focus is not on chasing profit but on making a real difference in people’s lives. By addressing physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and financial well-being, we create an environment where residents continue to grow, embrace new experiences, and truly thrive.
Aging should never mean slowing down or giving up. We want our residents to keep improving, enjoying life, and feeling a sense of purpose every day. Our goal is to ensure they never feel like life has stopped before it truly has.
What core belief or mission drives everything you do in your business or career?
Chase Rolland: My guiding principle is to live life in a way that impacts eternity. I believe in the God of the Bible and that how we live for Him shapes our eternity. My mission is to give, love, and impact as many people as I can—especially seniors who deserve to live with dignity and purpose.
“If you want to learn more about these impactful projects, whether it’s improving your finances by investing in Opportunity Zones to eliminate capital gains, making a difference in people’s lives by understanding senior living needs, or creating a lasting impact with an eternal mindset, we invite you to stay connected. Visit our website at SummitHavenLiving.com or email us at info@summithavenliving.com for updates and future opportunities.”
Disclaimer: The ValiantCEO Community welcomes voices from many spheres on our open platform. We publish pieces as written by outside contributors with a wide range of opinions, which don’t necessarily reflect our own. Community stories are not commissioned by our editorial team and must meet our guidelines prior to being published.
