The Schwab family experienced the need for quality care first-hand back in 2008 when Robert “Bud” Schwab required 24-hour assisted living care following a stroke.
Bud was admitted to a 100+ bed facility in Northern Illinois, and upon visiting his grandfather, Brandon had a disappointing first impression: cold, sterile hallways, fluorescent lights, and an unmistakable odor. It felt like a hospital. It was completely unacceptable for senior living.
After settling in, the Schwab family experienced what a 1-to-20 caregiver ratio felt like in terms of your family member getting timely access to quality care. Despite their best intentions, it seemed the caregivers simply couldn’t keep up. On one occasion, after a seemingly endless delay in responding to an incontinence situation, the brothers watched in horror as their grandfather turned red from embarrassment until a caregiver arrived. The conclusion:
our seniors deserve better!
Fast forward a few years to 2013, Brandon saw the residential senior housing model in action down in Florida. His father-in-law played the piano for area seniors in high touch, cozy homes and the lightbulb went off. This is what Bud Schwab deserved. Brandon decided to bring the residential care model to Illinois, which boasts the 7th largest senior population in America, and Shepherd was born!
Today, Shepherd has five operational homes in Northern Illinois and ambitious plans to take their senior care model coast-to-coast. No family should have to experience what the Schwab family did, and thanks to Shepherd Premier Senior Living they won’t have to.
When your family is ready for Shepherd,
Shepherd is ready for you.
Download Your Family Decision Toolkit
Stay or Go
Management Team
Brandon Schwab
Chief Executive Officer
The visionary behind Shepherd Premier, Brandon is on a mission to raise the bar for senior living. He saw the need for quality care first-hand, and opened Shepherd’s first home in 2014. He brings 20+ years of operating experience to his role managing real estate acquisition, development and financing.
Meranda Vela
Director of Operations
Meranda Vela’s story with Shepherd Premier started in 2014 as one of our very first live-in caregiver. Her dedication and natural leadership didn’t go unnoticed, and over the years she steadily grew into the role of our Regional Sales Director. With the heart of Texas and a passion for people, Meranda is living proof that Shepherd Premier is a place where heart and hard work are recognized and rewarded.
Nolan Shannon
Assistant Executive Director
Nolan Shannon joined Shepherd Premier with a passion for purposeful work and a knack for getting things done. His versatility and drive have made him an integral part of the Shepherd Premier family, helping tell the story of who we are and why we do what we do.
Chloe Jakscht
HR Director
Chloe Jakscht brings an enormous heart to everything she does as Shepherd Premier’s HR Director. She is deeply passionate about the people behind the care, ensuring that every team member feels supported, valued, and set up for success. Chloe understands that the foundation of exceptional resident care starts with an exceptional team, and she pours herself into building and nurturing that culture every single day.
