Brad Heller’s family has lived in Marion County for four generations. Heller grew up in Big Island Township.
“We were raised that you keep working until the job is done and you don’t take short cuts. Do it right the first time, so you don’t have to do it a second time,” Heller recalls. “Many supervisors have commented on my work ethic. I attribute that to coming from a small farming community.”
Heller’s father, Gary, retired from Marion Power Shovel and Bucyrus Industries. His mother, Judy Heller, was a cook and cafeteria manager at Ridgedale schools. His sister, Gwen Higgins, is a fifth-grade teacher at Pleasant. His brother, Greg, works as an executive at a furniture company in North Carolina.
Education Opens Doors
Heller graduated from Ridgedale in 1989 and went to The Ohio State University at Marion to earn his bachelor’s degree. He also worked as a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) at Fairhaven Community in Upper Sandusky
Heller’s grandmother, Marietta Heller, told him, “Bradley, you should get your license to run nursing homes.”
Heller put his dream on pause and accepted a job at GTE in Marion after graduation to pay back his school loans. As Heller’s career advanced, he moved to Dallas, Texas and around the country.
Heller Pursues His Dream
This Marionite earned his Master’s of Healthcare Management to follow his grandmother’s words. In 2004, Heller moved back to Ohio to complete his administrator in training internship at Fairhaven Community – the very place he started as an STNA.
“I care about helping people and working to maintain their dignity and independence. I had close relationships with all my grandparents and enjoyed helping them and spending time with them,” Heller said. “We can learn so much from listening to the life stories of others.”
Caring for Family
Heller started his new career but he never forgot his dream. He also wanted to return home to Marion.
“As my parents aged, I knew I would have to be more engaged with helping them and I wanted to be closer to being able to do that. My dad passed away in 2018, leaving my mom here living in Marion,” Heller said.
Heller helped his mother sell the family home of 45 years and move into a condo to better meet her needs.
“I have watched the city evolve to attract more business here,” Heller said. “I love seeing how Marion is embracing change to reinvent itself to remain viable and meaningful. We have a vision and we are working to create a city we are proud to call home.”
Heller Opens New Nursing Care Facility
Heller is the administrator for the new Meadows of Marion Health and Rehabilitation Center opening at 155 Marion-Cardington Road West.
“Foundations Health Solutions has given Marion a gift. We have a beautiful new facility that has all private rooms. I’m sure anyone will feel comfortable and at home here,” Heller said.
The Meadows offers 99 rooms for medically stable patients leaving the hospital to receive physical, occupational and speech therapy before going home. Heller is excited to see both employees and residents grow and thrive.
“We foster a culture of care unlike any I’ve experienced in other organizations,” Heller said.
As Marion’s senior population grows, Heller is excited to offer another choice for care.
Public Invited to Open House
The Meadows opens its doors later this month. Marion residents can preview the facility on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The planned Open House includes live music, drinks and hos d’oeuvres.
Community Support Makes a Difference
Heller appreciates the support the Meadows has received from the community including the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce.
“There is strength in numbers. No one person or one entity can be successful being an island. It takes a village!” Heller said. “Local businesses should support one another because you never know when you’re going to need help and you need to rely on the assistance from others.”
For more info:
Marion, Ohio long term care facility Meadows of Marion (meadows-marion.net)
Articles about Heller’s husband, Tom Stotts:
Probation Programs Improve Lives | MarionMade
Marion Technical College Alumni Hall of Fame Adds Five Leaders | MarionMade
MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.
