Tyler Mikell
Authentic Roots
story by ROBIN COKER photos by SUSAN DELOACH
Beaufort native, Tyler Mikell has returned to life on the river to share his authentic light and leadership as Executive Director with one of our favorite waterfront senior communities, The Retreat at Lady’s Island. Spending his youth as a Beaufort Academy “lifer,” he flew the nest to pursue his undergrad at the University of South Carolina, Sewanee, then on to The Citadel where he graduated with his MBA and finally MUSC for a Master’s in Health Administration, specifically, senior living.
Tyler’s original intention was to be positioned within the hospital setting. However, after interviewing in skilled nursing, he found himself settling into a season of learning within the senior living industry. Seven years later, and a few transfers have allowed him to absorb numerous life and professional lessons from extraordinary people. “You have to be willing to wake up eager to learn something new every day. When you feel your spark for personal growth has extinguished, that’s when the whimsical tango comes to an end. And who wants to leave the dance early?!”
The proverbial “journey of a thousand miles” landed Tyler back on the banks of the Beaufort River. Following a rotation in Florence in 2019, he took a position in Beaufort. He was able to reconnect with our hometown for a short but sweet six months before being transferred back to Charleston to a sister community on Daniel Island.
Beaufort has made its mark as a desirable place to visit. A destination for many tourists to gaze at shrimp boats, watch pleasure boaters play, dine at local eateries, and indulge in the simple pleasure of ice cream on a swinging bench. Our piece of the Lowcountry is, without a doubt, a perfect spot to land if you yearn for the slow pace and an ideal location to put your feet up to retire.
Having landed back home in 2020 and in his new role as Executive Director, Tyler is ready to learn from his team, the residents, and the community to increase the quality of living for his residents. It’s hard not to smile from the inside out walking into this waterfront community. The views and breeze of the river are good for the soul. What stands out the most is the demeanor of the residents who have chosen to do life at The Retreat. Something is different in the way they smile, the rhythmic flow to their gait. Maybe it’s the Bob Marley or Slightly Stoopid playing in the background, perhaps the altruistic care from the team. Maybe it’s the cool breeze on the patio. Or Chef Chris’s perfectly made mac n’ cheese. Whatever the secret may be, the results make for relaxing, positive energy.
Our home of Beaufort and our nation suffered tremendously, missing their loved ones as the pandemic unfolded. Not having the ability to travel or socialize due to an unprecedented health crisis is one thing. To be separated from your loved ones when they are within arms grasp is another. Real and raw, the tragedy families underwent through this transition of not being able to hug their families, and lifelong friends shook them to a new level. The teams within the walls of the communities, who stayed “on the inside,” stepped up not just to lead operations but to be caregivers, with a hope that “this too shall pass.” Tyler, along with his team, were just some of the army that braved the storm. This can be said of all of our health care workers. The Retreat is just one team that was leading families through this pandemic with no guidebook. “COVID has been the most trying time of my career in senior living. It was pretty taxing to show up every day knowing, or better yet, not knowing what obstacles lay ahead. Working in senior living, in general, is not for everyone. It’s not for most, actually. When Covid hit, healthcare workers had a tough job, but focusing on the day-to-day and remembering the act of giving solely for the sake of giving, then the reward was in that itself. And you survived for another day.”
Making this young professional stand apart is precisely that, he is young for this leadership role within the industry. That being said, his youth brings a particular lighthearted, energetic nuance to The Retreat. On the front lines with Tyler, you will find a crew of superheroes entirely young at heart. His positive energy has created a ripple effect within the community which can be felt in observing the interactions among staff and residents. His optimistic attitude is seeping into their core values, not being one to complain or dwell on the negative. “The daily journey to learn and relearn… Patience, understanding is vital. Without these traits, it is hard to thrive in such a potentially intense environment. Lives and emotions can be so fragile. To be calm and collected in the inevitable times of turmoil is contagious. The energy becomes synergetic.”
Expanding this vibe beyond The Retreat, Tyler shares his “Friday AM skinny” text message to colleagues within the industry. A consistent reminder to us all not to take everything so seriously. His message is aimed to raise your vibrations for the day in hopes it will create a ripple effect, making our little town of Beaufort not only a better place to live but a better place to serve. “I center my every day on striving for perfection in everything I do, no matter how large or small, all while knowing I will never attain it.”
A word of advice to any young professional is to have boundaries. Take care of yourself so that you can take care of those you serve. In all honesty, the lines between work and free time can get quite blurred if you don’t check yourself. This industry takes its toll on you if you can’t find the right balance and harmony. Focus on that happy place, whatever you find to be cathartic. I’m a firm believer in staying physically active,” says Tyler.
Tyler’s message is prevalent with anyone striving to find success in their personal and professional lives… find time to fill your own cup. Movement is a primary modality for Tyler. Whether it’s working up a sweat running or hitting the waves, find an outlet where you are moving your body to realign your mind. Refueling yourself allows you to serve others more fully.
Giving an “off the record motto” for The Retreat … “A place where everybody knows your name, and we’re always glad you came.” Like Cheers, except without the bar. Although rumor has it, an epic one just may be in the works, so stay tuned. Life on the water is a little sweeter at The Retreat.
