ABC TV20 named Kevin Ford, Maintenance Technician at RHP owned Brittany Estates in Gainesville, as April’s Hometown Hero. Every month the station recognizes an amazing person in North Central Florida, and reporter Kristin Chase headed out to the manufactured housing community to hear firsthand from the residents who nominated him.
Kevin maintains the 55+ senior community doing his part to create an environment where residents can live life to the fullest. His day-to-day tasks include taking care of the clubhouse and pool, as well as maintaining neighborhood streets and keeping the community clean and safe. But he is known for so much more and viewed as someone who brightens the lives of residents every day.
Kevin has worked at the community for seven years, and Kristin spoke with more than 20 residents who shared stories of his hard work and gentle spirit.
Connie Baker, a resident who has lived at Brittany Estates for 30 years says, “There are so many people that really don’t have anybody around and Kevin has always got a smiling face and a nice word for everybody who comes in contact with him. For people who don’t have anybody in their life that means an awful lot.”
Kristin found that for Kevin, it’s personal. He says he was raised to look out for and help seniors in the community. To be a friend. To socialize. To listen. It's clear from the lives he has touched at Brittany Estates that he does just that and his caring heart is extremely impactful.
Resident Donna Byrne said, “He treats us like we are people, he doesn’t treat us like we are senior citizens. I can’t think of the words to say because there aren’t words to say. It’s like trying to talk about God.”
Kevin handles over 100 manufactured housing lots on his own and TV20 reports that Brittany Estates is a brighter community because of him.
Ross Partrich, CEO of RHP Properties said, “All of us at RHP Properties congratulate you on your well-deserved recognition, Kevin, and for going above and beyond to make residents feel at home and for putting residents first.”
You can view the TV20 segment here.
