SOULcial Salute December 2025
Bill Currier, LALD, Executive Director, Keystone Place at LaValle Fields, Hugo MN
Foodservice And Family
Bill Currier grew up in the restaurant business in Maplewood MN. Some of you may recall the old Fox & Hounds Supper Club at I35E and Larpenteur Ave. Now the Crooked Pint. Those were the days of dinner specials. In 1977 Thursday and Friday night Prime Rib was $5.95. ($75.95 in today’s Minneapolis steakhouses)
As the owner’s kid, service was mandatory to start. And like many, Bill carried on into the industry professionally. Restaurants are really more of a lifestyle than a business. At any rate Bill’s operational skills earned him a solid reputation. He earned his stripes in the kitchens of several private clubs from Mahtomedi to Minnetonka over many years.
Bill landed in Clarion Iowa for four years in the early 2000’s. Meanwhile the grind of the foodservice lifestyle was taking its toll. Then in 2006 the opportunity to return to the cities came. He was sought out for what his operational skills could do for Brookdale Clairbridge in Eagan MN. Finally, Bill had found a family friendly work schedule.
Kitchens, Cooking And Caring
Where healthcare management excels at meeting resident needs it sometimes needs a little operational support, like in dining services. This is where Bill shined with decades of purchasing and inventory control experience. What was like drinking water for Bill was a dramatic improvement for that community’s books and the residents’ palates.
The surprise for Bill was discovering the immense satisfaction of developing ongoing relationships with residents and contributing to their happiness. He was immediately hooked. As Bill described the epiphany he said “This is what I was meant to do!” He still fondly recalls Miss Bella and her dog from those early days. His care giving spirit comes naturally. Bill quickly added “My mom was always a caregiver at heart.”
Within a year Bill was brought up to the directorship of that community. From there he was asked to move about a number of Brookdale communities to improve operations.
Operations To Healthcare
While Bill was well versed on operations the healthcare environment and culture was not as familiar. He recalled that there was a special RN at the Brookdale Sterling House in Faribault at the time that really guided and schooled him in that area. “Old school” he described her with a smile. This also reflects his ability to be an open minded learner and growth minded leader.
Dedication and Longevity
In 2015 Bill was sought out to open a new community in Hugo, Keystone Place at LaValle Fields. It has been 10 years and Bill is still fulfilled within this community he helped build.
Few know how to build community like Bill. He is genuinely in it for the residents, staff and the long haul and it shows. There are 3 staff that are still with Bill and Keystone since the beginning 10 years ago. One of these is a current staff RN who began part time housekeeper and concierge. Two residents have been there that long as well.
For one thing Bill brings the private club hospitality spirit to make everyone feel special every day. He does that for staff as well as residents. The biggest expression of that is the monthly gathering and happy hour. Bill described it as “A big celebration that is always over the top!”* It always attracts about 20 outside guests that want to experience the fun.
This kind of spirit is part of what not only keeps staff longer but has them feel more invested and included in the operation and community itself. “I always aim to keep it fun for not only residents but the staff as well! It’s what sets us apart from other employers,” Bill explained. It all adds up to a work atmosphere that overcomes that all too common sense of feeling short staffed.
It is plain to see residents and staff reflect back all Bill’s enthusiasm for their wellbeing back to him. He has no intentions of going anywhere else.
*To see some of Bill and his chef’s food artistry take a look at Keystone’s facebook page. Their culinary and holiday decorations look more like Hollywood than senior living.