How Jeff Thorne Built Trust Leading Minnesota's Largest No-Charge Hospice Residence

🎙️ From COVID Layoff to Leading 84-Year Hospice Legacy: Jeff Thorne's 30-Year Networking JourneyJeff Thorne, President and CEO of Our Lady of Peace Hospice and Home Healthcare, shares his journey from discovering healthcare leadership through college career center informational interviews to COVID layoff recovery in three months, culminating in leading Minnesota's largest no-charge hospice residence—an 84-year mission founded by Dominican sisters where no patient receives a bill and every fundraising dollar stretches further than industry standard.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:Veterinary medicine pivot to healthcare leadership discovered through college career center informational interviews with executivesNonprofit versus for-profit decision: chose strong mission and servant leadership over financial emphasis after intentional internships30-year networking arc: lunch invitation at 23 led to CEO opportunity decades later through persistent relationship building84-year Catholic mission founded 1941 serving everyone regardless of faith—less than half patients Catholic21-bed no-charge model: largest in Minnesota with special legislation covering costs sisters never billed forFundraising efficiency: 15-18 cents per dollar raised versus industry standard 24-25 cents through lean operationsCOVID layoff recovery in three months through wife's support and 30-year professional network checking inHire for mission fit over technical skills—culture alignment first, teachable skills secondEmployee wellness priority: bereavement programs, EAP support, donor-funded break room remodel for caregiver sustainabilityCollaboration over expertise: surround yourself with people smarter than you, practice active listening🌟 Jeff's Key Mentors:Dad and Grandfather: Taught collaborative leadership, rolling up sleeves to help people, and including key stakeholders in decisions30-Year Lunch Contact: 23-year-old received phone call welcoming him to area—relationship took 30 years to fruition as CEO opportunityEarly Career Mentor: Advised during informational interview to surround yourself with really good people smarter than youWife and Kids: Provided assurance during COVID layoff while professional network reached out checking in👉 Don't miss this conversation about how one lunch invitation at 23 became a 30-year relationship arc leading to CEO role at mission-driven hospice where sisters never charged patients and fundraising efficiency sets industry standard.🔗 Connect with Jeff Thorne:Email: [email protected]: Jeff ThorneCompany: Our Lady of Peace Hospice and Home HealthcareWebsite: ourladyofpeacemn.org📄 Transcript Available: From COVID Layoff to Leading 84-Year Hospice Legacy📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom lineWebsite: addbackbenefits.com#HospiceLeadership #NonprofitHealthcare #MissionDrivenLeadership #HealthcareNetworking #ServantLeadership #EmployeeWellness #CatholicHealthcare #MinnesotaHospice #InspiredStoriesPodcast