Author: Paul A. Herrmann [Boomer Series contributor in QUALITY OF LIFE category]
Title: “The Boomers Are Coming! The Boomers Are Coming! How Retirement Communities Are Preparing for the Next Wave”
Paul Herrmann, author of "The Boomers Are Coming! The Boomers Are Coming! How Retirements Communities Are Preparing for the Second Wave"
I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and after graduating from Taft High School went on to Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. My major study fields were Philosophy and Sociology with a minor in Psychology. Not having any specific career plans, I spent many years exploring fields that included sales, retail management, construction and Christian camping while traveling through Nevada, Texas, Kansas and California before finding my home in Sun City, Arizona.
My position as Executive Director of the Sun City Visitors Center began in the spring of 2002. Through the years this position has been very rewarding and seems to be a perfect fit for my interests, ability and skill set.
The rewards have come in many forms. First and foremost is the enjoyable interaction with my dedicated volunteers; people willing to share their love of Sun City with visitors looking forward to their retirement years. I’ve also had the opportunity to share information with government and community leaders from around the world looking to learn about Sun City and then recreate the lifestyle in their own countries.
My position has afforded me the opportunity to begin a national advertising promotion of Sun City through both magazines and the internet. This was the first such campaign since the community was built out in 1978 and the Del Webb Corporation moved all marketing to its next development. I’ve also served on multiple community committees like Communications, Long Range Planning, Community Council and 50th Anniversary. Recently, my regional and state participation has been with the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Governors Advisory Council on aging where I chaired the committee in 2008.
Sun City opened its doors on January 1st, 1960 and reshaped retirement. The community was an instant success and spawned the 55+ housing concept that is now known worldwide. My current challenge is marketing Sun City to a new generation of retirees, the Baby Boomers, and showing them the tremendous value, amenities and relevance this community still offers. Thus, the eBook: The Boomers Are Coming!
