Industry Biography of Jane Marie O'Connor

Since 1996, Jane has worked nationally and internationally with developers, home builders and real estate companies who focus on the 50+ market segment: age-designed and active adult developers and builders, property management companies, media buyers, retirement communities and assisted living communities.

Based on the needs of our clients, we provide coaching, consulting, training and speaking in the following areas:

• Coaching and training services for owners and developers, including pre-development review
• Training and coaching services for sales professionals
• Professional alliances with industry-related partners to insure the sell-out of your project
• Expert Witness Testimony for Planning & Zoning Hearings
• Teleconference training services for sales and management teams
• Recruiting services

Bottom line…from ramp-up to sell-out of your age-targeted or age-qualified communities, we provide the professional experience and strategies for developments specifically for the age-targeted and age-qualified 55+ buyer.

For over fourteen years, Jane has been publisher and managing editor of Mature Living Choices.

Jane sits on the guide’s national Council and has been actively involved in the shaping, targeting and success of this national guide, published in 30 states coast-to-coast.

Jane’s focus for the publication is the six New England states, printing over 800,000 copies annually and distributed in over 3,000 locations in the New England region. Senior Living Choices if Maine was opened in 2009.

Jane is Past Chairperson and founding member of NAHB’s regional council for the National 50+ Housing Council since 2004. The Council in New England was founded in late 2003 and provides members with relevant and contemporary services, programs and information. This includes educational programs; industry research; networking; magazines, books and periodicals; awards and recognition programs; and regulatory and legislative support. The intent of this support is to enhance the capabilities of members about design, development, financing, ownership, management, and sales and marketing of housing activities and projects. We encourage high quality and professionally built housing specifically designed to meet the demands of the nation’s growing 50-plus population in all market segments (affordable, middle market and luxury).

Board of Directors for The Builders Association of Greater Boston

Jane was on the local Boards of Directors from 2005-2008 and currently sits on the National Board of Directors of NAHB representing BAGB. She was the 2006’s President’s Award recipient, presented in grateful recognition of her dedication, integrity and outstanding service to the Association. In 2007 she was recognized in the Associate of the Year award.

Jane chaired the educational programming offered through the International Builders Show as well as the National Symposium education committees in 2006. She was chair of the educational courses and designation criteria for NAHB’s newest certification program for the 50+ segment, Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing (CAASH) introduced in 2007. She currently sits on the Board of Governors for Education as well as a member of the 50+ National Housing Council’s Board of Trustees.

• Lead Author of Selling to the Active Adult
  Jane is the lead author of NAHB’s only sales course for selling to the active adult. This course is one of three designation courses for the national certification designation of CAASH (Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing) through the University of Housing in Washington, DC.
• Numerous industry-related articles, published nationally, online and in statewide builder and trade publications, including Seniors Housing News, Connecticut Builder, NBN Online, Australia’s & New Zealand’s RVA Yearbook and others.

• CAASH - Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing
  The active adult market is the fastest-growing segment of the housing industry today and into the foreseeable future. The Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing designation gives housing professionals serving this rapidly burgeoning market the essential knowledge, tools, and skills that will help them succeed – from conducting initial research to design considerations and features to servicing the customer. Jane is one of only 90 select and qualified industry professionals nationally to earn this prestigious NAHB designation. She has worked in the 55+ market segment for over 14 years, serving builders and developers in all aspects of projects from the Planning and Zoning process through sell out.
• MIRM - Member of the Institute of Residential Marketing
  The MIRM designation is the most prestigious designation given by the Institute of Residential Marketing. The MIRM is the top-level achievement for professionals in new home marketing. In earning her MIRM, Jane joins the most respected residential sales and marketing professionals in the country.
• CAPS – Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist
  The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation demonstrates the achievement of mastering the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential to competing in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for the aging-in-place.
• CMP - Certified Marketing Professional
  Jane earned her CMP through NAHB’s University of Housing and Institute of Residential Marketing. She joins a nationwide group of individuals dedicated to the housing profession’s marketing industry to help builders and developers succeed in reaching the audience they seek.
• Recognized as one of the top 50 experts influencing the 50+ housing industry. 50+ Builder Magazine, January 2007, January 2008.

• President's Award, Builders Association of Greater Boston, 2006. For outstanding service in recognition of dedication and professionalism in the building industry.
• Recognized as one of the top 50 experts influencing the 50+ housing industry. 50+ Builder Magazine, January 2007.
• 2007’s Associates Award, presented in grateful recognition of her dedication, integrity and outstanding service to the Builders Association of Greater Boston