As a senior living consultant at Oak Hammock, Janice Hunziker’s official responsibility is to help keep occupancy rates high but to her, it’s much more than that.
“I want to help people find their ideal retirement community,” she says. “I encourage prospective residents to find a place where they will be happy and where they feel at home when they visit.”
With her warm personality and a smile that lights up the room, Hunziker brings an infectious energy to her work. Her bright blue eyes sparkle with enthusiasm as she talks about her job, which encourages people to be naturally drawn to her. That connection is key as she introduces newcomers to Oak Hammock’s community and lifestyle.
Hunziker is well respected by Oak Hammock leadership. Nickie Doria, vice president of marketing, public relations & community affairs, said, “Janice has an innate ability to connect with prospective residents on special levels, which makes her excellent at what she does. Her compassion for incoming residents always inspires me as she helps them make the monumental decision to move to Oak Hammock. She has a natural warmth that makes people feel comfortable, and her easy-going spirit lends to making connections, not only with residents but team members, too!”
Hunziker didn’t start out in sales. Born and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia, she graduated from Western Branch High School in 1980. After attending several colleges, she followed her dream of seeing the world and became a flight attendant with Eastern Airlines. She relocated to Queens, a borough near New York City.
“I wanted to see the world and dreamed of going places,” she says. She worked with Eastern for nearly five years until the airline shut down. Though the New York winters weren’t ideal, they ultimately inspired her next move. “I finally had the brains to move to Florida,” she laughs.
In Miami, Hunziker earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Florida International University. It’s also where she met her husband, Randy. A career opportunity brought Randy to Gainesville and they have called it home ever since.
Family, Love, and Second Chances
Randy, an attorney and owner of Momentum Realty in Gainesville, and Hunziker have a unique love story. They were married for 23 years, divorced for five and reunited in 2020.
“We both had things to learn,” Hunziker reflects. “I’m truly happy we are together again.”
They met through mutual friends. Randy first asked her to a Dolphins game but she declined. His second invitation to see a movie, was a yes. She knew he was the one when she saw how sweetly he played with a friend’s baby.
The couple have two children: Kyle, who works alongside his father in real estate and is expecting his first child with his wife, Jez, in December; and Evie, who lives in Delray Beach and works in sales with a closet design company. Hunziker says she is very proud of her children.
A Natural Connector at Oak Hammock
Her ability to build relationships has made a lasting impact on the Oak Hammock community. New residents Pamela Jones-Morton and Barbara Siebert shared: “We dropped in at Oak Hammock one day three years ago and met Janice—it was friendship at first meeting. She guided us, answered our many questions and was always up for a laugh. Our decision to join the Oak Hammock family was the perfect one and Janice was truly a key part of that. She is a remarkable ambassador.”
Hunziker recently reflected on her nearly eight years at Oak Hammock:
What do you like most about your job?
I love meeting all the interesting, smart and diverse people who come here. I have learned so much from their backgrounds and experiences. Oak Hammock has such a great reputation that we don’t have to make cold calls as people come to us. I simply provide the facts and introduce them to the community. I feel great when I’ve made a meaningful impact on their planning process and ultimate decision to move here!
How do you live the WeCare values?
The WeCare values of welcoming, exceptional, courteous, attentive, responsive and empathetic are how I was raised. As a Christian, I was taught to treat everyone with respect, concern for their wellbeing and the dignity they deserve. It’s who I am. I greet everyone with kindness and appreciate how our entire team joins together, partnering to provide exceptional service.
How do you make a difference for prospective residents?
I care about them as individuals and want to make sure they’ll be happy at Oak Hammock. I also make sure to protect and respect our current residents while welcoming others in.
One example is, I remember parking near a couple’s apartment who would sit on their balcony every day. They told me how much they enjoyed seeing me. So, I made it a point to wave goodbye to them every evening and cherish the memory as it was a sweet way to end the day.
I’ve come to realize just how meaningful the connections we make can be. During one tour through the woodshop, I introduced a prospective resident to current resident, Nelson Logan. Unbeknownst to me, Logan’s father had once been their teacher in the same hometown. Although they haven’t moved in yet, that moment was a powerful reminder of how small and connected the world really is.
I’ve made lasting friendships here, such as with one of my dearest and closest friends, Katherine Osman. We keep in touch and it’s proof that this job is about so much more than sales. It’s about connections.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I’m about to become a grandmother—my first grandchild, a baby girl, is due in December!
I’m also a UF Health walking miracle. In 2004 I had three brain surgeries as a result from a strep virus infection. In 2017, right before starting at Oak Hammock, I suffered a brain aneurysm, which required a stent to be placed in my head. The doctors told my husband I wouldn’t make it but here I am. I owe my life to UF Health!
I love traveling with my sister, Susan Richard and my best friend since I was 10, Debbie Evans. All three of us take a trip together every year.
My favorite place in the world is Lugano, Switzerland. There are no words to describe its beauty.
When I retire, I dream of opening a thrift store at my church to support those in need. I love thrifting because it’s a treasure hunt. The store would help me to fulfill that dream, but that’s for retirement and not anytime soon!
“Janice has always been courteous, knowledgeable, professional, patient and gracious. She is helpful and straightforward with the guests, and she’s always sets a very friendly, easy atmosphere to chat with and answer questions.” – Marcia Brant, resident
“If you see a smile, receive a pleasant greeting by name, and notice a spring in her step – you’ve probably just encountered Janice as she is out and about. She is a great person to work in marketing since she attracts people with her outgoing personality and her willingness to be helpful. As a competent and caring professional, Janice is one of Oak Hammock’s best ambassadors.” – Martha Rader, resident
“Upbeat, cheerful, tactful, always positive: that’s Janice Hunziker. We were her first sale, moving in during a marketing transition that left her with few colleagues to help. She rose to the occasion, navigated us through the maze and has kept up her interest and engagement over our seven years here. It would be hard to imagine anyone more helpful and honest.” – Tamar and Arshag Hajian, residents