When you meet Nicole Mason, senior living consultant at Oak Hammock, you are immediately struck by her bright smile, polished professionalism, radiant red hair and sincere, friendly greeting. Mason treats everyone with the same cheerful warmth, and if she knows your name, you can be sure she’ll use it. Her personal touch, dedication and exceptional work is just one of the many reasons she excels at her role and helps to make Oak Hammock one of the most welcoming senior living facilities in Florida.

For nearly 10 years, Mason, in collaboration with her team members, has been guiding prospective residents through Oak Hammock, showcasing the community and all it has to offer. But more than simply giving tours, she makes the extra effort to craft each visit with the precision and care of a seasoned diplomat—ensuring a meaningful and positive experience.

Before any tour, Mason takes the time to learn about a prospect’s interests, hobbies, background and family history. With this insight, she introduces them to current residents with shared passions—creating connections that often blossom into lasting friendships. “One couple became close friends with Oak Hammock residents and never even moved here,” she recalls with a smile.

A Jacksonville native, Mason now lives in Orange Heights with her husband Jeremy and their daughter Meelah, 18. Her son Neko Protonotarious, 30, lives in Washington and makes it a point to return home for the holidays. Before joining Oak Hammock, Mason worked as the director of national accounts for Medical Services Company, which is now One Call Medical. During a visit to Oak Hammock while transporting a client, she drove through the gates and immediately knew this was where she wanted to work.

Mason’s dedication and positive behavior haven’t gone unnoticed. Her excellent work, productivity and unique skills are admired by her colleagues.  Vice President of Marketing, Public Relations, and Community Affairs Nickie Doria, said, “Nicole is truly dedicated to her role at Oak Hammock. She genuinely cares about our residents and loves helping them with one of life’s biggest decisions—choosing a place to call home. She’s also funny, kind and thoughtful, and she goes out of her way to brighten someone’s day or build meaningful relationships with her coworkers.”

A Conversation with Nicole Mason

What do you enjoy most about your job?
My job is to educate prospects about what Oak Hammock offers. I see myself as an ambassador, advisor and tour guide. I make it a point to highlight all the benefits, amenities and unique features we provide.

I genuinely believe Oak Hammock is the best life plan community out there. But more than anything, it’s the people—our residents—who make this place so special.

I often say if I could bottle up our residents’ passion for this community into a mason jar, you’d see their collective kindness, wisdom, humor and zest for life. That’s the essence of Oak Hammock—it’s not just a senior living community; it’s a family. Our residents are also our best ambassadors; they make my job easier and more fulfilling.

How do you apply the WeCare values to your work?
The WeCare values—welcoming, exceptional, courteous, attentive, responsive and empathetic—are the foundation of how we interact at Oak Hammock.

I try to create a positive impact, always greet everyone with a smile and use their name when I know it. It creates a sense of familiarity, gratitude and respect. With my colleagues it makes for a positive work environment.

Being responsive means helping people as soon as I can. I treat everyone how I’d want to be treated and I make it a priority to listen closely to truly understand how I can help. I love learning about our residents and prospects. Their stories teach me a lot. Many have become like extended family.

One resident told me she decided to move back to Oak Hammock largely because of the service and care I had shown her. That meant the world to me and gave me a great sense of achievement and job satisfaction.

What might people be surprised to learn about you?
I met my husband Jeremy in Las Vegas at a medical convention. Funny story—I was supposed to be on a blind date but wasn’t too impressed with the guy. Then I met Jeremy, and he said, “Why don’t you go on a date with me instead?” The rest is history.

People are often surprised to learn that I’m quieter at home than I am at work. I’m very social at Oak Hammock, but I like to recharge in peaceful settings. I feel a good work life balance is very important. We live on a lake, enjoy boating and deep-sea fishing, and I love to bake—food is my way of nurturing others.

What Others Say About Mason

“When we visited Oak Hammock six years ago, Nicole greeted us with her wonderful smile. We were exploring many retirement options, but Nicole presented a lifestyle that resonated with our vision for the future. Her sincerity and warmth stood out immediately. Nicole is the primary reason Oak Hammock became our home—and even our dog, Tucker, fell in love with her.”
— Tom and Jennie Smith, residents

“Nicole has a big heart and a wide view. As I toured Oak Hammock, she showed me more than amenities—she conveyed the heart and soul of this community. Nicole is part of why I’m here.” — Jane Wood, resident

“Nicole is driven and hardworking. Whatever she sets her mind to, she accomplishes with determination and grace. Success seems to flow effortlessly when she’s around.” — Robbin Stubbins, Oak Hammock transportation