FREEHOLD, New Jersey and TAMPA, Fla. — Distinctive Living, a New Jersey-based seniors housing operator and developer that is expanding nationally, has acquired Validus Senior Living Management, a Tampa, Florida-based operator.
Headquartered in Freehold, N.J., Distinctive Living currently operates 46 communities and has 14 under development via its development services platform, Distinctive Living Development LLC. More specifically, the company operates and is developing active adult, assisted living, independent living, and memory care communities throughout the country.
Validus is an owner, operator and third-party manager of senior living communities throughout the Southeast. The company’s Inspired Living, Inspirations, and Superior Residences communities provide independent living, assisted living, and memory care in more than 20 locations spanning Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia.
The companies began to explore this acquisition deal in 2023 and the transaction closed on April 1, 2024, according to a press release issued Tuesday. The acquisition of Validus will further expand Distinctive Living’s footprint in the Southeast, according to the press release.
Distinctive Living will continue to be led by Joseph Jedlowski, CEO of Distinctive Healthcare. Steve Benjamin, CEO of Validus Senior Living Management, and Mario Garcia Jr., chairman and CEO with Validus Group, will retain ownership in 10 flagship Inspired Living communities. Those communities will continue to operate under the Inspired Living brand.
Executive team members of both companies will lead these 10 Inspired Living communities along with Distinctive Living’s legacy portfolio of communities currently under management or in development.
“This transaction allows for a significant number of win-win opportunities for both organizations,” said Benjamin of Validus in a prepared statement. “Joe [Jedlowski] and his team have already built a superior organization, and I believe that with the acquisition of the Validus communities, and many of its leaders and industry-leading practices, they are well positioned for continued growth and success across its platform. This acquisition only enhances Distinctive Living’s position and operational capabilities in the industry.”
Jedlowski said he is excited to have the Inspired Living brand as part of Distinctive Living’s portfolio. “This acquisition offers Distinctive a unique opportunity to expand its footprint, with the ability to leverage additional efficiencies across our portfolio. Distinctive Living is committed to grow in a manner that serves the needs of our residents, team members and capital partners.”
As part of the acquisition, Distinctive Living has named Lindsey Hacker as executive vice president and chief financial officer of the newly combined entity. She previously served as president of Validus Senior Living. Hacker brings considerable experience to the position. She is a certified public accountant with expertise in financial and treasury management, capital and asset management, as well as community operations.