(Photo By Karen Floyd Portraiture)
I am a former Senior Marketing Executive and E-Commerce pioneer with over 25 years of experience leading the Digital Experience for large retailers such as Harry & David, REI, Guitar Center and See’s Candies. In 2015, I left the corporate world and spent a year searching for a career opportunity where I could make a real difference in people’s lives. This pursuit led to opening a senior placement agency, where I supports aging adults and their families during times of need. As a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), I help families find assisted living, independent living, memory care and in-home care. My passion for serving the aging adult population is only exceeded by the satisfaction I experience upon successfully helping my clients achieve peace of mind. I am a founding member and past President of the San Diego Chapter of the National Placement and Referral Alliance. I am on the Board of Directors and the Board Chair for San Diego Oasis Lifelong Adventure and on the Board of Directors for Glenner Centers. I have a BS in Business and an MBA from Southern Oregon University. I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I am a fan of the Padres and the Wave. And I love being in nature – hiking, biking, paddling, camping and traveling.
About Julie Derry
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the oldest of six children. My father was in the Navy. We moved up and down the west coast ultimately moving to Southern Oregon when he retired.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I own and operate Aging123 with my sister Judi. We support older adults in their aging journey. What I love most about what I do is the having the opportunity to share our knowledge and experience with hundreds of families each year that are overwhelmed leaving them with options and peace of mind.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
If you love what you do it won’t feel like work. I feel like I am retired – using my time to help friends and neighbors. It is a wonderful place to be.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Right where I am. In America’s Finest City. Serving our aging population. Traveling and spending time in nature.
Julie Derry & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Clem’s, Pappalecco, Jyoti-Bihanga – all on Adam’s Avenue.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
9 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
My clients. They have lived such full lives – veterans, homemakers, professional athletes, academic scholars, community leaders, parents, siblings, grandparents. Each of them has been a blessing.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Lafayette Hotel. I used to stay there when I came to visit friends and family before moving to San Diego.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Balboa Park. It is an iconic representation of San Diego and its history.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Tracy Chapman. I love her music and her stage presence. I saw her perform at a small, intimate, outdoor venue. It was one of my all time favorite concerts. She was so incredibly genuine and gracious. We would go to a favorite vegetarian restaurant, Jyoti-Bihanga.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The Wizard of Oz. Ted Lasso, Abbott Elementary
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
In the late 70s My U12 travel soccer team won the California State Championship and the Western Regionals Championship. Unfortunately there was not a National Championship to compete in at that time.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Glacier National Park in Montana at the Canadian border. Being there is a spiritual, get back to nature gift.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Me. Being a little bit better every day adds up over time. I have a vision of who I am and I take small steps towards it every day.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace, comfort and joy
