Sabra Health Care REIT (Nasdaq: SBRA) turned in a busy 2017, completing a major merger with Care Capital Properties, snapping up an additional 24 SNFs, and announcing a long-term plan to completely dump its troubled Genesis assets (NYSE: GEN).

At the helm through the process has been Rick Matros, known for his outspoken takes on the state of the skilled nursing industry — and his prominent tattoos. Our sister website, Senior Housing News, asked Matros about both — along with multiple other topics — for a recent Leadership Series interview.  

Matros reveals why he prefers an open leadership style, doesn’t enforce strict time-off rules for his employees, and how he manages to run a prominent real estate investment trust (REIT) despite never having taken a business class.

“I like having a more entrepreneurial environment,” Matros told Senior Housing News. “There are certain people that don’t prefer that type of environment. They prefer a more scripted type of environment. For us, no one’s on the clock, everyone understands the mission.”

He also discusses his connection with the ’90s sitcom “Home Improvement,” his involvement in the film industry, and his favorite tattoo artist.

“The balancing is really important, and I really maintained that culture,” Matros said. “You’ve got to have balance in your life that’ll keep you happy and productive.”

Check out the full interview at Senior Housing News.

Written by Alex Spanko