Rick Matros is no stranger to the ebb and flow of the skilled nursing industry. Having served as Sabra Health Care REIT’s CEO since 2010, he has learned a thing or two about the market factors that tend to have a moderate impact, as well as those that have taken the industry on a figurative roller coaster ride.
Not only is Rick known for his leadership in the skilled nursing field, but he has made a name for himself based on some of his less run-of-the-mill approaches in the industry and beyond. In his free time, Matros, who is based in Southern California, also runs Sabra Films, which has produced a number of films in the last decade including Tell (2014), Dark Tourist (2012) and All Summers End (2017).
In this Hot Seat interview, Matros gives a little more insight into his approach to skilled nursing, as well as his personal mantra, favorite superpower, and his take on a major change that would solve the skilled nursing staffing problem for once and for all.
What is your personal mantra?
Do at least one act of kindness a day regardless of how simple it may be
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
Flight. The freedom of it would be exhilarating
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Babysitting grandkids
What was your first music concert? When was it?
Sly and the Family Stone. 1968.
What’s your favorite destination worldwide?
Israel
What was your first job and what was your biggest on-the-job lesson from that experience?
First job was as an activity director. I quickly learned I had more to learn from the residents than I could ever give back to them
If you could change one thing about the skilled nursing payment landscape, what would it be?
Have a component of reimbursement tied to employee wages to ensure that all can support themselves and their families with one job
What is your most important people management principle?
Regardless of position, everyone brings value. No one is better than anyone else. We’re all people dealing with real issues & we need to support each other
Who is your greatest career inspiration?
My grandfathers
If you were recruiting someone to join the industry for the first time, what are three words you would use to describe the skilled nursing industry?
Precious, invaluable, self-fulfilling