As we look back on the last 25 years, we are filled with pride, gratitude, and appreciation. We are proud of our unwavering commitment to our mission, grateful for the residents and team members who have shaped who we are today, and excited for what the future holds. Most importantly, we are honored that the seniors we’ve had the privilege to serve have found not just a place to live, but a true sense of home within our communities.
While we’re grateful to everyone who has made it possible for us to celebrate this special milestone, there’s one person to whom we owe the most — Breck Collingsworth, the one who started it all. Through his vision, guidance, and leadership, he created something that’s made a difference for thousands.
In 2001, Breck opened the doors to our first location and flagship community, Savannah Pines Retirement Community in Lincoln, Nebraska. The goal was simple: offer peace of mind to residents and their families by providing a lifestyle characterized by service excellence, kindness & compassion, honesty, and respect. In Breck’s words, he wanted to create a place where his mom could live.
From day one, there was a desire to rise above the preconceptions and stereotypes that limit understanding of retirement communities, and instead, build retirement living as it could be… as it should be.
“Resort Lifestyle Communities was built on the belief that seniors deserve more than a place to live — they deserve a place to thrive,” says Breck Collingsworth.
After the establishment of Savannah Pines, we started building slowly and steadily — one community every few years. First, we ventured up to Omaha with Walnut Grove and Maple Ridge. Next, we headed to Kansas, then Missouri, then Texas, and so on. Before we knew it, our calendar was filling up with grand openings followed by groundbreakings for new projects across the country. From 2017 to 2024, we began opening multiple communities each year, leading to the 61 communities we now own and operate — with Trailwinds, our 62nd, opening later this summer! One thing became clear from our rapid growth: people liked the resort lifestyle and wanted more of it.
In recent years, we’ve gone through a period of change and renewal. After more than 20 years leading RLC to greatness, Breck Collingsworth stepped down as CEO in 2023, appointing Arlin Halstead to take his seat. We also developed a new outlook on how we would approach our future. Instead of continuing our streak of rapid development, we would turn the focus inward and grow our existing communities. We’ve always put our residents first, and by refocussing our growth, we could devote more attention to serving them with the best possible quality of life.
“Stepping into this role, I felt a deep responsibility to honor what Breck built while ensuring we continue to evolve with intention,” says Arlin Halstead. “At its core, Resort Lifestyle Communities has always been about people — creating environments where seniors feel supported, connected, and truly at home. That commitment hasn’t changed, and it never will.”
Now with Arlin Halstead behind the helm as CEO — supported by COO Jennifer Mueller and a seasoned leadership team — we remain as dedicated as ever to creating a space where seniors enjoy freedom, a worry-free lifestyle, and peace of mind. We’re continuing to grow, continuing to innovate, and continuing to serve from the heart.
“This milestone is a testament to the strength of our mission and the people who live it every day. As we look to the future, we are committed to leading with intention, investing in our communities, and upholding the standard of excellence that defines Resort Lifestyle Communities.”
Here’s to 25 years and many more to come!
