You just saw someone at a Wesley Front Desk and feel like you’ve seen her before. But where? And then it clicks. You saw her in a Wesley ad online, in print or on TV!
At Wesley, it’s not uncommon to see these resident celebrities. Many residents and staff have taken a turn down the catwalk over the years as models for Wesley communities and Wesley Health & Home Care. And beginning in September, you’ll see a new group of residents as we launch new Wesley ads.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to show how Wesley shines featuring Wesley residents, staff and friends.
Beginning the process
How did all of this come about? It started with the Marketing team’s desire to refresh and evolve Wesley’s “Yes” campaign that began a couple of years ago.
The first step was to develop concepts of what that campaign evolution could look like. Wesley’s long-time website partners, Drake Cooper, were given this task as they helped develop the “yes” campaign. Next, the Marketing team held focus groups with Wesley residents, friends, staff, families and industry professionals to get feedback on these concepts.
Utilizing this important feedback from the focus groups, Marketing and Drake Cooper created themes, scripts and mood boards for the new campaign. The video crew and make-up artist were also selected.
Putting the plan into action!
After scenes were developed and locations were chosen, campus staff helped develop a list of possible resident models. Once people agreed to be models, Marketing scheduled them for the various scenes.
Then off to Wesley at Tehaleh and Wesley Des Moines for the video shoot – with a side trip to Discovery Park in Tehaleh. Lights! Camera! Action!
It’s a special experience
“I’d never had my make-up done by a professional before,” says Pam N. from Wesley Des Moines. “That was a new experience. I liked that I didn’t have to learn a script or talk. And I loved the food!”
Terry B. from Wesley at Tehaleh has been involved in music all of his life. “So I’m used to being in the spotlight,” he says. “I liked that the video crew told us exactly what to do. The most fun was the pickleball scene. It had been a while since my wife and I had played before the video shoot, but now we want to do it again. The other couple in the scene want to play again, too.”
As a Wesley Des Moines Ambassador and Resident Foundation Committee member, Mike M. embraces his time volunteering at Wesley. He says, “My wife, Jeanne Marie, and I enjoyed our experience for the Wesley video shoot. Everything about our 16 months living at Wesley Des Moines is wonderful. We appreciate the attitude of the staff and have met many new friends among the residents.”
“It all went together really well,” says Rand O. from Wesley Lea Hill. “It was fun to be a part of. I hadn’t been on the Des Moines campus in a long time, but it was great to be able to show the lifestyle available at Wesley. I also got to meet new people, and Holly (Rand’s pup) loves the toy she received. Two paws up!”
So those celebrities at your Wesley community? Say hi – but no autographs, please.