Case Study

A Turnaround at Mount Royal Pines III

Background and Vision —

Mount Royal Pines III was built in 1999 with high intentions of serving the Duluth community as first of its kind. While this was successful for many years a management personnel changed the approach leaving the community spinning in a down spiral. The community was introduced to Progressive care in 2023, where they zeroed in on a business plan to get the community back on its feet.

After navigating various management arrangements, business partners Mike Edmunds and Bill Burns were ultimately left overseeing Mount Royal Pines III in distress. The community—Duluth’s pioneering assisted living facility—was grappling with high vacancy, a declining reputation, and a physical plant in urgent need of attention.

Recognizing the need for a strategic turnaround, the partners sought a collaboration that could bring both operational expertise and financial stability. Their partnership with Progressive Care proved to be a pivotal move. Through this alliance, Mount Royal Pines III not only stabilized its operations but also began generating sufficient revenue to issue its first partner distributions in over a decade—a clear sign of renewed vitality and sustainable growth.

The Strategy —

We uncovered major gaps in leadership training, outdated facilities, and limited resources—yet the team was eager to grow.

We focused on developing leadership, improving operations, and restoring the building—all while staying on budget. Through coaching, accountability, and celebrating wins, the team gained confidence and momentum.

Today, the facility is run by a strong, aligned team delivering quality care and managing operations independently.

Quotes from Owners

“All we can say about Progressive Care is that your organization is committed to the understanding the property and the market and is having a positive impact on our resident the property, and our investments.”

“The vision you have developed for the property is excellent and has allowed us to recover from a number of down years after an initial very strong start when we opened the facility. Were are very happy with the work that your organization is doing.”

Since Partnership —

Mount Royal Pines III has experienced a remarkable turnaround in occupancy, now operating near full capacity. The community is energized by a team of upbeat, dedicated staff who demonstrate a genuine commitment to resident well-being and community engagement.

This revitalization has led to significant income growth, enabling the facility to both issue distributions to its partners and reinvest in a comprehensive refresh of the property. Currently, the community is undergoing a three-phase renovation project, which includes:

  • Phase I: Upgrades to resident living spaces and common areas
  • Phase II: Modernization of infrastructure and safety systems
  • Phase III: Enhancements to outdoor amenities and landscaping

These improvements reflect a renewed vision for Mount Royal Pines III and expected to be completed in 2028.