CEO of Portsmouth Assisted Living Community Gasses Up His Employees' Cars for Free as a Thank-You

Commonwealth Senior Living CEO Richard Brewer has for more than 10 years been conducting "gas up" events for employees at assisted living communities as a gesture of appreciation for their service, reports the Virginian-Pilot . In February, Brewer filled up the tanks of 50 employees from Churchland House in Portsmouth at the Murphy Oil gas station in Suffolk. The event was intended to acknowledge their success in reaching a milestone of securing a two-year license from the Virginia Department of Social Services. A Commonwealth spokesperson says only a small number of assisted living communities in Virginia receive two-year licenses, which are awarded to those that show solid performance in caring for seniors and sound management practices. Brewer notes he started the "gas up" initiative when fuel prices were high. "Gas spiked from about a dollar a gallon to $4," he recalls. "Everyone needs a tank of gas. People love it. I get to do something for them. They are working hard for us every day." Brewer notes conversing with workers while pumping gas has helped obtain feedback about the organization. Brewer calls it "servant leadership."