The Late Gene Guarino

The late Gene Guarino was an entrepreneur, educator, real estate investor, and nationally recognized pioneer in the residential assisted living industry. As the founder of the Residential Assisted Living Academy (RALA), the Residential Assisted Living National Association (RALNA), and a family of senior housing organizations, Gene dedicated his career to transforming the way America cares for its aging population while creating meaningful business opportunities for entrepreneurs.

With more than four decades of experience in real estate investing and business ownership, Gene built and operated dozens of successful companies before focusing exclusively on residential assisted living. It was the personal experience of searching for quality care for his own mother that inspired his life's mission — dissatisfied with the available options, he committed himself to creating a better model of senior care centered on dignity, comfort, and a true sense of home.

In 2013, Gene founded the Residential Assisted Living Academy, creating what became one of the nation's leading educational organizations for aspiring owners, operators, and investors in residential assisted living homes. Through his teaching, mentorship, books, seminars, podcasts, and live events, he trained tens of thousands of entrepreneurs to build successful businesses while improving the lives of seniors and their families. His philosophy was captured in the motto: "Do Good and Do Well."

A sought-after international speaker, Gene presented educational programs in more than 100 cities across multiple countries and authored several books, including Blueprint: How to Start Your Own Residential Assisted Living Business and The Insider's Guide to Investing in Senior Housing.

Gene passed away in October 2021, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that continues through his family, his organizations, and the thousands of operators and investors he mentored. Today, his daughter, Isabelle Guarino, carries forward his vision as CEO of the Residential Assisted Living Academy.