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McKenzie Robinson | SBJ

2022 40 Under 40: Christopher Upton

Adult Tendercare Center

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When Christopher Upton became the director of Adult Tendercare Center in 2017, it was weeks away from shutting its doors. The adult day care provider had years of mismanagement, and Upton says he reworked the company from top to bottom. It was a job no one wanted, but Upton, 33, knew the need for the center’s services was great.

He cut expenses by 40% without losing a single employee and the center today serves 50 families, roughly double the count from five years ago.

But Upton says he’s pushing the center to new heights. Last year, he formed nonprofit Adult Tendercare Inc., which soon will support new programs, elder resources and dozens of new jobs.

“The very foundation of what we do at ATC is anchored in respecting others and treating them with dignity, regardless of any differences that we have,” he says. “We are going to do our best to help everyone that we can in the Ozarks, and I will be there leading it all the way.”

First job? Back Yard Burgers, starting at 16! 

Professional aha moment? When you treat people with dignity, love and respect, then you will succeed.

Most treasured possession? My Nana once made a book about our family history. It sits in my office, and I couldn’t be more thankful to have something like it. 

Favorite local order? Lamb palak from Zayka.

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