Millcroft Living Operations Manager Keeps Community Running Without a Hitch  

September 19, 2025 | News

Dave Johnson keeps Millcroft Living senior living community in Newark, Delaware, running smoothly. Whether it’s fixing a leaky sink or overseeing the installation of new carpet, he dons many different hats to ensure that residents are safe and comfortable.  

Johnson is the Director of Plant Operations at Millcroft Living, which offers independent living, assisted living, short-term rehab and skilled nursing care.  

His background in construction and facility maintenance goes back to when he was a teen. Right out of high school, he trained and then worked as an electrician for many years. In 2001, he opened his own business, specializing in wiring-related services, including cable TV, security systems, and residential electricity.  

After about 20 years, he decided he was ready to tackle other ventures.  

“I turned 50 and decided it was time to close that business. I wanted to go out on top,” he says.  

He wasn’t ready to retire, so he took a job supervising maintenance at Hollywood Casino before joining Millcroft Living in July 2024. There, he oversees maintenance and renovations and helps residents out with any maintenance-related tasks they may have, from changing lightbulbs to fixing a TV or making sure a remote control is working.  

“I like helping people,” he says. “I am very hands-on.” 

Millcroft Living makes sure everything is maintained to a high standard, and Johnson is key to that mission. For instance, he takes bids for various projects, such as HVAC upgrades and carpet replacement, and oversees all the work. 

He likes to make sure that maintenance is done promptly. And properly. 

“If something needs to be fixed, I say, ‘Let’s not band-aid things. Let’s do it right.’ That’s my philosophy,” he says.  

Although Johnson trained as an electrician, he has worked throughout his career in other areas, so he’s able to handle all sorts of maintenance needs. 

He also oversees a crew of three employees.  

“Having my own business got me into that management role,” he says. “It gave me a sense of how to work well with people.” 

Johnson says making sure residents are comfortable and happy is the best part of the job. He recalls fixing one man’s television that was on the fritz just in time to watch a pro baseball playoff game.  

“I fixed it as soon as the game came on,” Johnson recalls. “He thanked me so much. He was so appreciative. I walked out of there with a tear in my eye.”  

He says he enjoys “seeing things operating properly. It makes it easier for everyone involved, and I know I am making residents’ lives a little easier.”  

Going to work every day, Johnson prioritizes responding quickly to any maintenance need that may arise. However, he’s not too busy to take time to chat with residents.  

He also takes pride in everything he does at Millcroft. “It’s like my house. I want everything to be done properly.” His commitment ensures the senior living community remains safe, comfortable, and operates like a well-tuned machine.