Celebrating Hal Price
Hal Price, Chief Business Development Officer at Healthcraft Creative Solutions, is preparing to retire at the end of March after 42 years of service in the healthcare industry. His career, which has spanned both the provider, supplier and academic sides of the healthcare sector, has made an indelible mark on the post-acute care industry and beyond.
A Unique Career of Dedication and Innovation
Hal’s journey began more than five decades ago, and it is anything but conventional. He began as a speech-language pathologist, primarily working with articulation and fluency disorders. He held positions in several universities where his contributions within the field of speech therapy and education left a lasting impact, helping to shape the next generation of professionals. But Hal’s résumé doesn’t stop there—far from it.
At one point, he was a disc jockey in Memphis, spinning records and keeping people dancing and the airwaves lively. His journey through different industries speaks to his adaptability, curiosity, and willingness to dive headfirst into new challenges.
From working with industry innovators such as NovaCare, SelfCare, Beverly Enterprises/Golden Living, Aegis Therapies, and Healthcraft, his expertise and leadership have shaped the landscape of senior care marketing and business development. Hal’s passion for the post-acute care sector has driven him to create innovative solutions that have helped organizations succeed in an ever-evolving market.
As Hal said on his LinkedIn page, “I am honored to have been a part of so many amazing organizations throughout my career, and I will always be available to speak with you about this innovative organization I have helped to build."
Hal’s Impact on Healthcraft
According to Hal, his work at Healthcraft Creative Solutions has been especially meaningful to him. As a founding member of the company, Hal has played an instrumental role in crafting the organization’s forward-thinking approach to healthcare marketing.
Throughout his time at Healthcraft, Hal has led the development of business strategies and collaborated with clients to achieve long-term success. His ability to craft creative, results-driven campaigns has been a key contribution to Healthcraft’s recognition as an award-winning organization. It’s no surprise that Hal’s leadership has made such an impact—his passion for helping senior care providers and suppliers shines through in everything he does.
While Hal will be stepping away from his day-to-day role, he will continue to be a valuable resource to Healthcraft clients through an Emeritus status. His wealth of knowledge and experience will remain available for those who seek his guidance, ensuring that his legacy lives on at Healthcraft for years to come.
Looking to the Future
As Hal transitions into retirement, Healthcraft Creative Solutions is excited about the future. Cathy Berry, a co-founder of Healthcraft, has taken on the role of Principal, bringing 14 years of experience in healthcare marketing and analytics.
Alongside Cathy, several team members have stepped into elevated roles, ensuring the continued success and growth of Healthcraft. Lauren Homayoun now oversees creative functions as Creative Director, and Elizabeth Diehl now oversees client experience and overall business efficiency as Operations Director. Additionally, Victoria Charanza and Julie Hutchinson have taken on the roles of Social Media Director and Senior Social Media Coordinator, respectively.
Memories of Hal
Cathy expressed deep gratitude and admiration for Hal, describing him as an inspiring mentor and advocate. She credited his optimism, creativity, and encouragement for pushing her. “to be a better thinker, stronger problem-solver, and a more confident leader.”
While Hal might downplay his impact, Cathy acknowledged that his mentorship made her journey significantly easier and more enjoyable. “I know without your mentorship and leadership it would have been massively more difficult (and less fun),” she reflected. She feels privileged to have learned from him and cherishes their years of shared growth and laughter.
Lauren reflected on the lasting impact Hal has had on her career and the fond memories they’ve shared. She recalled his signature phrase, “How hard could it be?” while working on special projects. One memorable moment was their move to Texas, marked by a feast at Whiskey Cake—true to Hal’s style, they ordered nearly everything on the menu. “Since everything is bigger in Texas, it felt like an appropriate way to start our new adventure,” Lauren said.
When Lauren left Golden Living, he gifted her “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!,” a meaningful gesture she still treasures. “Hal will forever be part of the foundation of my career,” she said. His mentorship was so impactful that he played a major role in her decision to return to Aegis Therapies and Healthcraft after seven years away.
Hal’s Personal Style
If you’ve ever met Hal, you know he has a signature style. Today, he’s best known for his Hawaiian shirts, but Cathy Berry recalls that when she first met him, he was sporting a suit and tie. He’s one of the few people who still uses traditional pencils (and a sharpener, of course), swears by his leather-bound Franklin Planner, and meticulously archives documents in binders organized by year. He also said that he was “the last known person on the planet” to give up his Blackberry.
And then there are the shoes. For a while, people assumed he was so fancy that his footwear had his initials embroidered on them. The reality? They were just Hush Puppies. It’s the kind of subtle, unintentional humor that makes Hal so memorable.
Mr. Pan Gloss and Hal’s Unforgettable Sayings
Around the office, Hal is lovingly referred to as Professor Pangloss, a nod to his ever-optimistic and philosophical nature. He has a library of funny sayings that his colleagues have come to cherish, adding a touch of levity and wisdom to every conversation. For a glimpse into the world that shaped his love of radio and storytelling, check out this link to our Golden Age of Radio page.
Best Wishes to Hal
Hal’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his influence will continue to guide Healthcraft as we build on the foundation he helped create. We are thankful for Hal’s dedication to our clients, his leadership in shaping our company, and the profound impact he’s had on the healthcare industry.
Hal’s commitment to improving the lives of seniors and supporting healthcare providers will continue to resonate, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for him in this well-earned new chapter. Thank you, Hal, for everything you’ve done!