Our Story

RICHARD K. BLAYLOCK

RICHARD K. BLAYLOCK, President/CEO of 12 Oaks, brings with him a wealth of experience regarding all aspects of real estate development and management. A Dallas native, Dick is a 1981 graduate of Southern Methodist University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with Certificates of Real Estate and Real Estate Finance and Mortgage Banking. His first full-time position was in commercial real estate brokerage with Dallas-based Sherwood Blount and Company.

He left Blount and Company in 1987 for the opportunity to work with his father, Charles, who had recently started 12 Oaks Retirement Villages. In 1992, the two formed 12 Oaks Senior Living to provide management services to the Blaylock properties and to other senior living communities. Charles retired in 1998 and Dick took over the duties of President. He now fills the CEO role and is the sole owner of 12 Oaks. His activities and focus include business development and oversight of the executive and leadership teams.

He has been active in the community serving in a leadership role for various charitable, civic and business organizations throughout his career like the Greater Dallas Fellowship of Christian Athletes, The Texas Association of Residential Care Communities, and Park Cities YMCA. He is also active in a leadership role in various ministry and service opportunities at Northwest Bible Church, which he has attended since 1978. His passion is encouraging and helping others experience spiritual growth in community.

Dick and his wife Barbie married in 1982 and have raised four fantastic children, one of which, Jack, is now the third generation Blaylock working at 12 Oaks. Dick enjoys the outdoors, whether it’s time at the cabin in Minnesota or on horseback with Barbie. They live in Dallas, Texas and also enjoy visiting their other children in Austin, San Francisco and Denver.

KEITH ASHBURN

KEITH ASHBURN, Chief Operating Officer, brings 35 years of management experience to 12 Oaks. As Chief Operating Officer, Keith works with the Chief Financial Officer and Regional Property Managers in maintaining the operating and financial aspects of the managed communities. Keith networks with clients to bring additional business to the 12 Oaks portfolio. He has been an instrumental leader in driving the 12 Oaks culture which includes Stewardship, Servanthood and Solid Character.

Born and raised in Dallas, TX, Keith is a 1980 graduate of Oklahoma State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration. Keith has worked for several companies including S&A Restaurant Corporation, ARA Services and Business Benefits Corporation. Most of his career has been with 12 Oaks Senior Living.

Keith and his wife, Becky, have been married over 35 years and have one son, Joshua. For recreation, he enjoys general aviation as a sport pilot, loves to go scuba diving and especially enjoys spending time with his grandson. Keith is a past board member of the Alzheimer’s Association Dallas Chapter, where he served for eight years. He is currently on the Advisory Board for the Oklahoma State University School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration.

GREG PUKLICZ

GREG PUKLICZ CMA, Chief Financial Officer, brings over 30 years of diversified financial, operational, development and executive management experience to 12 Oaks. Greg’s responsibilities include oversight of finance, accounting, legal, IT, and risk management; as well as being a key member of the business development team.

Greg previously served as Executive Vice President & CFO for Exxir Capital LLC, based in Dallas, Texas for three years and before, as the Sr. Vice President Finance & CFO for Mady Development Corporation, located in Toronto, Ontario and Dallas, Texas, for 25 years. With a broad array of executive experience in property management, real estate development and construction, Greg has directed and managed projects throughout Texas, Florida, Chicago and Ontario – including retail, multifamily, single family subdivision and housing, office, hi-rise and mid-rise condo, complex mixed use projects and senior living.

Greg studied at University of Toronto – Trinity College, where he majored in Commerce and Economics (1984). Additionally, he is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), achieving certification in 1992.

Greg and his wife, Carolyn, have two daughters, Margaret and Katie, and are now empty nesters who enjoy spoiling their two new grandsons, Hollden and Elliot, and new puppy, Gryffin. Greg enjoys a good rugby match, while Carolyn is happiest on the tennis court. They also enjoy travel, sports, music and hosting dinner parties for friends and family.

AARON J. CATOE

AARON J. CATOE, Regional Property Manager, brings extensive experience in the sales, marketing and operational areas of Senior Living. He has been involved in numerous, successful community turnarounds resulting in record revenue and operating gains. He has been directly involved in Senior Living for more than 15 years. Hands-on selling and corporate leadership roles have brought enlightened perspectives, helping him to promote a culture of performance and health for oganizations.

Aaron shares responsibility with other leadership staff in hiring, training, and support to communities for day to day operations and sales efforts. Additionally, much time is spent developing and coaching as he supports the philosophy, “the healthier and more complete the person the better the leader they become.”

In time away from job duties Aaron can be found soaking in nature as an avid RV’er. Other interests include fitness, reading, sharing his faith, sports cars and valued time with family and friends.