Mario and Gill Kreft celebrate 40 years running Pendine Park, growing from one home to nine across Wrexham and Caernarfon.
Ten staff cared for 14 residents there. Now, forty years later, they run nine care homes in Wrexham and Caernarfon. These homes have 440 beds and 860+ employees. They expect their 6,000th resident soon.
Mario’s parents were circus performers, and his grandparents raised him. He wanted to start a business after college and thought a care home would provide excellent care. They almost bought a place in Llandudno, but the sale fell through at the last minute.
Mario saw Gwern Alyn for sale in Abergele while paying his car insurance. They bought it, made it a care home, and opened in December 1985. They married the next September with residents and staff among their 200 guests.
They expanded in 1989, buying land on Summerhill Road, Wrexham, and opened five care homes there. Later, they bought Hillbury House next to Gwern Alyn. They also opened Bryn Seiont Newydd in Caernarfon, a modern care home, in 2015.
The Krefts love the arts, a passion reflected in their care homes. They hired an artist in residence, musicians, and creative staff. They also created a trust for arts and community projects.
Gill founded Wrexham Business Professionals, and Mario founded Care Forum Wales. He also started the Wales Care Awards and fights for social care interests. He received an MBE in 2010 for his service.
Lesley Griffiths and Ken Skates congratulated the Krefts and praised their contributions. Skates noted their innovation, dedication, and pioneering work in social care. He also mentioned the many jobs they provided.