The oldest Gen Xers are turning 60 in 2025 — hard to believe if you happen to be one. In My So-Called Midlife, KJZZ takes a closer look at this generation and what they’re up to — or, rather, up against.
Meet Cole Marvin, a GenX leader in the long-term care industry who has a vision for the community he leads.
Marvin is the executive director at Friendship Village Tempe, a retirement community a few miles east of Arizona State University’s main campus — which is a source of inspiration for Starfire, the village’s rooftop brewery.
"You know, like I said when we were talking on the phone, I try to run this place like a university," said Marvin. "And the more I've done that, the more success we've seen."
Marvin says Starfire is the only brewery/retirement community concept in the state.
And so far, it's pretty popular with the residents and their adult children, many of whom are Gen Xers. But that’s the point. Marvin wanted to create an atmosphere that’s fun — a place where he’d want to hang out.
"As a leader, your fingerprints are all over the culture," he said.
And the beer, as it turns out, all of which is made here.
"So you've heard of microbreweries. This is a nano-brewery — so, even smaller."
Marvin is all about looking down the road, and he has to if he wants to remain relevant. And who knows, one day, the village may be his home.
"You know, it's not part of the plan right now. It's just impossible for me to visualize that. But if I were to, this would absolutely be the place I would go to," said Marvin.
