Saul Lopez: A Journey of Dedication and Community at Essex Meadows
January 17, 2025Featuring Saul Lopez
Written by: Karen McLean, Plant & Security Operations Manager

Saul Lopez’s story is one of dedication, growth, and a deep appreciation for the community around him. Born and raised in Guatemala, Saul is the eighth of ten siblings. In 2002, he followed in the footsteps of his brothers and moved to the United States, seeking new opportunities.
He began his career in the restaurant industry, rising through the ranks to management roles at both McDonald’s and Burger King, where he worked for over a decade. During this time, Saul met his wife, Kara, and the two were married in 2007. The couple settled in Clinton, where Kara now serves as a Special Education teacher at Old Saybrook High School. Together, they have two children: Ethan, 17, and Gianna, 10, both of whom attend Clinton schools.
After facing some life changes, Saul decided to pivot his career path and joined Essex Meadows (EM) as a janitor, hired by Sharon DeGroat. His strong work ethic and kind demeanor quickly earned him the respect and admiration of both coworkers and residents.
When Saul expressed interest in an open maintenance position, I was thrilled. His reliability, quiet confidence, and willingness to learn stood out immediately. Encouraged by his colleagues and supported by Sharon—who, though sad to see him leave her team, never hesitates to champion career growth—Saul transitioned into the maintenance team.
Since joining the work order team, Saul has excelled, significantly expanding his skills and receiving multiple Meadows Magic notices from grateful residents. He has been with EM for over three years now, and his favorite part of the job remains the people. Saul truly enjoys taking care of residents’ needs and values the camaraderie of his coworkers, especially when collaborating on larger projects. He often mentions how much he appreciates the fairness and kindness he experiences at EM.
Outside of work, Saul cherishes time with his family. He and Kara enjoy celebrating the holidays with both sides of their family and attending their children’s sporting events—Ethan plays soccer and lacrosse, while Gianna also plays soccer. Saul loves to cook at home several nights a week, blending the flavors of his Guatemalan heritage with his wife’s Italian roots to introduce their children to a rich array of cuisines.
This August, the Lopez family is excited to embark on a trip to the Dominican Republic. Saul hopes the trip will be an opportunity for his children to experience a new culture and broaden their horizons. We are incredibly proud to have Saul on our team. His dedication, positive attitude, and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable asset to EM. Saul has shared that he plans to stay with us for the long term, and for that, we are truly grateful.