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Author: Andrew Warth

Amanda Smith Awarded Young Professional of the Year

Posted on by Andrew Warth

ConnexFM, the Multi-Site facilities network, is proud to honor Amanda Smith, Sr. Manager, Business Development, Superclean Service Company, Inc. as the 2021 Young Professional of the Year.

 

The ConnexFM Annual Awards, chosen by the membership and presented at the recent CONNEX2021 National Conference, honor individuals that have impacted the facilities management industry through innovation, operations, and outstanding performance within the industry.  

 

“Amanda Smith embodies a volunteer spirit by donating her time to the ConnexFM Board of Directors and Connex Foundation Fundraising Committee,” said Bill Yanek, ConnexFM CEO. “As we hone our events, education and resources for young professionals, we look to leaders like Smith to share how the industry’s rapid changes are impacting these individuals.”

 

Starting her career with Target on the store side, Smith worked her way up to the district level, giving her a behind-the-scenes view to retail and Multi-Site organizations. When Smith needed a new challenge, she took a leap of faith and entered the world of facilities maintenance. This new, and somewhat scary, role led her to Superclean Service Company, Inc., six years ago, gaining experience in everything from operations to sales.

 

As a highly engaged member of ConnexFM, Smith has served on several committees and was elected to the ConnexFM Board of Directors in April this year. Additionally, Smith is co-chair of the Connex Foundation Fundraising Committee, where she has led year-over-year efforts to ensure strategic and well-planned fundraising initiatives, designed to help the foundation achieve its mission.

 

“It is humbling to be chosen for this award and touches my heart to know that my peers support and recognize my efforts. I share this award with the Connex Foundation as I believe it is my work with the Foundation that earned me the Young Professional of the Year,” said Smith.

 

Smith shares advice for all the young professionals in the industry. “Don’t be afraid to try and fail – it’s the best way to get over your fear of failing. Every single time that I’ve done something that really scared me, it paid off. When I’ve failed, I’ve learned so much about myself, grown, become more confident,” said Smith. “Young professionals struggle with confidence because we’re all green and fresh but don’t be afraid to lean into everything the world gives you and take a leap of faith.”


Smith will be joining ConnexFM’s “The Daily Grind” livestream show to discuss her career journey and advice for young professionals. Watch her episode on Friday, October 29 at 2 pm CT. Read the full coverage of the 2021 ConnexFM’s Annual Awards here. 

 


About ConnexFM

ConnexFM, the Multi-Site facilities management network, is the leading membership organization for multi-site facilities managers and supplier professionals. Established in 1995, and based in Irving, TX, ConnexFM empowers facilities management professionals with events, best practices, benchmarking, education, discussion forums and trusted partnerships. Members depend upon ConnexFM to help them achieve greater success and a competitive advantage through quality programs and resources. For more information visit www.connexfm.com.

W Services Group, LLC Awarded ConnexFM’s U.S. Supplier of the Year

Posted on by Andrew Warth

ConnexFM, the Multi-Site facilities network, is proud to honor W Services Group, LLC as ConnexFM’s 2021 U.S. Supplier of the Year.  


The ConnexFM Annual Awards, chosen by the membership and presented at the recent CONNEX2021 National Conference, honor organizations that have impacted the facilities management industry through innovation, operations, and outstanding work performance within the industry.  


“W Services exemplifies how Supplier Companies can be a true partner to Multi-Site Organizations,” said Bill Yanek, ConnexFM CEO. “Matthew Whelan and his team lead his clients as well as the industry by providing essential education and guidance on how to navigate through the many facets of multisite facilities management including all the twists of turns of last year.”  


The education-first approach meant that the W Services team in addition to being cleaning experts also developed additional expertise in disinfection, PPE distribution, closed operations, and location re-openings.  As a supplier partner, W Services was in constant collaboration with their customers in developing programs that were extremely flexible and served as a bridge through the continually changing environment experienced last year.    


“We were in a unique position to serve as subject matter experts to guide our customer base through the entire pandemic and ultimately reopened to their own customers,” said Matthew Whelan, President and CEO, W Services. 


The pandemic sent the world scrambling for information. W Services was prepared by years of internal training – learning about different chemicals, equipment, and processes – as well as testing innovative customer programs to determine the most effective treatments during the pandemic.  


“We lead with our heart and want to provide solutions to our customers and all aspects of facilities,” said Whelan. “We truly care about our customers, employees, and industry. We want to continue to contribute to each aspect, not only in our own company but to also support other industry suppliers to be successful and continue to evolve the industry.”  


W Services continues to be a strong partner in all things associated with cleaning program development and beyond.  As they move into the future, they are utilizing their strong project management skills to further develop their construction division.  To offer an extensive array of services and meaningful efficiencies to their clients, W Services has and continues to make substantial investment in technology, education, and field-based quality management, all of which provides an impactful ROI to their clients year after year.    


Read the full coverage of the 2021 ConnexFM’s Annual Awards here. 




About ConnexFM 

ConnexFM, the Multi-Site facilities management network, is the leading membership organization for multi-site facilities managers and supplier professionals. Established in 1995, and based in Irving, TX, ConnexFM empowers facilities management professionals with events, best practices, benchmarking, education, discussion forums and trusted partnerships. Members depend upon ConnexFM to help them achieve greater success and a competitive advantage through quality programs and resources. For more information visit www.connexfm.com. 

Nelda Alston Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

Posted on by Andrew Warth

ConnexFM, the Multi-Site facilities network, is proud to honor Nelda Alston, PRSM Charter Member and longtime staff member, with the Lawrence W. Whelan ConnexFM Lifetime Achievement Award.  

 

This award, presented at the recent CONNEX2021 National Conference, recognizes extraordinary accomplishments by ConnexFM members, who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to the facility maintenance profession over a long career. The award’s namesake, Lawrence W. Whelan was an industry pioneer who led the industry through his commitment to continued education and service expertise, passed away in 2009.  

 

“Nelda has seen not only the association grow from its infancy but witnessed facilities management professionals transform how Multi-Site Organizations function,” said Bill Yanek, ConnexFM CEO.  

 

Alston indeed had a front row seat for the last 26 years. “I came to PRSM from Blockbuster, where I worked in the Facilities Department. My boss was one of the original founders of PRSM, which formed in the office next to mine. We quite literally started in a basement, and I’ve seen it grow since then,” Alston recollecting on joining the association as a member in 1995.   

 

After 10 years with Blockbuster, Alston joined the association staff in 2001 as Office Manager and eventually as Director of Office Operations. “She may prefer to stay behind the scenes, but Nelda’s dedication to both staff and members ensured the association had all the necessary resources to succeed for the past 20 years,” said Yanek.   

 

In her tenure, she has seen the staff grow from four individuals in the Dallas headquarters to over 20, resulting in three office moves. Alston has been involved in all areas of the association including membership, conferences and office operations. “Looking back at the first meeting in the basement, no one even knew we existed. But I’m glad I got to experience this. I got to see our association through the times. That’s my favorite thing,” said Alston.  

 

Being honored with the Lawrence W. Whelan Lifetime Achievement Award had special meaning to Alston. “This is the most prestigious award anyone could receive because Lawrence Whelan was a great person and I’m so honored,” said Alston at the Awards Presentation at CONNEX2021 National Conference. “I want to thank our members – you’ve supported us and been there through the ups and downs for over 25 years. We would have never made it if it had not been for all of you. I have a lot of memories and I am so thankful. I love all of y’all.” 

 

Watch Nelda Alston receive the award at CONNEX2021 National Conference on a special presentation of ConnexFM’s The Daily Grind.  Read the full coverage of the 2021 ConnexFM’s Annual Awards here. 

 

About ConnexFM 

ConnexFM, formerly known as PRSM, is the leading membership organization for multi-site facilities managers and supplier professionals. Established in 1995, and based in Irving, TX, ConnexFM empowers facilities management professionals with events, best practices, benchmarking, education, discussion forums and trusted partnerships. Members depend upon ConnexFM to help them achieve greater success and a competitive advantage through quality programs and resources. For more information visit www.connexfm.com. 

Inc. Magazine Names ENTOUCH as One of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies

Posted on by Andrew Warth

ENTOUCH, the leader in multisite energy management and smart building technology, announced that it has once again, earned a listing on the annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of America’s fastest-growing private companies. ENTOUCH has earned a spot on the list for five of the last six consecutive years.

ENTOUCH is focused on creating a path to a healthier planet by delivering sustainability solutions that reduce energy usage, drive profitability, and simplify facility management for multisite operators. “We’re pleased to be listed in this distinguished editorial award by Inc. Magazine,” says CEO Jon Bolen. “I’m grateful to all of our customers and business partners that rely on us to deliver on their energy management and sustainability goals, and to every one of our team members who make it possible each and every day.”

Companies on the 2021 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2017 to 2020. ENTOUCH completed 2020 not in survival mode, but with the single best year in our history. We embark on 2021 not as a victory lap, but as an opportunity to improve our performance and the results for our clients.

“The 2021 Inc. 5000 list feels like one of the most important rosters of companies ever compiled,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “Building one of the fastest-growing companies in America in any year is a remarkable achievement. Building one in the crisis we’ve lived through is just plain amazing. This kind of accomplishment comes with hard work, smart pivots, great leadership, and the help of a whole lot of people.”

About ENTOUCH 

Founded in Dallas, Texas in 2008, ENTOUCH is the pioneer in energy management as a service and smart building technology. Our turnkey solution digitally transforms and optimizes operations while reducing energy usage to drive profitability for multisite businesses. We are the only provider that owns our entire technology stack and has the capability to take over heterogeneous systems and manage them from a single cloud solution. We lead the industry in speed and quality of deployment, and the ENTOUCH.360 service has earned a 100% renewal rate. 


About Inc. Media 

The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including web sites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Vision Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com. 

 ENTOUCH was founded in 2008 and has more than 72,500 smart devices installed across North America. This reflects the last 12-months growth of more than 20%. To date, ENTOUCH’s energy management solutions have reduced customers’ energy consumption by more than 1.2 billion kWh, saving them more than $153 million and erasing 688 million pounds of carbon emissions. 

CoolSys Energy Solutions Group Earns Xcel Energy Efficiency Award

Posted on by Andrew Warth

CoolSys™, the market-leading refrigeration, HVAC, engineering and energy solutions company, announced that the Denver division of CoolSys Energy Solutions has earned the 2021 Energy Efficiency Partner Award from Xcel Energy for its work with Albertsons Companies in the Denver metro region. As the largest utilities company in Colorado operating in eight states in the West and Midwest regions, Xcel Energy presents this award on an annual basis to recognize customer projects that result in energy savings.

 

“It’s rewarding for our team to be recognized for our commitment to excellence in developing effective energy-saving solutions for one of our long-term and most strategic partners,” comments Anthony Tippins, PE, president of CoolSys Energy Solutions.

In each of the past two years, the Denver division of CoolSys Energy Solutions has completed 25 to 30 projects with Safeway, which is a subsidiary of Albertsons Companies.

 

The energy efficiency projects recognized by the award involved full-store LED retrofits at Safeway stores throughout the region to replace fluorescent lighting, amounting to thousands of bulb replacements per store for inside and outside fixtures. About half of the projects also included energy management system (EMS) upgrades to building controls and the addition of energy-efficient variable frequency drives (VFD).

 

As grocery stores generally consume an enormous amount of energy, energy upgrades can have a significant impact on energy savings. Projects at each Safeway store were estimated to save at least 300,000 kilowatt hours on lighting, and with the EMS upgrades, these energy savings doubled or tripled. In addition, these energy upgrades can play an important role in reducing stress on the power grid and pressure for energy companies like Xcel Energy to expand their infrastructure.

 

About CoolSys

CoolSys is the market-leading indoor environment solutions company. Their full spectrum of best-in-class services include MEPR engineering; HVAC-R installations, remodels, service & maintenance; and energy reduction solutions, including controls and lighting. CoolSys serves customers in the retail, commercial, foodservice, educational, healthcare, and industrial markets. Headquartered in Southern California, CoolSys has more than 3,000 employees nationwide, serving the daily needs of more than 45,000 customer locations across North America. For additional information, please visit www.coolsys.com.

 

About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

 

CONNEX2022 Call for Presentations Now Open

Posted on by Andrew Warth

ConnexFM Education & Resources is now accepting proposals for education sessions at CONNEX2022 National Conference in Long Beach, CA from April 25 – 27, 2022. 

Is there an upcoming or new regulation/standard to share with ConnexFM membership? Do you have a guideline, template or strategy as an example? Get your thinking caps on and submit a proposal for an education session!

Presentation submissions are evaluated on the following criteria:

  • Complete presentation submission, submitted by the deadline.
  • Session learning level is appropriate for the audience and topic.
  • Identification of three actionable learning objectives.
  • Presentation is designed to encourage high audience interaction/participation.
  • Content is focused, current, practical, or innovative.
  • Clear and concise organization of ideas and clearly written learning objectives. 


Submit your presentation proposal by Friday, November 5. 


Successful presenters will be notified in November 2021. If you have any questions, please email education@connexfm.com.

Branded Group Executives Receive Patriot Award

Posted on by Andrew Warth

Branded Group CEO Michael Kurland, along with his executive team, were recently nominated for The Patriot Award by employee and Navy Reservist, Steven Jamarillo. The award is given by the Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR) program for supervisors who provide support during their employee’s active service.

“We are honored to be nominated for this prestigious award,” Kurland said. “More importantly, I and the entire team at Branded Group are grateful for Steven’s service along with all of the dedicated military personnel for their commitment to our country’s freedoms.”

The Patriot Award was created to recognize the efforts of employers who support their active Guard or Reserve team members and their families during their deployments. This includes flexible schedules, periodic time off, extended leaves of absence, and support for family members. Kurland and his team received a Patriot Award certificate as well as a lapel pin.

The mission of the ESGR, a committee within the Department of Defense is to recognize employers as well as strengthen the relationship between them and their service member employees.

“The Branded Group team is privileged to work alongside Steven,” Kurland said. “He is a shining example of our core values and our vision to “create future humanitarian leaders.”

For more information about Branded Group, contact Michael Kurland at mkurland@branded-group.com.

 

About Branded Group

Branded Group is an award-winning facility maintenance and construction management company servicing multi-site commercial properties. Through its “Be Better” experience, Branded Group provides clients with peace of mind and preserves their brand standards. Services include on-demand facility maintenance, construction management, and special project implementation for retail locations, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions, among other industry verticals. With its One-for-One Program, each completed service call is transformed into meals for families in the Feeding America network. The company is a certified Great Place to Work® and has ranked on the Inc. 5000 for four consecutive years. https://www.branded-group.com

Inc. Magazine Unveils Its Annual List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies—the Inc. 5000

Posted on by Andrew Warth

Inc. magazine revealed that Branded Group, Inc. is No. 2706 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

 

“Branded Group is honored to be named to the 2021 Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies,” Michael Kurland, Branded Group CEO, said. “We share this recognition with our #BeBetter team, valued customers, and long-standing vendor partners.”

Not only have the companies on the 2021 Inc. 5000 been very competitive within their markets, but this year’s list also proved especially resilient and flexible given 2020’s unprecedented challenges. Among the 5,000, the average median three-year growth rate soared to 543 percent, and median revenue reached $11.1 million. Together, those companies added more than 610,000 jobs over the past three years.

 

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000. The top 500 companies are featured in the September issue of Inc., which will be available on newsstands on August 17, 2021.

 

“The 2021 Inc. 5000 list feels like one of the most important rosters of companies ever compiled,” says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Building one of the fastest-growing companies in America in any year is a remarkable achievement. Building one in the crisis we’ve lived through is just plain amazing. This kind of accomplishment comes with hard work, smart pivots, great leadership, and the help of a whole lot of people.”

 

About Branded Group

Branded Group is an award-winning facility maintenance and construction management company servicing multi-site commercial properties. Through its “Be Better” experience, Branded Group provides clients with peace of mind and preserves their brand standards. Services include on-demand facility maintenance, construction management, and special project implementation for retail locations, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions, among other industry verticals. With its One-for-One Program, each completed service call is transformed into volunteer time with local non-profit organizations. The company is a certified Great Place to Work and has ranked on the Inc. 5000 for four consecutive years. https://www.branded-group.com

 

SMG Facility Services Opens New Offices to Accommodate Continued Growth and Enhance Client Services

Posted on by Andrew Warth

SMG Facility Services, an industry-leading, woman-owned, integrated facilities management (IFM) company announced it is opening new offices in Roanoke, Virginia to accommodate their rapid growth while leveraging the market’s diverse talent pool. The offices will be dedicated to supporting all aspects of its growing business.

SMG, which is celebrating twenty-five years in business, will leverage its new office space in Roanoke to offer expanded professional services for its valued clients while providing new internal operational efficiencies. The new offices will also provide SMG with a state-of-the-art workspace to enhance collaboration and communication, while offering the company with additional room for future growth.

“The decision to expand in Roanoke was a simple and logical step in our growth strategy,” said Jason Menser, Executive Vice President of SMG. “The area is rich with talent, and it affords SMG with the opportunity to further expand capabilities in our professional services and client support departments, as well as increases our ability to effectively service future business segments. More than anything, this move represents our continued commitment to serving our valued clients and helping them foster business growth through effectively managing of their distributed facilities.”

Through its decades in business, SMG continues its focus on serving multi-site organizations and industry sectors ranging from retail, financial services, restaurant, healthcare, education, and more.

 

About SMG Facility Services

SMG Facility Services is an industry-leading, woman-owned, integrated facilities management (IFM) company committed to client success by providing comprehensive professional services and extensive expertise in facilities maintenance, construction, project management, disaster, and emergency response to multi-site businesses throughout North America. www.smgfacilities.com

Branded Group Hosts Second Annual #Be Better Together Virtual 5K

Posted on by Andrew Warth

Orange, CA. (July 21st, 2021) – Branded Group CEO Michael Kurland announced that the company recently held its Second Annual Virtual 5K in support of their non-profit partner, The Priority Center. Due to the generosity of over 100 participants, the event raised $8,500 for the organization. This donation enables The Priority Center to continue to offer life-changing programs and achieve their vision of ending the generational cycle of neglect and trauma for children and families in Orange County, California.

“The Branded Group team was privileged to be able to host this event for the benefit of The Priority Center of Orange County,” Kurland said. “Even during these challenging times, we can all seek ways to creatively give back to those in need.”

For nearly forty years, The Priority Center has delivered much-needed programs and support to more than 300,000 people in Orange County, including school readiness, home visits, and crisis care. The center was awarded the 2020 Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency.

“On behalf of The Priority Center, I want to thank Branded Group for their Be Better Together Virtual 5K event,” Manager of Corporate Partnerships Michael Littler said. “We are very grateful for their support of the Center, especially during this difficult time.”

The “Be Better Together 5K” was held during the week of June 14th – June 20th and participants were invited to walk, run, or bike 3.1 miles in their respective neighborhoods. Customized 5K race bibs were available and participants posted their race photos on social media, tagging the company and using the hashtag #BeBetterTogether5K in their posts.

For more information about Branded Group, contact Michael Kurland at mkurland@branded-group.com.

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