Category: Connex News

RFMP is Retail’s Top Facilities Management Designation

Dallas, TX, Oct 23, 2018 – The Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association (PRSM) today announced that Jamie Leeper, RFMP, Director of Business Development for Royal Services, Inc., has earned the Retail Facility Management Professional (RFMP) designation, a mark of excellence achieved by an elite group of retail facility management professionals.

Jamie is the Director of Business Development for Royal Services and is in his fourth year with the company. His education background includes a Masters in Education from Western New Mexico University. He has a BS in Geography from the University of Leeds in the U.K. 

“My great passion is helping to solve problems that are preventing our clients from doing their job. With a background in teaching and coaching, I love exploring all possible solutions and working alongside our clients to decide upon the best resolution path to follow. In the world of facilities management, there is no one size fits all solution, which makes it critically important to be able to relate to the challenges that our clients are faced with.

In my role as Director of Business Development, I am constantly in communication with facility professionals about the struggles they are faced with. For him to provide the best solutions, I need to truly understand what our clients are going through and imagine myself in their shoes. I chose to pursue the RFMP certification for this reason, and this whole process has opened my eyes up to many more areas in which we can drive even more value to our clients. I am looking forward to continuing my career within this field and look forward to helping many of you with your future facility maintenance and project management challenges.” 

“It is an honor to have Jamie as the newest RFMP,” said Jonathan Bauer, Chair, PRSM Association 2018-19 Board of Directors Chair and Sr. Director Store Development at Gap Inc. “Earning the RFMP designation differentiates and elevates FM professionals. It is my pleasure to highlight PRSM members who excel in the industry.” 

This achievement is considered a milestone in an individual’s professional development, and proof of the individual’s commitment to continuous improvement in the retail facility maintenance industry. For further information about the PRSM Association RFMP certification program, visit www.prsm.com. 

Register for Canada East event today!

Western Canadian Retail FM leaders gathered in Vancouver, October 18 to be inspired by Codi Shewan, learn from David Ian Gray and make valuable industry connections. The event kicked off with networking over coffee and quickly moved into the General Session where Codi Shewan, challenged attendees to get “comfortably uncomfortable.” Shewan’s dynamic delivery inspired the audience to expect “business unusual” and to step out of their comfort zone to evolve, innovate and grow.

Following a short break, David Ian Gray, a noted retail strategist with DIG360 Consulting, Ltd., dove into the retail transformation and retail’s response to turbulent times. He discussed the implications of current retail trends on the future, and debunked commonly held myths by citing examples of retailers who are “doing it right.”

He helped attendees understand the “why” behind retail changes and provided solid advice on how retailers and suppliers can adapt to better support their businesses. He specifically explained how suppliers must understand the changes retailers are experiencing and create new value-added services that boost the bottom line and improve service.

The Canada Quick Connect & reception kept members engaged during the afternoon. During the Quick Connect, suppliers could easily engage with potential new clients and retailers could share their specific needs with multiple suppliers. A relaxing reception wrapped up the event and helped pave the way for future PRSM events.

Following the event, one PRSM Supplier reported, “I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into the event but it was great”.  I thought if I could get one good contact I would be happy, but I got 3 great contacts!  The speakers were great and spot on.  This was a GREAT event and well worth my time”.

Some attendees enjoyed the event so much they plan on attending the Canada East event, Oct. 25, to continue building their network of PRSM connections.

To see photos of the Canada West event click here. 

PRSM’s Canada East event will take place October 25 in Toronto, and will feature the same exciting speakers and lineup. If you have not registered for Canada East you can do so by clicking here.

The Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association (PRSM) today announced that Michael Hoagland, RFMP, Facility Services Manager/Project Manager with Thorntons, Inc, has earned the Retail Facility Management Professional (RFMP) designation, a mark of excellence achieved by an elite group of retail facility management professionals.

Michael has been with Thorntons for 22 years and has always worked in the facilities department.

He started his career at Thorntons as a general maintenance technician and worked his way up to an H.V.A.C/R technician and then moved to FS manager/Project manager. Prior to Thorntons, Inc. Michael ran his own construction company and held a C-17 California contractors license for 15 years. Michael also worked for Interstate Fixtures, Inc. installing store fixtures for Barnes and Nobles as a project manager for 5 years.

“It is an honor to have Michael as the newest RFMP,” said Jonathan Bauer, Chair, PRSM Association 2018-19 Board of Directors Chair and Sr. Director Store Development at Gap Inc. “Earning the RFMP designation differentiates and elevates FM professionals. It is my pleasure to highlight PRSM members who excel in the industry.”

This achievement is considered a milestone in an individual’s professional development, and proof of the individual’s commitment to continuous improvement in the retail facility maintenance industry. For further information about the PRSM Association RFMP certification program, visit www.prsm.com. 

The Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association (PRSM) today announced that Enrique Aleman, RFMP, Senior Analyst with Verizon Global Real Estate, has earned the Retail Facility Management Professional (RFMP) designation, a mark of excellence achieved by an elite group of retail facility management professionals.

Enrique is a Sr. Analyst for Verizon Global Real Estate and has been with Verizon for 16 years.  Enrique’s prior experience in real estate finance opened the door for him to get into facilities management.  He currently manages the Verizon Great Lakes West portfolio which consists of 59 retail stores that are spread out among four states.  Enrique holds an Illinois Realtor’s license and is currently pursuing a Project Manager Professional Certification.  He is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago with a BA in communications.        

“It is an honor to have Enrique as the newest RFMP,” said Jonathan Bauer, Chair, PRSM Association 2018-19 Board of Directors Chair and Sr. Director Store Development at Gap Inc. “Earning the RFMP designation differentiates and elevates FM professionals. It is my pleasure to highlight PRSM members who excel in the industry.”

This achievement is considered a milestone in an individual’s professional development, and proof of the individual’s commitment to continuous improvement in the retail facility maintenance industry. For further information about the PRSM Association RFMP certification program, visit www.prsm.com. 

The Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association (PRSM) today announced that JD Wilcox, RFMP, Vice President, Client Services, with Lane Valente Industries, has earned the Retail Facility Management Professional (RFMP) designation, a mark of excellence achieved by an elite group of retail facility management professionals.

J.D. is Vice President at Lane Valente Industries, where he oversees the Client Services division. He has been in the facility management industry for approx. 14 years. J.D. and his wife Diahann live in the Hartford, CT area with their two daughters Alli and Sydney.

“It is an honor to have J.D. as the newest RFMP,” said Jonathan Bauer, Chair, PRSM Association 2018-19 Board of Directors Chair and Sr. Director Store Development at Gap Inc. “Earning the RFMP designation differentiates and elevates FM professionals. It is my pleasure to highlight PRSM members who excel in the industry.”

This achievement is considered a milestone in an individual’s professional development, and proof of the individual’s commitment to continuous improvement in the retail facility maintenance industry. For further information about the PRSM Association RFMP certification program, visit www.prsm.com. 

There are infinite possibilities for hundreds of PRSM members to connect, learn and benefit during PRSM’s Mid-Year Conference that kicks off today at the Westin Kierland, Scottsdale, AZ.

The three-day event, features noted sports announcer Dick Vitale as the keynote speaker, dozens of educational sessions designed to meet the needs of both new facilities managers as well as seasoned executives, and continuous networking sessions highlighted by PRSM’s famed Quick Connect.

Friendly competitive games will help attendees connect on the show-room floor, where hundreds of industry suppliers will meet with retailers seeking new and innovative solutions to both old and new problems. Friday, the conference winds down as the new PRSM Foundation will host its first community project and golf tournament.

To learn more about PRSM Mid-Year Conference, click here.

Log into the new prsm.com today! The decision to redesign PRSM’s website was made with consideration of how best to serve our members. FM professionals are busy solving problems, looking for best practices, and trying to impact revenue with cost-saving initiatives. The new website looks to address the varying needs of suppliers and retailers, simplify access with a single sign-on, and offer intuitive navigation.

The platform hosting prsm.com is changing along with the design. Switching to Euclid ClearVantage Connect allows members to benefit from a single-sign-on platform. Accessing the member dashboard and finding content or events on the website is now easier than ever. Individual members’ actions on the website, whether it’s downloading a file, or registering for an event, will all show in the member dashboard. This convenience allows PRSM members to have one stop shop for all of their needs.

“PRSM’s website is a valuable tool available for members to find topic-specific content, register for events and webinars, and engage with other members,” said Bill Yanek, PRSM Chief Executive Officer. “The redesign process enabled us to provide a mobile responsive platform while still offering the same functionalities as a desktop site.”

The member directory will automatically update when members change their information, the new online buyers’ guide offers retailers a way to search for suppliers for any particular need and have visibility to any certifications they may have. These resources allow members to connect with each other and find the best solutions for their company.

To get started accessing the new site, head to prsm.com and reset your password.

The Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association (PRSM), the authority on retail, multi-site facilities management, today released its annual review of the state of retail facilities management and key trends impacting the nation’s leading retailers and suppliers.

The industry-leading report identifies five major trends driving the facilities management industry. They include the growth of mixed-use retail, batteries in energy management, the increased number of restaurants and medical services in retail spaces, and blockchain technology. These trends are driving change across the industry and will require facilities executives adapt new strategies and tactics to succeed.

“The retail industry is evolving rapidly, and it is important retail facility executives understand the trends driving this evolution,” said Bill Yanek, PRSM CEO.

“These trends provide great opportunities for today’s retail facilities management professionals to demonstrate their expertise and help their companies and the industry exceed customer expectations.”

A breakdown of the major trends includes: 

• Mixed-use and Experiential: A silent renaissance is occurring with experiential stores and mixed-use developments leading the way. Physical stores must provide experiences to attract shoppers and shopping centers must become the center of the community.

 

• The Rise of Restaurant Retail: Retailers are turning to food to provide something extra, and they are creating cross-promotional partnerships to provide culinary experiences.

 

• There’s a New Doc-in-the-Big-Box: Doctor’s offices, medical centers, pharmacies and other healthcare businesses are opening in shopping centers and in retail stores. Eighty-nine percent of enclosed malls now offer some type of healthcare service.

 

• Retail Batteries – Now Included: Today, retailers can employ chemical, and refrigerated battery storage to cut energy costs, achieve sustainability goals and generate revenue. In retail energy management today – batteries are included.

 

• Blockchain in Retail Facilities Management: Technology is a driving force in retail facilities management and blockchain has the power to revolutionize contract management, work order processing and tracking, payment processing and facility transparency.

 

Download the PRSM Association 2019 Trends Report to learn more about how changes in the retail industry are impacting retail facilities management today.

The 2019 Trends Report will be a topic of discussion during the PRSM Association Mid-Year Conference in Scottsdale, AZ, and will be discussed at the 2018 PRSM Canadian events in October. Held each fall, these events provide strategic direction and tactical guidance for the retail industry, including retail facilities professionals. In April, the PRSM2019 National Conference will be held in Denver, CO and will host the largest, annual gathering of retail facilities management professionals.