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Category: Industry News

U.S. Dept. of Energy presents Advanced RTU Awards during PRSM2019 National Conference

Posted on by Andrew Warth

The U.S. Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) presented its Advanced Roof Top Unit (RTU) Campaign Awards during the 2019 National Conference held in Denver, CO.

The Advanced Rooftop Unit (RTU) Campaign is a recognition and guidance program designed to encourage building owners and operators to take advantage of savings opportunities from high efficiency RTUs.  This effort is a collaboration between ASHRAE and RILA, with the U.S. DOE providing technical support to Campaign participants (through the Better Buildings Alliance and the Federal Energy Management Program). 

The winners of the 2019 DOE Advanced RTU Awards are: Walgreens, Target, H&M, McDonalds, Sponsors of Mass Save, Tri Pacific Heating & A/C, Energy Solutions, and Transformative Wave Technologies.

“Energy efficiency is extremely important to retail, and we are proud to recognize the winners for their hard work and dedication to retrofitting their buildings to maximize energy savings,” said Bill Yanek, Connex’s CEO. “We are also proud to continue this partnership with the DOE to present the Advanced RTU Awards during our national conference.”

A record-setting crowd of facilities management professionals from the U.S. and Canada attended PRSM2019 National Conference, the premier conference for multi-site facilities management featuring world-class speakers, industry leading educational sessions and more than 400 exhibiting companies.

2019-2020 PRSM Board officially takes office

Posted on by Andrew Warth

The 2019/2020 PRSM Board of Directors assumed office, April 30 during the 2019 PRSM National Conference. The new officers are:  

Chair:               Myriah Kingen, Director, Facilities Management, DaVita Kidney Care

Vice Chair:       Matthew Whelan, President/CEO, W Services Group

Immediate Past Board Chair: Jonathan Bauer, Sr. Director Store Development, Gap Inc

Treasurer:        Shawn Browning, MP, FMA, LEED-Green Assoc., Facility Manager, Nike, Inc.

Secretary:        Jaclyn Frenzel, Vice President, OnSite, Inc        

As Director Facilities Management for DaVita Kidney Care, Kingen, PRSM’s new Board Chair, directs facilities maintenance, project rollouts and store refurbishments for more than 1,000 DaVita Locations. This past year Kingen served as PRSM Board Secretary. She first became a PRSM member in 2006 and has served on the Editorial Board, and the following committees: Ethics, Governance, Membership, and the Mid-Year Conference Task Force.

“It is an honor to be elected PRSM Board Chair. The facilities management industry is undergoing an evolution and PRSM is evolving and is prepared for its next chapter. The association is well positioned strategically and financially, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead,” Kingen said.

The Association membership also elected two new retail Board members to three-year terms and two retail alternates to a one-year term. Newly elected retail directors include:

·       Director: Anthony Armato, Director, Facilities & Energy Management, Ulta Beauty

·       Director: Kirk Beaudoin, RFMP, FMA, LEED Green Associate, Senior Facilities Manager, adidas America, Inc.

·       Retail 1st Alternate: Jordan Campbell, Facilities Manager, Bottega Veneta

·       Retail 2nd Alternate: Mike Bowman, Director, Facilities, Environmental and Safety, LCBO

Retailer Directors returning to the Board include:

§  Director: Steve Andrews, Sr. Regional Facilities Manager, Walmart, Inc.

§  Director: Neil Butler, LEED Green Associate

Two Supplier Board members were elected, one for a three-year term, and one supplier alternate, elected to a one-year term. Newly elected supplier directors include:

·       Director: Grant Baecker, President, Authority HVAC

·       Supplier Alternate: Kim Goei, COO, Fexa

Supplier Directors returning to the Board include:

§  Director: Tom Buiocchi, CEO, ServiceChannel

§  Director: Chris Slocum, Founder, Chief Customer Officer, Cornell Storefront Systems, Inc.

Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association becomes Connex

Posted on by Andrew Warth

April 30, 2019 – DALLAS, TX  After almost 25 years, the Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association (PRSM), the authority on retail, multi-site facilities management, has rebranded and is now Connex. The rebranding announcement was made today to record-setting crowd, by Bill Yanek, Connex CEO, during the Connex2019 National Conference being held in the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center, Denver, CO.

 

“The essence of PRSM membership is connecting members to: their industry peers, knowledge and resources.” said Yanek.  “Our new name, Connex, recognizes that benefit and provides us a strategic platform for future growth.”

 

Myriah Kingen, Connex new Board Chair and Director, Facilities, Davita Kidney Care, emphasized how the new brand positions the association for the future. “The retail industry is evolving rapidly and Connex is now empowered to embrace that evolution and expand into other facilities management markets. We appreciate and applaud the vision of the PRSM founders 25 years ago and we believe this new brand positions us well for the next 25 years.”

 

The new Connex brand was developed through extensive member surveys and industry research. The Connex Board of Directors hired Dallas-based, Agency Creative to lead the six-month long rebranding process. “The Multi-Site Facilities Network” is the tagline selected to accompany the new logo and highlights the association’s new emphasis on a broader retail marketplace.  

 

Connex empowers retail and multi-site industry facilities management professionals with best practices, benchmarking, education, discussion forums and trusted partnerships. Chartered in 1995, and with almost 1,000-member companies, the Connex community values are founded on a spirit of innovation, resourcefulness, the quest for knowledge and ethical business relationships.

 

About Connex

Connex, the authority on retail and multi-site facilities management, is the leading membership organization for multi-site facilities and supplier professionals. Connex empowers multi-site industry facilities management professionals with best practices, benchmarking, education, discussion forums and trusted partnerships. Chartered in 1995, and with almost 1,000-member companies, the Connex community values are founded on a spirit of innovation, resourcefulness, the quest for knowledge and ethical business relationships. Members depend upon Connex to help them achieve greater success and a competitive advantage through quality programs and resources.  Visit connexfm.com for more information.

BACE and Rodgers Sign National Agreement

Posted on by Andrew Warth

Partnership Offers Turn-Key Electrical Services for Waste and Recycling Industry

CHARLOTTE, NC – (April 29, 2019) – BACE, LLC, a leading global equipment manufacturer, technology innovator and national service provider for the recycling and waste management industry, and Rogers, the leading facility service provider for electrical, lighting, HVAC, plumbing, distribution and contractor service needs, have formed an exclusive partnership to offer BACE’s customers turn-key electrical services for their Waste and Recycling equipment.

“Our customers have been struggling with finding the right partner to implement and coordinate electrical services to meet their equipment and timeline requirements.  This partnership solves that challenge.  Rogers and BACE are leaders in their respective sectors and by combining forces, our customers can now count on a successful implementation of their Waste and Recycling equipment.  This is a game changer for BACE and our customers,” said Frederick Waite, BACE’s Chief Executive Officer.

Chris Rogers, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rogers, states “This partnership is a natural fit for Rogers and BACE. Both organizations serve similar customers and we are singularly focused on customer success nationwide.”

About BACE

BACE is a leading global manufacturer of heavy-duty balers, compactors and a national equipment service provider for the recycling and waste management industry.  BACE is also the creator of the Patent Pending IntelliBACE™ Platform, an innovative Business Intelligence and Analytics Platform offering unmatched Accountability and Transparency.  The BACE headquarters is located at 322 W32nd Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28206. For information about BACE’s products and services, email fwaite@bacecorp.com, call BACE at (704) 394-2230 or visit our web site at www.BACECORP.com

About Rogers

Founded in Atlanta in 1983, Rogers is one of the country’s leading electrical, lighting and technology solutions service providers for retail, commercial and municipal properties across the United States. Rogers provides management and labor for the installation and maintenance of electrical and lighting systems, and does it effectively across multi-site and single unit properties. As the only self-performing national contractor with local employees servicing local customers, Rogers consistently delivers quality work, whenever customers need it, every time. At Rogers, we have the power to get the job done. To learn more, please visit www.rogersservices.com

 

BACE Media contact:

Frederick Waite

704-394-2230

Branded Group CEO Michael Kurland & President Jon Thomas Named as Semi-finalists for EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year® 2019 Orange County Awards Program

Posted on by Andrew Warth

Orange, CA. (April 24th, 2019) – Branded Group Founder and CEO Michael Kurland and President Jon Thomas were both recently named as a semi-finalists in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year® 2018 Orange County Awards program. The prestigious award recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate outstanding success in areas such as financial performance, innovation and commitment to their businesses and communities.

“It is a privilege for Jon and I to be among the semi-finalists for this award, which highlights entrepreneurship and celebrates those who give back while moving their business forward,” Kurland said. “We launched Branded Group with the sincere desire to be better – better to our team, customers, partners, and community. This distinction is not ours alone, it honors those who help us to be better everyday.”

EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year® is the only competitive awards program in the world for entrepreneurs and leaders of high growth companies. The program takes place in more than 145 cities in 60 countries around the world. The award has previously been given to well-known entrepreneurs like Howard Shultz of Starbucks Coffee Company and John Mackey of Whole Foods Market, recognizing those who have inspired others with their vision, leadership, and achievement.

The Orange County award winners will be announced at a black tie gala held on June 18 at the Monarch Beach Resort. KTTV Fox 11 anchor Christine Devine will host the event. Regional award winners are then eligible for the Entrepreneur of the Year National Awards.

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

BrandPoint Services merging with LEGACY Retail Services to form a leading single source provider of premier facility services and solutions

Posted on by Andrew Warth

Cherry Hill, NJ – BrandPoint Services, a leading full-service commercial maintenance, repair, refresh and remodel company has merged with LEGACY Retail Services, a New Jersey based company and leader in national digital media and fixture installation company. The merger will create a leading single source North American provider of facility services and solutions supporting clients in various industries including retail, banking, healthcare, grocery, restaurant, entertainment, and more. The combined companies will offer expertise in facility maintenance service and project management, general contracting construction services, digital media, fixture/graphic installations, merchandising and support services.

By combining forces both companies have significantly grown their respective service offering, coverage area, team members and overall capabilities to provide world class services to its customers across North America. Michael Hersh (CEO/President of LEGACY Retail Services) and Steve Hearon (CEO/President of BrandPoint Services) will work closely together as they merge the entities under one identity. The merger integration will result in the combined companies operating under the well-respected BrandPoint Services identity as of 2020.

“I could not be more excited to take the next step in our companies’ strategic business plan,” said Michael Hersh. “The ability to merge with the incredibly synergistic BrandPoint team will propel both organizations to incredible success as one team!”

“We have been ramping up our business, brand and service offerings in preparation for a big move”, said Steve Hearon. “It is rare that you find the perfect fit like we have both found in each other and we look forward to being the ‘go to’ world-class provider for all of our top customers globally.”

The strategy of the merger from the leadership of the companies brings together premium talent and resources that will expand across a wide range of industries. “We will be laser focused on continuing to meet our current customers’ needs and future plans as we expand our overall market reach with the merger of these two great teams.” said Michael Hersh.

To contact us and or to learn more about BrandPoint Services or LEGACY Retail Services, please visit www.brandpointservices.com and www.legacyrts.com.

DENTCO Delivers a Big Dent in Expansion Goals

Posted on by Andrew Warth

DEWITT, Mich., April 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Today DENTCO® President Scott Milnes announced an increase of over 20% in sales through new business over 2018 and into 2019.  The increased business is credited to new national landscape and snow management customers.

With 42 years of industry expertise and over 10,000 managed site locations nationwide, DENTCO remains one of the best known brands in the Exterior Services Management® industry. DENTCO employees’ performance of hands-on ESM philosophies, supported by their robust EQM application, allow facility managers to oversee thousands of sites nationally via the Internet.

DENTCO has seen considerable growth and has maintained a 99% customer retention rate over the last 7 years. DENTCO’s business model focuses on People, Process and Technology. From this year’s growth, the company has continued to reinvest in these three cornerstones, maximizing both efficiency and the delivery of information.

“It was an incredibly busy winter. We are proud of all the hard work our team members continue to produce,” said President Scott Milnes. “Last year we continued to improve the DENTCO Verified app and the My DENTCO customer portal, which has aided in faster communications and has allowed us to service sites more efficiently.”

Since its inception, DENTCO has gradually expanded its services across the country. DENTCO’s nationwide presence has distinguished itself as an industry leader against competitors. Specializing in both simplifying and optimizing multi-site exterior management responsibilities, DENTCO helps clients consolidate, reduce costs and recognize the importance of quality-assured service.

National Sales Director Teresa Phelps commented saying, “Our longest standing customer has been with us for 18 years. As we continue to expand our customer base, DENTCO remains committed to establishing and maintaining long-term relationships.”

DENTCO is a full-service Exterior Services Management Company® that provides a centralized approach to managing snow, landscaping, parking lot maintenance and various other exterior property management services for some of the largest commercial multi-site companies in the country. The corporate office is in DeWitt, Michigan, just north of Lansing.

DENTCO will be exhibiting at the PRSM 2019 National Conference in Denver, Colo. from April 29 to May 1. Attendees are welcome to stop by and visit booth #815 to discuss how their multi-site facilities can benefit from exterior services management (ESM).

To learn more information about DENTCO®, please visit dentco.com or call 800-993-3689.

About DENTCO

Headquartered in Dewitt, Michigan, DENTCO was the first to brand a fragmented industry, creating an Exterior Services Management (ESM) philosophy. With 42 years of industry experience, they provide services throughout the U.S. through their network of Contractor Partners. DENTCO provides landscape management, snow & ice management, dark property management, parking lot maintenance/management and exterior asset inventory to their clients. Over the years, DENTCO has seen substantial growth while maintaining a 99% customer retention rate. Their business model promotes the importance of People, Process, and Technology. In addition to helping clients recognize the significance of quality-assured services, DENTCO is guaranteed to deliver a difference that allow clients to consolidate, centralize and reduce costs.

Branded Group Receives Great Place to Work® Certification for the Second Year

Posted on by Andrew Warth

Facilities Maintenance Company Focuses on Culture and Social Impact

Orange, CA. (April 3rd, 2019) – Branded Group Founder and CEO Michael Kurland today announced that the company was recertified as a great workplace by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work®. For the second year in a row, Branded Group earned this merit based on extensive positive ratings provided in anonymous surveys, which were complete by team members.

“Being recertified as a Great Place to Work is rewarding because it demonstrates that we are wholly committed to our team members and their success,” Kurland said. “It also highlights that our team is dedicated to supporting each other, our clients, our vendor partners, and our community initiatives. We are proud of this distinction.”

Among this year’s Great Place to Work survey highlights:
• 96% said that Branded Group is a Great Place to Work.
• 99% said they feel good about the ways Branded Group contributes to the community.
• 99% agreed that management hires people who fit in well.
• 99% agreed that our facilities contribute to a good working environment.
• 99% said that they could be themselves at work.
• 99% agreed that Branded Group celebrates special events.

A summary of these ratings can be found at http://reviews.greatplacetowork.com/branded-group.

The Branded Group team completed a comprehensive survey, responding to questions about company culture, health and wellness benefits, and opportunities for advancement. An impressive ninety-six percent noted that Branded Group is a great workplace. Additionally, Branded Group’s variety of perks and programs distinguished it as an organization that engages its employees through wellness programs, professional development, and community commitment. Its award-winning social impact program, One-for-One, was listed as one of the many initiatives for which team members are engaged and participate in regularly.

PRSM Suppliers – Update your profile on PRSM's Online Buyer's Guide

Posted on by Andrew Warth

PRSM retailers use the Online Buyers Guide to find the suppliers they need. PRSM has developed a new, robust online Buyers Guide and every PRSM supplier must update their profile on the new Buyers Guide to appear in search results. Supplier categories from the old online Buyers Guide have not been transferred to the new Buyers Guide. Suppliers must update their profile to appear in search results.

The online Buyers Guide enables retailers to quickly search for a specific need and receive targeted, accurate results. Plus, the new Buyers Guide provides suppliers multiple ways to promote their company and services.

PRSM suppliers should contact Mohanna Sales representatives at advertising@prsm.com to update their Buyers Guide profile. This will include: contact information, services provided, products sold, etc. Mohanna will explain how suppliers can easily upload additional information, add photos and even create a micro website inside the PRSM Buyers Guide.

When a supplier has set up a profile on the Buyers Guide, they can easily login anytime to make updates, load photos or add news announcements to their profile.

“We have worked with the PRSM Sourcing Committee to develop the new Buyers Guide,” said Bruce Condit, PRSM’s VP of Marketing and Communications. “Retail Procurement executives, along with PRSM suppliers on the committee, worked to develop a category structure that will deliver highly accurate results and allow retailers to download lists of suppliers generated by a search.”

However, Condit explained further, the accuracy of the Buyers Guide is dependent upon suppliers updating and maintaining their Buyers Guide profiles. “Every PRSM supplier needs to contact Mohanna to update their profile and to learn about other features in the Buyers Guide,” Condit said.

The PRSM Sourcing Committee will make a presentation about the new Buyers Guide, in the Exhibit Hall at PRSM2019 National Conference, Tuesday, April 30 at 4 P.M. The presentation will demonstrate how retailers can use the Buyers Guide and how suppliers can enhance their profiles to reach out to retailers and provide more information than ever before.

Kellermeyer Bergensons Services, LLC Acquires Capital Contractors Inc.

Posted on by Andrew Warth

Oceanside, CA, April 2, 2019 – Kellermeyer Bergensons Services, LLC (KBS), a leading North American provider of technology-enabled, integrated facility management services to the industrial, commercial, logistics, retail, and grocery sectors, today announced that it has acquired Capital Contractors Inc. (Capital), a provider of contract cleaning and related facility services. KBS is a portfolio company of San Francisco-based private investment firm GI Partners. Capital previously was owned by New York-based Palladium Equity Partners, LLC (along with its affiliates, “Palladium”).

Mark Minasian, chief executive officer and co-founder of KBS, stated, “Capital Contractors has a long and successful history in the facility services industry and we’re proud to be welcoming the team to the KBS platform. Founded in 1932, Capital has shown remarkable resilience, and we look forward to leading it through its next phase of growth and value creation. The talented leadership team at Capital has refined an asset-light service delivery model that fits squarely into our platform and we’re excited about scaling it. With over 4,000 client sites primarily on the East Coast, Capital Contractors brings additional geographic density, attractive end markets and vast client relationships to KBS. Capital’s customers will benefit from our unmatched technology, world-class service infrastructure and continental scale.”

Hoon Cho, managing director at GI Partners, said, “Once again, KBS has demonstrated that it is the buyer of choice for middle market facility service firms seeking liquidity, scale or partnership opportunities. This is the sixth acquisition completed during our partnership with KBS and, in every instance, KBS has transacted with best-in-class operators in their respective service lines and end markets. We are very happy to welcome the Capital team to KBS.”

Capital Contractors President Paul McMahon stated, “We are excited about the opportunity to continue the rich history that Capital Contractors has established. By joining with KBS, the hard work and great customer relationships that Capital has maintained will be secure for generations to come. As we look forward, we also would like to thank Palladium for the close support its team has provided over the past decade.”

About KBS

Kellermeyer Bergensons Services, LLC (KBS) is a leading North American provider of technology-enabled, integrated facility management services to the industrial, commercial, logistics, retail, and grocery sectors. With more than 45,000 active customer locations in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, and Puerto Rico, KBS sets the industry standard for delivering

consistently high quality, compliant and cost-effective facility service solutions. Based in Oceanside, Calif., the company is majority owned by GI Partners. For more information on Kellermeyer Bergensons Services, please visit www.kbs-services.com.

About GI Partners

GI Partners is a private investment firm based in San Francisco. The firm has raised over $17 billion in capital from leading institutional investors across the globe. GI Partners’ private equity team focuses on investments in the Healthcare, IT Infrastructure, Services, and Software sectors. For more information on GI Partners and its entire portfolio, please visit www.gipartners.com.

About Capital Contractors

Founded in 1932 and headquartered in Islandia, New York, Capital Contractors Inc. is a multi- regional provider of customized contract cleaning, exterior and related services to the education, hospitality, healthcare, commercial, retail and industrial end markets. With over 4,000 client sites across multiple states, Capital is a recognized leader and one of the longest continually operating property service firms in the United States. For more information on Capital Contractors please visit www.capitalcontractors.com.

About Palladium Equity Partners, LLC

Palladium is a middle market private equity firm with approximately $3 billion of assets under management. The firm seeks to acquire and grow companies in partnership with founders and experienced management teams by providing capital, strategic guidance and operational oversight. Since its founding in 1997, Palladium has made 33 platform investments and over 130 add-on acquisitions. For more information on Palladium Equity Partners, please visit www.palladiumequity.com. 

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