Category: Industry News

Retail is experiencing a historical evolution. PRSM is also evolving and that evolution will impact PRSM’s Retail Facilities Management Professional (RFMP) designation program. The existing RFMP program will be phased out December 31, 2018.

The RFMP designation, a mark of excellence achieved by an elite group of retail facility management professionals is considered a milestone in an individual’s professional development and proof of the individual’s commitment to continuous improvement in the retail FM industry.

“We recognize the value and importance of a retail facilities professional designation,” stated Bill Yanek, PRSM CEO.  “However, it is time to take the designation to a new level, one that reflects the changes both PRSM and the industry have and will continue to experience. When we roll out the new designation program, I believe every PRSM member will be excited, recognize its value and want to hold the new designation.”

PRSM has good news for those who still want to secure their RFMP, have studied for their RFMP and even for those currently hold or have ever held the RFMP designation.

The RFMP is still the retail FM industry standard of excellence and PRSM will continue to provide study courses, throughout 2018, to prepare for the exam and members can take the exam any time.

For those who have taken the RFMP courses, but not taken the exam, we encourage you to review the materials and take the exam this year to ensure you receive your RFMP designation. You have already done the hard work – just take the exam and get your RFMP now!

Don’t miss out on the final opportunity to add this prestigious designation to your title. It will enhance your professional credibility, boost your career and make you a member of an elite group of retail facilities management professionals.

PRSM is always looking for ways to improve member education and boost FM credibility. PRSM will respect existing RFMPs and the effort spent securing the designation when determining future possible certification/certificate programs. More information about future certifications/designations will be provided as it becomes available

Finally, great news for those who currently hold or have ever held the RFMP designation. You will no longer have to get re-certified to keep the designation. You are now an RFMP for life and can include the designation in your title forever.  This privilege is also extended to anyone who has held the RFMP designation at any time since its inception.

For questions, please email education@prsm.com.

The Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association (PRSM), the authority on retail, multi-site facilities management, has announced that Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, coach, and well-known ESPN announcer, Dick Vitale will be the keynote speaker at PRSM’s Mid-Year Conference, September 26 – 28 in Scottsdale, AZ.

Vitale joined ESPN during the 1979-80 season – just after the network’s September 1979 launch, following a successful college and pro coaching career. Since his debut, Vitale has called more than one thousand games.

His thorough knowledge of the game is brought forth in an enthusiastic, passionate, sometimes controversial – but never boring – style.

“We are excited to have Dick Vitale as our keynote at this year’s Mid-Year Conference,” said Bill Yanek, PRSM CEO. “He is a proven winner, who has excelled in sports, in broadcasting and in life. To win in the multi-site facilities management arena today, you must adapt quickly, make smart decisions and lead your team. Dick’s life experiences and the message he will deliver will inspire and motivate our members to excel in life and on the job.”

Vitale began coaching high school basketball in 1963 at Garfield HS, Garfield, NJ and just six short years later joined the coaching staff at Rutgers University creating multiple championship teams along the way. At the University of Detroit (1973 – 77) he compiled a winning percentage of .722 (78-30), which included a 21-game winning streak. In May,1978, he was named head coach of the Detroit Pistons which he coached until joining ESPN in 1979.

Beyond being a winning coach and well-known announcer, Vitale is also a philanthropist and author and has made cameo appearances in movies and TV shows. He is best known for his “Vitaleisms,” phrases he often used during broadcasts such as, “Awesome Baby!”, “Get a TO, Baby!” (call a timeout),  “PTP’er” (prime time player, “Rolls Roycer” (a flat out superstar) and “Maalox Time!” (the final minutes of a close game).

The PRSM Mid-Year Conference provides multi-site facilities management professionals the opportunity to learn about the latest industry trends, connect with hundreds of other retail and supplier professionals and attend industry-leading education sessions.

For more information about PRSM Mid-Year Conference click here.

In 2007, Leigh started working at Staples as a Management Trainee and has worked her way up. Today, she is responsible for the facility maintenance, repair, and service related programs for all Canadian properties (305+ locations) as well as setting the sustainability agenda and identifying key focus areas for the company. For her efforts, Leigh was named to Canada’s 2014 and 2016 Clean50, which offers recognition to Canada’s leaders in sustainability for their contributions over the prior two years and has been honored by Retail Council of Canada twice in the area of Sustainability. Currently, she sits on the board of the PRSM Charitable foundation.

My first job ever was… At age 13, I began working at a fast food venue on a local beach in our community.

I chose my career path because… Honestly, it chose me. Facility Management is not a career I was even aware of. My initial path was broadcast journalism. While in university, I worked in the Flooring Department of the Home Depot, and it was the first time I really stepped outside my comfort zone. That was the beginning of my move towards Facility Management, even if I did not know at the time. 

My proudest accomplishment is… First and foremost, my proudest accomplishment is being a mom to my 10 year-old daughter Kenzie. Professionally, there have been a few. First, creating the facilities department from a concept on paper to a group of talented individuals handling over 60,000 work orders per year and covering all properties in Canada. Second, the evolution of sustainability at Staples. Third, becoming active in my industry, attaining my designation and being on the board of directors for PRSM (Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association). 

My boldest move to date was… I don’t believe my boldest move has occurred yet, but gaining the confidence to feel I could not only serve on an industry board but also to pursue the chairmanship was a highlight as was attaining recognition for our sustainability work. 

I surprise people when I tell them… I have been at Staples for 21 years and it was my first full time job. 

My best advice to people starting their career is… Ask questions, seek to understand, listen to what is not said. Do not fear silence, or admitting when you do not know the answer. 

“Ask questions, seek to understand, listen to what is not said, and do not be afraid to say you don’t know the answer.” 

My best advice from a mentor was… The importance of authenticity and embracing and celebrating what you are good at. To celebrate and support other women – grow the network. 

I would tell my 20-year old self… Work hard but don’t compromise yourself or your values.  Ever. 

My biggest setback was… Facilities is hard to define and often measured by the things that go wrong as a result changes in structure or direction could mean re-building/re establishing credibility and the value proposition of Facilities. It is not about one set back it is about knowing how to grow and learn from each misstep to not take it personally and continue to foster positivity and a culture of customer service and continuous improvement. 

I overcame it by… I think this is something as an industry we are always working to overcome. Being visible, being open and embracing my communication skills to sell the value of Facilities, and tapping into my creative side to show a commitment to process and operational efficiency. And if there is not a seat at the table – pull one up. 

Work/life balance is… Not totally possible. Attempting to have work/life balance means being self-aware and making decisions that ultimately allow you to feel a sense of self control. It is a difficult process of creating value and a positive experience personally and professionally. It is always a work in progress. 

If you googled me, you still wouldn’t know… I am more introverted than my profile or persona would suggest. I think I have a decent sense of humor. I find value and satisfaction in creating and designing. I am also a proud dance mom. 

I stay inspired by… Possibilities and the ability to take chances. 

The future excites me because… I am determined to make the most of it and to embrace the next chapter. I see the opportunity to help pave the way for others. 

My next step is… To continue to develop the team and the value proposition, to further industry awareness, to foster facilities as a career, to shine a light on the need for skilled trades and understanding the cost of quality, to encourage young people to pursue their passion, to create their personal brand and live it.

PRSM is proud to announce that Anne Aleman, PRSM’s Sr. Manager, Knowledge Engagement & Resources, has earned the Retail Facility Management Professional (RFMP) designation, a mark of excellence achieved by an elite group of retail facility management professionals.

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 FM industry.

“The FM industry is competitive and earning the RFMP certification helps an FM stand out among their peers and sends a clear message to others that they’re driven in their career,” Aleman said. “It proves their experience is credible and verifiable.”

Prior to joining PRSM, Aleman was a Facilities Manager with Brinker International. Her territory included more than 100 corporate-owned restaurants across six states. She has over a decade of experience in multi-site facilities and project management, specializing in managing successful supplier partnerships, coordinating major capital project rollouts and developing scopes of work to align with RFPs.

PRSM’s RFMP designation will evolve in 2019. If you have completed RFMP classes or wish to begin, act now to earn your designation before changes go into effect. Don’t miss your chance to earn your RFMP credential in its current form!

For further information about the PRSM Association RFMP credential program, click here.

PRSM hosted its first Vancouver, Canada Retailer2Retailer Best Practice Forum on June 14, 2018. PRSM member Flight Centre Travel Group hosted the event in their new office.

Retailers from Flight Centre, Saje Natural Wellness, Aritzia, Lululemon and Overwaitea Food Group gathered to discuss best practices, janitorial services, general maintenance, international facility management and much more.

PRSM’s R2R Forums are an excellent way to stay connected to other facilities professionals who have similar responsibilities to your own. Get questions answered, meet like-minded professionals, share ideas and take away best practices to help you work smarter and more cost effectively. These casual and engaging events are available to all retailers who are located in the area or who wish to travel to this event and participate in the discussion.

For upcoming R2R forums, visit PRSM’s event calendar.

The National Safety Council (NSC) designates each June as National Safety Month to focus on reducing leading causes of injuries and fatalities at work, on the road and at home. For retail facilities professionals, injury on the jobsite is a definite possibility.

PRSM offers resources for FMs to keep the jobsite (and building itself) safe. PRSM’s Performing Life Safety Audits to Reduce Fines and Increase Safety. This blog post includes steps FMs should routinely take to minimize safety risks. Performing regular life safety audits will not only increase the safety of your facility, but will also help reduce the potential for hefty fines.

The Improving Quality, Cost and Schedule Through Safety Education blog post discusses how one company created a “culture” of safety through education. The blog also provides a sample safety manual FM department can use to create their own safety manual or edit existing manuals.

Keep you, your team and store customers safe onsite this June and every day of the year!