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Nashville, TN – May 7, 2024 – ConnexFM, the leading association for multi-site facility management professionals, concluded its highly successful ConnexFM2024 National Conference in Nashville, TN last month. With a strong focus on education and supporting the pipeline of newcomers into the industry, the conference showcased the latest trends and innovations in facility management, particularly in the growing skilled trades and technology industries.

 

The ConnexFM2024 National Conference marked a significant milestone as the largest conference hosted by ConnexFM since 2019, with over 2100 attending members and an impressive representation of over 180 multi-site facilitates companies and over 500 supplier companies. The event attracted attendees not only from across the United States but also from Canada and European countries, reflecting the global impact of the facility management industry.

 

ConnexFM’s Board of Directors Chair, Catherine Barnes, Vice President of Facilities & Energy Management with Rite Aid said “This year’s Annual Conference hit different! The energy was amazing.” Adding further “We are 4 years post Covid with conference attendance growing. The first-time attendees were the highest we have seen in years. Suppliers took advantage of the energy Nashville brings and offered amazing offsite events.”

 

Highlights of the conference included 20 educational sessions covering a wide range of topics, including hands-on demo labs for HVAC, Artificial Intelligence, and Plumbing, plus courses focused on sales tactics, repair versus replace analytics, and other crucial aspects of facility management.

 

One of the key moments of the conference was the General Session featuring special guest Mike Rowe, renowned TV host and advocate for the skilled trades industry. Mike Rowe was joined by ConnexFM CEO, Bill Yanek, and Rob Almond, NEST CEO and member of the Skilled Trades Advisory Council. Rowe provided invaluable insights and perspectives on supporting the growth of the skilled trades industry, while sharing entertaining stories about the impact of the skilled trades industry in multiple areas of life and business.

 

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming success of the ConnexFM2024 National Conference,” said Bill Yanek, CEO of ConnexFM. “This event exemplifies the exciting advancements and opportunities within the facility management industry, particularly in the areas of smart facilities, technology, and skilled trades. It’s an exhilarating time to be part of this thriving community.”

 

The conference brought together professionals from various industries, including retail, food & beverage, healthcare, and financial sectors, further enriching the networking, and learning experiences for all attendees.

 

For more information about ConnexFM and upcoming events, visit the ConnexFM website at connexfm.com.

 

About ConnexFM:

ConnexFM is the leading association for multi-site facility management professionals. With a focus on education, networking, and professional development, ConnexFM serves as a valuable resource for individuals and organizations in the facility management industry.

 

Media Inquiries:

Melody McLellan

469-828-6773

mmclellan@connexmfm.com

[IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, April 15, 2024] — Ecotrak, the leading intelligent facility management platform, today announced the completion of a $30 million funding round. Funding led by Respida Capital, with participation from Carver Road Capital, and existing investor Gala Capital Partners.

The capital infusion follows another record-breaking year for Ecotrak and will further accelerate the company’s product development and go-to-market efforts. Ecotrak has experienced rapid growth, driven by its unrivaled ability to provide insight into enterprise facilities and assets, which generates significant ROI for customers like Inspire Brands,  Flynn Group, Dutch Bros Coffee and Dave & Buster’s.

Ecotrak simplifies facilities management through modern web and mobile applications for multi-site owners and operators of restaurants, convenience stores, grocery stores, and countless other businesses. The Ecotrak platform combines asset-specific data at a granular level, automation and predictive analytics with a large network of service providers. The result is a modern and easy to execute workflow that reduces equipment downtime and maximizes warranty claims.

“We are excited to partner with experienced operators and technology investors who can help accelerate our growth strategy,” said Matt Singer, CEO. “As pioneers of enterprise asset management, Ecotrak drives operational scale for our customers and delivers tangible bottom-line impact through analytics and work automation. This investment allows us to further capitalize on these opportunities and solidify our market position.”

“We’re thrilled to be part of this exciting journey with Ecotrak,” said James Zubok, Founder and Managing Member of Respida Capital. “Their innovative approach in the rapidly growing facilities management market, integrating enterprise asset management with AI-powered analytics, creates a compelling formula for success.”

“With our experience operating premier hospitality destinations, we understand the critical importance of having detailed asset information readily accessible,” said Sean Christie, co-founder and CEO of Carver Road Capital. “Combining this information with connections to service providers is critical to efficient facilities management, and ensuring unparalleled guest experiences.”

To learn more about Ecotrak Facility Management Software, visit www.ecotrak.com.

About Ecotrak

Ecotrak is changing the way work is done by pioneering the first Intelligent Facilities Management SaaS platform for multi-site businesses. Ecotrak’s Enterprise Asset Management Solution combines AI-enabled software with a network of highly trained service providers to digitally automate repair and maintenance workflows. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Irvine, California, Ecotrak’s mission is to empower businesses with actionable information to make better business decisions. Customers such as Inspire Brands, Flynn Group, Dutch Bros Coffee and Dave & Buster’s are reducing time, expenses and risk associated with facilities management. Learn more at ecotrak.com.

Source: Ecotrak, LLC.

Warrenton, VA ( March 15, 2024) — Pave America, a leading provider of asphalt and concrete maintenance services, is proud to announce the establishment of its new National Sales division: Pave America National Services. This strategic expansion aims to provide coast-to-coast coverage for clients seeking high-quality self-perform asphalt and concrete maintenance solutions across the United States.

 

Led by new CEO Chuck Jeffries, formerly CEO of Kansas Asphalt, Pave America National Services aims to set new industry standards and provide unmatched service excellence. Chuck Jeffries brings decades of executive leadership experience and a proven track record of success in the asphalt industry. His vision and strategic insights will drive the National Sales division forward, ensuring sustained growth and operational excellence.

 

“We are excited to launch our National Sales division and expand our footprint across the nation,” said Tom York, CEO of Pave America. “With Chuck at the helm, we are confident in our ability to deliver exceptional service and become the preferred choice for asphalt and concrete maintenance solutions nationwide.”

 

As they continue to grow, Pave America National Services is building a great team with many talented individuals from the industry, ensuring a strong foundation for future growth and success.

 

“I am thrilled to join Pave America and lead the National Sales division,” said Chuck Jeffries, CEO of Pave America. “Our goal is to become the premier choice for clients seeking reliable and comprehensive asphalt and concrete maintenance solutions on a national scale. With our talented team and commitment to excellence, we are poised to make a significant impact in the industry.”

 

Pave America’s National Sales division will offer a comprehensive range of services, including asphalt and concrete repair, maintenance, and installation. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, innovative solutions, and a commitment to quality craftsmanship, the division aims to deliver superior results and lasting value to clients in diverse industries.

 

For more information about Pave America and its National Sales division, please visit paveamerica.com.

 

About Pave America:

 

Pave America is a leading provider of asphalt and concrete maintenance solutions, serving clients across the United States. With a focus on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, Pave America is committed to delivering superior results and exceeding expectations. For more information, visit paveamerica.com.

 

The whitepaper, published in collaboration with ConnexFM, discusses best practices to transform the FM operations & maintenance playbook in 2024.

●      How to tackle staffing challenges, lower operational costs, and meet compliance requirements.

●      Simple strategies to unify people, processes, and systems data and make real-time decisions with confidence.

●      The roadmap to future-proofing FM operations with a platform-first approach.

About Facilio

 

Facilio’s property operations platform allows real estate owners to aggregate building data, optimize performance, and control portfolio operations – all from one place. Customers in the commercial office, healthcare, retail, education, and other real estate categories across the world use Facilio to reduce operations costs, increase net asset value, and de-risk operational liability.

 

Headquartered in New York City with offices in Dubai, Chennai and London, Facilio is a global company backed by leading investors including Accel India, Tiger Global Management, Dragoneer Investment Group, and Brookfield Growth.

Stones River Electric completes its acquisition of AMPRO Inc.

Nashville, TN – December 29, 2023 –  Stones River Electric has completed its acquisition of AMPRO Inc. of Tampa Florida.  This strategic acquisition represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to expand our significant presence in the state of Florida.

Stones River Electric and AMPRO share a rich history of collaboration in the same industry, and caring for clients and employees with the same level of commitment.

We are both looking forward to the positive growth this acquisition will bring both in the state of Florida and nationwide through our facility services teams.

 

About Stones River Electric

Stones River Electric is a national provider of electrical, lighting and energy services founded in 1990 in Nashville, Tennessee.  An award-winning electrical contractor, Stones River Electric provides the power of experience in the design, installation, management and maintenance of facility lighting, electrical and sign systems.

www.stonesriverelectric.com

 

 

Media contact:

Name: Rob Wilson, LC, CLMC, LEED ap

Phone: (615) 885 0019

Email: rwilson@stonesriverelectric.com

Marks 15^th acquisition in four years and expands KBS’ position as the largest privately held facility services company in North America

 

Oceanside, CA (April 4, 2022) – Kellermeyer Bergensons Services, LLC (“KBS”), a trusted partner to leading operations and facility managers across North America, today announced the acquisition of Kimco Holdings, LLC, and Kimco Facility Services, LLC (“Kimco”). KBS is a portfolio company of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. (“Cerberus”), a global leader in alternative investing. 

 

Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Atlanta, Kimco is a leading national provider of customized commercial cleaning programs, facility maintenance, and associated services. With its array of technology-enabled facility services, the company supports clients across business and industrial end markets, including telecommunications, industrial and manufacturing, government, education, healthcare, and banking and finance. Kimco will operate as a KBS company.

“Kimco is a respected facility services leader with a deep track record of building trusted client relationships,” said Mark Minasian, CEO of KBS. “More than ever, clients require partners who can deliver reliable, high-quality services at scale while overcoming complex market challenges. Kimco provides us with greater depth in the business and industrial sectors and we warmly welcome their talented team to the KBS family. Together, we will leverage our collective industry knowledge, best practices, and technology capabilities to help clients raise standards and improve operational performance.”   

 

Sandeep Gupta, CEO of Kimco, commented: “We are excited to join KBS, a recognized leader who shares our commitment to providing best-in-class client experiences and leading solutions to create healthy and safe environments. Our clients will now have access to a broader portfolio of services supported by nationalscale, enabling us to serve their facility needs today and well into the future.” 

Over the past four years, KBS has acquired 15 companies to build on its market-leading solutions and expand into new end markets and regions. Today, KBS is the largest privately held provider of facility services in North America, providing scalable, technology-enabled solutions across more than 100,000 locations. 

 

Bob Warden, Global Head of Private Equity at Cerberus, added: “Healthy operations remain central to organizations across sectors and KBS continues to grow to meet the mission-critical needs of clients. The addition of Kimco further expands KBS’ ability to provide tailored, technology-driven solutions and builds on its distinct market leadership.”

About KBS

Kellermeyer Bergensons Services, LLC (“KBS”), is a trusted partner to leading operations and facility managers across more than 100,000 client locations throughout North America. We provide essential facility services that deliver healthy operations to businesses through scalable solutions customized to meet client-specific requirements. Our expertise and technology enable our teams to anticipate issues, ensure quality, and maximize efficiency. With decades of experience in facility hygiene, including being on the front lines throughout the COVID-19 crisis, KBS is committed to partnering with clients to Stay Ahead of the Curve™ with the latest advances for maintaining healthy operations. For more information, visit www.kbs-services.com. 

 

About Kimco Facility Services, a KBS Company
Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Atlanta, Kimco is a leading national provider of customized commercial cleaning programs, facility maintenance, and associated services. With its array of technology-enabled facility services, the company supports industry leaders across key business and industrial end markets, including telecommunications, industrial and manufacturing, government, education, healthcare, and banking and finance. For more information, visit www.kimcoserv.com. 

 

About Cerberus 
Founded in 1992, Cerberus is a global leader in alternative investing with over $55 billion in assets across complementary credit, private equity, and real estate strategies. We invest across the capital structure where our integrated investment platforms and proprietary operating capabilities create an edge to improve performance and drive long-term value. Our tenured teams have experience working collaboratively across asset classes, sectors, and geographies to seek strong risk-adjusted returns for our investors. For more information about our people and platforms, visit us at www.cerberus.com.

KBS Contact

Erik Bratt, KBS

erik.bratt@kbs-services.com

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.

CoolSys™, the parent of market-leading refrigeration and HVAC services companies nationwide, announced today it has acquired C.E. Holt Refrigeration, Inc., a commercial refrigeration and HVAC company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.This acquisition increases market presence for CoolSys in North and South Carolina, Virginia and Georgia, which are strategic growth states for the company.

 

“The acquisition of C.E. Holt was our fourth in 2020, all of which were along the East Coast, stretching from South Carolina to Connecticut. This strategic acquisition builds density in the Southeast market and continues our aggressive growth strategy with the goal of becoming a national service provider,” comments Adam Coffey, CEO of CoolSys.“C.E. Holt has a great reputation in the Southeast as a premier, high-quality service provider. We are extremely pleased to welcome them to the CoolSys family!”

Established in 1961 by C.E. and Helen Holt, C.E. Holt Refrigeration serves leading grocery retailers in the Southeast.Based on its longstanding partnerships, it offers service, installation and light electrical work to its customers throughout the region.
 

“We are very excited to join the rapidly growing CoolSys family,” comments Sam Daniels, vice president of installation at C.E. Holt.“We believe the values of C.E. Holt are very much aligned with CoolSys and look forward to combining our strengths and broadening our capabilities. In addition, we anticipate that becoming part of CoolSys will provide potential career growth opportunities for our team.”
 

“At C.E. Holt, we share the CoolSys commitment to client service and our ultimate goal is customer satisfaction,” comments Jordan Newsome, vice president of service at C.E. Holt.“We are thrilled to be able to provide the expanded CoolSys service offerings to our customers and to continue to deliver the high level of service that our clients have come to expect.”

  

About CoolSys

CoolSys is the market-leading refrigeration and HVAC services company, specializing in a full spectrum of best-in-class service experiences and solutions for customers in the retail, foodservice, commercial and industrial market segments. CoolSys and its operating businesses cover every stage of mission-critical systems from engineering and design, to installation, service and maintenance, and energy optimization. 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 C.E. Holt Refrigeration, Inc.

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, C.E. Holt Refrigeration, Inc. provides commercial refrigeration and HVAC services to its customers in the Southeast states of North and South Carolina, Virginia and Georgia.Founded in 1961, the company has grown its name and reputation based on its commitment to outstanding services and integrity to its customers, employees and community.

 

As it expands its growing team of HVAC-R technicians, CoolSys™, a parent of market-leading refrigeration and HVAC services companies nationwide, has partnered with ECMC Education to launch a multi-faceted, online training program for its technicians.  With courses scheduled to begin in September, technicians can enroll and attend interactive online courses and complete evaluations with a CoolSys senior-level technical training coach to ensure learning targets are accomplished.   

 

“CoolSys has always been dedicated to training and investing in employees so we’re excited to be taking our training initiatives to a new level through our partnership with ECMC Education,” comments Beth Goldstein, chief human resources officer at CoolSys.  “In launching this new online program, we can now make high quality, advanced training accessible to our new and current team members located anywhere in the country.“ 

 

As traditional classroom training has been impacted by limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the new online training program will enable CoolSys to continue to expand its training initiatives and meet the diverse needs of trainees with remote instruction.  Students will be able to access the online training at their own pace with each course lasting eight weeks with approximately five hours per week of coursework.  In tandem with the online training, experienced CoolSys technicians will serve as technical training coaches to evaluate the progress of each trainee in a hands-on environment with the proper social distancing measures in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.   

 

The CoolSys training program will be designed to deliver five levels of training based on the needs of each technician. Starting in September, the program will launch training geared to servicing convenience stores, small-box retail and supermarkets with single systems.  By the end of the year, CoolSys will deploy three additional levels of advanced training to provide all necessary services for supermarkets.  Another training module will launch in January 2021 to offer more foundational skills for technicians. 

 

“In today’s marketplace, it is more important than ever for industry and education to come together to efficiently and effectively meet the needs of the business while also setting employees on a track for career advancement and success,” said Todd Steele, president, ECMC Education. “By aligning our areas of expertise, we are effectively addressing CoolSys’ talent development needs, without the geographic or scheduling constraints associated with conventional training programs.” 

 

About CoolSys  

CoolSys is the market-leading refrigeration and HVAC services company, specializing in a full spectrum of best-in-class service experiences and solutions for customers in the retail, food service, commercial and industrial market segments. CoolSys and its operating businesses cover every stage of mission-critical systems from engineering and design, to installation, service and maintenance, and energy optimization. Headquartered in Southern California, CoolSys has more than 1,900 highly trained, field-based service and installation experts serving the daily needs of more than 4,000 customers across North America. For additional information, please visit www.coolsys.com. 

 

About ECMC Education 

ECMC Education is a nonprofit provider of educational solutions rooted in innovation, employer collaboration and industry stewardship. The organization offers a range of educational solutions through two entities:  Altierus Training Solutions, which assists employers in solving talent and skill gaps, and Altierus Career College, which provides accredited programming to new career seekers.  To learn more, visit www.ecmceducation.org/training-solutions. 

This week on the Daily Grind livestream, we’re discussing the road to re-opening as many states make plans to open businesses. Monday, Shawn Black, CRFP, discussed what multi-site companies can do as they plan to reopen facilities. As an expert and speaker in brand strategies and Regional VP of Business Development for CPG Maintenance & Construction Services; Shawn brings his market knowledge as we navigate these difficult times and map the road ahead.

 

CGP has implemented several new services during the quarantine. Our ICR report, basically dark store maintenance, has been instrumental in keeping dark stores functioning properly during the lockdown and prepare for re-opening. We’re also working on keeping our stores sanitized and providing the new methods to battle COVID-19 now and in the future.

 

It’s been interesting as stores look to re-open. The major theme I’ve noticed is FM’s looking for partners they can trust. They need partners that are flexible and understand the challenges they’re facing. Providing stability and positivity day to day is will be crucial moving forward.

 

There are a lot of resources available as you prepare stores to re-open. Bottom line stick to what is known. Review CDC guidelines and local / federal requirements. Be sure to work with partners you trust to do the same. FMs and Supplier both have enough to worry about with all the new restrictions and regulations, make sure your team has your supplier team has your back. That will make re-opening go smoother.