Member Profiles

Maintenance Specialist, Construction, PacSun

Take us on the journey of your career path. How did you end up where you are?

I began my career in retail starting with Customer Service in the General Office at Saks Fifth Avenue. I had many great opportunities to learn different skills through the years, including sales auditing, inventory management, associate training and being a Sales Manager of various departments. I became Assistant General Manager of Operations (AGMO) at Off5th and learned a great deal about running a store. While there, I found that I really liked managing facility maintenance. I transferred back to the Saks Fifth Avenue store as a Sales Manager of Shoes and Handbags, Jewelry and Men’s departments. The opportunity came again for AGMO, and this time the Facilities Manager was one of my direct reports. We would meet daily to review repairs/maintenance and projects in the store such as shop installations, LED/IT upgrades and store remodeling. I worked with Corporate PMs, Store Design and general contractors and loved the process and results. When the opportunity came from PacSun, I was eager to embrace facilities at a corporate level to work with all stores. My background taught me the importance of store experience for the customer and empathy and understanding of environment for the associates as well. 

What’s a typical day like for you? 

First thing, I check my phone for texts and emails to see if anything needs immediate attention before the commute or if it can wait until after I get in to the office. I organize priorities by hour, day and week, check ongoing project timelines, keep my email and ServiceChannel dashboard open all day and have weekly vendor and construction meetings. Before I leave for the day, I check to see if we have any overnight projects and make sure my phone is charged! I am always available for the stores and business partners. 

What advice do you have for someone just starting out?  

Be organized, because there is a lot going on and priorities can change quickly. Learn to put out fires and remain calm! Remember to always be a good business partner because relationships are everything. You never know who you might need in the future and who might need you.

Why should someone be a PRSM member? 

I was so happy to know this organization existed! My first conference was such a great experience and it opened my eyes to the facilities maintenance world. PRSM gives you a network of people that you can call on for service providers, ideas, advice and support. 

If you could describe the industry in a few sentences, what would you say? 

The facilities maintenance industry helps our businesses operate to the standards that we set for our companies. We are problem solvers and we help keep things working to make business happen.

Greg Fasullo

CEO, ENTOUCH Smart Building Solutions

Take us on the journey of your career path. How did you end up where you are? Where do you see yourself going?

I have been a technologist, an entrepreneur and a senior executive in the technology and energy industries since 1988. My first job was as an engineer for AT&T Bell Laboratories in New Jersey. I moved to Dallas in 1990 and since then have started two companies and restructured the AT&T business for a private equity firm. I’m currently running ENTOUCH, where we focus on automating multisite businesses and provide a “digital FM” capability for the facilities team. Our company is one of the fastest growing IOT software companies in the country, as we continue to expand services to new clients. I love the thrill of blazing a new path and working with talented people and expect to be doing this for a long time.

What’s a typical day like for you?

As an entrepreneur and executive, there really isn’t a “typical” day since our responsibilities are 24/7, while business fundamentally requires face-to-face interactions with our clients and within our organization. I’m fortunate to have a strong leadership team to manage the various elements of the business, from sales to engineering to operations. Much of my time is spent working with my leaders on strategy and tactics. 

What advice do you have for someone just starting out?

Always strive to do what you love. That isn’t always easy, even if you have a position that excites you. There will always be challenges. Successful people share the traits of hard work and persistence when faced with adversity. It will be easier to put in the hours and remain persistent if you have a positive outlook and love what you do.

Why should someone be a PRSM member? What are the benefits to membership?

PRSM provides multiple benefits to client members, from networking opportunities, to best practices, to the conferences. The world changes fast and we are all busy. Without an association like PRSM to elevate your thinking, you run the risk of not being exposed to new technologies and operational trends — and falling behind your competition. 

If you could describe the industry in a few sentences, what would you say?

We are on the cusp of dramatic change as an industry — the beginning of a massive transformation. Facilities management isn’t just about keeping equipment running and making sure the lights are on; it is about ensuring customer experience, organizational efficiency and bottom line profitability. Facilities leaders need to be experts in capital management, operational efficiency, human capital management and technology implementation. The businesses that succeed will depend on leaders who embrace and excel at these skill sets.

We’re discussing mixed-used spaces and pop-ups in this issue of the magazine. What are your thoughts on this trend?  How has this trend affected you personally?

Again, new formats, new utilization concepts, flexibility and adaptation to change are core to the future of facilities management. Leaders need to adapt quickly to changing consumer tastes and financial opportunities, and, most importantly, be prepared as the next trend is just around the corner. Stay educated, stay proactive and learn to adapt!