It’s not every day that you come across a romance story in facilities management. Randy Groff and Lesley Groff, a former “Faces of Facilities” participant, are prominent FM leaders at separate companies in Pennsylvania and have been married for 13 years. The two first met at an International Facility Management Association (IFMA) local chapter meeting.
But what’s it like being a couple in the FM profession? Are there any noteworthy challenges or benefits?
“Being a married couple in the FM industry is not difficult,” explained Randy. “We actually don’t talk shop much, but when we do, it’s very valuable just like networking at an IFMA event. We bounce a lot of ideas off each other, and I feel both of our organizations benefit from this.”
(To watch the Groffs share their industry appreciation, check out a 2024 World FM Day celebration video here.)
Randy is the director of facilities and energy at Four Seasons Produce Inc., a fresh fruit and vegetable distributor based in Ephrata, Pa., with two cold storage facilities totaling half-a-million square feet. In his role, he oversees facilities maintenance, sanitation, food safety, and café operations. Prior to joining the company 28 years ago, he worked as a journeyman electrician for a decade.
To learn more about Randy and his quick take on industry issues, please read the “Faces of Facilities” interview below:
How did you get your start in the field?
Facilities were part of operations here at Four Seasons Produce 20 years ago. As we grew, the CEO decided to split the responsibilities and I chose to stay with facilities. My electrical background helped me start in the facilities field.
Who is/was your biggest influence in the industry, and why?
Within the industry, it was Charlie Claar. He pushed me to do more in my local IFMA chapter and specifically on the chapter board.
Within our organization, our past CEO. He believed in me and my purpose and strengths. He promoted me to do something I did not know anything about, and that was working in the warehouse and developing our labor standards for our operations associates.
What are some of the biggest facilities management issues at your organization?
Managing a very fast-paced operation 24/7, managing several different facility applications/software all in different platforms, keeping up with the ever-changing technology, and implementing automation in a business that is not conducive to automation.
What’s your favorite part about working in the industry?
Seeing and hearing people enjoy the space you maintain for them, and seeing projects come to completion.
What changes would you like to see in the FM industry?
Additional training on automation and artificial intelligence (AI). Also, promote more of changing the facilities department from the “boiler room to the board room.”
How can company leaders make facilities management a value within their organization?
Turn it into a profit center and not just an expense department. Find ways to cut costs in energy efficiency, recycling, automation, etc.
Where do you see the industry heading in five years? Are you noticing any major trends?
Increased “smart buildings,” and AI will be the driver for this in our industry in less than five years.
What are you most proud of?
Seeing our associates go home safe every day, and seeing others succeed within our organization. I’m also proud of receiving IFMA’s George Graves Award for Facility Management Achievement in 2013.
Do you have any advice for people entering the profession?
Join IFMA and network! Study and earn your CFM, SFP, or FMP certifications.
Are you or a colleague an FM professional interested in being profiled for the “Faces of Facilities” series? Please contact Editor Joe Bebon at JBebon@BLR.com.