Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Faces of Facilities profiles members of the facilities management community, sharing their personal experiences, successes, challenges, current practices, aspirations, and opinions on topics impacting the industry and its workforce.
From combat engineer to custodial manager, Marcus LaPointe has worn many proverbial hats throughout his career. However, he encourages aspiring facility professionals to get their start in the trades—”any trade.” It’s timely advice, given that reports show a grave need for all types of skilled trade workers. As for LaPointe, he now works as an […]
Every sector, whether public or private, has facilities that need professional oversight. However, Katie Norton suggests municipal facilities management presents some unique benefits and challenges worth noting. Norton works for the City of Battle Creek, a municipal government in southwest Michigan with approximately 51,000 residents. After serving the city for more than 13 years, including […]
Trenton C. Patterson, a director of FM operations at CBRE, is proud to be part of the facilities management industry and urges insiders, company leaders, and the world at large to recognize just how crucial FM work is. In his role, Patterson manages North American properties for a global beverage company on behalf of CBRE. […]
Like all industries, facilities management must embrace diversity and equality. In honor of Black History Month, Antonio Hinton, manager of retail facilities at major apparel company Carter’s Inc., discussed what the annual observance means to him, shared his professional journey, and offered advice for FM success. Hinton joined Carter’s Inc., the company behind the iconic […]
“I wish we lived in a world where my job wasn’t necessary,” said Larry Thompson, vice president of security at the NBA’s Orlando Magic. Unfortunately, though, security is necessary. And it’s often a key component of effective facilities management. So, what’s ahead for building security in 2025? Thompson will be sharing his industry predictions during […]
Congratulations! You rocked 2024 by working hard and honing your skills. With a new year upon us, do you plan to become an even better facilities manager in 2025? In Part 1 of this series, a handful of past “Faces of Facilities” guests shared their New Year’s resolutions. If you haven’t yet picked a goal […]
Covering everything from maintenance and security to technology and construction, 2025 predictions abound in the facilities management industry. But what do facilities managers, themselves, hope to accomplish in the new year? The start of every year represents an opportunity for new beginnings or ambitious goals. Given how demanding and all-encompassing facilities management can be, even […]
Jackie Riegel Kittek, a facilities manager at global services firm CAI, is passionate about women’s empowerment in the industry. According to her, “When we celebrate women role models, we inspire the next generation to pursue a career in this field.” It’s an important goal, given that women account for only 25% of the FM workforce […]
Matt Heath is a senior manager of workplace environments at VF Corp., the parent company to a diverse portfolio of apparel, footwear, and accessory brands including Vans, The North Face, Dickies, Timberland, JanSport, and others. Although VF Corp. has thousands of facilities globally, Heath oversees the company’s corporate headquarters, lab, and warehouse in Denver, managing […]
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. […]