CABSC Meeting Addresses Custodial Services for Commercial Buildings

On February 4, 2014, a representative from Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. (CFSI) attended a meeting of the Capitol Association of Building Service Contractors (CABSC), an association dedicated to the development and growth of the building service industry. The CABSC’s goal is to provide for a forum to discuss trends and issues impacting the industry. This meeting, held in Vienna, Virginia, focused on the state of the market for custodial service providers for commercial buildings. Panelists responded to questions on hot button issues and how they impact service contractors, property managers, and building owners, such as health care reform and minimum wage increases.

Panelists included Rob Collins, President Foulger-Pratt Management; Ben Comm, Managing Principal, Cassidy Turley; and Chris Mundschenk, Executive VP, BSCAI.

What are Building Owners and Property Managers looking for?

1. Ways to decrease costs as other expenses increase.
2. Ways to increase occupancy rates.
3. The best price and the best service from service contractors.

What can Service Contractors do for Property Managers of Commercial Buildings?

1. Add value: Demonstrate how they can add value to their service offerings and differentiate their companies and services.
2. Lower costs: Utility costs are the largest expense in operating a building. Provide ways to reduce energy costs and increase building efficiency. Proactively identify ways to lower operating costs throughout the contract period.
3. Employ trained, certified workers: Part of the value proposition is having a custodial staff that is trained and certified, such as Certified Site Supervisor (CSS); Certified Building Service Excellence (CBSE) and Registered Building Service Manager (RBSM). When meeting with a prospect and sharing your company information, make sure you include in the meeting the custodial staff that will be performing the work, in addition to management.
4. Monitor energy usage: Utilize Building Automation Systems and Building Energy Management Systems to monitor usage and reduce energy consumption, lowering utility costs for property owners.
5. Establish a point of contact: When issues arise, make sure there is an established, senior contact the property manager can call; someone they know and trust to resolve issues quickly and ensure they won’t happen again. The most common complaints are indoor temperatures and restroom cleanliness.
6. Build relationships: Proactively call the property manager or building owner to see if they are satisfied with your service. Treat your customers with respect, earn their trust, and develop partnerships with them.

Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. (CFSI)

Crockett Facilities Services provides comprehensive facilities management, including operations and management, custodial services, heating and air conditioning service and repair, preventive maintenance, and data center cooling services to office buildings and data centers. We partner with our commercial and government customers, giving them peace of mind by maximizing the performance and efficiency of the building’s mechanical and HVAC systems.

For more information on Custodial Services and Mechanical Service Contractors for Commercial Buildings in Virginia, DC and Maryland, please contact Crockett Facilities Services by calling 301.262.2771, email sales@crockett-facilities.com, or submit a form for a service quote. Like us on Facebook; follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Google+.

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 6th, 2014 at . Both comments and pings are currently closed.