INTERNATIONAL FACILITY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION

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IN THE KNOW News for IFMA Austin Members

Our Presidents Message:

The fall season and cooler weather is right around the corner. This is one of the best times of the year in Austin and Central Texas.

JR Howard, the IFMA Austin webmaster for 15 years is stepping down. JR recently retired from his facility manager position and now he has time to pursue restoring the classic car he enjoys so much.

JR joined IFMA in August 1991 and has helped our organization in so many ways with many behind the scenes roles. We will miss you greatly.

IFMA World Workplace 2013 took place October 2-4 in Philadelphia, PA. Many of our members attended and will have a great experience networking and gaining valuable knowledge in the facility industry.

This years Golf Tournament is just a couple of weeks away on October 15th. It will be held at the beautiful Grey Rock Golf Club in South Austin. Our Golf Committee, Kelly Quinney and Jill Cogburn are busy with the final details. There is still time to register to play and sponsor items by going to the Cvent link on the IFMA Website.

The September 12th luncheon presentation titled Leadership, Innovation, and Sustainability given by Philip Ivey, Strategic Sustainability Leader of Milliken Carpet gave us an overall view of why carpet recycling is so important and specific tips on how to recycle when replacing carpet.

Thank you Corporate Floors for sponsoring the September luncheon. This presentation covered one of IFMA Core Competency, Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability.

Be sure to join us at Maggiano's October 10th to hear Evan Vandarwarka from Google talk about the new Google Fiber and its introduction and benefits for the Austin market.

The professional mixer on September 17th was held at Top Golf and all that attended has a wonderful time. This was a fun venue! Thank you CORT and Austin Business Furniture for sponsoring a great event. Also thanks to Crystal Green for organizing the event. We will definitely have to go here again!

Feel free to reach out to me, a Board Member or Committee Chair if you have any questions or need assistance.

Hope to see you at the lunch meeting and Golf Tournament!


Tech Corner: Tim Geier

Lightning Protection Systems

In this issue lets talk about Lightning Protection Systems.  Many of us have these systems installed on our facilities.  Often times after the initial installation they are more or less forgotten about.  Over time, roofing modifications, roof mounted equipment and fall protection devices can dramatically affect the performance of these systems. 

To maintain the effectiveness of these systems, inspections should be done every one to three years based on the amount of roof traffic or construction activity.

Lightning Facts & Figures Safety & Economic Consequences

  • 3-5% of all commercial insurance claims are lightning related

  • Annual property losses due to lightning in the United States exceeded $1 billion in 2011 according to Insurance Information Institute (III)

  • Lightning is the leading cause of all church fires

  • 250,000 insurance claims for lightning damage are paid every year

Click here to see a great presentation on lighting systems, standards, requirements, facts and figures.


We have had a great year in community service in supporting Sammy's House with our occasional work days following monthly IFMA meetings.  A big thanks to our Community Services Leader, Todd Coleman, and all of our volunteers for all they have accomplished this past year.

As the weather begins to cool down, there will be more opportunities to join hands and support another one of our Community Service Projects.

Contact Community Service Chair Todd Coleman to learn how you can help.
todd@texasbuildingservices.com

 


Congratulations on your Retirement, JR!

As Melody mentioned, one of our long-time IFMA members, JR Howard, recently retired. In honor of his many years of service and contribution to IFMA, not to mention his distinguished military career, we thought we should share this story about JR from the IFMA archives, circa 2005. Congrats, JR!


Our Man JR - Recently at Circuit of Americas

From the IFMA archives,
This article feature was from the September 2005 Newsletter

WHO'S WHO IN IFMA-AUSTIN (Inquiring Minds Want to Know!)

On a personal note - J.R. is one of the quietest members of IFMA - but reading through his bio - he is very accomplished. It's a wonder he has spare time to do anything on the side! He's the energizer bunny -just going and going and going . . . W O W ! ! !

Biography on J.R. Howard (alias, Web Meister)

I was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, in 1942 to an Artillery Officer and graduate of the University of Oklahoma. To put myself through school, I was a lifeguard, construction worker and draftsman. I attended the local junior college for two years and then transferred to the University of Oklahoma where I graduated with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1965.

I attended pilot training at Vance AFB in Enid, Oklahoma, and after going to radar school, survival school and F-4 school, went to South Vietnam. After several years as an instructor pilot, I married Lois Ann Grammont in 1969, and we had two sons and a daughter. They are an accountant, an Air Force pilot, and a nurse. Later, I received a Masters degree in Industrial Engineering.

I have two half-brothers, a half-sister and a stepsister and was raised with my brothers. Just before I met my sisters for the first time at the end of the 1957 Boy Scout Jamboree, they were told they had a close relative.

I have lived in Lawton, Oklahoma; Enid, Oklahoma; Tampa, Florida; Valdosta, Georgia; San Antonio, Texas; Montgomery, Alabama; Alamogordo, New Mexico; Knob Noster, Missouri; Norman, Oklahoma; Madrid, Spain; Niceville, Florida; Osan, Korea; and Round Rock, Texas. My last assignment was at Bergstrom AFB. I retired in 1990 after 25 years in the Air Force. Since then, I worked at Art Carved Class Rings for 9 years as a plant engineer and facility manager and 5 years as the facility manager at the Freescale Parmer site. I've been an IFMA member since 1991 and obtained my FMA and CFM in the 90's.

I restored my 1930 Model A in 1976 and belong to the Georgetown Model A Club. I have a 1999 black Corvette convertible, but I don't have time to join a club. I spend a lot of time maintaining my yard which has a pool, many trees, and backs up to Lake Creek. I share my garden with the nutrias.

I've been the chapter president of the Military Order of the World Wars and The Military Officers Association of America. I maintain websites for these organizations and for IFMA.

My favorite restaurant in Austin is The Texas Land and Cattle Company, and I usually order the sweet potato to compliment the steak. My favorite movie is Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Butch Cassidy was pretty good, too. Favorite actor: John Wayne.

When I was a child, I wanted to be a pilot. I've never had a bad job. My current employer's name is FACServices, Inc.

My current customer is the Round Rock Higher Education Center which hosts ACC and Texas State University. My current job title or job function is Facility Manager.

I enjoy my current job because I'm starting over in a new building with a new type of customer. My biggest challenge at my current job is to ensure the contractor turns over an excellent building with few follow-on warranty items.

I support a school staff of 150 plus about 1,000 daytime students and 1600 evening students.

Now JR is just a few years older and a little wiser.........................

He spends his time doing a fresh restoration on his Model A and is still involved in many activities, including catching and releasing Raccoons' that love to play on the rooftop at his house. Enjoy your many happy days ahead!


JR as "Spring Chicken" in his "Young and Wild" Days


Submitted by Terry Swets

I

In This Issue


   1.  Tech Corner


    2.  IFMA Golf

 

    4.  IFMA Designations
 

    5.  Community Service


    6.  IFMA Careers

 

    8. IFMA National

    9. New Members


   10. Survey Center


   11. Featured Facility

 

   12. Featured Associate
 

   14.  J. Robert Howard

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

   Other IFMA Designations /

Professional Development

Want to know more...
See Board Member Jim Hunley for details



IFMA
Career Center

Local Opportunities


National Job Center


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Platinum Sponsor


Gold Sponsor


Silver Sponsors


 

Bronze Sponsors





 

 

Who is JR Howard ? Thoughts from Former Presidents IFMA Austin

 


John Sutton  IFMA Austin President 1992

"For the many years I ve known him,  JR has been a wealth of information for both the IFMA Austin Chapter and personally.  Any time I ve had a question about how something worked, or policy or procedures, he always had an answer.  His work in creating and maintaining the IFMA Chapter website has been a huge contribution to the continual success of the chapter and a draw for new members.  "

Mike Leach
IFMA Austin President 2000 - 2001

"I agree with John. He has been a vital part of the Austin Chapter for many years.

I have always seen JR as a quite and reserved person and one of my fondest memories of him was an IFMA event at Scholz's where he shared many stories, with me and several other members, of being a fighter pilot and running many missions over enemy territory. I was fascinated with that part of his life and my respect for him was even greater after leaning of his military service."
 

Robin Connolly, RID, LEED AP ID + C, CTPM
IFMA Austin Past President 2006 - 2007

It s the end of an era.  JR has been such an asset to IFMA throughout the years that it is unquantifiable.  Best wishes in retirement!

 

 


Sharon Henson IFMA Austin President 2003 - 2004

"JR.  What can you say?  He was always the quiet strength in the background.  No matter what I threw at JR, and how short of notice I gave him, he always accommodated my request.  Any time someone asked if he could change the website, he would say sure.  He never argued, he always had time, and he always exceeded expectations, but never wanted to be "fussed" over.  He is one of those guys that no one will know what all he did, until he is not here to do it.  I used to call JR the "Gentle Giant."  He will be missed by many, but none as much as me.  

JR, thanks for your dedication, and all the memories".

Shannon Schiermann
IFMA Austin President 2007 - 2008

"JR has been a big part of the Austin chapter s success.  We would not have a web page nor photos to show the history of our past without JR.  An event that I remember fondly is a holiday party we had at County Line about 6 years ago.  Everyone was to bring a $10 gift, and we had an exchange where participants choose a wrapped present from the large pile of gifts when their number was called.  When it was JR s turn to select his gift and he ended up opening a UT t-shirt.   Everyone knowing that JR was a huge OU fan had a big laugh.  JR took the heckling in stride and being the kind person he is, excepted the gift with a  humorous attitude.   However, I do think I remember him trying to trade gifts with someone later in the evening. 

I know we all are sad that JR is retiring from IFMA, but appreciate all the contributions he has made over the course of many years.  You will be missed JR!"

 


Mark S. Wendland IFMA Austin President 2008 -2009

"As the IFMA Austin webmaster for many years, JR has quietly been the heart and soul of IFMA Austin.  Without JR s on-going commitment and dedication it would have been difficult for IFMA Austin to effectively promote its mission and communicate to its members and partners. 

While JR was usually quiet in IFMA Austin Board meetings, when he spoke up, you better pay attention to what he had to say.  He was always able to bring a historical perspective and focus to the topic of discussion. 

Well done JR!"

David Thomas
IFMA Austin President 2010 - 2011

"JR is the picture of a person born in the wrong era. He is everything you would imagine of a Colonial- quiet confidence, faithful, steady, resilient, respectful, hard working, creative, and above all else- a gentleman. He weathered many "agendas", and just kept doing his thing. He graced us with a positive attitude and a willingness to do whatever was asked for our members. Our chapter needs more JR's."

Anita Landwehr
IFMA Austin President 2005 - 2006

"I thought JR was IFMA Austin!

He most certainly is one of the kindest and gracious men I have ever met. 

What an incredible honor to have worked with him in several capacities over the years.

JR is a true southern gentleman that has all the right stuff!

It is a great loss to IFMA Austin and I wish him all the wonderful things his next endeavors can offer.

He parts IFMA, riding off into the sunset in his shiny Corvette!"

 

 

 

 


A message from Golf Chair Committee lead Kelly Quinney,

Less than 2 weeks away!!
Don't Miss Out!
Register now for the IFMA Golf Tournament.  

"Hello IFMA Austin!!!! The moment you have all been waiting for is upon us. Mark your calendar for Tuesday October 15th for our annual IFMA Austin Golf Tournament.

Something a little different this year, we are moving south to Grey Rock Golf Club. Registration begins at 11am. Shotgun is at 12:30pm. Big thanks to CORT Furniture for once again being our tournament sponsor!

This year s tournament has a little something for everyone
        -
Hole in one prizes

        - Funky Pants Contest

        - Live Music from local Austin band As Luck Would Have It.         - Hawaiian Luau Buffet - And much more . Not a golfer you say? No problem! Just register for dinner and come join us for food, drinks and music by local Austin band "As Luck Would Have It" on the wonderful Grey Rock patio. 

 


A message from Golf Chair Committee lead Kelly Quinney,

Less than 2 weeks away!!
Don't Miss Out!
Register now for the IFMA Golf Tournament.

"Hello IFMA Austin!!!! The moment you have all been waiting for is upon us. Mark your calendar for Tuesday October 15th for our annual IFMA Austin Golf Tournament.

Something a little different this year, we are moving south to Grey Rock Golf Club. Registration begins at 11am. Shotgun is at 12:30pm. Big thanks to CORT Furniture for once again being our tournament sponsor!

This year s tournament has a little something for everyone

- Hole in one prizes

- Funky Pants Contest

- Live Music from local Austin band As Luck Would Have It.

- Hawaiian Luau Buffet - And much more .

Not a golfer you say? No problem! Just register for dinner and come join us for food, drinks and music by local Austin band "As Luck Would Have It" on the wonderful Grey Rock patio.

There are still plenty of sponsorship opportunities and if you register teams before August 15th you get $100 off. Please go to our CVENT page to sponsor, register golfers and register for dinner. E-mail me with any questions Kelly@thesteamteam.com Can't wait to see you all there!!!"

Kelly Quinney and the IFMA Golf Committee

Please see the CVENT page for details.

There are still plenty of sponsorship opportunities and if you register teams before August 15th you get $100 off. Please go to our CVENT page to sponsor, register golfers and register for dinner. E-mail me with any questions Kelly@thesteamteam.com Can't wait to see you all there!!!" Kelly Quinney and the IFMA Golf Committee 

Please see the CVENT page for details.

  http://www.cvent.com/events/ifma-2013-golf-tournament/event-summary-eb55f63a56034d198d72828165ea332c.aspx

  Here is some information about the Grey Rock Golf Club.

Located just 15 minutes southwest of downtown Austin, Grey Rock Golf Club has been recognized as one of the top 20 public golf courses in Texas by Texas Golfer Magazine. In addition, The Hill Country Golf News states that Grey Rock is the "finest daily fee championship layout in the area." 

Designed by Jay Morrish and Roy Bechtol, the course encompasses over 160 acres of the natural beauty found in the Hill Country. Carved from cedar and live oak trees, every hole is tree-lined and features large, undulating TifDwarf Bermuda grass greens protected by mounds and bunkers. An abundance of turkey, deer, and over 40 species of birds reside in the course's wooded surroundings.

Along the 18th fairway lies a true Texas-style full-service clubhouse and grill with upstairs meeting room staffed with friendly people ready to make the Grey Rock experience an unforgettable one.   

               

 

Click here to sign up as an individual, for a team, sponsorships

 

 


"It Was"

Another Tour of Circuit of the Americas
2013

This time to the "Top"


 

Newsletter Featured Facility

Joseph Latteo 
Bell County Contract Manager 
Construction/Projects  
  
 

What is the name of your facility

I have 50 buildings in my portfolio, but I would like to feature the Bell County Exposition Center

What is the total square footage managed for this facility

This Building has 81,000 Sq Ft under roof - Arena Floor space is 30,000 sq ft, Capacity seating is 7000

What sets your facility apart from the competition

Located in the Center of Texas Population Triangle on I-35 Geodesic Dome style more floor sq ft available to accommodate specialty shows like monster trucks and Moto racing indoors

Describe the single biggest challenge within your facilities

Anything we do in or around this property Scheduling around events is the biggest challenge

What is your corporate view on sustainability

Whenever possible we keep sustainability in our thoughts

When a customer enters your facility, describe the experience you want for them.


Obviously we want all of the over 500,000 visitors per year to have a positive, comfortable experience as spectators. As to repeat groups who lease the building for events working with them as a team to help provide all necessary access, security and assistance for a positive show, concert, or display to keep them coming back !

 

 


Newsletter Featured Associate

 Dan Kelly Kentex Roofing Austin Texas 

Describe your company s core competency

KENTEX Roofing Systems, LLC is a diversified commercial roofing contractor specializing in reroofing, new construction and all aspects of leak repair and preventive maintenance.

Describe your primary job functions

As Sales Manager I create and develop relationships with our clients and generate new business

Describe an average day

They vary, consisting of meetings with customers to discuss their roofing needs as well as creating proposals for projects we are bidding. Also, preparation of roof condition reports for customers so they know what to budget for the upcoming year.

What type of clients do you work with

We focus mainly on the private sector calling on Property Managers, Building Engineers, Facility Managers and Building Owners.

Percentage of your work and clients that are local / regional / national. 80 / 15 / 5

How long have you been in this field

15 years

Tell us about an interesting situation you ve encountered related to your current work.  End result?

Cold called a client using Google earth.  I viewed their building online, then went over and called on them after seeing some deficiencies in their roof. Just so happened they were in the process of bidding the roof and we put together a proposal and presented it to them. End result we got the job

What s the best lesson you ve learned from a client

 Always keep the client informed and in the loop on the process.

How s business right now

It s good, we re busy but we can always be busier

Identify some challenges to your industry

One challenge is that a lot of the roofers before us have not done such a great job of taking care of their clients, by either not doing what they say they will or being non responsive when problems do occur. We do everything we can to overcome that and always try to go the extra mile in making sure the client is taken care of.

Obamacare will be a challenge as I am sure it will be for most small businesses that are growing.

Tell us about your personal life, family, hobbies and interests outside work

Married to Heidi Kelley she is a General Manager for Transwestern. We have a daughter Kaitlyn who is 3 years old and I have a step daughter Lauren who is 17 years old.

I enjoy golfing even though I am not great at it; also have a boat on Lake Austin so we spend a lot of time on the water down at our little mobile home on Lake Austin.  

I volunteer as a Coach for youth lacrosse 7th and 8th grade team, played in college and the sport is growing here so it s fun to see it take off.

Also enjoy snow skiing, don t get to do it much but I do miss it, spent 4 years living Colorado after college. 

Do my best to stay active but also enjoy watching sports, excited that football season is here.

Can we quote you on that

Always respect your competitors, never talk down about them. What comes around goes around.


What's New at IFMA National

Read the latest issue of the
FMJ  The most recent issue of IFMA's award-winning Facility
Management Journal
is now
available.
Learn more..

IFMA: News and Events

 

 

Surveys

 Nice work everyone for
 completing the surveys each
 month. 

 This information is very
 useful as we work to improve our association.

 Please keep
 those comments coming !!

 

 

There are always way to volunteer, ask a member of the board how you can help

 

 

Our New Members

Martyn Buffler
Site FM

 

Melanie Fitzpatrick
BlackBaud

 

Michael King
Whelan Security Company

 

Staci Levenson
Origins Recovery Centers

 

Blake Uptain
Corporate Care

 

Michael Shaw
HEB Grocery Inc

 

Fred Polansky
Free Agent Enterprises

 

Nicholas Acay
HDR EOC

 

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