Archive for November, 2009

Brian Perla Joins Resicom

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

Lemont, IL


Resicom brings normalcy the lives of facility managers.  We are always looking to add great people to the team to provide objective clarity and solutions to our clients.


Therefore, we are pleased to announce the addition of Brian Perla to the newly created position of Project Developer.  In his new role, Brian will split his time between expanding our national client base with our Sales/Solutions Team, and lending his project management expertise to the Operations Department.


Brian brings proven project management and execution experience having worked in facilities maintenance for over 10 years.  Resicom looks forward to Brian lending his expertise and teaching to our in-house technicians as part of  Resicom University’s training modules.


“Resicom doesn’t look for people to just plug into various positions or job titles.  Rather, we are open to engaging in dialogues with like-minded people with whom are purpose resonates,” says Resicom CEO John Fairclough.


“Resicom’s level of innovation is something with which I would like to be a part,” says Brian.  “I look forward to contributing my outside of the box ideas in an effort to solve the riddles that facility maintenance managers face daily.”

Surf’s Up

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

How can a safety concern for a visual display be solved in a cost effective manner?


Project Overview

A retail client has surfboards behind their backwrap (behind the cashwrap) that help promote the themed shopping experience/ brand identity.  Associates display clothing on the surfboards, but the merchandise is causing the pegs that hold the heavy boards in place to tilt.  This poses a safety hazard that the pegs could fail with the heavy boards falling damaging the facility or hurting someone.  Resicom was contacted to create a cost effective, reliable solution.


Scope

The scope of work needed to complete this project:


  1. Assess the weight the pegs must bear to safely support the surf boards.
  2. Secure slipping/ tilting pegs.  Repair and replace any damaged pegs.
  3. Execute solution throughout nationwide stores.


Challenges & Solutions

The challenges of this project included:


  1. Pegs holding surfboard can not be accessed with taking apart the backwrap.
    • Resicom sends an experienced carpenter to assess a local job to so that a national project scope can be developed.
  1. Prior peg costly repairs required sections of the backwrap to be removed and then welded back into place.  Client needs a more cost effective solution.
    • Resicom’s technician suggests alternative option of removing the 2×6 beam that holds the peg, securing new peg, and using new washers & nuts over the threaded end of the peg to ensure tightness. This cost effective solution does not require disassembling the backwrap or welding.
    • Repairs normally taking overnight because of disassembly and welding have been reduced to only 30 minutes.
  1. Project scope needs to be created for nationwide execution.
    • Resicom creates a detailed scope with documented instructions, required tools and instructional photos to ensure scaleable consistency nationwide.


Summary

Resicom can be relied upon to create efficient, cost effective solutions that address safety concerns while protecting a defined shopping experience.  Resicom was willing to think outside of the box on how to address this particular display challenge.

Behind Door Number 1

Friday, November 27th, 2009

CASE STUDY


How can you shut the door on a retrofit pain that is anything but normal when it comes to time and material constraints?


Project Overview

A retail client installed new metal doors to withstand the harsh winters of New York.  However, upon completion of the installation, it was brought to the client’s attention that a particular ordinance in the East Village area prohibits metal doors to maintain historical appearance guidelines.  All entryways needed to be swapped with wood framed doors by month’s end, or the client would have defaulted to the landlord contracting the installation company of his choice at the client’s expense.  Resicom needed to devise an expeditious solution to alleviate the client’s frustration and shut the door on this particular pain.


Scope

The scope of work needed to execute the project includes:


  1. Complete entire project including sourcing material and installation within 5 days.
  2. Visit the site to measure doors, noting parking and accessibility for the area.
  3. Conduct reconnaissance in the area to determine selection of current door types being used.
  4. Present options to client and source materials with rush delivery.
  5. Schedule the appropriate crew to install the door during after hours.


Challenges & Solutions


The constraints of the project that were overcome included:


  1. The project was awarded on Monday, and the end of the month is in 5 days.
    • We immediately sent our best surveyor to the site to get accurate measurements for the doors needed, and to note doors currently used in the area.
    • Man power is redistributed in order to free our lead door technician.
  2. The style of door needed is only manufactured in Atlanta, Georgia and cannot be shipped within the time constraints.
    • The doors were ordered immediately and scheduled for pick up in two days.
    • Resicom flew our technician to Atlanta, Georgia. We then rented a cargo van enabling the assisting technician to pick up the doors personally and drive to New York.
    • Lead installation technician flies directly to New York to conduct the installation.


Summary

At Resicom we understand frustrations clients experience managing facility maintenance.  Returning normalcy often means taking the initiative to create options for clients, not complications.  The time saved in the creative solution of having a technician personally deliver the materials rather than relying on shipping provided the necessary window needed to complete the installations.  The extra time also provided a buffer in case of unpredictable December weather.  Resicom’s purpose is to provide client’s peace of mind that their facility challenges are being managed smartly.


Steven Rosendahl Joins Resicom

Friday, November 20th, 2009

Resicom brings normalcy to the lives of facility managers.  We are always looking to add great people to the team to provide objective clarity and solutions to our clients.


Therefore, we are pleased to announce the addition of Steven Rosendahl to our Sales/Solutions Team as part of our national business development.   Steven will be responsible for expanding our national client base.


Steve brings proven executive experience from both professional industry, and in the political arena as an elected Lemont Township Supervisor in his second term.   Steve’s leadership and expertise has helped in the expansion of pre-IPO companies into robust and thriving organizations.


“It seems like a great fit,” says Steve, “I enjoy helping companies scale up, and Resicom’s principles, values and mission are very much aligned with my own.”


At Resicom, we are committed to delivering world class service. We embrace our role of protecting retail brands through facility maintenance and repair nationwide. Our self performance helps us provide insight and experience that our clients depend on to help solve challenges.

Wet Paint, Don’t Touch

Friday, November 20th, 2009

CASE STUDY


How can you paint around customers and staff without disrupting the shopping experience?

Project Summary

A national client determined that a flagship store required a recolor project to maintain the high level of standards associated with the brand.   Project execution needed to be scheduled during daytime business hours.  Resicom was needed to develop a solution as to how the store could be painted within a 48-hour window, yet store traffic and staff would not be disrupted.


Scope

The scope of work needed to execute this project included:


1. Paint over redundant color.

2. Execute project during business hours.

3. Remove all hardware from bathroom focal walls and reinstall once painted.

4. Paint the cash wraps and surrounding high walls.

Challenges & Solutions

The constraints of the project that were overcome included:


  1. The project had to be executed during business hours without disrupting customers or adversely affecting retail revenues.
    • Days known for slower retail traffic were scheduled over high-traffic weekends.
    • One technician focused solely on the focal walls for timely completion with as little disruption as possible.
    • The crew systematically worked in marked off sections to have the least impact on the customers’ ability to access merchandise and move through the store.
  2. Painting the cash wrap area without disrupting transactions.
    • Entrance and cash wraps were painted before opening and prior to close to minimize impact.
  3. Materials supplied was short several gallons of paint.
    • Project manager communicated shortage to store manager, then sourced paint needed from another location for next day delivery.
  4. Removal of the hardware from bathroom focal walls was time consuming.
    • Resicom provided timely communication to management in regards to the delay and presented several options to overcome the hiccup.  Management determined that an extra half day could be allotted for project completion.
  5. Keep customers out of the area being painted.
    • Project Manager remained on site to ensure that customers were protected from any potential hazards and to stay in constant communication with both management and Resicom technicians.
    • Project management also coordinated the relocation and protection of the large amount of breakables and delicate merchandise.

Summary

We understood that the execution of project was unique because we were working during business hours.  Resicom was confident that detailed project management and execution would not have adverse effect on the retailer’s daily revenue.  Upon completion, Resicom analyzed the previous month’s data compared to the week of project execution to determine that there was little or no effect on the daily turnover.   Regardless of working conditions or environment, Resicom is able to execute project completion that is consistent with our standards.


Cabinet Doors

Friday, November 20th, 2009

CASE STUDY

How can preventative maintenance secure the small details?

Project Summary

Facility cabinet doors are opened and closed repeatedly throughout the day causing  considerable wear and tear on hinges.  Even the highest quality cabinet doors become damaged or misaligned when repeatedly pulled down or leaned against.  When completing routine preventative maintenance runs, Resicom is relied upon to identify potential areas for failure and make the necessary repairs to keep facilities running normally.

Scope

The scope of work needed to complete this project:

  1. Complete assessments to all cabinet doors when onsite completing maintenance visit to the locations.
  2. Secure all loose hinges to properly align doors.
  3. Assess weight of door to determine if the existing hinges are appropriate to secure door.
  4. Determine if additional hinges and/or metal backing needs to be installed to withstand the constant wear and tear on door.
  5. Complete repairs as needed.
  6. Update client on repairs completed to each location.

Challenges & Solutions

The constraints of the project that were overcome included:

1. Cabinet doors are assessed at each facility to determine the appropriate repairs to be done

    • First assessment is to locate the source of a sagging and misaligned door.  The Majority of repairs address a screw that simply needs to be tightened.
    • The next assessment is to determine if the weight of the door is too heavy to rely on only two hinges.  A third hinge can be installed with a specific tool to help reduce the weight stress on the door.

      2. Hinges sometimes rip away from door causing damage to the door itself.

        • If the hinge has already been pulled out from the cabinet door, a patch repair is completed and a metal plate is installed over the patch to allow for more security, then the hinge is reinstalled.

          Summary

          Resicom executed precise steps of preventative maintenance and repair to ensure the longevity of the cabinet doors and minimize future damage.   Value is delivered to the client from not having to worry about small details that break and fail, aggravating the normal flow of the facility.  By creating and implementing an ongoing preventative maintenance program, Resicom delivers normalcy.

          SPECS-Tacular Event

          Friday, November 13th, 2009

          Lemont, IL


          Known as the nationwide company to return normalcy, Resicom strives to create options and solutions for facility maintenance challenges.


          Executive VP Michael Fairclough had the opportunity to travel

          to Phoenix to attend Executive SPECS- an invitation-only conference.  Top retailers and suppliers involved in store planning, construction, real estate, facilities and operations of retail stores came together for a 2-day learning and networking experience.


          Mike was able to highlight Resicom to nationwide retail representatives as the facility provider that asks the questions that clarify objectives and open greater possibilities.  One of the most rewarding results of the conference was the affirmation that our purpose of bringing normalcy back speaks to  facility maintenance managers whose lives are often anything but normal.


          “The show was a success for Resicom,” says Michael “Our message resonated with a few key Retailers who now know who we are.”

          Fan of the Fans

          Friday, November 13th, 2009

          Case Study


          A client needed Resicom to think outside the box and develop a solution to installing circulation fans at a retail kiosk.


          Project Overview


          A retail client requested assistance in creating a plan for a fan installation rollout for retail kiosks.  The fans would need to be installed at the four corners to provide proper ventilation. Resicom asked the questions to provide clarity to the client’s objectives.  By taking the time to understand the client’s desired outcome and projected brand, we developed options that best fit our client’s needs.  Then we exercised systematic process tests to determine which options would prove successful for our client.


          Scope

          The scope of work needed to execute this procedure:


          1. Plan site visits to locations to assess the facility and determine project parameters.
          2. Research different make and models of fans to match product to client needs.
          3. Complete test runs on test group of  fans to determine durability and function.
          4. Prepare accurate quote for project scope based on test results.
          5. Designate crews to complete installations.


          Challenges & Solutions

          The client trusted that Resicom could take the limited information provided, outline in-depth options, and present a best-case solution scenario.  The constraints of the project that were overcome included:


          1. The client was unfamiliar with what type of fan was needed and left sourcing the product to our discretion.  Resicom needed to research various proper fans to determine cost effectiveness and durability.
          • Research was executed with fans ranging from battery operated to electronic.  Resicom invested in the purchase of several fans ranging in size and style to determine options for the best fit for the designated area.
          • Battery fans were determined to be ineffective in regard to cost as extended retail hours would demand frequent battery replacement.  Although less expensive to initially purchase, the maintenance costs would quickly outweigh any initial savings.
          • A second-round test was completed with electric fans.  The electrical fans would require additional labor on the front end to install the necessary outlets.  However, the use of electrical fans would be more cost effective and require less frequent maintenance.
          • Resicom presented the options, then scheduled approved work orders with our technician crews.


          Summary

          Resicom was able to take a client’s cursory idea of what their existing need and develop a detailed plan of action.  By researching innovative solutions for our client, we determined what would be cost effective and ultimately a success.

          Sourcing the Stone

          Friday, November 13th, 2009

          CASE STUDY


          Resicom sources elusive stone to replace storefront bases.

          Project Overview

          A client requested Resicom to source and install their storefront stone bases which had deteriorated over the years due to element exposure.  A particular source of pain for the client was the fact that the stone bases with limestone tile had been acquired years prior, and the local supplier no longer carried the necessary materials. Resicom would have to locate the material, then implement the installation plan.



          Scope

          The scope of work needed to execute the project includes:


          1. Source replacement material for limestone tile bases.
          2. Install new storefront limestone bases.
          3. Remove and dispose of the old, deteriorating stone.


          Challenges & Solutions

          The constraints of the project that were overcome included:


          1. Sourcing the material.
            • Resicom contacted the original supplier to negotiate a contract to have the materials custom-made since it was no longer in production.
          2. Prohibitive shipping costs due to the weight and amount of the material.
            • To reduce shipping costs and transfer savings to the client, Resicom had our own technicians drive to acquire the material.  Using our own crew to transport the stone only cost half of what it would have cost to ship.
          3. Matching the existing mortar.
            • Our technician traveled to local suppliers to successfully match the existing mortar prior to installation.
          4. Since not all existing limestone tiles were being replaced, only stone that was worn and damaged, the surrounding tiles must not be damaged.
            • The technician was able to remove the damaged tiles without disrupting surrounding tiles using specialized chiseling tools, and relying on his expertise and patience.


          Summary

          On the surface, the project seemed daunting since the material needed was not readily available.  However, Resicom is confident in its ability to create solutions and develop an executable process for various facility challenges.

          Picture Worth a Thousand Words

          Monday, November 9th, 2009

          Case Study


          Resicom provides validation through innovative technology that our clients’ projects have been executed successfully at various locations nationwide.


          Project Overview


          A source of pain for many clients is the inability to personally audit maintenance work completed across nationwide facilities prior to invoicing.  Resicom has created a standard process utilized with all clients to provide detailed, digital photographs that are electronically sent.  By leveraging both our business structure and reliance on innovative technology, clients are provided immediate access to completed work.


          Scope

          The scope of work needed to execute this procedure:


          1. Establish standards to collect clear and detailed project photos that can be submitted to client with 24 hours of project completion.
          2. Build a comprehensive plan to train team on both the importance of photo compliance and the mechanics of execution.
          3. Train technicians to comply with photo policy.


          Challenges & Solutions

          The constraints of the project that were overcome included:


          1. Technicians have different levels of understanding regarding digital photography and electronic submission.
          • Training modules and written support materials are established on utilizing the digital camera and email.  Written support materials are document step by step procedures for photo submission.  Crews are educated on how to format required pictures showing detail, scale, and range.
          1. Technicians need to understand the important role photos play in proper communication with our clients.
          • Project Manager provides both discussion and documentation to technician emphasizing the importance of photo compliance, and the how compliance reduces risk for technician recalls.
          1. Photos must be sent to client within 24 hours of project completion.
          • Timely photos give our clients better visibility of their projects, therefore are a key component of communicating with clients.
          1. Photos must be internally audited prior to client submission.
          • Our process requires that home office sets the standard of how to take and submit photos, oversees the process and then audits the deliverables to verify that requirements have been met.


          Summary

          Resicom relies on our business structure to provide accountability on a nationwide level.  Our clients communicated a need for visible confirmation of projects completed, regardless of location.  Resicom responded by creating a systematic approach to deliver rapid, reliable photographs.  This process allows facility managers an efficient sign-off system that gets their lives back to normal.


          © 2010 Resicom

          Resicom's services include general facility maintenance - such as carpentry, painting, tile, handyman work, as well as, enviromental branding, capital improvement and renovation projects. Resicom services clients nationwide.
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