Lemont, IL

Resicom Solution Team Members travel to Dallas over Valentine’s Day weekend to attend the annual RFMA (Restaurant Facility Management Association) conference.   The conference provides an opportunity for top restaurants and service providers to network, attend educational seminars and discuss key trends in the restaurant maintenance industry.

Resicom has spent several months creating a unique live fish tank that will be a focal point of the booth.  The idea was the result of a recent project moving 55-gallon salt water tanks from the lobbies of more than 20 different restaurant locations.

“The tank is a visual of our ability to think out of the box and create options to solve our clients’ challenges,” says Marketing Manager Laurie Ledonne.  “This was a unique project where we leveraged our strengths in structure and innovation to open possibilities.”

National Business Development Manager Marty Durkin and Executive VP Michael Fairclough will be in attendance at the conference.   Durkin has been appointed to RFMA Ethics Advisory Committee, and will divide his time between the board meetings/ responsibilities and representing Resicom on the trade show floor.

Resicom is committed to the bold pursuit of what normal should be.  It should be normal that the vendors restaurant facility managers hire make their business stronger.  Resicom will continually strive to uphold this truth and create value for our facility partners.

Case Study

What do you do when a school calls with mysterious pools of water in the halls?

Project Overview

A school contacted Resicom to respond to standing water that had pooled in a high traction hallway.  The client needed rapid response to avert any safety hazard posed to students and faculty, while minimizing damage to the building structure itself.  Resicom’s ability to quickly respond with a structured action plan would be the differentiator in helping restore the situation back to classes as usual- most likely to the disappointment of students.

Scope

The scope of work needed to execute this project included:

1. Complete emergency site inspection at facility in order to determine cause of standing water.
2. Provide comprehensive project scope to client so quick decision could be made regarding repairs.
3. Execute the necessary demolition to reveal source of leak.
4. Repair leak, and take steps to prevent reoccurrence.
5. Provide a written inspection and photo documentation of all completed work.

Challenges & Solutions

The constraints of the project that were overcome included:

1. Determining the exact location where the leak originated.

1. • Systematic inspection begins of possible leak culprits starting with area around bathroom countertop sinks.
   • Sinks are thoroughly inspected once demolition commenced.  On wall with evidence of standing water, technician makes a small cut out of the drywall to inspect the piping.  It is determined that the pipes are not the source of the leak.
   • Wood flooring is then targeted as area of leak source.  Wood planks are removed, and a clogged drainage system is discovered.
   • A plumber is dispatched to clean, rout, and repair the drain.
   • Technicians immediately return to replace wood flooring, repair drywall and repaint wall.

Summary

Because Resicom took a disciplined approach to systematically determine the source of the leak, demolition and subsequent repairs were minimized.  At Resicom we understand the frustrations clients experience when leaks disrupt the normal flow of a facility.  Resicom relies on not just our technical expertise, but our structured approach to get things back to normal.

Case Study

How do you respond with quick thinking solutions and resources when a car crashes through a storefront?

Project Summary

A national client who relies on Resicom for routine maintenance and exterior painting called us with a critical facility emergency.  At one of the client’s retail locations, a car had driven right into front of their building, causing tremendous damage to the structure.   The store facility was now exposed to the elements, with the merchandise left unprotected.  The client needed Resicom to react expeditiously so that the store would be sealed, with the facility ready to reopen and resume business in only a few days.

Scope

The scope of work needed to execute this project included:

1. An emergency crew had to be immediately assembled for briefing of project logistics, and to arrive onsite no later than that evening.
2. Crew had to acquire a cargo van to acquire and deliver all the proper material and tools.
3. Crew needed to remove, replace and dispose of damaged metal panels on storefront exterior.
4. Entire storefront needed to be repainted since the new panels are not the correct color.
5. All project execution had to be completed by 10 a.m. the following morning.

Challenges & Solutions

The constraints of the project that were overcome included:

1. At 8 am technicians had already been assigned jobs and were on the road.

1. • The operations department reacted quickly to identify which two technicians are best suited for this particular job.
   • Currently running projects are reorganized with additional manpower reallocated so that project delivery is not sacrificed.

1. The metal siding that is needed can only be sourced from Dallas, Texas.

1. • Our local technician in Dallas picks up the material and drives it to the project site to expedite turnaround.

1. The paint that is needed for the storefront is only available in St. Louis, MO.

1. • The storefront paint was picked up by the crew while in transit to the project location in Little Rock, AR.

1. All company cargo vans were currently assigned to other projects.

1. • The travel department acquired a cargo van for two days from a rental company.

Summary

At Resicom we understand the frustrations that a client may experience from emergency situations. We understand that the execution of projects often requires quick thinking, and flexible, creative options to offer the best possible solution to our client. Taking the initiative to find innovative solutions, particularly in emergency situations, is what we strive to do so that our client can get back to normal with their facility re-opening as planned.

CASE STUDY

When the very floor becomes a safety concern, how can emergency maintenance rapidly return a facility to normal?

Project Summary

A retailer discovered a high traffic area in the store were the wood floor was buckling prompting immediate on-demand maintenance.  Normalcy at the facility was disrupted because of the possible tripping hazard that now existed.  Resicom was contacted to execute repairs to the flooring.

Scope

The scope of work needed to execute this project included:

1. Arrive within 1 hour of request to assess repair work, prepare scope and take photos.
2. Secure area so it is restricted from all pedestrian traffic, deterring tripping hazards.
3. Remove section of flooring to determine the source of the buckling.
4. Update client as to extent of repairs and replace damaged flooring.

Challenges & Solutions

Completing this project would require immediate action.  The facility could neither operate in a state of having a section of the store blocked off, nor could it allow a potential safety threat to staff and guests.  The constraints of the project that were overcome included:

1. The damaged area of the floor is a potential tripping hazard to staff and guests.

1. • Upon arrival, area to be repaired is immediately sectioned off with caution tape to deter walking over uneven flooring.
   • Damaged flooring is temporarily secured with nails as a tripping precaution.
   • The crew will systematically work in marked off sections to have the least impact on the customers’ ability to access merchandise and move through the store.

1. Manufacturer information for replacement flooring is not available from client.

1. • Small section of flooring is removed from store and brought to local flooring suppliers to source proper replacement material.
   • Technicians are dispatched to pick up replacement flooring from several local suppliers to ensure that enough quantity is on hand to complete the repairs in one evening.

1. Determining source of buckling needs to occur during normal business hours.

1. • Small section of the flooring is removed to determine cause of buckling, and a temporary piece of wood flooring is installed there is are no open holes or gaps.

1. All repair work must be completed after hours.

1. • Crew returns that evening and completes all replacement to wood flooring prior to reopen of business the next day.

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 organized execution would not have adverse effect on the retailer’s daily revenue.  Regardless of working conditions or environment, Resicom is able to coordinate project completion that returns facilities to normal.

Caulk Talk

Caulk is one of those versatile substances that has a myriad of uses in both facility maintenance and general construction.  When sealing joints and seams, it can be difficult knowing which caulk to use given the variety of material available.  The most commonly used types of caulk for facility maintenance, residential and commercial construction are water based acrylic, silicone, and urethane.

Water based acrylic is often selected because of excellent adhesion, flexibility, and the fact this caulk is paintable.   Primarily used for carpentry and interior finishing, it easily fills the gaps between molding and walls, and can be used to fill the seams at the molding joints themselves.  When the caulk is applied to molding that is to be painted, it helps to give the facility an aesthetically appealing and “finished” look.

Water, water everywhere and not a drop that seeps…

Silicone caulk has all the beneficial properties of the water based acrylic, but it is not paintable.  The benefit is that this caulk repels water much more readily.  Often used to protect protect kitchens, bathrooms, and any other interior areas at risk from high levels of moisture and damaging effects of water, this caulk acts as a barrier to water seepage.

In kitchens, caulk is applied where the counter top meets the back-splash, where the back-splash meets the wall, and where the sink meets the counter top.  The same holds true for bathrooms, but expanded uses include the seal around toilets, bathtubs, sinks, and stalls. In these areas, it is possible to create a water tight barrier that is still visually attractive.

Down in the corner

Urethane caulk is commonly used on building exteriors to prevent water from seeping into the joints in concrete, or where pavement meets the edge of the building.  Caulking seams and cracks in concrete is imperative to prevent further separation, which is an eyesore.  The caulk prevents water from entering these gaps, freezing, then expanding which radiates cracks.  Using urethane caulk against the base of a building deters water from being directed towards the foundation and causing problems.  The downside of this type of caulk is that it can take several days to cure completely, so maintenance must be scheduled accordingly.  Anyone using urethane caulk should take precaution when applying as it is extremely difficult to remove from clothing and bare skin.

Seamingly Simple

Caulk is a necessary, versatile product to help maintain a facility.  However, one application of caulk is not a permanent solution.  Over time, depending on the type of caulk, it does need to be reapplied.  Caulk eventually will lose its elasticity, and crack due to the expanding and contracting of the structure where applied.  In high moisture areas, the caulk may show signs of discoloration and mold if not properly dried after prolonged exposure to water.  Re-application of caulk is part of any routine, preventative maintenance.   A small price to pay for having the right product for the right circumstances.

CASE STUDY

What do you do when your brand becomes such an icon that people literally steal the  sign right off the wall?

Project Summary

A national retail client has their signature storefront letters positioned within reaching distance on the mall wall.  These letters are secured with 2’’ spacers that protrude out of the wall. Unfortunately, letters are being consistently ripped off (literally and figuratively) from the walls by teenagers damaging the storefront branding.  The client requested Resicom’s assistance in not just repairing the missing letters at various locations, but more importantly creating a solution to secure the letters against theft while preserving the aesthetics.

Scope

The scope of work needed to execute this project included:

1. Find solution to secure storefront mounted letters to deter theft and vandalism.

2. Work within mall limitations and parameters since project scope is storefront inside mall.

3. Provide verification to corporate headquarters that project has been executed according to standards.

Challenges & Solutions

We understood that the execution of this emergency situation would require ingenuity and innovation.  Our office based project manager took advantage of our mock retail facility space to engage in systematic trials to secure the letters.  The results and options were then relayed to the client, and the chosen solution was provided in a project scope to the technicians performing the labor.

The constraints of the project that were overcome included:

1. Work needs to be done after or before mall hours to minimize customer disruption.
   • The Preventative maintenance was scheduled for overnight after-hours with the mall operations manager.
   • Our technicians arrived prior to store closing to introduce themselves to staff and security, and then briefs everyone on the general project scope.
2. Improved attachment of storefront letters must be consistent with current aesthetics.
   • Technician evaluates whether damage exists on wall where letters have been pulled off, and makes necessary painting and patching repairs.
   • Technician removes existing spacers off of the posts on the back of the letters using an allen key.
   • Once the spacers have been removed, technician applies a clear silicone bead to the back of each letter.
   • Using the existing wall holes for alignment, the technician adheres letters flush to wall.
3. Work needs to be completed within 1 week of receiving project.
   • Verification photos (before and after) and detailed project compliance information is sent to client as soon as work is completed prior to deadline.

Summary

Resicom was able to draw upon each of our differentiators.  Our commitment to innovation provided the outlet to devise imaginative trial and error methods to solve this challenge.  We leveraged our communication and technology, providing the client with exacting information as requested.  Our structure supported the disciplined and experienced technicians and project management ready to tackle the challenge.  No matter the emergency, Resicom relishes the opportunity to tackle challenges with creativity to restore our client’s normalcy.

CASE STUDY

When mold creeps into a section of wall, what’s the best course of action for facility maintenance?

Project Summary

It could have been from a previous leak, or perhaps water was trapped during construction- whatever the reason, a high-end automobile dealership client needed to address a problem with mold in facility walls.  The unsightly, not to mention potentially unhealthy condition forced the facility from operating under normal circumstances.  Resicom invites our clients the opportunity to experience- or in this case- restore normalcy.

Scope

The scope of work needed to execute this project included:

1. Remove sections of wet and moldy drywall and paneling.

2. Clean the studs and spray with mold killer

3. Dispose of old drywall and paneling.

4. Install new drywall and paint

Challenges & Solutions

The constraints of the project that were overcome included:

1. The old drywall had mold, requiring special containment and precautions.
   • While handling the moldy drywall and paneling, protective gloves and masks were worn by technicians.
   • The moldy area was identified and completely removed to prohibit mold from continuing to grow.
   • Project execution was conducted after hours to protect staff and guests, not to mention the overall brand and shopping experience.
2. The drywall and paneling made an odd thickness of new drywall.
   • Technicians relied upon problem solving experience utilizing two different thicknesses of drywall, stacked one upon the other other, to obtain the necessary dimensions.
3. The drywall needed to match up to the existing paneling.
   • Precise patching was executed between the existing paneled walls and the newly installed drywall.
4. New drywall and old paneling had inconsistent, two different color bases needing paint.
   • An additional coat of paint was applied on the newly installed drywall to match the existing paneling to achieve consistency of color.

Summary

Perhaps nothing can damage a brand or facility image faster than visible mold.  Customers understand that things break, facility management budgets for necessary repairs, but no one excuses the existence of mold.  Normalcy in part means enjoying an environment with balance and order.  Resicom was relied upon to restore that level of normalcy to our client.

The most successful companies are purpose driven, and operate from their why rather than their what.

What?!?

Simply stated- whether a company delivers a professional service or manufactures a actual product, ideally the cause behind why a company exists in the first place shouldn’t change.  For example, a company may say they exist just to make and sell toothpaste.  However, if that same company recognizes that their cause is really to offer pristine hygiene utilizing advanced research through innovative products, the company’s decision to shift into the market of say, manufacturing deodorant makes sense; it still resonates with their why.

Resicom understands that we are a purpose driven company.  Whether we offer brand protection through facility maintenance or we manufacture widgets, our why doesn’t change.  All of our decisions and actions must reflect our purpose- to invite both our clients and employees to experience normalcy.  We define normalcy as those endeavors, emotions and initiatives that speak to us on a human level- creativity, community, the need to teach and nurture, the drive for efficiencies, the desire to create structure.

When we present our company in this way, people tend to desire involvement with our organization as it resonates with them on a human level.  The question becomes, “If this is what Resicom offers, who wouldn’t want to work for us?”  However, there is a cost associated with experiencing normalcy.  Things like status and ego, not wanting to work in full transparency, resisting development, unclear or unauthentic communication, artificial harmony, and absence of trust are in direct opposition to our cause.  Much like the ends of a magnet, people who operate with this agenda are quickly polarized from the company.  Experience tells us that a seemingly ideal candidate on paper can be extremely different from how a candidate reacts to our unique environment.

Therefore, even more paramount than simply expertise and experience, employment candidates must be a cultural fit to be successful at Resicom and promote our growth as a company and individually.

Lemont, IL

To enhance the progressive relationship between our retail, property management and facility maintenance clients, Resicom is introducing HVAC maintenance as part of our comprehensive preventative and on-demand service.  By bundling HVAC repair, cleaning and inspection by our trained technicians with other preventative maintenance responsibilities and repairs, Resicom is able to offer a cost effective program that answers the needs of our clients.

Resicom invites our clients to experience normalcy.  Through our structure, communication, technology and nationwide accountability Resicom protects our clients’ facilities, addresses safety concerns, and limits disruption to facility employees and guests.

We continually strive to exceed expectations in both project management and execution, and are confident that the HVAC rollout maintenance program is an invaluable resource for our business partners.