February 2010

Lemont, IL

Resicom CEO John Fairclough has been asked to speak as part of a peer panel for the DePaul University Coleman Entrepreneurship Center.

The event is being held Friday, March 12, 2010 at the Naperville campus.

At this event, four seasoned business owners offer their insight to company issues in a town hall-style discussion by integrating their experiences, best practices, ideas, and recommended resources.  Business owners in the audience are encouraged to share their own experiences and thoughts in this open discussion.  The objective is that participants will leave with new ideas and approaches to not only address the challenges you currently face, but also to resolve future issues that may arise.

“Beyond a consultant’s expertise, a professor’s wisdom, and a thought leader’s acumen, most entrepreneurs believe they get the greatest value learning from the experience of those who have “been there and done that”.

John is the entrepreneurial founder of Resicom, a dynamic and successful company that believes in the bold pursuit of what normal should be.  It should be normal that the companies you hire make you better.  Resicom embraces its role in client brand and asset protection through facility maintenance and repair.

John continues to evolve in his own role as CEO and company visionary for Resicom.  Since founding the company in 1996 John drives the team to continually examine and fine-tune performance, while providing insightful options and experience upon which clients have come to depend.

Lemont, IL

Resicom team members Marty Durkin and Michael Fairclough have returned from Dallas after attending the annual RFMA (Restaurant Facility Management Association) conference earlier this week.   National Business Development Manager Marty Durkin judged the conference as an overall success, having had the opportunity to network with top restaurant facility management while taking part in educational seminars and discussions on industry trends.

“The focus of the restaurant industry is maximizing their facility spend,” says Durkin.  “It’s a universal truth that everyone is asked to do more with less.  But especially for restaurant facility managers who are feeling the pinch, those choices become critical to boost market share.”

At Resicom, we understand the constraints facing restaurant facility management in the current economic environment. We feel it should be normal that when a restaurant facility manager hires a vendor, that vendor should make their business stronger.  Resicom’s ability to service multiple trades and manage projects in an efficient and effective manner creates value and brings normalcy to the lives of our facility partners.

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.

Lemont, IL

Resicom representatives recently returned from the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America and SSPC (The Society for Protective Coatings) annual conference in Phoenix Arizona. The premiere paint and coating show provided Resicom Project Developer Brian Perla the chance to participate in hands-on educational demonstrations and seminars, while meeting with industry colleagues.
Resicom is committed to exploring innovation that helps facility maintenance management make savvy spending decisions. Perla believes the conference was invaluable providing applicable insight regarding new green technologies in coatings, advancements in waterborne dye stains and urethanes, and new sprayer technologies. Perla found the experience share regarding and general industry trends in response to the current economic climate extremely beneficial.
“It’s always exciting to see painting industry experts together in one place,” says Perla. “The new technologies being developed are unlike anything seen before. Being informed and educated on new coatings and applications is a service we can then provide to our clients to help solve their facility challenges.”

Resicom is committed to the bold pursuit of what normal should be. It should be normal that the vendors facility managers hire make their business stronger. Therefore, Resicom is completely committed to development. Resicom believes that only through our own training, education and self-awareness can we be of greater value to our clients.

How can you replace wallpaper around customers and staff without disrupting the retail experience?

Project Overview

A client determined that the damaged wallpaper in a high traffic area was distracting customers from their shopping experience.  The need to return the facility to normal was paramount to the client in that they specifically requested the work to be conducted during regular business hours rather than overnight.  However, the project had to be completed without disrupting the normal flow of business.

Scope

The scope of work needed to execute this project included:

1. Remove damaged sheet of wall paper in a high traffic area.

2. Repair damaged drywall under the existing paper prior to replacing the wall paper.

3. Install section of new wall paper, while integrating it with the old wall paper.

4. Execute the project during business hours.

Challenges & Solutions

The constraints of the project that were overcome included:

1. Avoiding additional damage to wallpaper surrounding area that needed to be replaced.

1. • The seams had to be carefully removed so that the older paper surrounding the damaged piece was not torn or damaged.

2. Ensuring repaired section of wallpaper is indistinguishable and new seams are tight.

1. • Resicom verified that the new section of wallpaper matched the existing section exactly, and that all seams were aligned in perfect coordination.

3. Completing the Project During Business Hours without disrupting the flow of business.

1. • Days known for slower retail traffic were scheduled over high-traffic weekends.
   • The crew systematically worked in marked off sections to have the least impact on the customers’ ability to access merchandise and move freely through the store.

4. Keeping customers out of the area being painted.

1. • Project Manager remained onsite 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

The execution of project was unique because we were working during business hours.  Resicom is confident that detailed project management and execution will not have adverse effect on a retailer’s daily revenue.  Regardless of working conditions or environment, Resicom is able to execute project completion that is consistent with our standards.

Tile installations date back to 2500 BC – yes, BC. People discovered that if you take natural clay and mix with minerals, heat them to extreme temperatures then allow them to cool, you end up with the world’s first honey-do task – maybe. Tile has proven to be the most versatile decorative finish that humans have engineered, in fact silica tile is used to protect the space shuttle as it re-enters the Earth’s atmosphere. This monograph will offer an abridged but accurate description of a two tile types that are used in retail environments, ceramic and porcelain.

Though the terms are often used interchangeably, they are in fact different. To add to this confusion, Ceramic is also the term used to define the entire set of inorganic materials prepared by heating and cooling, which includes ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles. For sake of clarity, when the term ceramic is used to reference the tile type (subset), it will not be underlined.

Constituents of Ceramic & and Porcelain tile types-

Much like concrete, tiles are a mixture of materials found in the Earth’s crust.

Clay + sand + feldspar + minerals + water comprise the bulk of the mixture for both ceramic and porcelain.

Differences between Porcelain tile and Ceramic tiles-

Porcelain tile contains a higher ratio of feldspar and lower ratio of clay than ceramic. Feldspar (pictured) is a silicate mineral which is both hard and can withstand high temperatures. Another difference between ceramic and porcelain are the pressures used to prepare them. Porcelain tile types are made using higher pressures – resulting in a harder surface. As a general rule, porcelain tiles are harder than ceramic. In addition, the porosity of the porcelain tile is less, providing better stain resistance than ceramics. Porcelain tiles are ideal for exterior applications.

To glaze or not to glaze-

Both tile types come in glazed and unglazed finishes. Glazing is an added step in the manufacturing process which involves the coating of the unbaked tile with a glass like film. To do this, extreme temperatures are used, and the glaze penetrates into the bulk of the unbaked tile (bisque) – sealing and encapsulating the tile, rendering it relatively impervious. The higher the luster of a tile, the greater the stain resistance. Although a performance benefit, glazed tile can be an end use disadvantage as it is slippery and will highlight an uneven floor or wall surface.

Mortar and grout-

Mortar is the term used to describe the cementitious compound in which the tiles are set. Once the tiles are set in the mortar, the mortar cures and mechanically locks the tiles in place. The width between each tile is the grout line. In America, these are spaced between 1/16” – 3/4”. Grout selection is made based on the desired width, as well as environment. For small widths (less than 1/8”), a non sanded grout should be used. Between 1/8” – 1/4”, a finely sanded grout works best and coarser grouts for widths greater that 1/4”. In harsh environments, epoxy resins can be added to the grout to provide sealed and chemically resistant spacing.

CASE STUDY

How do you move a 400 pound eagle that doesn’t fly?

Project Summary

A client had a large concrete tree statue, with interior steel pole supports, in the middle of corporate headquarter lobby that needed to be dismantled and discarded.  However, a large, 400 lb. bronze eagle perched atop the tree holds special significance for the client and must be relocated to the new headquarters location.   Resicom is entrusted to carefully remove the eagle, deliver it to the new location, and ensure that the vacated lobby is returned to a normal condition after the removal of the focal point statue.

Scope

The scope of work needed to execute this project included:

1. Dismantle and dispose of a 15 ft. decorative, concrete tree so facility is returned to neutral appearance for new tenant.
2. Detach 400 lb. eagle statue from its steel pole support and safely deliver to new location.
3. Once eagle is removed, dismantle and dispose of the 15 ft. steel support beam in the center of the tree.
4. Coordinate project execution with client representative to allow technicians access to vacated space.
5. Provide client with before & after photos of project execution.

Challenges & Solutions

The constraints of the project that were overcome included:

1. Inclement weather prevented Resicom from getting the necessary hoist for the statue down to the loading dock as snow had not been plowed.
   • Resicom arranged with the loading dock manager to use an available fork lift to transport eagle statue.  The client was updated of the situation to provide approval.
2. The client considered the eagle as symbolic to the company’s good luck, not to mention that considerable monetary expense of the statue, therefore extreme care must be taken when handling.
   • To ensure that no mishaps occurred that could possibly break or mar the statue, technicians secured the eagle to the fork lift when moving the statue.
   • Techs only demolished the concrete tree and cut down the steel pole flush to the carpet, after the eagle statue was safely delivered to the new location.
   • All remaining debris was then cleared and disposed off the premises to a pre-arranged dumpster.
3. The deadline to complete the project from point of assessment to bid confirmation to delivery to completion was compressed into only 5 days.

• As soon as scope was received, Resicom immediately dispatched technicians to perform assessment, take the necessary photos to compile a quote and presented a bid within the same day.  Resicom project management stayed in contact with the client so a representative could allow access to facility.
• Resicom had our technician crews on stand-by to be ready for project delivery at a moment’s notice as soon as bid was approved.
• Upon work completion, before and after photos, including photos of statue at new location were immediately sent to client.  Resicom completed the entire project prior to the 5 day deadline.

Summary

Resicom understood that the execution of this project was unique because of the high level of visibility and emotional significance to the client.  This project sustained the attention of numerous decision makers within the client’s organization.   Resicom leverages our business structure to  return facilities to normal.

How do you install ICEE machines in over 100 locations as part of a national restaurant chain rollout?

Project Summary

A corporate restaurant client decided to have ICEE machines installed at their signature restaurant chain at over 100 locations as part of a national rollout.  Reserved space had to be cleared and prepared for the beverage machines prior to installation, and all project execution had to be completed overnight to minimize disruption to staff and diners.  Resicom was contacted to create a customized rollout plan so that every location targeted would have the machines installed prior to the first of the year.

Scope

The scope of work needed to execute this project included:

1. Install new Corian lift countertops and column the support the new unit.
2. Remove or relocate existing soda fountain machines to make room for new units.
3. Silicone countertop and corners to adhere.
4. Install decorative column to hide syrup lines.

Challenges & Solutions

The constraints of the project that were overcome included:

1. Project had to be executed after business hours.
   • Location visits were conducted prior to close of business to assess exact specifications and determine supplies needed unique to site.
   • Since project execution would occur after hours, technicians had to be properly prepared as they would have no access to local suppliers for additional materials.
   • As specifications varied by individual store, technicians relayed information to project managers so that customized plans could be created per location.
2. Installation at over 100 locations had to be completed within a tight deadline.
   • The project manager mapped each location, grouping restaurants by region so that multiple installations could occur each night.
3. Client needs ability to remotely review and audit work for each location.
   • Resicom leveraged available technology to provide real-time updates and detailed photographs as each location was completed.  Technicians sent detailed photos to project manager for client communication.

Summary

Resicom understood that the execution of project was unique because we were simultaneously executing projects at various locations across the country.  Since the scope of work varied by location, sound structure as well as adaptability was key.   The client relied on the receipt of  detailed, real time information from Resicom.  Our ability to offer verified information of the quality execution allowed us to assist in each restaurant’s enhancement with the new equipment.

Lemont, IL

What does it mean that the most dynamic companies are purpose driven, and operate from their “why” rather than their “what”?

Simply stated- whether a company delivers a professional service or manufactures a product, ideally, the cause behind why a company exists in the first place shouldn’t change.  Here’s a hint, it’s more than just building a better mousetrap and generating a profit.  Take Apple for example.  Apple defines their purpose as “Think Differently”.  From that mindset, tangible proof of their cause was realized with the iPod, iPhone and Mac computer;  items which are globally recognized as innovative and pivotal products to our culture.

Resicom understands that we began and will continue to thrive as such a cause-centered company.  Resicom’s inspiration was generated from CEO John Fairclough whose “why” for creating Resicom resulted from his own personal desire to experience normalcy after a difficult childhood.  Beyond his own satisfaction, Fairclough wanted to create a company that invites others to experience this sense of normalcy too.

At Resicom, normalcy is defined 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 and improvement, the desire to create structure. The fact that we currently offer brand protection through facility maintenance and repair is simply the by-product of our deeper cause. People with whom this desire to both offer and experience normalcy resonates, gravitate towards working as employees or partnering with Resicom as clients.

So, we fully understand that we approach building our business from a different perspective.  Most sales representatives first tell a prospective client about the “what”; this is what we make and this is what we do.  Our sales and solution team introduce the why of doing business with Resicom and how we help clarify objectives with options, before providing a generic tear sheet of our core competencies.   We offer normalcy back to the busy, sometimes chaotic lives of facility maintenance managers.  This is accomplished when facility maintenance managers are provided verified, real-time information on project status updates, through structured management, and by executing stellar-quality consistency on a nation level.

If these solutions are appealing, and the Resicom approach to business sounds intriguing, we are more than happy to provide tangible projects lists of what we are capable of accomplishing and talk about the rollouts, and renovations, and capital improvements, and painting, and tile work and general carpentry, and …

The Purpose Driven Corporatist “a new breed of employee emerging from within multi-national corporations.  These “hybrid people” are increasingly motivated by creating products that add value both to society and to the bottom line. They persistently champion a vision of change in the face of frequent cynicism and resistance.  They have emerged as a result of a series of shifts in the landscape (e.g. global market failures & increased societal expectations on business).  Many of these people have experienced a shift in their personal motivation as a result of a life changing experience. Others have had an “aha!” moment after visiting a poverty stricken country or war-torn region.  Still others have less dramatic mindset shifts and just want to make a difference after suddenly realizing there is more to life than just making the next dollar/euro/yen.” *

* The Purpose Driven Corporatist

Written by Ryan Jones, Global Brand Manager, Procter & Gamble

Published on September 3rd, 2009in Eco-entrepreneurs

Lemont, IL

Traditionally, many people choose to spend their Valentine’s Day celebration at a favorite restaurant.

This upcoming 2010 Valentine’s weekend, Resicom Solution Team Members are choosing to spend time with favorite restaurants at the annual RFMA (Restaurant Facility Management Association) conference in Dallas.

Much of 2009 has been spent cultivating new partnerships with national restaurant facility management.  Resicom has been actively demonstrating our ability to help busy facility maintenance managers experience normalcy during specialty project rollouts, overall renovations, and of course preventative and on-demand maintenance for their restaurant facilities.  Two particular case studies, Finding New Homes for Nemo and Do You Want The Cherry or Cola-Flavored ICEE?, highlight Resicom’s ability to orchestrate and execute comprehensive restaurant projects.

Already known as the nationwide maintenance company for retailers, Resicom is looking forward to the opportunity to further introduce our disciplined structure and display what makes Resicom unique to restaurant clients.

“We are excited to bring the Resicom approach to the organizations attending RFMA.  Our clients nationwide value our insight and experience, looking to us to offer options to solve their facility maintenance challenges,” says National Business Development Manager Steven Rosendahl.

The Restaurant Facility Management Association, in which Resicom has enjoyed active membership and participation, brings together top restaurants and service providers to network and discuss key trends in the facility maintenance industry.