Allied Spotlight

I began using Cleanstreak Surface Cleaning last year when my portfolio grew to include properties in South End. This is an extremely busy and pedestrian area of town. The foot traffic, extended hours of business at the properties, and construction left the parking lots a challenge to keep clean. Cleanstreak worked within our budget and requested schedules to keep the parking lot clean and free of dirt, debris, and trash. The improvement was immediately visible. An adjacent property at times needed some clean-up, including dirt run-off in preparation for striping. Cleanstreak was always ready to help and got it into their schedule when needed.

Pete and his team are extremely knowledgeable and can assist with parking lots, parking garages and even pressure washing the exterior of buildings. Cleanstreak follows all environmental regulations and rules and have a patent pending equipment specifically designed to clean parking garages. Their communication is excellent and always make sure the property manager is aware of the progress with daily updates as needed.

Having a clean parking lot or garage is very important as this is the first impression when driving in. Cleanstreak help ensure tenants and visitors have a pleasant and clean experience in South End.

I met Robin Turner & Liz Orlando with O'Leary Waste at different networking luncheons several years ago. Robin began in the industry in 1985 and has been with O'Leary for 13 years, bringing extensive experience and knowledge to the forefront of the market. Liz joined O'Leary in 2018 and teams up with Robin to provide the same level of exceptional service. They both are readily available to assist in all our commercial waste removal and recycling needs.

As a property manager, being able to count on a quick response to solve our waste removal issues is a must. Whether it is a permanent front loader or a temporary 30-yard open top for Spring cleaning, O'Leary is always ready to help solve our waste removal issues. It eases my stress, knowing I can depend on them to take care of my concerns swiftly.

O'Leary Group Waste Systems is a full-service Charlotte based recycling and waste hauling company. At the beginning of 2018, they opened a 35,000 square foot state of the art commercial materials recovery center. They are equipped to handle trailer loads, as well as compactors, open tops, and front loader dumpsters.

O'Leary Group Waste Systems strives to be the premier environmentally-responsible waste material handlers in Greater Charlotte. Their prices are competitive. O'Leary keeps their promises and completes service as expected. All their trucks are in exemplary condition, equipped with scales & cameras. They have highly rated drivers and superb communication via their customer service department to keep you informed of any challenges, so that resolution is expedient. This keeps their service top notch and the most proactive in the industry.

I have found that the O'Leary team is professional and cares about their customers' satisfaction. They offer creative solutions and implement results in a timely manner. I highly recommend them for any of your waste and recycling needs.

I have turned to Keith Nichols with Offit Kurman for commercial property legal services for over a decade.  It is these enduring partnerships that are truly meaningful, as Keith makes a vested interest in helping us.  Keith and his team are a reliable and trustworthy resource.  It is evident one of Keith's personal goals is to not only establish relationships and build business, but he really wants his property management partners to understand the legal process.  Keith is not the kind of attorney that just takes your case and sends a bill for time.  He will talk to you, even before the case is in their hands, to make sure his next steps are the best direction for the client.  He does this to ensure you (or your client's) time and money isn't wasted. 

Keith also values our team comradery.  He has hosted "Breakfast & Learn" events for our team to answer all of our legal questions and explains the process, such as how commercial evictions and collections work.  Of course, sometimes we may get off subject to discuss the latest media covered trials such as the Britney Spears' Conservatorship or the Jody Arias trial, but it's always enjoyable and entertaining time spent with Keith to get the legal perspective on all of this!  Plus, how often do you get to spend an hour with an attorney to answer all your questions, have them treat you, and NOT get a bill?  I'd highly recommend Keith and his firm for your legal needs.

Property Managers know that their vendors are their lifelines. With Joffie, you're in good hands. Your priorities are their priorities. Joffie has been a consistent and reliable partner of mine during all stages of my CRE property management career. They are available for pre-walks to gain a better understanding of your project scope. They handle your ever-changing needs with ease and continue to tweak processes until you find the right scope for your property. And post work inspections are a breeze. Having a flexible vendor who cares goes a long way!

Joffie is not just for pressure washing and window washing. If your work requires a lift or repelling, Joffie is a great resource. They have changed lights in hard-to-reach places that building techs and engineers are not allowed to go. We partnered with Joffie to help us implement a fall protection plan for a tricky and dangerous project above a 60' high atrium inside a non-permitted confined space requiring the use of a specialized ASTM E2505-07 anchorage system. A photo is worth 1000 words: 

Joffie is OSHA 1910 compliant in fall protection, SPRAT & IWCA trained, and can handle dangerous high work while keep you OSHA compliant.

Fun facts: Joffie just completed their new office located at 2740 Chesterfield Ave. Charlotte, NC 28205-6149, and recently became beekeepers!

When Bri Barber and I worked together at Liberty Property Trust 5 years ago I was blown away by her positivity and all-around bright personality. Bri brings that same energy and enthusiasm to A&K Painting with every project, meeting, and even the simplest correspondence. The Prologis partnership with Bri is special because of the value A&K places on building relationships.

Having a reliable facility and maintenance painting contractor to partner with our property management team at Prologis makes our jobs easier. But having a reliable painting contractor that also has Bri's property management experience truly helps make our lives easier!

A&K Painting manages every aspect of maintenance painting at our properties. From a simple personnel door repaint to full construction painting on a new tilt building, A&K has the resources to handle any project scope. Having access to this level of painting contractor is invaluable to a busy property management team responsible for approx. 10 million square feet of Logistics Real Estate throughout the Carolinas. What's more, A&K provides us access to their custom workflow application, JobNet. JobNet supplies us with a client window that allows us to see up-to-date status reports of our projects, including end-of-day work reports and job photos.

Established in 1994, A&K has over 25 years of experience maintaining commercial and industrial facilities. With a knowledgeable and passionate staff, and numerous certifications and safety policies, we are confident trusting A&K with any project.

I met Sabrena at a luncheon with girlfriends on my birthday several years ago. At the time, Sabrena was with another emergency restoration company. Sabrena has been in the restoration industry for 12 years, and brings extensive experience in emergency restoration to the table.

As a property manager, the last thing you need is an emergency disaster situation popping up, be it during normal business hours or worse, after hours. You definitely don't want to be scrambling after hours or weekends trying to find a restoration company that can prioritize your issue.

The chaos these emergencies create can be super-stressful to management staff as they strategize to protect the asset. Situations such as these create a lot of uncertainty, which is why it is imperative to have a direct line to a restoration partner. I have contacted Sabrena when I've had such issues in the past, and she's never let me down. She/SERVPRO Northwest Charlotte always respond quickly with appropriate equipment and adequate staff to address the issue accordingly, relieving many of my concerns.

SERVPRO has the latest in technology and equipment, and invest heavily in educating their staff to respond to any size disaster, which places managers like me at ease, knowing they will be prepared and able to handle whatever my situation may be. And it doesn't end there, aside from the fast response, SERVPRO maintains consistent communication until the situation is fully resolved. The staff is very professional and always tries to improve processes. Taking care of the property manager is what they do best. You can rely on SERVPRO NW Charlotte when it comes to emergency disaster restoration and cleanup they have a contents division which allows for client storage while the repairs are being made. They also have an unlimited GC license in North Carolina and South Carolina, allowing them to be a full-service repair operation the one phone call/one stop shop makes everything flow smoothly without confusion or interruption.

SERVPRO NW Charlotte was established May 2012.Today, they are listed in the top 100 out of 1,800 nationwide restoration franchises. The charlotte facility boasts 45,000 sq ft. They have two other offices in Rockhill, SC and Columbia, SC, allowing them the ability and flexibility to service their customer base quickly and efficiently.

I have found that SERVPRO cares about the client experience and service getting the job done with the least amount of interruption as possible is paramount to the customers satisfaction.

I met Monica Corum through BOMA networking when she was with another landscape vendor, but now is with Yellowstone Landscape.  Never pushy and always smiling, she has been in the green industry for several years and is knowledgeable of what my needs are for my property.  She recently became a Certified Master Gardner through Clemson University.  She is also studying for her Arborists Certification and attempting to get her Horticulture Degree.   

As a Property Manager, it is important we have venders on our properties that want to be in a partnership with us.  You want your problems to become their problems.  You want them to truly care about your needs.  I have found that partnership with my Yellowstone Landscape  Team.  Their individuals are all very responsive to my needs as well as incredibly knowledgeable and customer service oriented.  All Yellowstone Landscape services are performed in house.  Not only Landscape Maintenance, Landscape Installations, Landscape Enhancements, Irrigation Water Management, Snow & Ice Removal and Sports Field Maintenance.  Cory Davis, YL Irrigation Manager, has been in the industry for 30+ years and knows his Irrigation systems.  When questions arise regarding our irrigation system at Vantage, he is quick to respond with explanations, colored maps, and solutions on why something has happened that should or should not be happening.   Izzy Amaya, YL Account Manager, is a great communicator and is always there to make suggestions of how to best accomplish what needs to be done.  His crew is on time, work steadily, and clean up after themselves.   Our Yellowstone Landscape team is prompt and professional in each of our interactions with them.

In Lawn & Landscape Magazine, Yellowstone Landscape is listed as #4 on the Annual Top 100 companies for 2021.   They service not only commercial Properties, but Community Associations, Public Infrastructure as well as National Accounts.  Your commercial landscape is a valuable investments and retaining that value ultimately comes down to excellent landscape maintenance.  But there is more to maintenance services than completing a checklist of items.  Yellowstone is that company that understand there are hundreds of details that must be coordinated in order to keep your landscape looking its best. 

As a customer, you care about communication, a customized plan for success, and proactive services--knowing it's always better to prevent problems in the first place as opposed to having to circle back to fix them later.  At Yellowstone Landscape, they understand those wants and needs which is why proactive communication and customized services are foundations of their brand.  I feel comfortable handing over the reins for our landscape needs and know they will have my best interest at heart.

Shannon Rodden and his team at L.C. Tyson Construction, part of the Tyson Group Companies, has impressed me at every juncture of our relationship and raised the bar of my expectations of how our projects will be managed and executed. We have worked together on a wide range of projects with L.C. Tyson, from small construction repairs to large build-outs I can always count on excellent project management, a high level of attention to detail, and consistent communication from each representative of this group.

Even on the most difficult projects, I appreciate the L.C. Tyson team for their efforts to continually provide top quality work from dedicated, customer-first minded employees and trusted, experienced vendors.

About The Tyson Group Companies

The Tyson Group Companies is a multifaceted commercial real estate and development company, offering over fifty (50) years of experience in sales and leasing and development of retail, office, medical, industrial, golf course, and residential properties. Our diverse companies work to create a one stop location for all your real estate services.

Western Specialty Contractors has been an incredible resource to my portfolio over the past 4 years. Managing approximately 350,000 square feet of medical office space in Cabarrus, Stanly and Montgomery County, we have battled moisture, energy efficiency and insect issues due to the age and condition at several properties. Drew Adams and the team at Western have helped us in both assessment and repair at a number of buildings, resulting in a dramatic increase in tenant satisfaction and reduction in operating costs.

Drew has been able to help us with the small, one-day patch and seal projects as well as the large, multiweek mobilizations at our larger facilities. His crews have always been professional, organized and kept in great communication. Plus, despite challenges from unpredictable weather or special requests from medical offices, they have adapted quickly while staying on budget and on schedule. Their follow through and quality control has been incredible to make sure the results are as promised.

As Facility Managers, we are expected to respond to a large amount of unique issues and we have learned quickly that Western is a group we can rely on to give us a quick, fair and accurate report on building envelope issues. It's great having a partner that isn't trying to oversell an easy fix or undersell a major project. They provide detailed estimates and explanations that allow us to have informed conversations with Management and Ownership to make the best decision.

Drew and the team at Western Specialty Contractors should be on the short list for every Property/Facility Manager who is facing an issue with building seals, window glazing, copings or any other building envelope issues. They'll be sure to take care of you or direct you to the right spot for help! Thanks Drew!

Matt Burton, RPA
Facility Manager
Lincoln Harris
Atrium Health Account

Through my role as property administrator and being an emerging professional in BOMA, I have enjoyed relationship-building with vendors in our industry, particularly in landscaping. My passion and desire to learn more about landscaping has turned into a leadership role within our own team and created a great relationship with our account manager.

US Lawns has gone above and beyond our expectations. Being relatively new to the industry, it is encouraging to partner with a company that follows through. I am a big proponent for following through on what is communicated and agreed upon sticking to your word. Before I can even ask when something will be installed or is remediated, it is already taken care of. I can leave at the end of the day knowing the crew servicing our property genuinely cares for it as their own.

I sincerely appreciate what US Lawns does daily even when they are not servicing our properties. From designing, installing, and maintaining commercial landscapes to the team it takes for property upkeep, my hat goes off to them.

Walter Holt, III
Property Administrator
JLL

LandCare has been servicing the 40-acre, Maersk account for the past 10 years.  We hold the status of anchor tenant in the Arrowpoint Business Park, and Maersk requires a high standard of performance in all areas of Facility Management.  

The building operates on a 24/7 basis and, in the worst weather conditions possible, is always open.  In times of inclement weather there are times when we need to determine the status of ancillary roadways leading into the park and no matter the time, LandCare has never failed to be available.  Information collected during these early morning conversations becomes a part of the Everbridge communication to all the colleagues and facilitates the decision-making process of opening late so that colleagues have options to safely travel to work. 

Due to the fact that the facility is over 30 years old, we have challenges with such things as the irrigation system due to age.  LandCare has worked in partnership with Maersk to resolve these issues as they arise, budgeting costs, and maintaining as long as possible before a full replacement of the system can be completed.  

When emergencies arise, such as the tornado that touched down on our property several years ago, the crew was here immediately to share in the clean-up process.  All total, it took 7 months to get windows replaced, exterior cameras put back up, trees removed that were split down the middle and, debris in our 1.5 acre pond cleaned-out, to name a few.

In summation, LandCare works diligently to control costs while delivering the desired results, provides excellent regularly scheduled service, ensures lines of communication are always open, and responds without delay in the event of an emergency.   

LandCare has truly demonstrated how much they value the partnership that we have created over the years.  They have a wonderful team and make a great partner!

Kathi Allen-Shout | Facilities Manager
CBRE | Global WorkPlace Solutions

In July of 2019 one of our ownership groups released an RFP for the painting of their 10-building portfolio in a campaign to rebrand the 805,000 square feet of mostly raw brick buildings.

Platinum Coatings of NC was the winning bidder who proposed not painting the buildings, but rather changing the color of the existing brick with a masonry application not frequently used. The advantages to this system were many- including no maintenance, no fading, cracking, blistering, or peeling of paint as is to be expected with an aging coating, a 5 year manufacturer warranty, the ability to change the colors again later also without painting, and most importantly maintaining the breathability of the building envelope which is an inherent advantage to a brick façade. In addition, the materials used were not as sensitive to surface temperatures and moisture levels as conventional products allowing us to pursue our aggressive schedule upon release of the projects in mid-October 2019.

Platinum's proposal reduced our cost by eliminating the prime coat typically associated with painting and offered a lump sum discount if the entire portfolio was awarded. Upon viewing photos and in person viewings of various other projects such as single story and multiple story buildings in the recently renovated parks, ownership knew this was an innovative solution for updating their facades.

Amanda with Platinum worked directly with WGM, Trinity, and Ownership to create a color palette, layout design, and execution of the projects on a tight timeline. The outcome is beautifully crafted, unique and eye catching.

Lissette Espinoza Munoz | Property Manager
Trinity Partners

Relationships made through BOMA really do endure. Many people in our CRE industry go from Allied to Principal, Principal to Allied, change companies or change businesses all-together. My relationship with Jen Mugnano started when she was with another provider than her current, KONE, and when she was known as Jen Murphy.

Ours started off when she stepped in to assist with a service contract that was in distress. She jumped right in to make sure the property and client needs were all met. When Jen moved over to KONE, she brought with her, her knowledge of elevators and her well-cultivated relationships. Because I knew Jen to be the person to make things right, I knew engaging her and KONE on new contracts wouldn't fail me.

As we all know, not only people move around but buildings also changed hands. Having these established relationships has also made asset transitions easier. With recently assuming management of Birkdale Village and elevators being a significant service contract, it was a great comfort to see KONE and Jen as my point of contact. We already know each other, how we work together, and each other's expectations. This is a time-saver and we were able to get right down to business.

It makes me so happy to say that our relationship has overcome many changes, challenges and triumphs but regardless it stood the test of time.


Liz RIvers | Associate DIrector
CBRE

With all the craziness going on in the world, it occurred to me that everything that happens affects a Property Manager's job.  Whether it is a recession, inclement weather, political unrest, protests, pandemics, or Y2K (for those of us who have been in the industry a few years), we still have a job to perform. 

All of this can make the routine seem challenging.  However, with a vendor partner that is quick to respond and always performs with above standard results, Mecklenburg Paint helps us to continue managing properties thru the chaos.  I have used Mecklenburg Paint for over 20-plus years.  We have shared some very successful projects including full building interior paint projects to a simple wall repair/paint/corner guard. 

With the reduced occupancy experienced recently, Mecklenburg Paint came in and refreshed several areas for us that would be difficult during "normal" times.  Our garage elevators look fabulous and we had the opportunity to freshen up some back of house areas, such as freight lobbies, abused corridors, and even repairs in the main lobby. 

Liz, Allison, Mike, and Sheila are just a few of the wonderful people who help take care of the Property Manager's around this city and am proud they are a BOMA partner for us.


Melinda Hopkins, RPA, FMA, LEED AP
CBRE

ABM Industries started janitorial services for Optimist Hall in July 2019. Little did we know that less than a year later, we would be facing a pandemic that would sweep across our nation and impact the entire world.

Before COVID-19, you may have noticed the ABM staff working hard behind the scenes to keep Optimist Hall running (and looking great for all of our guests)! When we launched our Curbside Drive Thru in less than 36 hours, their team stepped up to help facilitate the program by running orders, directing customers, and keeping the (sometimes long) line moving.

Rain or shine, they do it all with a smile on their faces, and we couldn't be more thankful that they were willing to adapt so quickly as we made these necessary changes at Optimist Hall.

The ABM staff members at Optimist Hall are simply irreplaceable as they have become an integrated part of our team. ABM has truly been a partner to our organization before and after Coronavirus so we just want to say, Thank You! Because of your hard work and your ability to quickly adapt, Optimist Hall was able to keep our doors open so we could continue serving local food to the Charlotte market.

If anyone is ever in need of a solid janitorial service provider I whole heartedly recommend reaching out to Andrea Todd with ABM Industries. We are grateful for you and look forward to continuing our partnership with ABM!


Kara Blue
Property Manager of Optimist Hall
The Providence Group

Property Managers work in a fast-paced environment where results matter. We heavily rely upon skilled colleagues, engineers, and vendors to help us make the right choice in scope, frequency, and method of work. Enter State Building Services. Spencer, Keith, and Ian have always been there to provide a quick proposal, offer advice, walk the property, send photos, research a product, or help find a solution to an issue.

State handled all metal, stone, and wood maintenance for a 20-year old, 1M SF property that I previously managed. State offered fair and competitive pricing without sacrificing service. State also revisited and improved upon scopes to heighten service levels for a positive impact. They will not hesitate to dive into the details without overwhelming.

State also took over exterior pressure washing services for a property located in close proximity to residential communities. The timing was tricky as pressure washing could not occur during business hours, but the noise ordinance restricted us from doing it past a certain hour at night. Spencer literally measured the distance between our property and the residential buildings, and then measured the sound levels of his machines in order to implement a reasonable plan with his crew. Noise problem solved, and 3 blocks of sidewalks cleaned quarterly.

State was also very instrumental in helping me with the 2020 Budget. They provided pricing for exterior paver repairs, lobby grout replacement, and exterior column and window mullion cleaning and polishing. I may not always have time to visit a project immediately after it is complete, but I can trust to receive a photo and update from State Building Services the very next day, which gives me peace of mind.


Amy Albright
BOMA Board of Directors
Property Manager
Cousins Properties