Feb 13, 2023 |
As a business owner, you’re always looking for ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency. One way to do this is to consider using an Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) solution. IFM is the comprehensive management of facility operations and maintenance activities in order to reduce operational costs, improve operational efficiency and performance, and ensure compliance with industry standards. In short, an IFM program like the one we provide at Powerhouse increases organizational agility while moving your business toward a more strategic foundation.
What Are the Benefits of Using IFM?
When you use an IFM solution, you reap a number of benefits. Including:
- Cost savings – By utilizing an integrated approach to managing your facility operations and maintenance activities, you can save money on labor costs by consolidating tasks into one service provider. This also allows you to take advantage of economies of scale when it comes to purchasing materials and supplies.
- Increased Productivity – An IFM solution can help you streamline operational processes by consolidating all your facility operations under one roof. This can free up employees’ time to focus more on their core responsibilities instead of managing multiple vendors or overseeing multiple tasks at once.
- Improved Overall Communication and Collaboration- When you choose an IFM model, you can direct more of your company resources to what matters. Removing the burden of facility management efforts on company leaders allows them to focus on your business’s core purpose, enhancing collaboration and communication and ultimately delivering a better employee experience in the workplace.
- Improved Compliance – With an IFM solution, you can make sure that your facility meets all applicable local regulations for safety, health, and environmental compliance. This helps protect your business from costly fines or other penalties due to non-compliance issues.
- Enhanced Quality Control – An IFM solution provides a unified approach to quality control throughout your organization because all activities are managed through one vendor. This ensures that all aspects of the process are monitored closely for accuracy and consistency in order to meet the highest standards of quality possible.
- Enhanced Use of Technology to Leverage Actionable Insights- “Utilizing a Computerized Maintenance Management System, CMMS, allows for maintenance costs to be tracked by trade at the site level across the entire portfolio and provides full transparency to the client. Using the data can allow for better business decisions around annual budgeting and capital spend,” explains Paula Kirk, Executive Vice President of Facilities Maintenance-Powerhouse.
- Reduced Risk – By managing all aspects of facilities management under one roof, you can significantly reduce the risk associated with running a business by minimizing potential liabilities related to contract disputes or regulatory violations that could arise from working with multiple vendors or suppliers simultaneously.
How does IFM differ from Traditional FM programs?
FM is the foundation of any organization operating out of a physical space. The people and processes keep your commercial building running smoothly, from the infrastructure to the assets and equipment in and outside of it. Its mandates typically include; electrical, plumbing, handyman, carpentry, HVAC, painting, emergency services, parking lot services, ADA remediation, general maintenance, and any combination of building and grounds maintenance, both scheduled and unscheduled responses to an unexpected event.
In a traditional FM program, organizations typically take one of two approaches. Hire a facility maintenance manager, boots on the ground at each location, overseeing facility needs themself for a specific location or two-create a facilities maintenance program with various vendors across each trade with a manager to oversee and coordinate for each of the organization’s locations. On the ground, this system can quickly spiral into a logistical nightmare, with managers over their heads, multiple service providers performing different tasks at different sites to different standards, skyrocketing costs, and a regional or executive director buried in paperwork and coordination efforts to keep multi-site organizations up to spec on their many facilities.
With both FM and IFM services, the goal remains the same – to maintain and enhance built environments. A true IFM approach shifts management from focusing on just hours and resources to focusing on performance or outcome-based management. This strategic approach allows facility owners to understand better the total cost of ownership, risk management, and process improvement – which translates to improved performance and effective management. The IFM approach is proven to be more effective and more strategic than traditional FM programs.
Powerhouse’s IFM approach consolidates all the FM efforts for a national, multi-site organization under one united team – a team that is integrated and performs the work collaboratively – as opposed to managing multiple vendors and contractors; you have one dedicated facility partner, one contract, one clear point of contact for all locations nationwide, one standard scope of service and a cost-saving, efficient organizational collaboration.
“Transforming to an IFM model allows clients to focus on their strategic goals by allowing Powerhouse to provide the tactical oversight and streamline their facilities management using our people, processes, and technology,” -Paula Kirk, Executive Vice President, Facilities Maintenance-Powerhouse.
Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) is an effective way for businesses to reduce costs while improving efficiency and performance in their facility’s operations and maintenance activities. It combats the old-school counterproductive approach of a traditional FM program by enhancing program transparency and efficiencies with streamlined structure and processes, comprehensive KPIs, and improved organizational decision-making for your organization across all your locations nationwide.
Should your Business Switch to IFM?
Is an IFM approach right for your business? The answer is yes if your business is in need of one or more of the following:
- Has multiple locations
- Prefers a centralized purchasing approach
- Desires a holistic approach to FM services
- Is looking to reduce costs of ownership over the lifecycle of your assets
- Prefers a simplified agreement with one supplier
- Has resources stretched thin at the regional or local level
- Is looking to reduce the cost of ad-hoc FM services
- Has multiple locations with a need for emergency services for natural disaster preparation, clean up, or restorative services
- Has a need for more streamlined compliance
- Desires more consistent and quality scope of service across all locations
If any of these needs align with what you want for your facility – the right choice for your business is clear – it’s IFM.
More and more Industries are transforming from a predominantly single FM outsourcing model to an integrated services model like the Powerhouse IFM model that meets all their facility needs. With one integrated approach, you improve overall customer experience, optimize how your space is used, and ultimately lower the total cost of ownership.
The real benefits of an integrated facility management approach do not take long to see. They repeatedly make themselves apparent. Whether it’s cost savings through economies of scale or increased productivity due to streamlined processes, there are numerous benefits associated with implementing an IFM solution in your organization.
Want to learn more about Powerhouse’s IFM Model? Click below:
Learn More
Apr 1, 2020 |
As an essential business, we have to stay up-to-date on all of the latest CDC recommendations for protecting ourselves and others from the threat of contracting COVID-19. There are many tips and tricks out there, and we’re here to share some more with you in case you’ve missed them. We also want to reassure those reading that these are the precautions Powerhouse and our employees are taking everyday during these uncertain times.
Find all this information on CDC.gov
Know How it Spreads
- There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
- The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
- The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
-
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Take Steps to Protect Yourself
Clean Your Hands Often

- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid Close Contact

Take Steps to Protect Others
Stay Home if You’re Sick

Cover Coughs and Sneezes

- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a Facemask if You’re Sick

- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
- If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Clean and Disinfect

- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Click here to learn how to disinfect properly.
#Powerhouse #Coronavirus #COVID-19 #ProtectYourself
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
Mar 18, 2020 |
As the World Health Organization officially declares this virus a pandemic, there are many concerns across the globe regarding our well-being. Our personal and professional lives are shifting as we, as a country and as a planet, figure out how best to stay healthy, stop the spread and also continue contributing economically. This is the first crisis in our time of the age of technology which allows many employers to offer work-from-home setups. Only time will tell which initiatives have proven successful in stopping the spread and maintaining progress in our professional lives.
For our industry in particular, which has been experiencing growth amongst a few challenges in the recent years, the coronavirus poses a pretty sizeable threat – material availability. Read more below from Construction Best Practices on how COVID-19 can potentially impact our industry this year.
As reported by GlobeSt.com, which offers commercial real estate news, the coronavirus has made the certainty of construction cost projections rather murky. “The impact of the virus is impossible to predict with certainty, but any prolonged slowdown in Chinese or global economic and manufacturing activity is likely to have significant ramifications for construction costs,” according to the JLL 2020 Construction Outlook, as cited by GlobeSt.com.
The virus may also impact the availability of materials. Because roughly one-fourth to one-third of the construction products that builders use in the United States are sourced from China, a sustained slowdown in Chinese production can lead to material shortages in the United States and rises in material costs, JLL said.
But there may be a silver lining: Reduced construction activity due to virus containment efforts will result in a reduction in demand of materials, offsetting price pressure. However, “Without the ability to accurately forecast the impact of the virus, we have widened our materials price forecast to account for the uncertainty,” JLL added.
Source: https://www.bestconstructionpractices.com/2020/03/coronavirus-poised-to-cause-materials-shortage/
Mar 2, 2020 |
What We’re Up To
2020 will be a busy year for the Powerhouse Business Development Team as we crisscross the nation attending conferences and trade shows to spread the word about our services for Construction, Facility Maintenance, Landscaping/Snow Removal and Rollouts. While this grueling schedule could wear out even the most seasoned teams, it energizes Powerhouse’s BD Team! We love being on the road because it means we get to see our clients and our partners, as well as meet prospective clients, all while telling the Powerhouse story.
With our experience in multiple industries we can help you deliver successful projects, improve your brand image, and implement programs on time and on budget. Let us show you!
Want to talk with us at any of the shows below? Lace up your running shoes and catch us if you can. Contact Us
Show |
City |
State |
Location |
Begin Date |
End Date |
StorePoint Fresh |
Austin |
TX |
JW Marriott |
1/26/2020 |
1/29/2020 |
StorePoint Retail |
Seattle |
WA |
Hyatt Regency |
2/9/2020 |
2/12/2020 |
StorePoint Fashion |
New Orleans |
LA |
New Orleans Marriott |
3/1/2020 |
3/4/2020 |
RFMA |
Denver |
CO |
Gaylord Rockies |
3/8/2020 |
3/10/2020 |
SPECS |
Dallas |
TX |
Gaylord Texan |
3/15/2020 |
3/17/2020 |
NMFT Baltimore |
Baltimore |
MD |
Baltimore Convention Center |
3/17/2020 |
3/19/2020 |
RestaurantPoint West |
Phoenix |
AZ |
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa |
3/29/2020 |
4/1/2020 |
Vizient’s Conference |
Las Vegas |
NV |
Wynn Resort |
3/30/2020 |
4/2/2020 |
HotelPoint |
Scottsdale |
AZ |
Western Kierland Resort and Spa |
4/5/2020 |
4/8/2020 |
BuildPoint |
San Antonio |
TX |
JW Marriott Hill Country Resort and Spa |
4/19/2020 |
4/22/2020 |
Connex |
Orlando |
FL |
Gaylord Palms |
4/20/2020 |
4/22/2020 |
Atlanta Apartment Association |
Atlanta |
GA |
Cobb Galleria Centre |
5/13/2020 |
5/13/2020 |
Banking Facilities Forum |
Austin |
TX |
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort |
5/19/2020 |
5/21/2020 |
Apartmentalize |
Boston |
MA |
Boston Convention and Exhibition Center |
6/17/2020 |
6/20/2020 |
Premier Conference |
Nashville |
TN |
TN Gaylord Opryland Resort |
6/23/2020 |
6/26/2020 |
ASHE Annual |
Chicago |
IL |
McCormick Place |
8/2/2020 |
8/5/2020 |
C-BuildPoint |
Bonita Springs |
FL |
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point |
9/20/2020 |
9/23/2020 |
Florida Apartment Association |
Hollywood |
FL |
Diplomat Beach Resort |
9/30/2020 |
10/2/2020 |
RestaurantPoint East |
Atlanta |
GA |
Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center |
10/18/2020 |
10/21/2020 |
SeniorLivingPoint |
Santa Ana Pueblo |
NM |
Hyatt Regency Tamaya |
10/25/2020 |
10/28/2020 |
NMHC OPTECH Conference |
Las Vegas |
NV |
Wynn Resort |
11/16/2020 |
11/18/2020 |
Jan 31, 2020 |
Your property’s exterior will make the first impression. Let us help you stand out.

Landscape Industry Trends
The Landscaping Industry has a direct correlation to the health of property markets, which has been on a steady incline since 2014. Because of this, we see several features within the industry rising as well. The Landscape Services Industry as a whole in 2019 hit some incredible mile markers:
- $99bn
- Over 500,000 businesses dedicated to Landscape Services
- An annual growth of 4.4% (2014-2019)
- Almost 1.1m industry employees
Here’s what we learned from 2019
Technology
This is a trend that does not discriminate! Technological advances have been touching every industry for quite some time and it’s up to us to keep up.
Design
The rush to catch up to your landscape’s growth has led to a different direction of landscape design. Without leaving the trend of more and more green space out, customers are opting in for a more low-maintenance landscape from the beginning. Choosing the design for your region and space can lead to overall less touches when it comes to maintaining your exterior. An asymmetrical design is an example of how some are choosing to fit in with this trend.
Wellness
Wellness is a trend that correlates with landscape services. As the mantra of a healthy mind and body grow, so does the need and appreciation for green space. Because everyone is starting to become aware of green spaces, businesses are trying to focus more on improvement and grooming.
Powerhouse is keeping up with these trends so that this industry doesn’t out-grow us. We know what’s important to our clients and our clients’ clients. We’re up-to-date on technology and we understand the reason for the variety of landscaping designs and the “why” behind all of it.
Powerhouse can be your easy button for landscape services. Don’t let these trends overgrow your exterior!
Powerhouse’s Exterior Services
- Snow and Ice Management
- Snow Removal
- Hauling
- De-icing
- Parking Lot
- Pressure Washing
- Sweeping
- Striping
- Repair & Sealing
- Concrete Repairs
- ADA Compliance
- Landscape Services
- Grounds Maintenance & Clean-Up
- Hardscapes
- Irrigation
- Tree Trimming
Sources
Total Landscape Care’s Green Industry Trends of 2019 (https://www.totallandscapecare.com/landscaping/green-industry-trends-2019/)
IBISWorld’s Landscaping Services Industry in the US - Market Research Report (https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/landscaping-services-industry/)
Turf Magazine’s 5 Major Social Trends Important to the Landscape Industry (https://www.turfmagazine.com/business-management/important-social-trends/)