Facility management is not likely to be the new glamour career; however, this evolving industry and the professionals that work in it should strive to gain the recognition and resources deserved and needed to ensure success.

In this NFMT Baltimore general session, Building Operating Management Facility Influencer John Rimer shared his utopian view for facilities called Facilitopia. The concept is to recognize the value facility managers bring to the organization and allow them to do their job with increased resources and a seat at the c-suite table.

Facility managers oversee the second largest asset and expense for most organizations, supporting both physical assets and the people within the organization. Managers need to change their mindset and operate as value-added business partners to drive decisions.

The intent of Facilitopia is for each professional to be better equipped to raise the bar within their organization and to collectively help drive the industry toward this utopian view for facilities.

During the session, Rimer outlines steps for recognizing, communicating, and selling the value the facilities department delivers to the organization, specifically in three key areas: people productivity, facility maintenance, and utilities management.