Blake Upright
Vermontville,MI
Summary
Forward thinking, thorough and organized facilities professional with a diverse experience in hands on knowledge of industry trades. Safety minded individual with strong analytical skills to determine the best course of action to achieve desired outcomes. Ability to navigate in emergency and fast paced environments as well as be proactive to mitigate unnecessary situations to arise. Self starting individual with hands-on leadership skills. Works collaboratively by means of providing support to other departments, analyzing and identifying all resources to implement projects efficiently, administering projects, and ensuring compliance to budgets and timeframes.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Manager
Kent County
Grand Rapids, MI
02.2024 - Current
- Maintained records of all documents related to each project including specifications, change orders, invoices.
- Created and implemented processes to ensure successful completion of projects.
- Developed and maintained project plans, timelines, and budgets.
- Coordinated resources across multiple departments and teams as needed for successful completion of projects.
- Managed multiple projects with competing deadlines simultaneously.
- Conducted regular status meetings with internal teams and external partners to track progress against established milestones.
- Collaborated closely with senior management on long-term strategic planning initiatives related to projects in development or execution stages.
- Advised other departments on best practices related to managing large-scale projects.
- Work with County Purchasing Department to adhere to all procurement policies.
- Develop project solicitations for public solicitations.
- Collaborate with Corporate Council to develop and execute contracts to contractors and vendors.
Facilities Director
Ottawa County
West Olive, MI
06.2021 - 02.2024
- Administers policies and procedures, directs all management functions of the department.
- Plans, develops and controls departments annual operating budget
- Develops CIP pans and budget recommendations of the Facilities department
- Member of the County Administrators leadership team
- Oversees construction and CIP projects
- Organizes stakeholders on multi-departmental projects
- Manages and oversees vendor contracts
- Prepares specifications and budgets for all departmental projects
- Develops informal and formal solicitations for procurement
- Drives continuous improvement in the department
- Oversees the security measures in County owned facilities
- Manages the CMMS asset and work order system.
- Participates in the overall Capital budgeting process for the entire County.
Business Owner/Operator
Upright Building and Remodeling
Vermontville, MI
09.2016 - 06.2021
- Developed and implemented business strategies to increase profitability.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to reduce operating costs.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of local laws regarding business licenses, permits, taxes.
- Developed estimates for projects and services based on in-depth knowledge of labor and material expenses.
- Provided top tier customer service with a wide array of customers to create long term relationships.
Assistant Facilities Supervisor
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Grand Rapids, MI
02.2016 - 08.2016
- Managed system work orders by distributing assignments and closing out completed work after walk-throughs.
- Oversaw vendor-provided building services, including janitorial, pest control and landscaping.
- Consulted in the planning of special building events.
- Handled general and routine maintenance such as basic plumbing issues and HVAC troubleshooting.
- Coordinated efficient maintenance schedules to keep systems running at peak levels.
- Inspected completed work to assess quality and identify skill or ability issues.
- Determined schedules, sequences and assignments for work activities, based on priority, quantity of equipment and personnel skill.
- Established and enforced clear safety policies to protect workers from injury.
- Troubleshoot complex PLC controls and sensors
- Managed internal and external teams handling projects such as tenant improvements, roofing and paving.
- Directed emergency response to serious building issues to contain problems, control damages and develop corrective plans.
Maintenance Manager
CEI Community Mental Health Authority
Lansing, MI
02.2014 - 02.2016
- Implemented improved training procedures to better onboard new employees.
- Initiated required repairs and improvements to all processes
- Oversaw selection process, performed employee reviews and disciplines.
- Established and implemented new procedures for standard maintenance scheduling.
- Delegated daily tasks to employees to manage resources and meet deadlines.
- Provided insight and information to management regarding onsite improvement project specifications.
- Minimized costs by working and negotiating with multiple suppliers.
- Monitored maintenance scheduling and reported maintenance team information to management.
- Contracted vendors to procure equipment and tools to meet organizational demand.
- Managed teams of employees, daily progress reports and overall project planning.
- Specialized in cmms systems, completing inspections and detailed repairs to achieve operational efficiency.
- Diagnosed and repaired mechanical issues according to industry standards.
- Used electrical drawings to troubleshoot and repair electro-mechanical and other systems.
- Inspected alarm systems and monitors to comply with fire, carbon monoxide and other life safety systems.
- Maintained safe workspace area to meet OSHA standards.
- Supervised facility operations, including preventive maintenance projects, employee tasks and performance and adherence to safety standards.
- Inspected all properties and facilities biannually for code compliance.
- Create operational and strategic plans from inspection data.
Lead Carpenter/ Carpenter
CEI Community Mental Health Authority
Lansing, MI
04.1998 - 02.2014
- Responsible for facilities projects, and process improvement.
- Performed equipment installations, utility installations and modifications.
- Interviewed, selected, and onboarded new employees.
- Act as Manager in their absence.
- Responsible for agency master key system, matrix, and keying of locks.
- Installed building structures such as windows, trim and cabinetry alone or with assistants to meet job deadlines.
- Anchored and braced forms and other structures in place to complete precise joining and high-quality work.
- Applied acoustic paneling to ceilings or walls to complete specified STC ratings.
- Planned work based on blueprints and individual project specifications.
- Promoted team safety by keeping work areas free of hazards.
- Repaired and maintained 97 properties across three counties, including renovating flooring, walls and ceilings, installing fixtures and remodeling bathrooms and kitchens to meet ADA requirements.
- Secured all required permit approvals prior to starting projects.
- Identified and requested any and all PPE necessary to perform tasks.
- Contracted specialty sub-contractors for special trade jobs or installations.
- Ordered materials and made material stock recommendations.
- Operated skytraks, backhoe, skid steers and tractors.
Education
High School Diploma -
Saugatuck High School
Saugatuck, MI05.1995
Skills
- Cost analysis and savings
- Inventory monitoring
- Time management
- Working collaboratively
- Microsoft Office
- Project planning and administering
- Operational and strategic planning
- Active listening
- Team building
- Critical thinking
- Training & Development of staff
- Strong analytical and communication skills
- Blueprint interpretation
- PPE use
- Multitasking
- Leadership
- Adaptability
- Thorough knowledge of electrical, plumbing, and hvac
- First Aid/CPR
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Inspecting for code compliance
- Preventative maintenance planning
- Customer service
- Operating and managing key matrixes for building securities
- Landscaping
- Previous union steward
Affiliations
- IFMA
- APWA
- Hiking
- Volunteering with various wildlife and outdoors groups
- Volunteering with local youth sports
- Wildlife habitat improvements
- Landscaping
- Boating
Certification
- Licensed Residential Builder-2004 2101173933
Timeline
Project Manager
Kent County
02.2024 - Current
Facilities Director
Ottawa County
06.2021 - 02.2024
Business Owner/Operator
Upright Building and Remodeling
09.2016 - 06.2021
Assistant Facilities Supervisor
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
02.2016 - 08.2016
Maintenance Manager
CEI Community Mental Health Authority
02.2014 - 02.2016
Lead Carpenter/ Carpenter
CEI Community Mental Health Authority
04.1998 - 02.2014
High School Diploma -
Saugatuck High School
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