Brian Choplin

Regional Facility Manager-AVP with over 18 years of experience excels in strategic planning and operational excellence, managing a vast real estate portfolio across several states. Expertise in budget management, cost controls, vendor contract negotiation, and staff training programs, enhancing financial success and operational efficiency. Skilled in customer satisfaction, strategic vision, and multitasking, demonstrating a strong ability to improve resource allocation and leadership in facility management.

• First Bank, St. Louis, MO, Excelled in strategic planning while managing First Bank’s Midwest Region real estate portfolio, including properties in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, and Texas. Exercised operational excellence to improve organization resource allocation in facility management while managing Midwest Region's property portfolio of 43-71 properties from 2014-2024, overseeing 778,174 sq ft of retail, office, and tenant space at its peak. Provided leadership to the Property Management Team consisting of 3 Maintenance Techs, an Assistant Property Manager, a Corporate Real Estate Administrator, and 2 Corporate Real Estate Interns. Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills for hands-on training, supervision, and conducted annual performance reviews to maintain quality control.. Managed an Annual Operating Budget over $6M. Prioritized and Implemented cost controls by the analyzing budget to increase financial success of Region by over 5%. Success achieved via staff planning, utility management, and being the liaison between vendors, suppliers, and customers. With a focus on operations and maintenance. Successful in negotiating and managing vendor agreements compliance for First Bank’s facilities management services. This included developing specification for project scope sending out RFPs, reviewing bids, selecting contractors, and executing contracts. Worked closely with First Bank's Legal Department, being meticulous to ensure contractual obligations met First Bank’s needs. Excelled in leadership during emergencies to resolve problems and to ensure continuous operational flow of bank operations, coordinating with vendors, staff, and Risk Management Team. Assumed leadership role in the implementation of essential equipment and protocols to maintain First Bank's operations and client relationships during COVID-19 using a teamwork approach, including sourcing sneeze guards and distance markers, and developing cleaning protocols with external vendors Demonstrated computer proficiency and leadership to achieve operational improvement by implementing a CMMS (ServiceNow Work Order System). Required presentation skills and communication expedite implementation. Was lead management for staff relocation projects at First Bank for up to 150 employees, leading others and collaborating with stakeholders and vendors, while minimizing operational impact and adjusting office spaces to better address customer needs. Exercised communication and client relationship to manage and provide retention for over 75 leases valued at $2.4M for First Bank, acting as both landlord and tenant. Collaborated with First Bank's Legal Department to limit lease liabilities. Vital member of Project Management Team that lead transformation of 33 Midwest locations, involving relocations and renovations at a budget of $8.5 million, while maintaining Branch productivity and client relationships through working directly with clients and staff. Managed relocation, transformation, and development of 10 California branches with a $2.7M budget. Utilized Project Management skills to coordinate and prioritize construction schedules with General Contractors, First Bank Retail, Branch Technology, Networking, and Security Departments for transformation and relocation projects. Coordinated installation of furniture, fixtures, and equipment with 3rd party vendors Developed and maintained a close, working relationship with First Bank's lead architect, meeting with architect to review drawings and provide feedback to improve designs for First Bank projects. Contributed to event planning and execution for the opening of a $40M corporate headquarters as part of the Change Management Team, liaising directly with the general contractor for site redevelopment.
• YMCA of Greater St. Louis-Carondelet Park Rec Complex, St. Louis, MO, 07/01/09, 01/01/13, Member of the strategic planning team to launch a $20M, LEED-certified, 76K sq ft Recreation Facility with pools, fitness and childcare centers, gymnasium, and conference rooms. Implemented start-up operations, coordinated with contractors for FF&E installation, and displayed superior time management skills ensuring new facility readiness for on-time delivery. Negotiated and implemented vendor contracts to maintain facility, including mechanical and life-safety contracts. Developed specifications of a comprehensive preventative maintenance program for all MEP equipment, including chilling tower, heat pumps, and pool pumps. Programmed and maintained Building Management System to maximize energy efficiency. Trained employees and provided follow through to team, adhering to quality standards, inclusive of 1 Full-Time Maintenance Tech and 22 housekeeping staff. Managed and developed a work order system for timely and consistent building repairs, effectively training staff on its use to meet staff and clients' needs. Exercised communication skills in training staff on work order system. Coordinated the launch of the $21M, 76,000-square-foot O'Fallon Park Rec Complex, consulting key YMCA stakeholders to establish a comprehensive facility plan.
• Baton Rouge River Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 07/01/06, 07/01/09, Managed staffing needs of a talented team of 4 full-time and up to 12 part-time Operations crew members, overseeing 500 annual events through cross-training. Excelled in multitasking as the liaison for the City of Baton Rouge's Department of Public Works and maintenance contractors to meet their commitments, ensuring HVAC and other building features were maintained effectively. Programmed HVAC using Johnson Controls' web-based Metasys and developed Standard Operating Procedures for building systems. Generated and maintained an internal work order system. Consulted with the Assistant General Manager to ensure a comprehensive risk management program and emergency response plans