Jim Ketchum

I am looking to make a career shift from Facility Maintenance Provider to Facilities Management. I started work in the maintenance world as a plumber. After years of plumbing I began working for a facilities maintenance company where I gained experience in all trades. I was moved from the field to become an Estimator, then promoted to Project Manager. My position as Senior Project Manager quickly grew into managing complex jobs, business development, customer relations, personnel management and a lot more. The knowledge I have developed as a facility maintenance provider will benefit me as a Facility Manager. Doing the actual work hands on has given me the experience to recognize what is needed to complete repairs. This also allows me to make minor repairs myself on walk throughs instead of creating a work order, thus saving budget. When proposals are needed from a provider, I can quickly identify inflated pricing of materials and labor. Some providers will include exaggerated scopes of work beyond what is needed, and I have the knowledge to question why. Working with both retail and restaurants, I understand time is money, so repairs must be done in a timely manner. As we all know, the facilities industry is not a 9 to 5 job, and I am accustomed to calls at all hours, 7 days a week. Travel is also not an issue. I have driven and flown across the U.S. monthly for the last few years.