2026 Facilities Magazine

facilities

2026 | VOLUME 3

POWERED BY

Bringing Trades Full Circle p. 10

Photo: Bertha Cisneros, Custodial Associate

The Hidden Costs of Reactivity:

How to create predictable, highperforming environments that p. 42 support athletics year-round.

Restoring Sodium p. 54 Degraded Soil

ever y sch ool deser ves exper t care

MADE WITH CARE

This publication was created by humans, for humans.

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One Team: First Annual National Meeting

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How Proactive Facilities Maintenance Improves Campus Safety

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Full Circle: Building the Future of Skilled Trades at Texas A&M

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Interplay in Action: 2025 by the Numbers

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Top Floor Care Challenges & Best Practices for Floor Care Professionals

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More than Facilities: Creating Environments Where Students Shine, Grow & Feel Empowered

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Growing in Step: How SSC and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Built a Stronger, More Aligned Partnership

in this issue

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Air Quality Upgrades Transforming Sustainability and Student Comfort

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A People-First Approach: Soft Skills In Facilities Management

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Leading With Purpose: The People Behind the Impact

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Beyond the Job: Giving Back to Our Communities

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Reframing Athletic Facilities as Strategic Assets in the Modern Era of College Sports

46

Rethinking Technology in Facilities Management

50

Turning Data into Decisions: How Technology-Enabled FCAs Are Reshaping Capital Planning

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Soil Degradation Research at Texas A&M University

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Grounds of Distinction: Celebrating SSC’s 2025 Award Winning Campuses

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When Facilities Work Better, Everything Else Gets Easier

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The strength of SSC has always been our people. Every day, our teams show up with care, professionalism, and pride, creating safe, welcoming environments where students and educators can focus on learning and growth. Their commitment is the foundation of our partnerships and the reason our work reaches far beyond the walls of the schools we serve.

As we look ahead to 2026, we are focused on building what’s next. We are investing in our people, strengthening collaboration across our organization and with our partners, and continuing to evolve how we deliver service. Just as importantly, we remain committed to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve, supporting local schools, engaging with families, and giving back in ways that reflect our shared values.

The stories throughout this magazine reflect the heart of SSC. They highlight associates who lead with purpose, collaborate with intention, and take pride in the positive impact of their work each day. You’ll also see the expertise and leadership that support our teams, helping us deliver consistent, trusted service while strengthening the communities that rely on us.

As we move into 2026, I’m energized by the road ahead. Guided by a peoplefirst mindset and a deep commitment to community, SSC is focused on creating lasting value for our partners, our associates, and the students we serve.

- Darryl Lomax CEO, SSC

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5 2 0 2

ssc year in review

12,257 140,000

Online training courses completed

Hours of safety training

239 1,050 421

HiPo & New Manager Training graduates

Skilled trades training hours completed

Internal promotions

1,238,057 4,877

222

Athletic fields

Students impacted at partner schools

Autonomous mobile robot work hours

8,010

Managed acres

459,424 139,967

Completed work orders

Preventative maintenance hours

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One Team First Annual National Meeting Summer of 2025 held a milestone moment for SSC. 250 of our managers, leaders, and support team members rallied together in Charlotte, NC, for our very first annual meeting— and what a ride it was!

At the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the team also met Mike Metcalf - NASCAR Pit Crew pro and founder of Deck Leadership. His passion for building teams powered by Diversity, Efficiency, Culture, and Kindness was just the spark we needed. On day two, Mike returned to deliver his electrifying keynote, “12 Second Culture”, reminding us of who we are and how we’ll carry the SSC culture forward, together.

Hosted at the beautiful Queens University of Charlotte, our theme “One Team: Forward Together” set the tone for two powerful days of connection, inspiration, and momentum toward the future.

As we look ahead, the momentum from our first annual meeting continues to drive us. With a renewed sense of purpose, a united vision, and the strength of One Team, we’re ready to lead, grow, and elevate our partnerships to new heights. The road ahead is bright, and we’re moving

We dove into dynamic sessions focused on what makes us thrive, including: • • • • •

Hiring & Growing Talent Building Leaders, Growing Stronger Going Beyond the Contract Division Game Plans for Success Advancing Our Culture

At the end of day one, the energy kept rolling as we zoomed over to the NASCAR Hall of Fame! There, we celebrated excellence with dinner, networking, and the People’s Choice Awards, spotlighting standouts from K-12, Higher Ed, and Corporate Support.

! r e h t e g o t d r a forw

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How Proactive Facilities Maintenance Improves

Campus Safety A S SE E N IN

Written by Marshall Darnell

For those on the front lines of facilities management and campus security, recognizing and addressing these potential dangers is a vital part of the overall mission.

Senior Director of Facilities Maintenance

The following checklist highlights key facility maintenance areas that, while often overlooked, are critical for a secure and well-maintained school, university or hospital.

Campus safety often centers on security technology, emergency protocols, and personnel. Yet, a crucial and often overlooked element is the proactive maintenance of campus facilities. Small, hidden risks resulting from poor upkeep can escalate into serious hazards for students, patients, faculty, staff and visitors alike.

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Campus safety isn’t always about responding to crises. For facilities professionals, it’s about preventing them with disciplined maintenance.

The physical infrastructure of a school or university is its first line of defense. It’s a complex system of interconnected parts, and a failure in one area can have a cascading effect on the entire campus.

Therefore, a comprehensive safety strategy must be built on a foundation of rigorous facility management.

This goes beyond simply fixing things when they break. It requires a systematic approach to identifying and mitigating risks before they pose a threat.

4 critical areas

While a campus may look wellmaintained on the surface, true safety lies in what’s often hidden from plain sight. A thorough safety audit should examine these key areas.

Air Quality Clean air vents are a key indicator of healthy indoor air quality. Neglected vents can accumulate dust, pollen, and allergens, leading to poor air circulation and a host of respiratory issues for students and staff. This can have a direct impact on student health, focus, and overall well-being. Beyond simple aesthetics, vents that are dusty, discolored, or show visible buildup are a clear red flag that the HVAC system is not being properly maintained.

Following a stringent replacement schedule for air filters is critical, as these filters are the primary defense against pollutants and contaminants. Without regular replacement, clogged filters reduce efficiency and strain HVAC systems, which can negatively impact student health and performance.

Fire Safety Functional and accessible fire extinguishers are critical for a quick response to fires. Without regular inspections, they can fail, leading to costly response delays. Each extinguisher should be in a visible area, like a hallway or cafeteria, and have a tag showing an inspection date within the past year.

Beyond extinguishers, it is imperative to regularly inspect fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and emergency exits. A proactive approach to fire safety ensures that all components are not only functional but also compliant with local and national safety codes, providing peace of mind and protection for campuses.

Structural Integrity Even minor water leaks can create significant hazards. Water intrusion, if left unaddressed, can weaken a building’s structural integrity and create electrical risks, posing both immediate and longterm dangers to the campus community. Signs like stained ceiling tiles, warped floors, or a persistent musty odor signal hidden water issues, which can also lead to mold growth and poor air quality. A comprehensive maintenance plan should include regular checks for leaks in roofs, pipes, and basements to prevent these issues from escalating.

Mechanical Operations Mechanical rooms house critical building systems, including boilers, electrical panels, and HVAC units.

If these areas are cluttered, poorly ventilated, or improperly maintained, they can become hotbeds for fire hazards, equipment malfunctions, or accidents that disrupt campus operations.

Regular inspections and a strict policy of keeping these areas clear of storage are non-negotiable for campus safety. Ensuring these systems are regularly serviced by qualified technicians not only diminishes risk but also improves energy efficiency and extends the life of costly equipment.

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True campus safety is a daily commitment, not just a one-time checklist. A proactive, preventative maintenance program should involve a comprehensive, year-round schedule of inspections and repairs that goes beyond simple seasonal checks. It requires trained personnel who are not only skilled in their trade but also acutely aware of their role in the broader campus safety ecosystem. Taking on this mindset transforms a basic maintenance checklist into a living, breathing safety plan that protects everyone on campus.

Ultimately, a proactive approach to facility maintenance creates environments where students and staff feel safe, allowing them to focus on what’s most important: education. From clean air vents to clear mechanical rooms, the unseen details of maintenance play a vital role in school safety.

By prioritizing these oftenoverlooked areas, campus safety professionals can ensure every space is cared for, protecting the well-being of the entire campus community and securing the long-term safety of the institution itself.

It is an investment that yields immeasurable returns in the form of a healthy, productive, and secure campus.

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Proactive Investment in Maintenance Results in LongTerm Benefits

A strong maintenance program is defined by what never happens: disruptions, safety incidents, and system failures that stay invisible to the people who depend on campus spaces every day.

Through disciplined inspections, preventative maintenance, and proactive response planning, our teams identify risk early and address it with precision. Maintenance may operate quietly, but it is one of the most powerful forces behind campus safety, reliability, and long-term operational resilience.

- Brian Coscia Sr. Vice President of Operations

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Full Ci

e l rc

At Texas A&M University in College Station, the hum of progress d e isn’t just in the labs ill k and classrooms, it’s in fS o the mechanical rooms, Building the Future the electrical panels, and the HVAC systems that keep campus Trades at Texas A&M life running.

Behind that hum is a dedicated team of skilled trades professionals, many of whom are getting their start through our SSC apprenticeship program.

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Under the leadership of Wesley Bissett, director of operations & maintenance at Texas A&M, Nickie Dwyer, director of learning and development and Kim Gautreaux, training manager, Texas A&M’s maintenance department has cultivated one of the company’s most successful apprenticeship programs.

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Currently, 24 apprentices are enrolled, learning trades in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. In just the past six months, five individuals have successfully completed the program, earned their licenses and stepped into advanced roles within the SSC team.

Each apprentice is paired with a licensed mentor, often someone who once stood exactly where they are today.

“It’s neat to see it come full circle,” Wesley says with pride. “Two of our now master plumbers and several journeymen in all three areas started out with us as apprentices. Now, they’re mentors guiding the next generation.”

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The apprenticeship is a four-year program, taking participants from entry-level apprentices to journeymen, and for some, onward to master-level licensure. Unlike many industry programs, our fully funds the training, removing the financial barrier that can prevent talented workers from advancing in the trades.

“Our employees take pride in their work,” Wesley explains.

“They’re doing their regular jobs, plus studying, taking tests, and learning new skills. It shows their dedication, not just to themselves, but to our clients.”

Of Wesley’s 150 frontline employees, 24 are currently apprentices, and most who complete the program stay with SSC long-term.

“We’ve built a culture where advancement is both professional and financial,” he adds.

“Once they get licensed, they earn a significant pay increase and open doors to leadership opportunities.”

innovation in learning

The new Interplay Learning platform, accredited by the Department of Labor, adds an innovative, high-tech dimension to SSC’s hands-on training approach.

Apprentices learn through computer-based modules and virtual reality simulations, performing complex tasks in a realistic yet controlled digital environment.

The program’s impact is measurable. The team currently maintains an impressive 85% first-time pass rate on licensing exams, and Wesley hopes to see that climb even higher. “With the enhancements Nickie and Kim are implementing through Interplay, I’d love to see a 100% pass rate,” he says.

proafucttuivelrey building the

With a nationwide shortage of skilled trade workers projected over the next decade, SSC is taking a proactive approach to ensure its workforce remains strong and sustainable. Through apprenticeship programs like Interplay, the company is investing now in developing trade professionals who will meet future demand head-on.

“It’s one of the coolest things about the program,” Wesley says. “They can practice repairs and installations using VR headsets before they ever touch the real equipment.”

“Getting ahead of the worker gap is critical,” Wesley says. “We’re not just filling jobs, we’re building careers. By training our own, we’re securing the future of our SSC team and ensuring our clients always have the skilled professionals they depend on.”

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d n a s e i r o t s s s e succing impac t last One standout success is Josh Glass, a master plumber who began his career as an apprentice. “Josh came to us early in his career, became a journeyman, and then a master plumber,” Wesley recalls. “Now, he’s mentoring others. That’s exactly what this program is all about, growth, leadership, and paying it forward.”

SSC also partners with industry leaders to enhance learning. Wesley spearheaded a preventative maintenance training initiative with Trane, using a standalone air handler that allows technicians to train on real equipment without disrupting campus operations.

“Our preventative maintenance program has improved the caliber of our HVAC professionals,” he says.

“And as our team grows, we can reduce subcontracting and handle more work inhouse.”

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a legacydoferleshaiprning and lea For Wesley, who began his SSC career eight years ago as a trades supervisor and worked his way up to director, the apprenticeship program embodies what SSC stands for: opportunity, growth, and excellence.

“I’ve worked closely with many of these employees from the beginning,” he reflects. “Watching them grow, earn licenses, and become mentors, it’s the most rewarding part of my job.”

Our apprenticeship program isn’t just about training technicians, it’s about proactively shaping the future of skilled trades, investing in people, and ensuring that the next generation of trade professionals is ready to lead.

Interplay in Action 2025 by the Numbers

Interplay Learning

Simulation-based training is commonplace in healthcare, aviation, and even military and defense training. SSC has tapped into its power within facilities management and skilled trades—and the benefits are proving to be unmatched.

1,531 137,248

training courses completed minutes of simulation & VR training

Top Courses • Hand and Power Tool Safety • What is HVAC • Chemical Safety • Cold Stress Recognition & Prevention • Distracted Driving

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“We’re not just filling jobs. We’re building careers” Wesley Bissett, SSC Director of Operations & Maintenance at Texas A&M

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Top Floor Care Challenges & Best Practices for Floor Care Professionals AS SE E N IN

Floor care is continuous. From the moment a new floor is installed to its eventual replacement five, ten, or twenty years down the line, the work never stops. High foot traffic, tracking of water, dirt and debris, spills, stains, and more can significantly impact the appearance and longevity of any flooring.

Floor care professionals are tasked with the daunting job of ensuring floors last as long as possible and look excellent throughout their lifespan.

The appearance and cleanliness of floors are especially important in educational facilities management. Our goal is to create spaces that students, teachers, and school staff can be proud of. We also want to ensure that floors remain clean, safe, and free of debris for optimal safety.

These challenges are easily overcome by consistent, quality training and mentorship within organizations and the industry as a whole.

Written by Cindy Espinosa Resident Regional Manager

Some of the largest obstacles in floor care include: • Learning how to identify floor types by sight • Understanding how each floor type is maintained • Ensuring the chemicals needed for floor care are mixed properly every time they are used to clean, strip, wax or perform other maintenance

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Learning Floor Care Processes To learn how to effectively care for floors— whether you have no experience and are approaching floor care for the first time or have years of experience and are approaching a new floor type—find a training opportunity and ask questions.

For custodial professionals, the first opportunity to do floor care should come with appropriate training alongside an experienced professional.

Because different floors require different care steps, you will need to learn more about the types of floors you will work with and how to identify a floor type by sight, which is often information passed down through the team.

Next, you’ll need to understand the chemicals and equipment appropriate for specific types of floors and the best process for the required regular and special care. Adequate training protects the longevity and structure of the floors you care for and the safety and well-being of your team.

Our goal is to create spaces that students, teachers, and school staff can be proud of.

Tips & Tricks for Floor Care Professionals 1. Minimize Impact with Adequate Planning

In order to achieve optimal results, an eye for detail is essential from the planning stages before work begins, to the finishing touches. Without detail-oriented planning, cleaning, preparation and execution, your results will be lackluster. In the planning stages for floor care, consider timing and traffic.

• How long will it take to complete the required care?

• Can work be completed overnight when foot traffic is limited?

• If floors will be inaccessible to traffic for a prolonged period, when can it be scheduled to minimize the impact on people who live, work, or learn in that space?

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In education spaces, large floor care projects are often scheduled for winter, spring, and summer break periods. If the facility cannot be closed, a best practice is to consider working in phases and determine alternate pathways for foot traffic within the building.

2. Don’t Neglect Proper Cleaning Procedures

A perfect base clean is essential when preparing for major floor work like stripping and waxing. When scrubbing the space, pay close attention to corners and edges. If you are planning to clean walls, do it ahead of stripping and waxing to prevent chemicals from being sprayed on your freshly waxed floor.

Above all else, clean, wellmaintained floors keep people safe.

While floor care presents various challenges, a job well done is something to be proud of for building visitors and floor care experts.

One of the best ways to know that you will get a perfect finish when waxing is to use clean water to mimic the look you will see once you’ve waxed. If you ever doubt your cleaning, do everything required: scrub the space, clean edges and corners, and pay close attention to detail. Next, mop the floor with clean water—how it looks wet is how it will look once you’ve put your wax on. If you aren’t confident in how it looks, know you need to go back and clean again.

3. Take Pride In What You Do

Arguably, the most important part of floor care is doing it consistently and well.

Floor care can be repetitive, tedious, and time-consuming. As a floor care professional, always take pride in what you do.

When you care, your work will show it.

Clean floors are more than just something nice to see when you step into a building— they create a lasting first impression and a sense of pride in the space.

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More than Facilities Creating Environments Where Students Shine, Grow & Feel Empowered Across campuses nationwide, our teams go beyond daily operations to spark moments of connection, comfort, and confidence. Whether it’s helping a teacher prepare for a new year, a visible sign of support for unity, or a partnership that transforms a dorm into a dream space, each effort reflects our belief that student success is at the core of everything we do. These initiatives—Unity Day, Clear the List, and The Vogue Room—show how we bring that mission to life. Together, they represent what it means to help students shine, grow, and feel empowered.

Our work begins with service but grows into something far greater—impact. Every task we take on helps create spaces where students feel supported and ready to succeed. When the environments around them reflect care and pride, confidence follows.

That’s the difference we strive to make each day, not just in how a campus looks, but in how it feels to the students who learn and grow there.

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Clear the List: Setting Students Up for Success

Every new school year brings a fresh start, and with it, the need for the right tools and classroom resources. Through our annual Clear the List initiative, we helped provide essential supplies for over 100 classrooms, making a $40,000 investment directly into the spaces where students learn.

By clearing lists and stocking classrooms, we’re giving teachers the support they need and creating spaces that inspire the next generation of leaders.

The Vogue Room: Transforming Move-In Day at JCSU

Unity Day: We Are Stronger Together

Each October, we come together in orange at many of our partner schools to celebrate Unity Day, a national movement that promotes kindness, inclusion, and standing against bullying. This school year, over 1,300 team members across the country joined in, filling hallways and classrooms with a visible sign that every student deserves to be welcomed, valued, and empowered to be themselves.

From collaborative art projects to campus-wide events, Unity Day reminds us that when we stand together, we build stronger, more compassionate communities.

Each fall, we partner with The Vogue Room Foundation to transform the move-in experience for firstyear students at our partner schools. This year’s dorm room makeover supported twin sisters Nakayla and Taniya at Johnson C. Smith University.

Nakayla’s space became a soft, pink retreat, while Taniya’s reflected her bold, purple style. Beyond the design, each room was stocked with Bloom Nutrition drinks and thoughtful touches to help them start the semester feeling energized, confident, and at home.

This partnership shows what happens when creativity and care come together to set students up for a successful year.

Scan the QR code to see the full dorm room transformation and Taniya and Nakayla’s reactions to their new homes.

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Growing in Step How SSC and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Built a Stronger, More Aligned Partnership

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When Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WSFCSD) began working with SSC, both teams understood the scale of what lay ahead. With nearly 60,000 students spread across 80 campuses, the district is practically a small city and keeping that city clean, safe, and ready for learning demands more than daily routines. It takes coordination, patience, honesty, and an unwavering commitment to showing up for one another.

But partnerships, real partnerships aren’t instantly seamless. They’re built through shared trial, steady communication, and the willingness to learn together. And that’s exactly how the SSC–WSFCSD relationship began to take shape.

finding our footing

The early days of any large-scale operation come with natural friction. Every school had different needs. Every leader had a different perspective. And with such a complex landscape, finding alignment wasn’t a single moment it was a process.

“Large districts don’t come with a playbook,” one SSC leader shared. “You listen, you adjust, and you start building a rhythm together.”

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The arrival of Brent Johnson in October 2023 marked a meaningful shift. With years of operational leadership experience and a deep belief in team building, he focused on one simple truth: everyone needs a seat at the table.

Suddenly, communication wasn’t just scheduled; it became cultural. Weekly check-ins, impromptu conversations, and open channels created space for transparency. Custodial teams and district facilities leaders sat side-by-side in joint training sessions, not to check boxes, but to strengthen a shared understanding of what success could look like.

It was here, in these rooms full of flip charts and coffee cups, that alignment truly began to take root.

Rather than shy away from the complexities, both teams leaned in. They talked more. They walked buildings together. They compared notes, clarified expectations, and gradually turned a collection of 80 individual campuses into a more unified service model.

The work wasn’t glamorous, but it was real, honest progress.

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walkhinerg the halls toget

There’s something powerful about seeing things through someone else’s eyes.

As SSC Unit Directors and WSFCSD District Specialists began conducting joint walkthroughs, problems that once felt abstract became immediate and solvable. Whether it was a scuffed floor, a timing gap, or a supply need, standing shoulder to shoulder changed the tone from “your issue” to “our solution.”

These walkthroughs became a rhythm of their own: honest, practical, and rooted in a shared desire to get better every week.

clariertyof, coshnasirestdentocyols, and the pow

With strengthened communication, the partnership turned toward building clarity. SSC created job routines and zone maps for every school which served as visual tools that made daily expectations clear for custodians, principals, and district leaders alike.

No more guessing who was responsible for which areas. No more uncertainty about priorities. The introduction of transparent, school-specific plans didn’t just improve operations, it built trust. Everyone could see the roadmap, and everyone understood how their role connected to the bigger picture.

Seasonal cleaning, which sets the tone for entire semesters, also got a new level of organization.

Detailed winter and summer plans were uploaded to a shared digital drive, giving the district real-time insight into progress at every campus. No surprises.

No mystery. Just a coordinated effort to ready buildings for students and staff.

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g collatubmoration turnminom into en By the time the 2023–2024 school year unfolded, the partnership had shifted noticeably.

• Winter cleaning showed measurable improvement.

• Spring brought sharper communication and shared problemsolving.

• And by summer, teachers and principals across the district remarked on how prepared their buildings felt, welcoming, polished, and ready for a fresh start.

These weren’t just operational wins. They were reflections of two teams growing in sync.

a milksesfotornite sethlfat spea In November 2025, WSFCSD awarded SSC a 10year contract extension and entrusted the team with additional buildings. It was a vote of confidence earned not through perfection, but through progress, transparency, and partnership.

The extension symbolizes more than a long-term agreement. It marks the next chapter of a relationship built on solving challenges together, celebrating wins together, and always keeping student success at the center.

“SSC has really performed to that standard that we’ve expected. At the end of the day, communication is incredible, and we’ve been able to deal with any of the pain points that arose throughout the process.

Starting out from Day One, SSC really wants to be your partner – they want to go out and be a part of your school family. Before too long, you realize that everybody is the same, and everybody working in your district really is one family.”

And the journey is far from over.

Together, the teams remain committed to refining, improving, and strengthening the district for every student who walks through its doors.

- Lauren Richards, Chief Operations Officer Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools

a partnership still growing

Today, SSC and WSFCSD stand as proof that strong partnerships are not defined by how they begin, but by how they evolve. What started as a large, complex custodial program has grown into a unified effort shaped by communication, shared accountability, and a deep commitment to creating safe, clean spaces for learning.

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Air Quality Upgrades Transforming Sustainability

and Student Comfort

ENHANCING AIR QUALITY AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA. SSC has undertaken a campus-wide initiative to upgrade the USF air filtration system replacement process. This project introduces a new prefilter system called TrueSeal with permanent metal frames that streamlines the replacement process, reduces maintenance labor, and delivers substantial cost savings—all while increasing indoor air quality and providing better protection for the HVAC equipment.

why it ma tt ers

Indoor air quality (IAQ) plays a crucial role in campus health, comfort, and energy efficiency. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that Americans spend nearly 90% of their time indoors, where pollutant levels can be 2–5 times higher than outdoor concentrations.

There are additional studies that correlate better indoor air with significantly higher academic performance and test scores.

Historically, USF’s filter replacement process required the full removal and storage of prefilters, creating significant labor, inventory, and logistical challenges. Additionally, filters were often changed too frequently, resulting in excess spending.

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Moreover, inconsistent installation practices led to inefficiencies, wasted materials, and uneven air quality performance across campus facilities.

key innovations •

Custom TrueSeal Filter Frames: Permanently installed frames that remain in place, allowing teams to replace only the filter media instead of the entire structure. They fit the entire track of the air handler, eliminating air bypass.

•

MERV 11 VE3 Filter Media: Prefilters are antimicrobial, antiviral, and hydrophobic. This results in better IAQ and protection of occupants and equipment.

•

Streamlined Maintenance: Reduces labor hours and storage demands by eliminating the need to stock and handle bulky prefilters.

•

Consistency and Quality: Centralized process ensures uniform filter installation and optimal performance across all campus units.

•

Optimization of Final Filters: Final filters across campus are now similar, innovative style. Benefits include lower energy cost due to reduction in pressure drop, reduction in waste, and reduction in labor/storage costs.

•

Clean Air as a Service: This custom offering by Joe Fly Co. eliminates unpredictability in budgets and streamlines AP by having a single, consistent invoice each month for the entire campus.

environmental & health benefits

This initiative supports USF’s sustainability goals by reducing waste and improving air quality metrics.

Cleaner air contributes to healthier indoor environments and may improve cognitive performance, reduce absenteeism, and support LEED and WELL Building certifications.

Reduced Material Waste

Eliminating full-frame disposal and optimizing final filters lowers solid waste output by more than 50%.

Energy Efficiency Gains

Better airflow through clean, properly seated filters can reduce HVAC strain by an average of 20% (varies by building and what filters were previously being used).

awwinanrding upgrades Following the completion of the filtration upgrade, the University of South Florida received the National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) Clean Air Award.

This award recognizes facilities that demonstrate excellence in air filtration practices, effective maintenance programs, and a strong commitment to indoor air quality.

Total Life Cycle Cost Savings

A detailed Cost Savings Analysis is being prepared for each building. The savings per building range from 26% to 67% annualized.

For USF, the award confirms that the new filtration system meets high industry standards for both performance and sustainability. It reflects the consistent installation practices, use of high-efficiency media, and preventative maintenance approach implemented through the SSC and Joe Fly partnership.

For SSC, it validates the system being applied across campuses—showing that a focus on practical improvements can produce measurable results and meet nationally recognized benchmarks for clean air and environmental health.

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future implications The award helps USF publicly communicate its commitment to indoor environmental quality, occupant health, and operational excellence. The new filtration program positions USF as a leader among higher education institutions prioritizing sustainability, efficiency, and wellness through operational innovation.

The NAFA Clean Air Award assures facility management that the system meets standards for cost savings, healthier indoors, and proven performance.

USF’s new filtration program demonstrates how forward-thinking partnerships between SSC and quality vendors like Joe Fly Air Filtration can transform routine maintenance processes into sustainability success stories. This model delivers measurable savings, improved air quality, and consistent operational excellence, setting a new standard for university facility management.

The success of the air filtration upgrade at the University of South Florida demonstrates how a focused, collaborative approach can deliver measurable results in both operational efficiency and indoor air quality. By combining SSC’s design-build delivery model, smart system integration, and accelerated procurement with Joe Fly Air Filtration’s custom frame technology, the project achieved lasting improvements that reduce costs, simplify maintenance, and enhance environmental performance. Earning the NAFA Clean Air Award underscores the quality and impact of this work and sets a clear example for how thoughtful facility partnerships can create healthier, more sustainable campus environments.

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“This is a campuswide installation that, when completed, will lead to over $234,000 in labor savings annually, as well as reducing material and storage burden.”

- Paul Tisch, USF Senior Director of Operations, SSC Services for Education

to hammer out the details

facilities maintenance

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A S S E E N IN

A People-First Approach Soft Skills In Facilities Management

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Written by Vallen Emery Division President of K-12

While practical facility management tasks are teachable, soft skills like listening, mentoring, and adaptability develop with time and care.

When most people think of facilities management, the first things that come to mind are practical, daily responsibilities: cleaning restrooms, mowing lawns, repairing HVAC systems. While these tasks are the backbone of the profession, they’re just part of what goes into maintaining safe and functional spaces and are not the whole story.

What’s less visible but just as critical is what happens beyond the checklist. How does a facilities leader de-escalate a situation that arises? How does the team stay engaged during a hectic week of unexpected callouts? How does a manager balance the needs of the client with empathy and accuracy? The answer lies in soft skills, which are often undervalued.

Facilities management is a dynamic industry that requires a blend of technical prowess and peoplesavvy leadership. While operating a floor scrubber or setting up a preventative maintenance program is teachable, knowing how to lead, listen, mentor, and adapt—in a time that increasingly values automation and artificiality—takes more time, intention, and care.

What Are Soft Skills?

Why Do They Matter?

Soft skills are non-technical; they enable you to connect with others, foster relationships, and tackle challenges effectively.

They are what elevate a technically proficient manager into a transformational one.

Hiring managers often prioritize technical skills, and for good reasons, they’re easy to quantify. Certifications, training hours, and on-the-job experience provide tangible proof of capability. But soft skills? They’re the glue that holds teams together, sustains partnerships, and, in many cases, ensures long-term contract success. Without them, even the most skilled operators may struggle to lead effectively.

Essential soft skills include: • Clear communication • Teamwork and collaboration • Conflict resolution • Adaptability • Empathy and emotional intelligence • Creativity and innovation • Strategic problem-solving • Mentoring and coaching

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In educational environments, the impact of facilities teams extends beyond maintenance. These team members are the connection to student experience, community pride, and stakeholder trust. Technical skills ensure the building is operational. But it’s soft skills that build credibility and lasting relationships.

Success often hinges on how well a manager or leader: • Addresses a teacher’s concern about classroom cleanliness without getting defensive.

• Provides school board leaders with clear, proactive updates on summer project timelines.

• Shows empathy to families during emotionally charged situations.

Building Strong Teams That Are Engaged, Committed, And Resilient Soft skills are equally important internally, particularly in team building, retention, and leadership.

Emotionally intelligent managers recognize that team members may be carrying stress at work and at home. They lead with compassion, flexibility, and clarity. They know when to push, when to listen, and when to simply be present.

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In moments like these, communication and emotional intelligence aren’t nice-to-haves, they’re non-negotiable. Even the most advanced cleaning system can’t salvage a relationship damaged by poor communication or a lack of empathy.

Managers who actively listen, respond respectfully, and anticipate needs become trusted partners. And trusted partners are invited to the table for long-term planning and not just called when something breaks.

Soft skills drive effective leadership by helping managers: • Stay calm and solve problems during disruptions or staffing gaps.

• Communicate changes in a way that keeps the team aligned.

• Provide mentorship and recognition that motivates.

A team that feels seen, heard, and valued is more likely to stay engaged, perform at a high level, and stick around reducing costly turnover and preserving organizational knowledge.

promoting soft skill development

There’s a common myth that soft skills are innate, you either have them or you don’t. The truth is, they can be cultivated just like any technical skill, but it takes deliberate effort.

In an industry rooted in operational excellence, soft skills may seem like a “nice” extra. In reality, they’re the force that determines whether a facility is merely managed or transformed. At its core, facilities management is a people business. It’s about how we support students and staff, how we build trust with stakeholders, and how we grow teams that care deeply about the work they do.

how to foster soft skills across a Facilities Management workforce Mentorship and Coaching Programs

Nothing accelerates growth like meaningful feedback from a respected leader. Mentorship programs provide associates with a space for honest self-reflection, scenario debriefs, and personalized support.

• Schedule regular check-ins • Discuss both wins and challenges • Provide examples and role modeling, not just advice This consistent engagement not only helps team members grow but also makes them feel invested in and looked after.

Targeted Soft Skill Training

Similar to how you would train a team on floor care protocols, invest in structured development programs that focus on: • Communication and collaboration • Adaptability and conflict resolution • Decision making under pressure

We will always need experts in HVAC, groundskeeping, sanitation, and safety.

However, if we want to build leaders, the kind that inspire, innovate, and endure, we must prioritize the human skills that power connection, collaboration, and compassion.

Use real-world scenarios, role-playing, and team challenges.

Encourage open conversations about what works and what doesn’t in the field. Create a safe space where managers can experiment with new approaches before applying them in a client or team meeting.

Embed Continuous Feedback into the Culture

Feedback is not a one-time event; it’s a culture. It is one of the most powerful tools, but only when it’s consistent, timely, and constructive.

• Incorporate regular one-on-ones into your cadence.

• Focus on development, not just critique.

• Highlight emotional intelligence, listening, and growth and not just performance metrics.

This approach reinforces that people development is part of the job, and not an afterthought.

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in educational facilities care

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Leading with Purpose The People Behind the Impact Leadership looks different in every setting, but at SSC, it often begins the same way: with people who care deeply about their teams and take pride in the work that keeps schools running smoothly.

Our managers balance the daily demands of facilities operations while mentoring others, solving complex challenges, and building strong relationships across campuses and districts.

This year, our award-winning managers each made a meaningful impact on the teams and communities they serve. Whether stepping into new roles, guiding organizations through transition, or showing up day after day with consistency and heart, they demonstrated that leadership is less about title and more about presence. Their stories reflect the dedication behind the work, and remind us that the strongest leaders are often the ones willing to roll up their sleeves and lead from the front.

manager of the year

Gabriela Soto

Gabriela Soto’s career has been shaped by stepping into challenge after challenge—and rising to meet them. Before joining SSC, she gained experience across multiple leadership roles, building the confidence and adaptability needed to manage people, clients, and complex operations.

When Gabriela joined SSC in 2023 at Virginia Commonwealth University in a role supporting dorm operations, her immediate impact soon created new opportunities. She was offered a newly created position as Parking Manager, overseeing decks, trash, and recycling routes. Shortly after, she was tapped for her first major travel assignment, heading to Texas to support the launch of a new account. There, she worked long hours, built strong relationships, and played a key role in stabilizing operations—an experience that tested her resilience and confirmed her ability to succeed under pressure.

Gabriela’s success paved the way for her next big step: the Unit Director role at VCU. In this position, she has thrived, crediting her growth to the mentors who guided her along the way. They helped her refine her leadership style, strengthen her patience, and succeed in high-pressure environments.

Gabriela leads by working sideby-side with her team. She believes the best leaders are those who stay visible, available, and connected to the work.

She views challenges like employee retention and client demands not as obstacles, but as opportunities to grow stronger together. Her leadership philosophy centers on patience, clear communication, and showing up for her team every day.

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manager of the year Brent Johnson

Brent Johnson’s career in environmental services began more than 15 years ago, primarily in healthcare. For over a decade, he served as a director overseeing operations in nursing homes across North Carolina and Tennessee, where he built a strong foundation in leadership and environmental management.

When he joined SSC, he embraced education as a new arena to apply his leadership, relationship-building, and commitment to people.

From the start, Brent viewed SSC not simply as a facilities provider, but as a people company supporting students, educators, and communities.

One of Brent’s most defining accomplishments came when he stepped into one of SSC’s largest K–12 partnerships. Faced with unique challenges, Brent leaned in rather than stepping back. Working closely with his manager, Chakakhan Watson, he focused on building trust, aligning teams, and creating open collaboration with district leadership. Over time, the partnership transformed into a model account grounded in shared goals, a philosophy Brent proudly describes as “one band, one sound.”

For Brent, SSC’s work is ultimately about people. He believes SSC is not just in the cleaning business, but in the people business serving students, teachers, and administrators by creating safe, welcoming environments. He is most proud of cultivating a family-like atmosphere within his team and restoring strong, lasting relationships with district partners.

living the brand

AJ Sims

When you walk into Kyle Field on a Saturday surrounded by 102,733 fans, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement.

What most people don’t see is the team behind the scenes that makes every game day shine. At the heart of that effort is AJ Sims, SSC’s Athletic Custodial Director at Texas A&M University.

AJ’s journey into facilities wasn’t planned. It was built on hard work, faith, and perseverance. In 2010, shortly after becoming a new father, AJ’s pastor who worked as a supervisor for athletics encouraged him to take a temporary custodial job for football season. Out of 27 temporary workers that season, only two were offered full-time positions. AJ was one of them.

AJ moved steadily through the ranks, from stadium custodian to Unit Director, taking on increasing responsibility at every step. Today, he oversees custodial operations for Kyle Field, Reed Arena, and other major athletic facilities, managing preparation for football games, concerts, and large-scale events. Under his leadership, the team earned recognition for the Cleanest Restrooms in the SEC during the 2021 season, a distinction that reflects both operational excellence and pride in presentation.

AJ credits mentorship and servant leadership as key influences in his approach, and he empowers his team to consistently meet the demands and exceed the expectations of some of the largest events in college athletics.

He leads with discipline, integrity, and attention to detail: exactly what it takes to perform at the highest level, in front of tens of thousands of fans.

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impact award

Jayme Nance

Jayme Nance’s SSC story began on the frontline. She joined in 2016 as a custodian at a higher education account in Tennessee, and her potential was evident almost immediately. Within months, she was promoted to lead, then hourly supervisor, and soon after selected for the Compass Group Manager in Training Program—a turning point that accelerated her leadership journey.

Over the years, Jayme has progressed from managing day-to-day operations to leading complex, large-scale K-12 partnerships. She is known for developing people, building trust across teams, and advocating fiercely for her associates.

Whether recognizing outstanding performance or working with districts to improve wages, Jayme consistently puts people at the center of every decision.

Jayme leads with humility and accountability. She believes the strongest leaders stay adaptable, lead by example, and remain connected to the work. Her career reflects what’s possible when talent is recognized, supported, and given room to grow. Her impact continues to shape the teams she supports.

Jayme often shares this advice with others: stay open to change, build strong networks, and never ask your team to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.

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Together, these leaders represent the heart of SSC. Their paths may look different, but each story is rooted in the same values: showing up, investing in people, and taking pride in work that matters. From frontline beginnings to complex leadership roles, they demonstrate that growth happens when opportunity meets support and commitment.

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Beyond When compassion, and the Job service, partnership come Giving Back to our Communities Our work reaches far beyond the spaces we care for every day.

From lending a hand during times of crisis to celebrating sustainability, generosity, and student success, our teams show up for the communities they serve.

together, anything is possible.

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Beebe School District

The team at Beebe School District came together for the 3rd Annual Badger Family Pantry Food Drive, demonstrating the power of a closeknit community.

Associates donated non-perishable groceries and meal-prep items, enough to help feed many families just in time for Thanksgiving. Many who contributed have personally benefited from the pantry in the past, inspiring a strong pay-it-forward mindset that continues to uplift neighbors in need.

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supporting pthlae fnutitungreroots for building

Aurora University

At Aurora University, our grounds team partnered with student organization AUSA to support a special campus tradition by assisting with receiving and planting an Autumn Blaze Maple tree during the group’s ceremony on Earth Day.

growing greener s University ampuseState cMurray Our Grounds Team proudly joined Murray State University’s Earth Day celebration, where students, faculty, and staff gathered in the Quad for informational booths and sustainability initiatives.

As part of the event, our team participated in a treeplanting at Woods Park, adding dogwood and willow oak trees to the campus landscape.

Murray State is recognized as a Tree Campus by the Arbor Day Foundation, and the event reflected a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and creating a greener future for generations to come.

This collaborative effort symbolized growth, legacy, and the lasting impact of student —values that involvement— resonate deeply across the Aurora campus community.

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standing wnitithy ommu c e th Schreiner University On July 4, 2025, devastating flash flooding struck Kerrville, TX, and surrounding areas, impacting homes, families, and lives. Schreiner University was designated as a disaster shelter and first-responder hub, and our team worked hand-in-hand with university staff to support the community during this crisis.

our teams show up for their neighbors! ding a brighter buil w Public morroCounty toHenry Schools

When visions align, incredible things happen. We partnered with the Henry County Public Schools Foundation in their commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Together, we helped create safe, dry places for families to reunite, provided essential supplies, safe shelter, and hot meals, and ensured first responders and rescue workers had food and lodging as they worked tirelessly to help others.

During a difficult time, teamwork and care created safe places for all who needed it.

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The foundation supports programs and resources that empower teachers, strengthen schools, and open doors for students. We’re honored to play a role in this shared commitment to building stronger schools and brighter futures throughout Henry County.

investing inlenaexdters enerationScholarships gWisconsin Investing in students is an investment in our communities.

You won’t always find our impact on a checklist, calendar or scope of work. Sometimes it shows up as a stocked pantry shelf, a newly planted tree, or a light left on for someone who needs a place to land.

Through the SSC Wisconsin Scholarship Program, we awarded ten $3,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from our partner schools.

Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, community involvement, and their commitment to continuing their education at a college, university, or trade school. The 2025 recipients were truly exceptional, and it was an honor to celebrate their accomplishments and support them as they take the next step in their educational journeys.

We are proud to have teams that step forward simply because it’s the right thing to do.

This is the work behind the work.

And it’s happening every day, in the communities we’re proud to serve.

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Reframing Athletic Facilities as Strategic Assets in the Modern Era of College Sports

Written by Jim Spencer Vice President of College Partnerships

College athletics is entering one of the most transformative periods in its history. With NIL reshaping financial models and competitive expectations, athletic departments across the country are being asked to do more than ever with increasingly constrained resources.

At the center of this shift is an often overlooked variable that directly shapes performance, recruitment, safety, and longterm stability: the facilities themselves.

For years, athletic facilities were viewed as functional necessities—spaces to maintain when needed, renovate when possible, and operate as best as budgets allowed.

But the demands of today’s landscape tell a different story. Facilities have become strategic assets that influence nearly every measurable outcome in athletics.

The question is no longer how do we fix things when they break, but how do we create predictable, high-performing environments that support athletes, coaches, fans, and institutional goals year-round?

That answer lies in how we manage and maintain the spaces that carry our teams forward.

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hidden cosinta thof eOperating Reactive World

For many institutions, maintenance has long followed a predictable but problematic pattern: respond when something fails or breaks.

This approach may appear cost-efficient in the moment, but it introduces volatility into nearly every aspect of an athletic department’s operations.

A failed HVAC system during summer conditioning isn’t just a building issue—it’s an interruption to training cycles, a potential safety hazard, and a challenge to trust between athletes and staff.

A flood in a locker room before a major event affects competitive readiness, recruiting optics, and the overall perception of institutional reliability. These disruptions accumulate slowly and often quietly, but their collective impact is significant.

Reactive maintenance also accelerates wear on equipment, shortens asset lifespan, and widens deferred maintenance backlogs, snowballing into an increasingly large deferred maintenance problem. The result is a cycle in which departments spend more, achieve less, and operate with far less control than they should.

your facilities influence Athletic experience & well-being Recruiting and retention Fan engagement

Operational reality NIL storytelling and donor confidence

se a c e th for a Proactive, DataDriven Approach

Proactive maintenance is not simply a better way to repair buildings; it is a fundamentally different operational philosophy. Instead of waiting for failures, proactive systems anticipate them through scheduled inspections, thermographic and vibration diagnostics, lifecycle modeling, and consistent documentation.

This shift builds predictability, and predictability is what allows athletic departments to operate confidently.

When facilities teams understand the true condition of their systems, they can plan capital investments years in advance, support short and long-term budgeting with real data, and eliminate unwelcome surprises. When athletic spaces are consistently clean, safe, and event-ready, the focus returns to performance, experience, and competitive goals, not crisis management.

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The efficiencies are meaningful.

Institutions routinely see dramatic reductions in downtime, improved asset longevity, stronger safety performance, and operational models that reflect the level of excellence expected in modern athletics.

For large campuses, savings can reach hundreds of millions of dollars over time, not because of cost cutting, but because proactive maintenance prevents the spiraling costs of avoidable failures.

College campuses are complex ecosystems. Custodial teams, grounds crews, maintenance technicians, and project managers all influence the way athletic facilities function, often in ways that go unseen. When these teams work in silos, gaps form: communication breaks down, response times lag, and institutional goals become harder to achieve.

integration ma tt ers When operations are unified, however, the entire campus benefits.

Integrated facilities models create a clear chain of accountability and eliminate the ambiguity that so often delays repairs, complicates event preparation, and fractures ownership.

They also allow athletics departments to leverage broader institutional knowledge, leading to more consistent standards across campus and a deeper understanding of how student and athlete experiences intersect.

Importantly, a unified model strengthens safety and quality control. With nearly all work self-performed, institutions gain confidence that the people maintaining their environments understand both the standards of higher education and the unique demands of athletics.

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n o i t a d n u o f a s facilities a For Competitive Growth

In the current era, competitiveness is influenced as much by the quality of a team’s environment as by its budget.

Athletes expect safe, efficient, high-performing spaces. Recruits evaluate locker rooms, training facilities, and practice surfaces long before they look at playbooks. Fans demand seamless, enjoyable experiences that feel aligned with the program’s brand.

Facilities underpin all of this. Elite programs are focusing on:

1. Reducing hidden costs and risks tied to reactive maintenance 2. Stabilizing operations through proactive, data-driven strategies 3. Reinvesting freed resources into athlete-focused and NIL-aligned priorities You may not be able to outspend the largest programs, but you can out-execute them in operational excellence. When athletic departments elevate the reliability and performance of their facilities, they level the playing field in meaningful and measurable ways.

A Smarter Path Forward The future of athletic success does not rely solely on capital expansion. In fact, many institutions will achieve far greater impact by focusing on the assets they already have and managing them with the seriousness and strategy they deserve.

A thoughtful facilities roadmap should begin with a comprehensive assessment that clearly defines risk, opportunity, and necessary investment.

From there, leaders can identify immediate operational wins, design habits, and expectations around event readiness, and establish a cadence of reporting that highlights progress and ensures accountability. College athletics is evolving quickly. The programs that thrive in this new era will be those that understand their facilities not as burdens, but as engines that drive safety, performance, consistency, and long-term competitive strength.

The assets are already on campus. The opportunity lies in how we choose to manage them.

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Rethinking Technology Facilities leaders are surrounded by new technology. Sensors, dashboards, mobile devices, and analytics platforms promise better visibility and smarter decisions.

in Facilities Management

Facilities Are Complex, Living Environments Large campuses and portfolios function like small cities. Universities, healthcare systems, and corporate environments manage millions of square feet, hundreds of buildings, and round-the-clock activity. According to APPA1, the average research university manages more than 15 million square feet of space, requiring constant coordination across trades, services, and shifts.

Technology is powerful, but only when it is positioned correctly. It is not a cure—it supports the business in powerful ways, but it is never the answer on its own. Organizations that are seeing real results are not the ones chasing every new tool.

They are the ones grounding technology in strong processes and a deep understanding of how work actually gets done.

In these environments, facilities performance is shaped by interconnected systems rather than individual tools.

This mindset is becoming essential as facilities management continues its shift toward data-driven operations.

the people ma tt er

Written by Patrick Redmond Vice President of Business Implementation & Technology

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Success depends on aligning people, processes, and technology so they reinforce each other rather than compete for attention.

Why Technology Alone Does Not Deliver Outcomes One of the most common missteps in facilities innovation is assuming that technology will automatically improve performance. Technology must be paired with operational clarity and behavioral change. It does not live in a bubble—it has to be tied to how people work every day.

being a change-maker

The Evolving Role of the Facilities Leader Industry data supports this view. McKinsey2 reports that nearly 70 percent of digital transformation efforts fail to meet their objectives, most often due to people and process challenges rather than technical limitations. In facilities management, this gap shows up quickly when tools are deployed without clear workflows, ownership, or accountability.

how do you choose?

Frontline Realities Matter More Than Features Designing technology around frontline realities is a required perspective when considering tools to implement. Even small changes can create complexity when applied at scale.

For custodial teams, a new device may only add a few steps at the beginning and end of a shift. But on a site with hundreds of employees, those steps require new supervisory processes, daily controls, and clear accountability.

Without that structure, devices are lost or damaged and costs rise. Verdantix3 research shows that adoption of facilities technology can decline by up to 40 percent when frontline workflows are not fully considered during implementation.

The lesson is clear. Success is less about the sophistication of the tool and more about how seamlessly it fits into the workday.

As data becomes more central to facilities operations, leadership expectations are changing. The next generation of facilities leaders must be fluent in process thinking, not just technology.

Understanding workflows, where bottlenecks exist, and how to measure meaningful outcomes is becoming a core competency. Technology plays a critical role, but only as an enabler.

Equally important is how change is introduced. It is essential to begin engaging teams early and to position technology as something that supports operations, rather than disrupts them.

When change is led by operations and built with input from the people doing the work, adoption follows naturally.

data, data everywhere

Moving From Data Collection to Data-Driven Action

Many organizations collect large volumes of facilities data, yet struggle to turn it into results. There is a clear distinction between those who collect data and those who use it effectively.

High-performing organizations invest time upfront in understanding their current state, defining their future state, and intentionally planning how to bridge the gap.

They also take a step back to define what outcomes they want from the data, rather than jumping straight to metrics or dashboards.

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IBM4 research shows that organizations that define data requirements and business outcomes early are twice as likely to achieve measurable value from analytics initiatives.

Skipping these steps may feel faster, but it almost always leads to rework and delays. Taking a focused, disciplined approach narrows the gap between where an organization is and where it wants to be.

At this stage, requirements gathering is highly important, as well as defining the questions the organization needs the data to answer. Is the goal to improve coverage, enhance quality assurance, reduce rework, or optimize labor allocation? Data that does not support a defined outcome is noise, not insight.

By qualifying data against process and purpose, facilities leaders can determine whether the information being collected is accurate, actionable, and worth sustaining.

This approach reduces rework, accelerates adoption, and ensures that dashboards and reports reflect operational reality.

Organizations that follow this discipline move faster in the long run because they avoid chasing metrics that look impressive but fail to drive meaningful improvement.

keep your eye on the target

Qualifying Data Before You Trust It One of the most important disciplines is qualifying data before organizations rely on it to make decisions. In facilities management, data only becomes valuable when it is intentionally tied to real operational outcomes, not simply because it is available.

To begin, you must understand the current state.

Facilities teams need to clearly document how work is performed today, who is involved, and where variability or friction exists.

Without this baseline, data lacks context and can easily be misinterpreted.

From there, leaders define a future state that reflects how operations should function when they are optimized, supported by technology rather than driven by it. Only after these steps are complete does data qualification truly begin.

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the first step A Confident Start to the Journey For organizations beginning their facilities data journey, the path forward does not require perfection, but it does require intention. Organizations must invest in understanding outcomes, analyzing current operations, defining the future, and planning the transition deliberately.

This foundation allows technology to amplify what facilities teams already do well and create space for continuous improvement.

coming soon!

Our SERV by SSC platform is on the way! Our approach to this technology comes with a strong emphasis on operational discipline and change management.

The initiative is being planned as a proof of concept, with careful attention to frontline workflows, supervisor readiness, and daily accountability processes such as device check-in and check-out.

By validating these elements before scaling, the team aims to ensure the technology integrates smoothly into the workday and delivers reliable data from the start. While this deployment represents the first of its kind for SSC, the approach itself is informed by subject matter experts with years of experience implementing technology across Compass Group sectors, where process-first planning has consistently driven successful outcomes.

Cited Sources: 1 - gordian.com/uploads/2024/03/2024-State-of-Facilities-Report-V3.1.20240325211423380.pdf 2 - mckinsey.com/capabilities/transformation/our-insights/ why-do-most-transformations-fail-a-conversation-with-harry-robinson

shaped by data. driven by people.

Building Momentum for the Future The future of facilities management will be shaped by data but driven by people. When technology is grounded in process and introduced with respect for frontline realities, it becomes a powerful tool for improving performance, controlling costs, and enhancing the occupant experience.

With the right approach, facilities teams move beyond reacting to issues and begin operating with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Technology does not lead the transformation.

People do.

3 - verdantix.com/venture/report/market-insight-use-casesand-adoption-challenges-for-ai-in-risk-management 4 - ibm.com/docs/en/tdw/8.5.1?topic=models-analytical-requirements 49

Turning Data Into Decisions How TechnologyEnabled FCAs Are Reshaping Capital Planning

The most significant change is not simply digitizing assessments, but what happens after the data is collected.

Deferred maintenance has long been one of the most persistent challenges in facilities management.

Aging assets, constrained budgets, and incomplete information often force teams into reactive decisions that prioritize urgency over strategy.

The scale of the issue is significant. A Congressional Budget Office analysis* estimated that the Department of Defense alone carried a deferred maintenance backlog of approximately $50 billion across more than 100,000 buildings as of 2020, illustrating how even well-resourced organizations struggle to keep pace with aging infrastructure.

Against this backdrop, facilities professionals are increasingly turning to technology-enabled Facility Condition Assessments, or FCAs, to shift the balance from reaction to anticipation.

The most significant change, however, is not simply digitizing assessments, but what happens after the data is collected.

Written by Matt Sevigny Maintenance Project Manager

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Scheduled preventative maintenance can generate estimated cost savings of 12 to 18%

By capturing more reliable facility condition data, translating it into actionable capital plans, and tracking progress over time, organizations are moving from static reports to living decisionsupport tools.

For a long time, FCAs were treated as a snapshot in time. Now the value is in how that information feeds planning, conversations, and execution on an ongoing basis.

from static llreigporentsctoe usable inte

Traditional FCA reports often arrive as large documents that summarize building conditions but are difficult to operationalize.

Asset data may be accurate on day one, but without a clear way to connect findings to planning and execution, reports quickly lose relevance.

Technology-enabled FCAs change that dynamic by organizing information at the asset and building level in a structured, accessible format. Instead of flipping through pages, facilities teams can quickly view condition data, projected capital needs, and multi-year plans for individual buildings or entire portfolios.

The ability to pull up a clear summary for a specific building, including its capital outlook over the next ten years, is a game changer. It allows teams to move from explaining problems to discussing solutions.

This level of clarity also improves consistency across sites and assessors.

Standardized digital tools reduce subjectivity and help ensure that similar assets are evaluated using the same criteria, making portfoliolevel planning more defensible and easier to communicate.

enabling pronancintigve capital pla

One of the most significant benefits of technologyenabled FCAs is their impact on capital planning.

With accurate condition data tied to asset lifecycles, facilities teams can better anticipate when systems will require major investment rather than reacting to failures after they occur.

The financial implications of this shift are well documented. Industry maintenance research** has shown that scheduled preventative maintenance can generate estimated cost savings of 12 to 18 percent compared with reactive maintenance strategies, while also extending asset life. These findings reinforce the value of condition-based planning that identifies issues early and aligns investment timing with asset performance.

The result is a planning process that is largely proactive.

You still have anomalies, but instead of spending most of your time reacting, you can anticipate the majority of needs and plan accordingly.

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This approach allows organizations to prioritize work based on risk, criticality, and timing.

Life safety, reliability, and long-term asset health can be evaluated together rather than competing for attention in isolation. When budgets are limited, having data-backed priorities helps leaders make informed tradeoffs and avoid costly emergency interventions.

improvingonstsakeholder conversati Another often overlooked advantage of modern FCA platforms is how they change communication with stakeholders. Whether the audience is executive leadership, finance teams, or clients, data-driven visuals and summaries support clearer, more productive discussions.

Rather than relying on anecdotal explanations, facilities leaders can point to documented conditions and projected impacts.

Regular meetings become opportunities to review upcoming capital needs, confirm priorities, and decide whether planned projects should move forward. It becomes part of the agenda. You can walk into a meeting with a clear list of what is coming up, what was anticipated in the plan, and what new items have emerged.

This transparency builds trust and reduces surprises. Stakeholders are more likely to support capital investments when they understand how decisions are made and how they align with long-term goals.

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connec ting planning to execution

The real test of any capital plan is whether it translates into completed work. Technologyenabled FCA data helps bridge the gap between planning and execution by informing scope of development, scheduling, and project management.

When assessment data is integrated with work planning and tracking systems, teams gain visibility into how deferred maintenance is being addressed over time.

Projects that originate from FCA findings can be monitored against the original plan, allowing facilities leaders to measure progress and adjust as conditions change.

This integration also helps reduce scope gaps and unexpected conditions during projects, since asset information is already documented and accessible before work begins.

measuring progress over time

Perhaps the most important shift is the ability to measure results. Instead of treating deferred maintenance as an abstract backlog, organizations can track how capital investments reduce risk and extend asset life across multiple years.

Historical data plays a critical role here.

By maintaining updated condition information, facilities teams can validate whether strategies are working and refine future plans based on real outcomes.

Over time, this creates a feedback loop where data informs decisions.

Decisions drive action, and results improve future planning.

As facilities portfolios grow more complex, the role of technology in FCAs and capital planning will continue to expand. Predictive analytics, conditionbased monitoring, and advanced modeling tools are already beginning to influence how organizations forecast risk and prioritize investment.

looking ahead

For facilities professionals still relying on static reports or spreadsheets, the message is clear. The goal is not just better data, but better decisions.

Technology turns the FCA from a document into a strategy, and that is what allows organizations to move from documenting deferred maintenance to actually reducing it.

Effective facilities technology isn’t defined by dashboards or devices; it is defined by how well it strengthens the way teams work. When applied with discipline and purpose, technology becomes a stabilizing force, bringing visibility, consistency, and confidence to complex operations.

The most successful programs start with people and process, then use technology to reduce friction, support better decisions, and improve performance at scale. In this role, technology doesn’t replace field expertise; it amplifies it.

Cited Sources: *Congressional Budget Office Report: cbo.gov/ publication/60192

- Alli Ashforth -

**Health Facilities Management Publication: hfmmagazine.com/deferred-maintenance-andmaster-planning

Senior Director of Business Implementation

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Soil Degradation Research at Texas A&M University Sodium degraded soils are a growing concern in Texas, particularly in areas with heavy clay soils and high sodium content in municipal water systems. These challenging conditions make it difficult to grow and maintain healthy turfgrass.

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The SSC Grounds Team at Texas A&M University frequently works with professors to address turfgrass challenges. Dr. Ben Wherley, a Turfgrass Science and Ecology Professor in the TAMU Soil and Crop Sciences Department, is a key collaborator, offering expertise on a variety of turf-related issues. He introduced SSC Grounds Regional Director, Mike Teal, to a successful turfgrass solution at Pebble Creek Country Club, where seashore paspalum is thriving in degraded soil areas.

projeifctic&aptiaonrtsnership spec

What was particularly remarkable was the success of turfgrass in these areas, where scraps of sod were simply laid down. Inspired by this, Teal and the team saw an opportunity to explore similar methods for the many degraded turf areas across Texas A&M’s campus.

When PhD student Ashton Franks, under the guidance of Dr. Manuel Chavarria and Dr. Ben Wherley, reached out to the SSC Grounds Team to propose a field study on sodic soils at Texas A&M, the team was eager to assist in any way they could.

Franks’s study, funded by the USGA Davis Program, aimed to restore turfgrass in areas affected by soil compaction from high sodium levels in irrigation water—a problem commonly encountered in the region.

High sodium in irrigation water leads to the leaching of soil organic matter, and the degradation of soil structure. As soil particles become more dispersed, water infiltration and plant rooting is reduced, leading to loss of vegetation in affected areas.

In May, he met with SSC Grounds staff, including Teal and Grounds Managers Brian McGee and Cameron Kastelein, to identify suitable locations for the research. Together, they selected a primary test site at the Office of the State Chemist Building on Agronomy Road. This location, situated near the grounds department office, had long presented challenges for turfgrass establishment, making it an ideal spot for close observation and monitoring throughout the study.

Photos: Examples of sodium-degraded areas where turfgrass stand was lost. Left picture shows the measurement of saturated hydraulic conductivity in the sodium-degraded area, transition area, and full turf area.

Center picture shows a sodium-degraded area beside the tee boxes at Pebble Creek Country Club. Right picture shows a sodium-degraded area on Texas A&M University’s campus near the Office of the State Chemist.

A second study location at Pebble Creek Country Club was also included to compare turfgrass performance in a different soil environment.

This pairing of sites allowed the team to evaluate how the treatments performed under varying field conditions.

To support the study, the SSC Graphics Shop created informative signage for both locations, outlining the research purpose and providing contact details for anyone with questions.

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Franks’s study evaluated the success of turfgrass establishment under three soil amendment treatments: • 100% profile • A mixture of 80% sand and 20% compost • Bare soil The turfgrass species tested included: • ‘TifTuf’ and ‘Tahoma 31’ bermudagrass • ‘Zeon’ zoysiagrass • ‘Platinum TE’ seashore paspalum

These treatments were applied across 2.5×2.5-foot plots in June and remained in place for 12 weeks or until all plots were fully established.

While the SSC Grounds Team removed the study areas from their mowing schedule, they continued to maintain the irrigation system. The research team managed irrigation scheduling and run times to meet the study’s specific needs.

Photos: Left picture shows layout of capping treatments at the TAMU location on planting day. Right picture shows the study area 12 weeks after planting before above ground. Both biomass and root samples were collected.

results

SAND + COMPOST PROFILE

BARE SOIL

Soil amendments made a noticeable difference: • The 80% sand / 20% compost mix consistently supported the strongest growth, especially on the TAMU campus.

• Profile also improved performance in some treatments.

• Bare soil produced the slowest establishment across all species.

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The 12-week study showed that turfgrass establishment in sodium-degraded soils varied greatly between the two locations.

Plots on the Texas A&M campus established much more quickly than those at Pebble Creek Country Club, where heavier sodium and salinity levels slowed growth.

Across both sites, TifTuf bermudagrass performed the best, showing the fastest and widest lateral spread. Tahoma 31 performed similarly at times, while Zeon zoysiagrass established the slowest. Platinum TE seashore paspalum showed moderate establishment.

Overall, the study found that TifTuf bermudagrass planted with a sand + compost capping layer offered the most successful path for restoring sodium-degraded turfgrass areas at both locations.

Findings from this study, and others underway in the grounds space, help shape future turfgrass management strategies for campus landscapes. The insights gained offer practical guidance for restoring sodium-degraded areas and improving long-term soil and turf health across Texas A&M.

This collaboration represents an important step toward creating more resilient, sustainable campus grounds and better addressing the challenges posed by sodium-degraded soils.

invested in making your campus

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Grounds of Distinction

Celebrating Our Award Winning Campuses

Each year, Our Grounds Team turns everyday outdoor spaces into nationally recognized places of excellence.

Across multiple campuses —and through honors from both the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) and the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP)—our teams earned some of the industry’s most respected awards in 2025.

Each recognition reflects not only beautifully maintained landscapes but also the care, consistency, and pride our teams bring to campus environments that support learning, community, and student success.

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Belmont Abbey College

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PGMS Green Star Honor Award

Maintaining the historic grounds at Belmont Abbey College requires a disciplined approach that balances preservation with modern performance standards.

Our Grounds team manages tightly maintained turf and ornamental beds across academic, residential, and ceremonial spaces, while seasonal color rotations enhance the campus without disrupting established plantings. Pruning and horticultural practices are carefully planned to protect mature landscapes and ensure long-term plant health.

Efficient irrigation, soil health management, and daily condition monitoring support both sustainability goals and pedestrian safety, particularly in high-traffic areas.

Every element of the grounds program is designed to perform reliably in a setting where detail and consistency are nonnegotiable.

The result is a campus landscape that remains controlled, safe, and visually unified throughout the year, even under the demands of a historic environment.

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Queens University of Charlotte

consistency at campus scale

NALP Bronze Award for Grounds Management Queens University of Charlotte’s grounds program operates across a diverse and active campus footprint, requiring consistent standards across academic quads, residential areas, and campus entrances.

Our team delivers that consistency through structured mowing, edging, trimming, and plant care programs that prioritize uniformity and durability.

Rather than relying on reactive maintenance, the operation emphasizes early identification of turf stress, drainage issues, and seasonal wear patterns.

This proactive approach allows the team to address conditions before they disrupt campus use or escalate into larger issues.

Grounds conditions are maintained at a dependable level every day, supporting uninterrupted campus activity without the need for last-minute corrections.

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West Texas A&M University

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NALP Silver Award for Grounds Management In the heart of the Texas Panhandle, West Texas A&M University’s campus stands apart as a carefully cultivated oasis. Through a long-standing partnership with SSC, the high plains are transformed.

Shaded walkways, vibrant plantings, and welcoming outdoor spaces that support a walkable, student-centered campus experience are the earmarks of this campus.

Our grounds team combines disciplined horticultural practices, adaptive event readiness, and long-tenured craftsmanship to maintain consistency and beauty year-round, even amid heat, wind, and drought.

Strategic investments in waterefficient irrigation and ET-based scheduling have significantly reduced irrigation usage, reinforcing the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship in a dry region.

The result is a nationally recognized landscape that reflects shared values of excellence and service, creating an environment that feels serene, intentional, and inspiring, one that truly earns its reputation as an oasis in the high plains.

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Palm Beach Atlantic University

executing excellence in a coastal environment

PGMS Green Star Grand Award & NALP Gold Award Palm Beach Atlantic University’s grounds program operates in one of the most demanding environments our team supports—a coastal, urban campus where heat, salt exposure, heavy pedestrian traffic, and seasonal storm threats shape daily operations. In 2025, this program made a big impact, earning both a PGMS Green Star Grand Award and a NALP Gold Award for excellence in the industry.

The Palm Beach Atlantic University campus landscape spans academic buildings, athletic fields, pedestrian corridors, and shared gathering spaces, each requiring tailored maintenance strategies. The grounds team manages this complexity through disciplined scheduling, advanced irrigation controls, and water conservation practices designed to maintain turf and plant health while minimizing resource use.

Maintenance plans are built around environmental conditions rather than calendar assumptions, allowing the program to remain responsive throughout the year.

Environmental responsibility is embedded into daily operations. Organic and low-impact fertilization, integrated pest management, and reduced-emission equipment help limit environmental impact without compromising performance.

Certified arborist oversight supports canopy health, structural safety, and long-term tree management across the campus.

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Equally critical is preparedness. Storm planning and recovery protocols are integrated into the program, enabling the team to protect landscapes, respond quickly after severe weather, and restore campus operations efficiently.

Earning top recognition from both PGMS and NALP underscores a program capable of delivering consistent, high-level results in conditions that demand technical expertise, foresight, and disciplined execution.

National awards are the outcome of thousands of routine decisions made in the field: from how turf is maintained and irrigation is

e h t g n i z i n g o rec behind workresults the managed to how safety and sustainability are addressed day after day.

These honors reflect the skill, discipline, and commitment of our grounds teams, whose work supports campus operations and the daily experience of students, faculty, and visitors. Their work doesn’t just meet expectations—it sets a national standard.

Exceptional grounds management is rooted in shared ownership, discipline, and consistency, along with a deep understanding of how outdoor environments shape daily campus life.

Our success comes from our team working together coordinating care, making thoughtful decisions, and supporting one another across everything from turf health and irrigation strategy to safety, sustainability, and long-term landscape planning. When a team operates with intention rather than reaction, our grounds become more than landscapes; they become a defining part of the student experience.

- Candelaria Rea Grounds Manager, West Texas A&M

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When Facilities Work Better,

Everything Else Gets Easier Across K–12 districts and higher education campuses, education leaders are being asked to solve complex problems with limited resources. Facilities may not be the first place those problems show up, but they’re often where the pressure is felt most.

Cleanliness affects attendance. Deferred maintenance drives unexpected costs. The condition of buildings influences whether educators want to stay and whether students want to be there.

That’s why more education leaders are taking a broader look at how facilities services support their mission not as separate contracts, but as one coordinated approach.

“

I don’t just see SSC as a service provider.

I see them as thought leaders.

They bring higher-level thinking and perspectives I don’t always have, and that’s made them an integral partner.

- Allan Mark, CFO, Belmont Abbey College

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“

Education leaders are balancing enrollment pressure, staffing challenges, aging facilities, and tight budgets, often all at once.

What education leaders are managing right now Recruiting and Retaining Educators

Student Experience and Attendance

Educators want to focus on teaching—not broken equipment, delayed repairs, or daily disruptions.

Students and families notice the condition of a campus. It influences attendance, engagement, and long-term commitment.

How We Help: • Consistent custodial teams who know the buildings • Maintenance support that prevents issues instead of reacting to them • On-site partners who understand academic schedules and priorities

Impact: Fewer distractions, more stability, and better support for the people who matter most.

Cost Control in a Constrained Funding Environment Tight budgets leave little room for inefficiency or surprises.

How We Help: • Integrated service lines that reduce vendor complexity • Predictable staffing and cost models • Preventative maintenance that minimizes emergency spend • Construction & project management that controls scope, timeline, and budget

How We Help: • Clean, healthy learning environments that support attendance • Well-maintained facilities that feel safe and welcoming • Grounds services that enhance curb appeal and campus pride

Impact: Environments that feel safe, cared for, and ready for learning.

Deferred Maintenance and Capital Planning Deferred maintenance doesn’t stay deferred; it shows up later as bigger problems and higher costs.

How We Help: • Data-informed facility assessments • Lifecycle-based maintenance planning • Capital project support aligned with academic calendars and funding cycles

Impact: Smarter planning that protects buildings and budgets over time.

Impact: More predictability. Fewer emergency expenses. Better use of available funding.

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More than one service.

One Educationfocused partner.

Many education institutions work with multiple vendors across facilities which often leads to gaps, overlap, and more administrative burden. We support educational clients through four integrated lines of service.

“ Their focus on communication and SSC has been a reliable, professional partner.

Custodial Services

Clean, healthy learning environments

Grounds Management Safe, attractive campuses

Facilities Maintenance

Proactive care that protects assets

Construction Project Management

Expert oversight from planning to completion

“

service quality has strengthened our facilities year after year.

—Executive Director of Operations, Denton ISD

Facilities should make your job easier, not harder.

We partner with education leaders to create environments that support learning, people, and long-term stability. The first step is a practical conversation about your challenges, priorities, and what’s working and what isn’t.

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. t s r fi s t n e d stualways.

sscserv.com

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contact@sscserv.com sscserv.com

1225 Weisgarber Road Knoxville, TN 37909