Defense Communities March/April 2014

Defense

The Magazine of Military Housing, Lodging & Lifestyles

communities MARCH/APRIL 2014

www.phma.com

Mobile Maintenance Military housing maintenance boosts efficiency with tablet technology

Special section: Interpersonal skills page 6

How to achieve a healthier built environment page 27

2014 Defense Communities Military Housing Supplier Showcase page 30

CONTENTS

SPECIAL SECTION:

Interpersonal Skills

6 Investing in You

Spending time and money to improve yourself and learn new things is not an expense—it is the best investment you can make.

By Walt Grassl

24 FEATURES 18 M obile Maintenance

9 9 Dealing With Employee Rivalry

These five tips can help managers stay on top of— and prevent—dueling staffers.

By Barbara Jaurequi

12

Managing Distracted Employees

15

Facing Fraud Head-On

Before jumping to discipline distracted employees, management should analyze what they can do to remove distractions from the workplace.

By Marty Martin, Psy.D.

There are several key red flags all businesses should look for to prevent and protect against fraudulent activity.

By Chuck Gallagher

2 Defense Communities

Balfour Beatty Communities’ maintenance technicians use iPads to boost efficiency, improve service, and save paper.

By Maureen Omrod

20 T esting the Waters

In the face of a dire water supply situation, Monterey Bay Military Housing implemented a project to save water without sacrificing resident comfort.

By Joy Lutes

22 A New Source for Energy Savings

New lighting options abound that are as good as or better than incandescent lightbulbs, including halogen, compact fluorescent, and light-emitting-diode bulbs.

By Ethan Biery

24 C ritical Support

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ 249th Engineer Battalion helped a New York hospital upgrade its electrical distribution system without disrupting care.

By JoAnne Castagna, Ed.D.

Defense

The Magazine of Military Housing, Lodging & Lifestyles

communities

March/April 2014 u Volume 25, Number 2 u www.phma.com

A Publication of the Pro­fes­sion­al Hous­ing Man­age­ment Association Publisher Editor Managing Editor Production Assoc.

Art Director Ad Sales Manager

29 27 C learing the Air

Focusing on material health and investing in sustainable flooring and building products is crucial to creating a better built environment.

By Wanda Dunaway

29 A Helping Hand

A Cleveland-based non-profit offers support to the homeless during brutal winter weather.

Adapted From a News Release

2014 Defense Communities Military Housing Supplier Showcase page 30

In the second annual Defense Communities Military Housing Supplier Showcase you’ll find informative product and service listings from some of the most respected companies in the military housing industry.

DEPARTMENTS 4

President’s Message PHMA President Del Eulberg discusses the value—and challenges—of partnerships.

41

43 P HMA Corporate Sustaining Members

47

Advertising Index

Military Marketplace

Please send your articles for Defense Communities to Birgitt Seymour at phmadefensecommunities@earthlink.net.

NEXT EDITORIAL DEADLINE:

July/August – May 12 September/October – July 2

ABOUT THE COVER Photo courtesy of Balfour Beatty Communities.

Debra J. Stratton Birgitt Seymour Lia Dangelico Christine Umbrell Janelle Welch Alison Bashian

Publishing Offices Stratton Publishing & Mar­ket­ing Inc. 5285 Shawnee Road, Suite 510 Alexandria, VA 22312-2334 703/914-9200; fax 703/914-6777 defcom@strattonpublishing.com Advertising Sales Manager Alison Bashian Stratton Publishing & Marketing Inc. 800/335-7500; fax 440/232-0398 alisonb@strattonpublishing.com Editorial Office 544 Windspirit Circle, Prescott, AZ 86303 928/771-9826 phmadefensecommunities@ earthlink.net PHMA Office 154 Fort Evans Road, NE, Leesburg, VA 20176 703/771-1888; fax 703/771-0299 phmaoffice@earthlink.net www.phma.com Executive Director Jon R. Moore Defense Communities (ISSN #1088-9000 USPS #004-502) is pub­lished bi­month­ly by Stratton Pub­lish­ing & Mar­ket­ing Inc., 5285 Shawnee Road, Suite 510, Alexandria, VA 22312-2334, for the Pro­fes­sion­al Hous­ing Man­age­ment As­so­ci­a­tion, 154 Fort Evans Road, NE, Leesburg, VA 20176. PHMA mem­bers re­ceive this pub­li­ca­tion at the an­nu­al sub­scrip­tion rate of $30.

Nonmembers’ annual sub­scrip­tion rate is $100. Send sub­ scription re­quests to Defense Communities at PHMA. Periodi­ cals post­age paid at Leesburg, VA, and ad­di­tion­al mail­ing offices.

Defense Communities, ©2014, Pro­fes­sion­al Hous­ing Management As­so­ci­a­tion. All rights re­served. All con­tents of this pub­li­ca­tion are pro­tect­ed by copy­right; how­ev­er, they may be re­pro­duced in whole or in part with prior ap­prov­al of the publisher. Prior to photocopying items for educational classroom, internal, or personal use, or to request rights to republish an article, please request re­print permission from Editor, Defense Communities, phmadefensecommunities@ earthlink.net.

Unless otherwise stated, ar­ti­cles and ed­i­to­ri­als express the views of their au­thors and not nec­es­sar­i­ly those of PHMA, the editors, or the pub­lish­er. An­nounce­ments and ad­ver­ tise­ments in this pub­li­ca­tion for prod­ucts and ser­vic­es do not im­ply the en­dorse­ment of PHMA or any of its members or staff.

Postmaster: Send subscription/address changes to: Defense Communities, 154 Fort Evans Road, NE, Leesburg, VA 20176 or e-mail: phmaoffice@earthlink.net.

Defense Communities magazine is designed to keep those who operate and manage the whole spectrum of military housing and facilities maintenance informed on the industry’s latest technology, products, and services. It provides a forum for members to share lessons learned, news and events, and training opportunities and updates.

MARCH | APRIL 2014 3

| FEAT U R E |

Mobile Maintenance Military housing maintenance goes paperless with tablet technology

By Maureen Omrod

N

ot long ago, a typical day for a military housing maintenance technician involved checking in at the housing maintenance office and picking up a batch of papers outlining the assigned work orders for the day; driving from residence to residence to perform various repair and maintenance activities throughout the day; then returning to the maintenance office at the end of the day to hand in paperwork, enter data into a tracking system, and place orders for parts, etc. And if there was something missing in the paperwork, or a manual or procedure that needed to be referenced for a specific repair, that involved a return trip to the maintenance office to look up the necessary information.

But thanks to a comprehensive deployment of iPads equipped with the Yardi Maintenance Mobile app, Balfour Beatty Communities (BBC) maintenance technicians can now enter, modify, and track repair and maintenance information on the fly. They also can take photos and access vital resources such as work order history, policies and procedures, repair manuals, and online maintenance and repair forums and videos.

18  Defense Communities

Typing Skills Not Required Another standout app deployed on the iPads is Dragon Speech Recognition Software. Through the Dragon app, maintenance technicians dictate notes that are recorded on work orders without having to type anything by hand—another critical timesaver.

“Technicians are able to perform a myriad of functions on the iPad that used to require multiple visits to the maintenance shop,” said Randy Leatherwood, BBC facility manager at Fort Bliss, Texas. “Now our maintenance technicians are spending more time in the homes performing maintenance and repair services, which has resulted in faster response times, greater productivity, and increased customer service.”

So far, BBC estimates the tablet technology saves individual technicians an hour of work order processing time every day. Multiply that across hundreds of technicians, and the impact of this mobile solution becomes quite clear.

Facility Managers Also Benefit

The tablet technology not only empowers BBC technicians, saving them time and making them more efficient, but it also makes facility managers’ jobs easier. Through the Yardi Maintenance Manager Mobile app, facility managers see team activity and work order progress throughout the day. Previously, they could only see how the jobs were going at the end of the day when the technicians returned to the office and entered their paperwork. Now, with more immediate information available, managers can easily track technicians, assign work orders, and more effectively prioritize and manage their maintenance tasks.

“Implementing tablet technology has really been a huge step forward for BBC’s maintenance function,” said Leatherwood. “Not only are we more efficient, but we now have the ability to capture better detail on specific maintenance and repair issues in the homes, including photos and technical notes, that will help us continuously improve and refine our procedures as well as bolster our preventive maintenance program.”

Benefits Abound Additional benefits of deploying tablet technology in housing maintenance include a significant reduction in paper consumption, improvement in work order data accuracy, and real-time reporting. BBC maintenance technicians also are now receiving company email on their tablets, improving internal communication and awareness.

The impact of using iPad technology to enhance performance can best be captured in a comment from one of the BBC technicians at Fort Bliss: “We hit a grand slam with this idea!” Looking ahead, the possibilities are nearly endless. One thing is certain—the use of tablets and mobile technology in housing maintenance operations is here to stay. n Maureen Omrod is communications director at Balfour Beatty Communities. Reach her at momrod@bbcgrp.com.

NOT JUST CLEAN, COIT CLEAN

CHOOSE FROM THESE CLEANING SERVICES: • CARPET • ORIENTAL & AREA RUGS • UPHOLSTERY • AIR DUCTS • DRAPERIES & WINDOW COVERINGS • TILE & GROUT • NATURAL STONE

Call or click today...

1 -8 0 0 -FOR-C OI T 1 - 8 0 0 - 3 6 7 - 2 6 4 8 For special offers:

Disaster Restoration • Water, Fire/Smoke, Mold 24/7 Rapid Response Corporate Spotlight: A Property Management Company That is All About You Balfour Beatty Communities is a diversified real estate services company delivering development, design, financing, construction, renovation, property, and facilities management services in the multifamily, military, and student housing sectors.

Our mission is to provide residents with quality living environments supported by world-class customer service and operate as a strategic partner to our clients through comprehensive and innovative real estate solutions that maximize property value.

A leader in the industry, the Balfour Beatty Communities portfolio extends across 26 states and includes more than 44,500 residential units and $5.5 billion in real estate assets under management and more than 27,000 new development or renovated units with a total value of close to $4 billion.

For more information, please visit our website at balfourbeattycommunities.com.

MARCH | APRIL 2014 19

SPECIAL SECTION:

Interpersonal Skills

Investing in You

Your talent is your best asset, so improving your skill set is the best investment you can make

By Walt Grassl

K

arl and Bob were good friends when they attended college. After they graduated from college, life happened and they slowly lost contact. They reconnected at their 20-year reunion. They were working for similarly sized companies, graduated with nearly identical GPAs, and had the same work ethic.

However, for some reason, Karl was two levels higher in his organization than Bob. At lunch a month later, Karl mentioned he had attended a training seminar in Dallas the past weekend. Bob lamented that, with the downturn in the economy, his company cut back on training, and he hasn’t been to a seminar in years. Karl shared that his company had cut back on training as well but that he paid for the training himself.

6 Defense Communities

Bob looked at Karl with a puzzled expression and said he didn’t understand how someone would pay for training out of his own pocket. It was an expense he couldn’t afford and besides, if the company didn’t pay for it, it must not be too important.

Karl challenged Bob to think again.

Karl explained that since he started with his company, he has always taken additional training that he paid for himself.

He didn’t look at it as an expense, but as an investment in himself.

Karl had the right attitude about investing in yourself. Your talent is your best asset. It can’t be taxed; it can’t be confiscated. You can take it with you wherever you go. When you invest your time and money to improve yourself and learn new things, it is not an expense—it is the best investment you can make.

Karl proceeded to explain to Bob the four benefits of investing in yourself: • Investing in yourself helps you.

Investments come in the form of both time and money. You can invest in your mind by going to the library and getting a book to read to educate yourself in any area of improvement.

This costs time, not money. You can attend training events that require an investment of time and money. You can invest in your health by investing 30 minutes a day to go for a walk. You can invest by hiring a personal trainer or joining a gym.

When you enrich yourself, you can feel yourself grow and will feel better about yourself. It contributes to your happiness.

• Investing in yourself helps those you touch. When you enrich yourself

through your investments of time and money, you improve your relationships with others. Taking time to help others is not only an opportunity to be generous and giving with your time, it is almost always an opportunity to learn and grow, if you are present and “in the moment.” You may learn new information, gain new insights into how people behave, or develop new relationships. If I help you solve a problem with a spreadsheet at work, I will usually learn something as we figure it out. Instead of, “I have to help you out,” I get to help you out and learn. Our relationship improves, as does my knowledge base.

Your investing helps your ability to teach others. You can share what you learn and bring value to others. You become an expert in your “tribe.”

• Investing in yourself helps your career.

When you invest in yourself it helps your career in two significant ways. It increases your value to your employer because your skill set grows.

Maybe more importantly, it increases your earning potential over your peers, who only receive the company funded training. This translates into you becoming a more valuable asset and deserving of increased responsibility, resulting in increases in job titles and compensation.

• Investing in yourself helps your business.

Should you choose, or be forced, to become an entrepreneur, the asset that is your talent is transferrable. When you invest in yourself, your understanding of your corporate business environment improves. You are better positioned to run your own business. You not only know what you know, but more importantly, you know more of what you don’t know and will have the mindset to hire people to help you, rather than try to carry the entire load yourself. You will see hiring help as an investment, not an expense. Your breadth of knowledge will help you develop new ideas for your business and will increase your chances of financial success.

Bob realized that, had he not been trying to get better on the cheap, his career might very well have advanced more like Karl’s. With another 20 years left in his career, he vowed to see personal training as an investment in himself, rather than as an expense.

Learning doesn’t stop with your formal education. Continue to read, take classes, and invest in your talents. Your talent is your best asset. Investing in yourself is the best investment you can make. n Walt Grassl conquered his crippling fear of public speaking at the age of 50, and through his Internet radio show “Stand Up and Speak Up,” he is determined to help others do the same. For more information, visit waltgrassl.com.

8 Defense Communities

Military Housing Supplier Showcase

Sealy® mattresses: Exceptional sleep experience. Exceptional value.

T

he most powerful thing you can offer your military guests is a great night’s sleep. When you choose Sealy mattresses for your installation, they’ll get the mostpreferred sleep experience, and you’ll get the best possible value and assurance.

Sealy Global Hospitality has supplied American-made mattresses to the military industry for 5 years. Our Dorm Collection of durable, double-sided mattresses stands up to even the most rigorous military environments. That means you can rest easy, knowing your mattresses meet all federal flammability mattress requirements; are constructed with water-resistant fabric and tape, antimicrobial, antibacterial, mildew-resistant and bed bug–resistant materials; and come with a 1/3-year warranty. And speaking of resting easy, whatever comfort level you choose—Plush Tight-top, Firm, or Ultra Firm—your guests will enjoy whole-body support from the PostureTech® innerspring, designed specifically to distribute weight and relieve areas of concentrated pressure. That’s the kind of rest our troops need every night to prepare for duty.

We understand the many environments and unique needs

your property accommodates, and our mattress lines are designed to be as accommodating as you are. The Hotel Chalet Collection™ offers a double-sided mattresses in three comfort levels—Pillowtop, Plush, and Firm—all available with a 10/10 non-prorated warranty. Or choose from the Collection Seven™ series comfort options—Cushion Firm Pillowtop, Plush, and Firm—for the same exceptional trusted Sealy value.

Learn how Sealy Global Hospitality can support your business goals and help your guests prepare for duty. Call us toll free at 888/332-2226 today.

Kenyon Ceramic Cooktops and Electric Grills— Fire safe and flame free!

K

enyon International, Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of specialty ceramic cooktops and electric grills.

Established in 1931, Kenyon is a small, veteran-owned business that holds numerous awards for creating innovative products, with sustainability and safety at the forefront in all of our designs. Recognized globally for outstanding customer service, Kenyon supplies residential, hospitality, institutional, academic, military, marine, and mobile customers from our world headquarters in Clinton, Connecticut.

Kenyon ceramic cooktops are available in compact one and two burner models in 120, 208, or 240 Volts. The new Lite-Touch™ Series offers the easy clean-up and convenience of touch-control operation with the built-in safety of automatic shut-off. This innovative design feature eliminates the need for external timers.

Traditional knob models also are available in multiple sizes to fit the installation requirements of new construction or renovation. Choose from an exciting array of styling options to include beveled edge or pencil-edge glass, subtly textured black, true white glass with grey graphics, or modern black glass options with steel graphics or high-contrast contempo-

30 Defense Communities

rary white graphics. All models feature quick-to-heat radiant ribbon elements, heat limiting cooking surface protectors, and ON and HOT indicator lights.

Kenyon All Season Grills are flameless, smokeless, and safe for use indoors or out. Kenyon’s award-winning patented design offers the ultimate in safety and protection. Built-in and portable models are available in 120 Volts, with threeprong household plugs and built-in GFCI. In addition, a full complement of accessories, to include a new side wheeled cart, waterproof ceramic one-burner cooktop, and more, are available!

All Kenyon ceramic cooktops are designed and built in Clinton, Connecticut, and backed by uncompromising quality and our exclusive, three-year product replacement warranty.

BIM objects are now available. Visit our website at www. cookwithkenyon.com for more information and pricing.

Military Housing Supplier Showcase

Speed Queen: A Perfect Match for Military Installations

S

peed Queen®is the largest commercial laundry brand in the world, with more than a 100-year history of proven performance and reliability. The brand manufactures washers and dryers that are built for the commercial laundry industry and provides specific support for all types of military installations.

Global Presence Distinguished for its dependable and durable commercialgrade machines, Speed Queen washers and dryers are the perfect match for military installations. The brand provides a variety of machine sizes and styles with voltages to meet every need, both domestic and international. Troops can find Speed Queen washers and dryers installed in military bases and ships all over the world.

While Speed Queen equipment may be internationally renowned, Speed Queen washers and dryers continue to be made in the heartland of America—Ripon, Wisconsin, and have been since 1908. At the Ripon manufacturing plant, equipment is tested in a state-of-the-art lab facility to ensure that each machine will run a minimum of 10,500 cycles to deliver excellent performance.

Speed Queen engineers understand its washers and dryers need to stand up to the rigors of military life. For these reasons, each machine is manufactured to the same commercial, heavyduty quality standards as machines destined for commercial laundromats, multi-housing laundry rooms, prisons, Veteran’s Affairs hospitals, and on-base recreational facilities.

Simplicity in Controls Soldiers and their families are frequently moving and laundry should not be something that they need to re-learn every time they relocate. Military base facility managers turn to Speed Queen time and time again because the easy-to-use controls assure reliable performance and help to increase troops’ comfort and efficiency.

Speed Queen’s controls offer multiple cycles and temperature options and adjustable water level controls to get the best wash quality for every load. In addition to wash cycle options, the control panel provides users with multiple choices for drying: normal, permanent press, delicate, and no heat.

Military personnel can find machines with easy-to-use controls and an assortment of cycle options in a variety of settings on bases. These include everything from an ever-increasing number of apartments with in-unit laundry facilities to laundromat-style set-ups in large centrally located buildings.

Commercial Quality Every Speed Queen machine is reliable, durable, and a proven performer. While other brands are using plastics, Speed

Queen washers are made with a durable stainless steel or porcelain tub and a porcelain enamel outer drain tub. The advantages of stainless steel include the tub becoming smoother with each use, preventing pulls, snags, and fraying on clothes. Speed Queen dryers have an easy-to-clean and secure upfront lint filter with an extra-large, seven-cubic-foot capacity to ensure optimal drying of a wash load.

For added convenience within all types of laundry installations, Speed Queen offers a variety of machine sizes and types such as standard top-load and front-load washers, stack washers and dryers, stack dryers, and single-load dryers. Available washer and dryer capacities range from 12 to 200 pounds, with the larger capacities available from Speed Queen’s sister brand, UniMac®.

To comply with government regulations and help decrease utility use, Speed Queen offers top-load and front-load washers that are Energy Star®-compliant without sacrificing performance. Additionally, the brand has been a part of the GSA Contract for more than 20 years, and complies with the Buy American Act, which was enacted by Congress in 1933 to ensure the military supports American-made products.

To better help facility managers navigate the ins and outs of government purchasing regulations, Speed Queen employs a full-time government specialist. This specialist can help with laundry design and capacity requirements to ensure you have the right machines for all types of laundry applications.

Speed Queen’s resources extend beyond the one-on-one assistance provided by the government specialist; facility managers who choose to partner with Speed Queen also receive the backing of its parent company, Alliance Laundry Systems, the number one manufacturer of commercial laundry equipment in the world. Speed Queen’s comprehensive services and support are unrivaled in the laundry industry, from sales support to technical services.

For more information about Speed Queen washers and dryers and how they can increase efficiency at your location, please visit SpeedQueen.com/MHInfo or, to order today, contact Susan Pepper, government contract sales specialist, direct at 920/748-1671 or email susan.peppler@alliancels. com. Refer to GSA contract at GS-21F-007J. MARCH | APRIL 2014 31

Military Housing Supplier Showcase

The Kaba K-COD 200: A 24-Hour Solution for Keycards on Demand

C

oncerned about time and expenses involved with afterhours staffing? Tired of service charges for lost or misplaced keycards?

Kaba’s self-service kiosk offers a cost- effective solution for military housing management.

Kaba Access & Data Systems Americas, a leading electronic lock supplier for the multi-family housing market, has added the K-COD 200 self-service kiosk to complement its electronic lock products for the military housing market. The self-service kiosk encodes and dispenses temporary keycards for unit locks to military residents and offers management an around-theclock access control solution without around-the-clock staffing.

A custom software program integrates with Kaba’s System 6000 operating software for Kaba MT and RT magstripe and RFID electronic locking systems.

Exclusively designed for after-hour requirements in the military housing market, these self-service kiosks operate continuously to dispense a temporary keycard when one is lost or stolen. The unit’s software interfaces with the desk system to verify the user as a resident within the housing system. Once identification is verified, a temporary keycard is encoded and dispensed and is valid for a limited or preset amount of time. This cancels out the original card, and directs the user back to the administration office during that time period to be issued a new, permanent keycard.

Comprehensive research and data compared the initial price and operating costs of the kiosk over a 10-year period to a conservative number of service charges during the same period. The results are compelling. The return on investment analysis shows that Kaba’s keycard self-service kiosk will pay for itself in less than one year!

32 Defense Communities

“With ongoing concern for housing security expenses and decreasing budgets, the kiosk self-service program is an extremely cost-effective solution as an alternative in solving the issue of lost or misplaced keycards,” states Dale Mathias, vice president of multihousing sales. “This unattended system is on duty 24 hours a day.”

Phase I of this kiosk program is available to military housing with Kaba installations, and other magstripe keycard locking systems. Integration for additional market applications will follow. For more information, contact Dale Mathias at 949/422-3471 or e-mail at dale.mathias@kaba.com

Military Housing Supplier Showcase

Making Military Moves Easier with MilitaryByOwner.com

P

lato once said that “Necessity is the mother of all invention,” and it is this very idea that was behind the inception of MilitaryByOwner.com, a national leader of online real estate advertising to the military community.

David Gran (USMC, Ret.) and his wife Sharon had moved their family frequently during David’s career. While active duty in 1999 and facing a move from Germany back to the states, they recognized a need for assistance for relocating military families. This move triggered the idea of connecting military families nationwide who were trying to rent, sell, or buy homes. Hence, with the purchase of a website design software program, MilitaryByOwner.com was launched in 2000.

The MilitaryByOwner website offers the opportunity for military and civilian families to showcase their homes for sale or for rent near U.S. military bases. The goal is to provide the services necessary to help make military moves easier.

Success is achieved through advertising exposure of the homeowner’s property to those families who are moving to the same area. With over 20,000 visits a day during the move season, the homeowner’s advertisement on MilitaryByOwner receives the desired exposure and is often quickly rented or sold as a result.

Advertising your home for sale or rent on MilitaryByOwner is easy and is done by the homeowner, real estate agent, or property manager. Creation of an account and selection of the ad package that best fits your needs is all accomplished online.

During the move season, there are fears and concerns associated with moving. Find comfort from the resources available on the website from articles about homeownership and renting such as financing, loans, decorating, military life, etc. MilitaryByOwner also offers resources to secure the services of the real estate professionals associated military relocation.

“We provide a valued resource for relocating military families to advertise their homes, for sale or rent, located near a U.S. military base, in addition to finding housing at their next duty station. Our inclusion on this list reflects the trust that our military community has placed in us over the years.

I credit this trust to the great work done by our customer service personnel, staffed with military family members from across the services,” said David Gran, president of MilitaryByOwner.

MilitaryByOwner strives to provide superior customer service by being available for questions through live chat online, email, and daytime office hours. The majority of the staff are military spouses or dependents who can relate to the joys as

well as the frustrations of frequent moves.

Receive news and updates on MilitaryByOwner Advertising Inc. through e-newsletters, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

Contact information: Sharon Gran Office (9-5pm EST): 866 604 9126 Email sharon@militarybyowner.com

MARCH | APRIL 2014 33

Military Housing Supplier Showcase

Miracle Method Surface Refinishing Can Reduce Change of Occupancy Maintenance Costs

I

f there’s one challenge all military community developers and managers have in common, it’s how to manage Change of Occupancy Maintenance (COM) costs and schedules.

Whether it’s a scratched countertop, stained vanity, or a worn and damaged bathtub and surround, it’s kitchens and the bathrooms that incur the most wear and tear in a home.

These also are the areas that require the most expensive upgrades and repairs, driving COM costs up.

Miracle Method Surface Refinishing offers a lower-cost and faster-turnaround solution— repair and refinish the existing surfaces! We have created a process that works equally well on porcelain, tile, cultured marble, acrylic, fiberglass, and laminate surfaces. We can make repairs, change colors, and even update tile showers and countertops to look like stone.

And because it doesn’t involve demolition and dumpsters, using Miracle Method is “greener” than traditional removal and replacement. What’s more, Miracle Method finishes are guaranteed against any adhesion failure.

At Miracle Method, we understand the importance of conforming to the stringent guidelines of working on a military base. Complying with higher insurance requirements, safety regulations, dress codes, and appropriate behavior in base housing are all part of our job. We hire only dependable, professional technicians and supervisors who can pass background checks, and we have a track record to prove it.

“There’s no question that the Miracle Method process increases efficiency and effectiveness in COM. We used to replace the countertops and we have found that refinishing is much quicker and is also cheaper,” says Kevin Dickerson, director of maintenance for Tierra Vista, a Lend Lease Military Housing Community at Petersen Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado. “The product is easy to clean and has shown to be equally durable as standard laminate countertops.”

Miracle Method also works with Lend Lease at its Tierra Vista community at Los Angeles AFB and with Forest City at the US Air Force Academy and Balfour Beatty at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs.

Before

After

Method most likely has an office near your community; and should your project require additional manpower, we have a Nationwide Commercial Services Team in place for larger renovation projects.

About Miracle Method

Fast. Miracle Method can turn around a bathroom or kitchen countertop in 24 to 36 hours, so you can get families into their new housing quickly.

Founded in 1979, Miracle Method has become the nation’s largest provider of commercial surface refinishing services to hospitals, colleges and universities, and senior living facilities.

We also are proud to provide professional refinishing services to military communities throughout the country.

Affordable. Miracle Method Surface Refinishing typically

Contact Us

costs up to 75 percent less than replacing existing kitchen and bathroom fixtures. With our proprietary process, there are no expensive replacement purchases to make, no shipping costs, and no backorders.

Convenient. With 135 offices across the country, Miracle

To learn more about Miracle Method Surface Refinishing, call the Commercial Services Hotline at 888/741-3511 or fill out an estimate request form at www.miraclemethod.com/commercial. View more “before” and “after” transformation photos at www.miraclemethod.com/photobook/interactive.htm.

34 Defense Communities

Military Housing Supplier Showcase

Store and Move with PODS for Savings and Convenience

S

kip the hassle of renting, driving, loading, and unloading a truck. Instead, call PODS to make your moving and storage experience as smooth as possible. With PODS, you won’t waste valuable time driving your belongings from point A to point B. Let PODS handle the driving for you!

And with PODS, you avoid the hassle of loading and unloading your valuables in and out of storage facilities.

Here’s how it works: PODS delivers an empty container to you at your convenience. You fill the container your way, at your pace, and call PODS when you’re ready. PODS picks up your container, and delivers it across town or across the country.

Or, PODS can store your container in one of its many secure storage centers.

PPM/DITY Moves PODS storage containers are ideal for Military PCS moves.

PODS offers customers the benefits of moving and storage convenience, scheduling flexibility, and control of their household goods—all at a competitive price. And, if your home’s not move-in ready when you arrive at your new installation, your PODS container can be stored on-site or at the destination storage center until you are ready for final delivery.

Temporary Housing PODS is the ideal interim storage solution for service members awaiting move-in. Store your PODS container for as long as you need and access the container as often as you like.

Deployment Have peace of mind knowing your belongings are securely stored at a PODS storage center during your deployment. If you PCS upon your return, PODS can deliver your container directly to your new Installation.

Business Logistics PODS offers a convenient solution for inventory management.

Providers can often create customized solutions to store and transport inventory closer to the point of use, whether its materials for an office move, or repair and remodeling equipment.

Using PODS containers as part of a comprehensive logistics

program can help optimize processes by providing a new dimension of flexibility and control.

Thousands of military members have chosen PODS for their convenience and flexibility, and it’s no wonder why. The unique PODS solution reduces stress associated with moving and storage and affords valuable time to focus on other important responsibilities.

To order today: • Call 866/667-5573, or • Visit: www.pods.com/PHMA • Use promo code PHMA for special savings on your order

About PODS Enterprises, Inc. Founded in 1998, PODS currently provides moving and storage services to a population of more than 250 million consumers and businesses, in 48 U.S. states, Canada, Australia, and the UK, through its company-owned and independent franchise network. To date, the PODS network has completed more than 504,000 long-distance relocations, exceeded 2.5 million deliveries, and has over 148,000 PODS®containers in service.

MARCH | APRIL 2014 35

Military Housing Supplier Showcase

Defense Communities Spotlight Universal Storage Containers

The Leader in Portable Container Solutions Contact Us to Place Your Order Today!

Website: www.universalstoragecontainers.com Telephone: 800-385-0755 Email: sales@universalstoragecontainers.com Universal Storage Containers LLC (USC) has supplied over 40,000 portable storage containers internationally and continues to be the innovator in this emerging industry. The company has offices around the world and in the US can provide product demos in their warehouses in Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis and Washington D.C. USC is the original pioneer of using foldable innovative technology in the design of portable containers, which provides dramatic cost savings to their customers. The USC containers’ unique design allows assembly and disassembly in approximately less than twenty five minutes. This “foldable” characteristic creates operating efficiencies for the enterprise through reduced freight expenses, reduced inventory storage expenses, and rapid transport and delivery potential.

USC is a full service supplier in that it provides engineering and design services, management consulting, R&D and logistics support, in addition to manufacturing portable containers. , “USC has been successful through meeting and exceeding customers’ expectations. This has to be done through superior products, competitive pricing, exceptional service, and, most importantly, trust and reliability.” says George Johnson, one of the principals.

The USC management team is an experienced supplier to the storage and moving industry as a whole (traditional self storage, mobile self storage, moving and storage) and is dedicated to continuous innovation to further enhance value and stimulate return on investment for our customers.

Beyond portable storage containers (Z-Box®), USC has grown to be the leader in containerized solutions for many other markets. USC also manufactures portable cooler/ freezer containers (Polar Bear® Box), portable storage containers for fixed storage enterprises (Instant Self-Storage™ Box), temporary administrative boxes (Instant Office™ Box) and portable containers for disaster relief (First Response™ Box).

“In addition to the add-ons to their fixed storage facilities, the Z-Box® allows self-storage operators to migrate into portable storage as well as the moving business. It offers a way to create more business for their facilities” says George Johnson.

36 Defense Communities

USC is dedicated to helping customers learn how to more efficiently expand their existing business and gain a competitive edge with USC. “Our focus is to continuously improve our products and expand into new markets, industries and countries. We want to maintain the reputation as providing the best design, quality, service, and priced container in the industry” says Rod Bolls, Vice President of Development.

When asked about how does it feel to win the international award for the “Best Portable-Storage Container” for the 3rd year in a row, Peter Nemiroff, President said “We feel very proud to receive this recognition from our peers and loyal customers. Our success in becoming the leader in portable container solutions is thanks to our customers helping us continuously improve our product to become the next generation for the industry”.

Military Housing Supplier Showcase

Valley Forge Fabrics Serves All Military Housing and Bedding Needs

V

alley Forge Fabrics is always looking for a way to improve and develop products to enhance our customer’s bedding and sleep experience. Bed-In-A-Bag is Valley Forge Fabrics’ BioPreferred solution to all of your military housing and bedding needs. This luxurious hotel-quality bedding set is woven from blended Tencel+Plus™Lyocell and Polyester fibers and comes in a 200-thread count, which feels like a 400-thread count!

The purpose of the USDA BioPreferred® program is to promote the increased purchase and use of biobased products. In addition to being fully compliant with EO 13514, our product is considered to be biobased as it is composed in significant part of biological products and renewable agricultural materials. Tencel+Plus™ lyocell fibers are derived from the Eucalyptus tree and help contribute to a healthy and restful sleeping experience, due to the Tencel+Plus™Lyocell fibers, which have moisture-wicking and dust-mite reduction properties. With a content mixture of 65 percent Tencel+Plus™ lyocell and 35 percent polyester, this is one of Valley Forge Fabrics’ highest quality fiber combinations.

The basic Bed-In-A-Bag set includes: one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, pillowcase(s), and one deluxe comforter—shipped and delivered to you in our re-usable laundry bag. The sets come with seven colors and two patterns of comforters but designs also are fully customizable for large projects such as full property renovations. The Bed-In-A-Bags are completely flexible to your needs and can be tailor-made for your property by choosing from an assortment of items, such as pillows, blankets, mattress pads, or even a Living Fresh® bath set.

Since all of these components come pre-packaged together, this product is much easier to keep track of in inventory systems. The Bed-In-A-Bag is easy to wash and comes in sizes Twin through King, including Twin XL and Full XL. Another great Valley Forge Fabrics innovation is our Roller Shades. With countless design-orientated commercial grade fabrics to choose from, our selection of Roller Shades is the best in the industry.

We have a full line of plain and decorative stocked fabrics ranging from sheers to blackout qualities, which are produced in the USA for quick delivery. Single- and dual-roller shades are available to meet all budgets. All hardware used is heavyduty, commercial-grade, and covered by a warranty of 20 years (confirm). There are five stocked colors of roller shade hardware, and they also are available in custom colors to coordinate with the shade itself or the room’s decor.

The level of our blackouts is the highest quality in the industry with no cause for worry from pinholes or glowing. We are able to achieve a far better blackout effect with the use of U channels, rather than traditional blackout currents. The U channel prevents light from seeping in around the edges of

the shade, and works to keep the shade in its proper position and fitted to the window.

Our shades come with precise measuring and installation included for a clean and professional look. They also can be quickly replaced with different styles of shades for a variety of looks and configurations. This saves you from having to order several draperies and being required to meet high minimums for each style.

PDF specification sheets are available for all stocked styles.

To order, contact us through www.valleyforge.com or at 954/971-1776.

MARCH | APRIL 2014 37

Military Housing Supplier Showcase

Commercial Windows: Aluminum vs. Vinyl/Composite/ Wood in Non-Owner Occupied Applications

T

here is a growing trend towards using vinyl, composite, or wood (VCW) products in lieu of aluminum products in non-owner occupied applications. This extends beyond residential (owner-occupied) applications and, typically, many VCW manufacturers are referring to residential application when stating a warranty.

However, installing a product that meets the very specific performance requirements of a non-owner-occupied project is critical. Developers and www.wojan.com

designers whose buildings are intended to have an extended lifetime—and especially those routinely subjected to rigorous use, such as privatized housing (PPV), should consider the distinct and proven advantages of commercial aluminum windows and doors.

Aluminum Advantages: • Durability: More than 65 percent of aluminum used in fenestration is still in use.

• Recyclability: Aluminum windows are comprised of a very high recycled content.

• Strength: The mechanical properties of aluminum exceed that of VCW by multiple times in many cases.

• Performance: Aluminum products routinely achieve the highest AAMA Performance Grades including AW, HC, and CW. Conversely, VCW products are typically restricted to lower grades of R and LC. AAMA ratings were established universally for all materials used in window manufacturing. · Testing and Performance: AAMA has established methods and procedures, universally, for windows of all frame materials. This includes a Gateway Size for each type and Classification. Aluminum windows out-perform VCW when tested in compliance with these practices.

• Water Resistance: This performance quality prevents intrusion of water that are more consistent with the higher performance classes typically found in aluminum. Water intrusion can lead to problems in a structure including the development of mold and additional related problems and damage.

• Design Flexibility: Aluminum has the distinct advantage of having various levels of finishes available including painted, fluorpolymer-based, and anodic finishes. These add to the longevity and permanence of aluminum products. By contrast, some of these finishes are not available on VCW products.

• Material Stabilitly: Unaffected structurally by the elements and UV rays, aluminun is more stable than VCW and will far outlast it. The stability of aluminum also is evident when comparing rates of expansion and contraction. For example, Vinyl will “move” (expand and contract) more than aluminum, risking premature glass failure, hardware malfunction, 38 Defense Communities

Belvedere Terrace Condominiums in Charlevoix, Michigan, with Wojan Commercial Aluminum Windows.

Von Braun Complex at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, with Wojan Commercial Aluminum Blast-Resistant Windows.

and breakdown of other components. Wood is susceptable to insects and rotting, resulting in the same inherent risks stated above.

Energy Efficiency As the issue of energy efficiency becomes more prevelant, it is important to consider the total cost over the lifecycle of a building. In fact, IECC, ASHRAE, and other highly regarded industry organizations have separate criteria for buildings that are owner-occupied (residential) versus non-owner-occupied (commercial). Installing windows with a seemingly better initial U-value while sacrificing other performance factors sets the stage for the need to replace windows and doors long before they were intended to be replaced, significantly increasing the cost of the building over its lifetime. Using a quality, thermally broken aluminum window initially will provide the end user with an energy efficient, stronger, longer-lasting product.

Given the proper setting and context, there can be advantages to using non-aluminum (VCW) windows and doors.

Understandably, many prefer vinyl, wood, composite, fiberglass, or other products simply for their aesthetics. Arguably, a non-owner occupied project is not necessarily the proper setting for these products. In commercial applications, the “Best Value” based on true initial cost, energy efficiency, performance, and, ultimately, the true total cost over the life of the project or building, rests heavily in favor of aluminum.

Wojan Window & Door Corp.

217 Stover Road | Charlevoix, MI 49720 800/932-9827 | www.wojan.com

Military Housing Supplier Showcase

Yardi: Supporting Service Members and Families on the Home Front

I

n 2003, the U.S. Army, seeking to manage an immense global portfolio consisting of single-family homes, dormitories, and private-sector rentals, engaged Yardi Systems to create a workflow, reporting, and integrated real estate management solution. The company developed Yardi Voyager® Military Housing, a customized, fully integrated program derived from a single database that is shared globally via the Internet.

Since then, Yardi has applied best practices in property management to help provide service members safe and comfortable housing for themselves and their families. This effort has produced significant achievements, including better management, analytic reporting, and accountability through automation of processes and accounting systems.

Today, Yardi Voyager Military Housing is used by most of the military’s housing privatization partner companies, such as Picerne, Lincoln Military Housing, Balfour Beatty Communities, and Pinnacle, for managing military housing. The platform features a single integrated database and provides real-time accounting and reporting, along with centralized resident and wait list management, and unit inventory. Custom features accommodate tenant personal information, prospect workflow and wait list, asset management consolidation, and other functions. The integration streamlines operations by reducing hardware and infrastructure costs and enabling universal access to needed information and real-time decision-making.

By automating key property management tasks, including wait list processing, basic allowance for housing (BAH) functionality, required reporting, A/R, and resident handling functions, Yardi Voyager Military Housing allows accurate tracking of available housing, helping maximize on-post housing utilization and reduce housing allowances and other expenses associated with off-post housing.

It matches personnel requirements with available housing, quickly and efficiently, with a single point of entry for housing applications, wait lists, and sharing housing information from post to post. Simultaneous viewing of the Voyager Wait List Assignment Screen with applicant data and available unit information enables rapid pairing of applicants with units, instant download of resident details, and automatic calculation of BAH rates. Yardi Voyager Military Housing also supports foreign currency and overseas allotments.

Yardi Voyager Military Housing interfaces with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) database, MAC, and the US Navy’s eNH database. This integration provides fast access to information and reduces errors by eliminating redundant data entry.

Yardi Military Housing Suite As the natural extension of Yardi Voyager Military Housing, the Yardi Military Housing Suite™ is a cost-effective full-business solution that automates workflows, provides online services, creates electronic transactions, improves productivity, reduces costs, and maximizes cash flow. The system includes: • Yardi Military Portal™, which connects property websites with prospect and resident portals to allow more efficient online marketing, increase resident satisfaction and save staff labor.

• Yardi Energy Solutions™, which automates meter reading and utility billing for submetered properties and ensures compliance for meter reading, cost allocations, and analytics.

• Yardi Procure to Pay™, which streamlines procurement and reduces purchasing costs with online catalogs, integrated purchase orders, and automated invoice processing.

• Yardi Inventory Control™ and Yardi Fixed Assets™, which enable financial control over the acquisition, tracking, depreciation, and disposition of inventory and fixed assets.

As the military seeks to privatize its office space, its commercial property management partners have the option to adopt Yardi Voyager® Commercial, an end-to-end solution that combines commercial property management and accounting, CRM and deal tracking, tenant portals, budgeting and forecasting, leasing, construction management, and maintenance, with mobile capability throughout the system.

As a GSA contract holder, Yardi is pleased to support the U.S. military’s private-industry housing partners in giving the nation’s men and women in uniform the high-quality housing they deserve.

For more information, visit www.yardi.com/military.

MARCH | APRIL 2014 39

Advertising Index Company

Contact

Phone

Web Site

Page

Coit Cleaning & Restoration

Shawn Aghababian

800/367-2648

www.coit.com

19

Cort Business Services

Peggy Moore

301-324-8606

www.cort1.com

25

Corvias Group

Amanda Filipowski

401/228-2800

www.corvias.com

C3

Friedrich Air Conditioning Co.

Norma Williams

210-546-0500 x516

www.friedrich.com

40

HD Supply Facilities Maintenance

877/610-6912

www.hdsupplysolutions.com

C2

Kaba ADS Americas

Mark Allen

336/723-1331

www.kaba-adsamericas.com

32

Kenyon International

Suzanne Owens

860/664-4906

www.kenyonappliances.com

14 , 30

MilitaryByOwner Advertising

Dave Gran

540/446-4676

www.MilitaryByOwner.com

8 , 33

Miracle Method Surface Refinishing

Rhonda Dominick

800-444-8827

www.miraclemethod.com/commercial

34

PODS Enterprises

Cherlyne Rouse, Military Program Manager

727/538 6418

www.pods.com/phma

41

Salsbury Industries

Ricardo Alva

323/846-6700

www.mailboxes.com

16

Sealy Global Hospitality

Leo Vogel

336/361-3539

www.sealy.com

30

Shannon Specialty Floors

Dale Carson

407-414-7933

www.shannonspecialtyfloors.com

26

Speed Queen/Alliance Laundry

Kate Holmes

920/748-1671

www.speedqueen.com

31

The Refinishing Touch

Mario Insenga

770/642-4169

www.therefinishingtouch.com

Universal Storage Containers

Rod Bolls, Vice President

720/263-5687

www.universalstoragecontainers.com

University Loft Company

James Jannetides

317/631-5433

www.universityloft.com

C4

Valley Forge Fabrics

Jason Gans

954/971-1776

www.valleyforge.com

37

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Customer Service

800/644-8083

www.wellsfargo.com

17

Wojan Windows & Doors

Rick Pagano

800/632-9827 or 231/547-2931

www.wojan.com

Yardi Systems, Inc.

Spencer Stewart

800/866-1144

www.yardi.com

23 1, 36

38 5, 39

MARCH | APRIL 2014  47