Meet the Manager: Chad Lovell of JLL
When it comes to facility management, Chad Lovell knows that seemingly small things, such as the way equipment is cleaned and organized, can make a big difference.
As an operations specialist and chief engineer for JLL, Chad currently oversees Asurion’s new 1.3 million square foot headquarters in the Gulch, set to open this fall. Chad brings a unique blend of management experience, leadership, and technical expertise to his work, and he’ll play a key role both in the continued upkeep of this massive facility.
At DPM Care, we’re proud to partner with people like Chad to make sure facilities stay clean and well-maintained. In today’s installment of “Meet the Manager,” Chad offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to manage a major facility in the lead up to its opening.
Get to Know Nashville Property Manager, Chad Lovell
How did you get involved with facility management?
The economy of 2007-2008 forced me out of the construction industry and into facilities.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Everyone likes seeing beautiful finishes and brand new things, but I enjoy showcasing the back-of-house items. You can find out a lot about an operation by looking there and noticing things like cleanliness, how equipment is being maintained, and compliance with laws, codes and regulations.
I also enjoy energy and sustainability projects.
What is the biggest challenge you face in your current role?
When opening a new site, you only get one shot at a first impression.
Describe what a day in your role looks like.
It’s a bit different now than it will be when we’re fully moved in. I arrive at the building before 7 a.m. to check the building systems and review the historical record. I then review the CMMS work orders and look for any emergency tickets, past due orders or tickets that are due soon, and I follow up with the team and our vendor partners about their respective tickets.
After this, I have a quick meeting with the onsite team to go over the day’s events and goals. I also conduct site tour inspections of the janitorial, landscape, and maintenance teams and enter any new issues into the CMMS.
A typical day also includes:
- Approving invoices for completed work and closing tickets
- Collaborating with other leaders to come up with innovative solutions that will improve our process
- Multiple conference calls
- Presenting PowerPoints on energy, safety or compliance
- Responding to emails
- Setting exterior lighting scenes
- Supporting the employee experience manager and her team with events
- Working on the budget and variance reporting
What has been your biggest success story in your current role?
I’ve enjoyed learning the Asurion way. The people, culture, and fast-paced environment are exactly what I was looking for when I came onboard 13 months ago.
What is your best piece of advice to others in your role?
With your team, make sure to do what you say and say what you mean. Lead by example, always from the front and never pushing from the back. They’ll notice the difference.
On the client side, under promise and over deliver. When you’re upside down on that, you’re in trouble.
How does having a clean building help your business?
It sets expectations. A clean building means all things are getting done. If a building is dirty, nothing is getting done. Maintenance included. That may not be fair, but it’s reality.
How has DPM Care’s service impacted your business?
DPM Care’s service extends the life of our flooring finishes and keeps our clients happy. I’ve been on multiple accounts with JLL, and DPM Care has serviced them all.