Facility Rockstars | The Role of Being Present and Audience Awareness - Rob Cox - Facility Rockstars

The Role of Being Present and Audience Awareness - Rob Cox - Facility Rockstars - Episode # 055

March 27, 2025 / 51:04/E55

How can hands-on leadership and a passion for energy efficiency reshape the future of facilities management?

Rob Cox, the Director of Facilities and Capital Improvements at Roach Bros Supermarkets emphasizes the importance of being both mentally and physically present in the workplace, sharing his hands-on approach to facility management. He reflects on his journey from working in food service at Fenway Park to overseeing 20 grocery stores, offering valuable insights into fostering a positive working culture. Rob also discusses the role of asset tagging, CMS systems, and his deep passion for energy efficiency. He also touches on Roach Bros' recent award for energy efficiency and highlights the challenges and successes of their remodeling projects.

Takeaways:

Field Presence is Crucial: Being physically present on-site—whether in stores, construction sites, or other venues—helps catch mistakes, address issues, and ensure safety. A hands-on approach outperforms managing solely from behind a desk.
Know Your Audience: Understanding your audience is key. Tailor your message to the level of detail needed—providing technical updates for team members and high-level summaries for CEOs.
Energy Initiatives: Energy-saving projects, like adding doors to open-air cases and using heat pumps, recently earned recognition as a Climate Leader by Mass Save in 2024, highlighting commitment to sustainability.
Technology in Store Management: Implementing a mobile app for logging work orders and managing assets improved efficiency for store staff. This digital transformation streamlined operations and enabled quick, accurate information capture.
Unconventional Career Path: A career in facilities management can come from diverse backgrounds. Transferring skills from fields like criminal justice or psychology can lead to success in entirely different industries.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement: A focus on continuous improvement, from asset tagging and updating user-friendly systems to emphasizing safety, ensures operational excellence and long-term success.

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