Facilities management leaders are no longer confined to back-office operations or last-minute fixes. In today’s competitive landscape, they’re shaping customer experience, driving operational efficiency, and influencing strategic decisions. But that kind of impact is only possible when daily, tactical demands are managed seamlessly. That’s where an Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) partner makes all the difference.
When the day-to-day is handled with precision, facilities management teams are free to focus on initiatives that matter to the business’s bottom line. Based on insights from a recent executive panel featuring retail leaders from Milan Laser Hair Removal and Mattress Firm, here are four ways facilities teams are stepping into the spotlight and contributing at a strategic level:
- Proactive Communication Prevents Issues “We actually want you to identify issues before they become full-on train wrecks.” – Bryan Dodge, Senior Retail Leader
In organizations that value proactive communication, facilities management leaders are expected to surface problems early, rather than burying them. With an IFM partner managing work order flow, vendor performance, and service-level agreements, facilities teams can focus on identifying patterns, sharing early warnings, and avoiding costly disruptions before they escalate.
- Transparency Builds Trust “No answer is way worse than the answer of no.” – Jody Putnam, Chief Retail Officer, Mattress Firm
Executive teams need clear, honest input from every department. Facilities is no exception. By leveraging real-time reporting, KPI dashboards, and cost forecasting tools provided by an IFM partner, facilities leaders can deliver data-driven insights that build credibility and trust. Transparency around constraints or trade-offs creates alignment and enables faster, more confident decision-making.
- Balance Innovation with Practicality “We built the store of the future in an offsite location… then we tested and learned.” – Tracie Wickenhauser, Chief Operating Officer, Milan Laser Hair Removal
Facilities management leaders are often at the intersection of brand identity, customer experience, and operational execution. That means they play a crucial role in testing new concepts and rolling out updates that enhance the business. When IFM partners handle routine repairs and maintenance, internal teams gain the space to plan, prototype, and pilot initiatives that blend innovation with feasibility.
- Preventative Maintenance Saves Money (and Builds Confidence) “As a result of our preventative maintenance program, our CFO has absolute faith in our forecasting.” – Bryan Dodge, Senior Retail Leader
Preventive maintenance is about predictability and performance. When systems are properly maintained and issues are resolved before they affect operations, facilities management leaders can demonstrate control over costs and contribute to long-term planning. Partnering with an IFM provider ensures that these programs are executed consistently and also optimized for future savings.
Final Thoughts
Facilities management teams that want to move from being viewed as a cost center to a strategic business partner need two things: trust and time. Working with an IFM provider like NEST creates both. When tactical execution is covered, facilities leaders are empowered to lead cross-functional initiatives, engage with executives, and shape the future of their organizations.
That’s good for the brand and a win for the entire business.
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