Clarity That Informs.Control That Transforms.
Leading the Integrated
Facilities Management Transformation
NEST is the pioneer of the Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) industry. Since 1994, we’ve embarked on a journey with our clients to bring true cost savings with industry-leading technology and operational excellence—all while maintaining your brand image. Finding an IFM partner that understands your business is key to the success of any multi-site organization and NEST has the experience to prove it.
Our History
For over 25 years, NEST has helped our clients achieve their business goals by using facility maintenance and construction programs as a core strategy of success. From its humble start with four employees and a milk-crate filing system, NEST has grown to be the proven Integrated Facilities Management and Construction Management leader. We’ve redesigned what success in Integrated Facilities Management looks like. After all, we invented it.
1994
Bob Almond always had the passion to build a new and innovative product that would revolutionize the FM industry. In 1994, he brought that vision to life by founding NEST Nationwide. The term “NEST” is an acronym for “Negative Expense Systems Technology.” Bob’s goal was to bring financial acumen to the facilities world by using customized systems and technologies to drive the process within multi-facility businesses.
1996
Exceptional service and a steady increase in contracted Independent Service Providers (ISPs) led NEST to finish the year at $1M in revenue. Bob and his team reinvested every dollar back into the business by purchasing additional office space and an improved technology infrastructure, and by attending the first of many trade shows.
1999
Five years after opening its doors, NEST had multiplied our revenue tenfold and boasted a client roster that included some of North America’s leading retailers. Leadership chose to reinvest in the company once again, purchasing our headquarters in Southern New Jersey and committing to keeping the company local for the good of its current employees. The NEST Quality Assurance team was formed as the “boots on the ground” to ensure client satisfaction and brand standards are upheld.
2004
From 2000 to 2004, NEST experienced a growing pain or two. While NEST was primed for success thanks to a new revenue milestone and a new company headquarters, changes to our client portfolio presented a few challenges. Bob Almond used the setback as an opportunity to refresh his thinking and goals for the future. As a result, NEST reinforced our focus on technology and automation.
2006
With new technology, clients and service providers, Bob decided to focus inward once again and committed to making his employees a top priority. In 2006, Bob implemented the Great Game of Business. The program, taken from the book written by Jack Stack, is an employee bonus plan based on an open book fiscal policy that allows each employee to become a stakeholder and rewards them for healthy business decisions. NEST was also proud to see Rob Almond, Jr. be recognized by Chain Store Age as one of the Top 40 under 40 executives.
2009
By 2009, NEST had reached their milestone of surpassing over 100 employees. That same year, NEST shifted from an off the shelf work order platform to a more customized and robust system, which allowed ISPs and clients to benefit from our customization as well. During this time period, NEST stopped accepting US Mail as a means to ensuring our ISPs embraced the technology, keeping our costs competitive. By the end of 2009, Bob opened NEST’s second office in Naples, FL to both expand its operations and be the headquarters for his residential company — NEST of Florida.
2010
Philly.com crowned NEST a Top Workplace Winner for the first (but not the last) time. Because employees vote for this award through a confidential third party, this award holds a special value for us at NEST. NEST once again sharpened our competitive edge by expanding our after-hours support services from an “on-call” team to a fully-staffed command center that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
2012
To continue growing and strengthening our partnerships with our ISP network, the NEST ISP Compliance group was formed. ISPs now had a go-to team for scorecard reviews, business portfolio expansion, and discounts on a variety of products to help drive their business.
2014
In 2014, NEST celebrated another year of awards: we were honored by the Philadelphia Business Journal with the Philadelphia 100 Award; for the fourth consecutive year, we made the Inc. 500/5000 list; and, Rob Almond, Jr. was recognized by SNJ Business People as a “40 Under 40” Business Leader. He also received an Executive Management Award presented by Smart CEO Magazine.
2015
NEST celebrated our 20th Anniversary the same year that Smart CEO’s recognized NEST and Chairman Bob Almond as a Future 50 Winner. NEST International rebranded as NEST Multi-Facility Management
2017
NEST continued to have positive revenue growth year after year and in 2017, Rob Almond announced the opening of a fourth office in Greensboro, NC. The company expanded the construction and estimation group and introduced formal Lean Six Sigma principles when developing client solutions. The same year, Rob Almond was a finalist for EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year in the Greater Philadelphia region. NEST was also named one of the Best Places to Work by The Philadelphia Business Journal.
2018
NEST expanded its Executive Leadership Team to include a CFO, CIO, and CISO to elevate the support provided to clients, employees, and providers. NEST’s portfolio continued to grow, spanning from small/medium to big-box retailers.
2019
NEST hit a major milestone in 2019 celebrating its 25th Anniversary. They continued to expand the teams and acquired more office space in Mantua, NJ. Once again NEST was named one of the Best Places to Work by The Philadelphia Business Journal and one of the Top Workplaces from the Philadephia Inquirer.
Our Core Values
NEST takes pride in the partnerships we’ve formed with our clients, providers and employees. Together we:
TRUST
Without integrity and honesty, we would not be who we are.
PARTNER
We work closely with all of our client and provider partners to break through customer service barriers and achieve success together.
GIVE
We understand that fruitful partnerships are a give-and-take built on mutual respect.
CELEBRATE
We celebrate the achievements of all our employee, client and provider partners...after all, that's why we're here.
NEST Leadership
We’re passionate about what we do and we have the know-how to help your organization succeed. NEST is achieving great things under the leadership of the most experienced executives in the facilities
and construction management industry.
Bob Almond
Chairman of the Board
Bob Almond
Chairman of the Board
Bob Almond established NEST in 1994 after mastering his role within the healthcare industry specializing in retail distribution and corporate procedures. While helping a friend with a regional cleaning business, Bob discovered that there was a problem in connecting local companies to corporate leadership in the facility maintenance industry. At the same time, he knew corporations needed to maintain a quality appearance in multiple locations. NEST was born from this combined need.
As NEST grew, Bob found he had even more solutions to offer. His business acumen allowed him to innovate a work order process to simplify invoicing and helped corporations look at data across the board to reduce costs where possible. NEST was then built into a strategic business advisor offering the NEST Method™, an approach to business that includes consulting, technology and financial solutions, backed by superior customer service. NEST Facilitate™ is the flagship product of the NEST Method™ and key component in the success of the company. It was built to be a powerful tool with proprietary technology that ensures optimal spending and quality across the service landscape and is considered by industry experts as a disruptive innovation in the marketplace. NEST is now named one of the Fastest Growing Private Companies in America by Inc. Magazine. In addition to winning Best Places to Work for four consecutive years, the company also accepted the award for Future 50 by SmartCEO, a program that recognizes 50 fast-growth, mid-sized companies.
After 20 successful years, Bob stepped into his new role as Chairman of the Board of NEST, a panel filled with industry and financial leaders. Bob knows he has put together a team of the right people to lead this company through continued success for the next twenty years and beyond. In addition to joining the Board of Directors of NEST, he has also joined the Board of Directors of Friends of Foster Children and the Advisory Board of SPECS – Store Planning, Equipment, Construction and Facilities Services.
Bob believes his greatest assets are his own employees and service providers, because, while he does work with multi-billion dollar corporations, it all comes down to a personal touch. People are the driving force of any successful business. Bob’s greatest personal achievement has been his successful marriage of over forty years, his children and grandchildren. His belief of always doing the right thing has helped in both his family life and charity work. Bob was taught and has carried on the tradition of always giving something–money, time or effort. He enjoys supporting the Knights of Columbus, Friends of Foster Care, Pancreatic Cancer Fund as well as other local charities.
Rob Almond
Chief Executive Officer
Rob Almond
Chief Executive Officer
Rob Almond oversees the day-to-day operations for NEST, the pioneer of Integrated Facilities Management (IFM). As CEO, Rob leads a team of nearly 300 employees who partner with more than 20,000 independent service providers to manage 60,000+ retail locations and multi-site businesses across North America.
Before being named the Chief Executive Officer in 2015, Rob held several positions throughout his 20-year career at NEST. He has led the charge to develop industry-leading software solutions for NEST’s clients and service providers. His strong desire for a great workplace culture has allowed the organization to see double-digit percentage growth each year since becoming CEO.
Through Rob’s leadership, NEST established a new charity arm to oversee philanthropy. NEST Nurtures focuses on supporting nonprofits and improving communities while expanding on the company’s philanthropic endeavors that NEST has fulfilled since the company started in 1994. Inspired by his father’s dedication to giving back, Rob’s philanthropic approach to business is at the forefront of the company’s mission. Since 2020, NEST Nurtures increased the company’s charitable giving to over $100,000 annually for charities across the country.
Rob is a highly regarded voice within the retail and facilities management industries. He has been featured on CNBC, Fox Business, writes for Forbes as a member of the Forbes Business Council, and is an active member of several trade organizations, including Connex, SPECS, and ICSC.
Rob and his team played a critical role in navigating the retail industry’s largest crisis on record - the COVID-19 pandemic. After more than 90% of their retail partners abruptly closed their doors in 2020, NEST was integral in developing strategies that allowed retailers to reopen their stores quickly, instill consumer confidence, and keep businesses open.
In 2021, Rob won the Most Admired CEO Award by the Philadelphia Business Journal. Earlier in his career, Rob was named by Chain Store Age as one of the Top 40 under 40 retail executives and earned the Top 40 Under 40 Executive title from South Jersey Business People. He also won the Executive Management Award from Smart CEO magazine.
Rob earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and graduated from St. Joseph’s University MBA program. He is currently on the Saint Joseph’s Board of Visitors and a member of the university’s advisory board of the Department of Decision & System Sciences. He also sits on the board for his high school alma mater Paul VI in South Jersey.
Read Rob’s Insights on Forbes.com
Jason Cesare
Chief Financial Officer
Jason Cesare
Chief Financial Officer
Jason Cesare joined NEST in 2018 as Chief Financial Officer and oversees the company’s financial planning and reporting, accounting, sourcing, investment strategies, mergers and acquisitions, tax and treasury functions. Jason brings with him a successful 20-year track record of strengthening companies’ profitability and effectiveness with a background in retail, real estate, facilities, acquisitions and system implementations.
Jason joined NEST from Sneaker Villa, Inc. where he served as VP Finance, Planning and Analysis. Under his leadership, Jason was instrumental as a change agent, helping build profitability by an over 80% run rate. Prior to his tenure at Sneaker Villa, Inc., Jason served as Senior Director of Finance for Spencer Gifts and Spirit Halloween (Spencer/Spirit) with responsibility of FP&A for more than 1,800 locations, and was the lead on mergers and acquisitions activity for the company.
Jason has also held various positions including Director of Finance of Charming Shoppes and served as CFO and VP eCommerce with Robinson Luggage. Prior to Robinson’s, Jason’s retail career began and developed over his ten-year tenure at A.C. Moore. He held various roles over the years, growing into the SVP Finance of the company and assisted in the growth of the company from $87M to $650M. Jason began his career at Deloitte Consulting.
Jason has a B.S. in Accounting Degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, and he has four children.
Read Jason’s article in Chain Store Age: Brave New Budget: Forecasting Facilities Costs in the Era of COVID-19
Rick Sung
Vice President of Sales
Rick Sung
Vice President of Sales
Rick Sung joined NEST in 2014 as Vice President of Sales, applying more than 30 years of experience in accelerating growth and increasing profits in both large and multi-billion-dollar enterprises. While at NEST Rick has grown the top line revenue with profitable new accounts and strategically grown the business development team to deliver new solutions.
Prior to joining NEST, Rick served as Director of National Accounts of G&K Services, a billion-dollar leader in uniform rental and facility products. Under his leadership, he was responsible for 40% of national account business. Rick also held various positions including Vice President of Sales at Corporate Express where he grew new top line sales from $75 million to $100 million and reduced sales operational expenses by $1 million. Rick started his career at Motorola Communications and Electronics where he won six performance awards and earned a minimum of 110% of quota each year, kicking off a successful career in business development.
Rick graduated from Northrop University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. When not at work, Rick is spending time with his family, including two children, which he considers his greatest personal achievement. He loves being physically active and enjoys volunteering with his wife for Chester County Hospital.
Jason Bishop
Vice President of Client Services
Jason Bishop
Vice President of Client Services
Jason Bishop serves as Vice President of Client Services since 2015, applying more than 19 years of experience within the facilities management industry in all aspects of business including operations, accounting, project management and sales/client services.
During his tenure at NEST, Jason successfully built a Client Service Department, winning Department of the Year for two years. In addition to earning a client award for his personal outstanding performance on the account, he also accepted six employee recognition awards. Jason was promoted to Director of Client services in 2011 and was instrumental in creating a business analytics division to work on streamlining data analysis for all clients. Within the past five years, he managed the implementation for over 150 client programs and successfully grew existing accounts by over 20% annually. Prior to joining NEST, Jason served as Project Manager for a mid-sized general contracting organization where he gained the on-site knowledge to fully understand the industry where he would later set roots.
Jason is a graduate of the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. When not at work, he serves on the local Board of Education. He enjoys days at the beach with his family and volunteering his time assisting in local sports for his two sons.
Read Jason’s latest article Pros and Cons of Outsourcing Your Facilities Maintenance Program
Jodie Morman
Vice President of Human Resources
Jodie Morman
Vice President of Human Resources
Jodie Morman has been a member of the NEST team since 2012. She brings to the company over 20 years of experience in leading operational and human resource management, with particular skills in establishing goals in line with the strategic vision of the company. Jodie is responsible for the company’s Human Resources Administration, Employee Relations, Recruitment, Compensation, Benefits Administration and Company Payroll.
Before joining NEST, Jodie spent six years with MRS, a management company offering business process outsourcing solutions to Fortune 100 and 500 companies. Under her leadership as Senior Human Resource Director, employee participation in the 401K plan increased by 25% in one year and payroll costs were reduced by 20%. As a result of her accomplishments, she received the Manager of Corporate Services Award. Jodie also served as Human Resource Manager at Securitas Security Services, the nation’s largest international security provider with over 320,000 employees in 53 countries, where she was awarded Employee of the Year in 2005.
Jodie is a graduate of the University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and is an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management. She leads fundraising efforts for the MS Society and volunteers her time for the Girl Scouts of America. When she is not working, you can find her on the sidelines of her daughter’s soccer games and spending time with her family.
Read SHRM’s article Employers Get Creative Supporting Parents During the COVID-19 Pandemic featuring Jodie Morman.
Philipp Kaeferle
General Counsel
Philipp Kaeferle
General Counsel
Philipp Kaeferle joined NEST in 2013 as General Counsel. Phil oversees all legal affairs at NEST where he leverages his 20+ years of Construction, Engineering and Legal experience to provide the Leadership Team with focused, effective advice on the Company’s strategic and tactical initiatives. He works to not only protect NEST’s corporate capital and profitability, but ultimately extends protection to its clients and service providers.
Prior to joining NEST, Phil served as General Counsel to R.E. Pierson Construction Company, a large heavy-highway contractor, where he specialized in construction law and contractual matters. Phil also held various positions including Vice President and General Counsel to Kernan Consulting Engineers and Kroll, Inc., a worldwide risk management company, where he served as a construction fraud investigator and owner’s representative.
Phil earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and Construction Management from Spring Garden College, his Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law and his Master’s Certificate in Project Management from Villanova University.
Mark Hagan
Director of Account Management
Mark Hagan
Director of Account Management
Mark A. Hagan, Jr. joined NEST in 2008 and has advanced his career from Operations Team Member to his most recent role as Director of Account Management where he is responsible for leading over 40+ command center associates on behalf of retail clients.
During his tenure at NEST, Mark helped roll out the first overnight shift for the command center that has become one of the biggest differentiators for NEST. He has also increased business for one of his key clients by 100% over a three-year period. As a result of his accomplishments, Mark has received several employee recognition awards including the Shining Star Award and People’s Choice Award.
Before joining NEST, Mark worked for such companies as FedEx Kinkos and Commerce Bank (now TD Bank) where he processed hundreds of the most challenging loan applications.
Mark attended Camden County College with a major in business and is a diehard sports fan. Mark is a devoted supporter of the Toys for Tots organization and when he is not working, you can find him coaching youth baseball, participating in local basketball and hockey leagues and spending time with his wife and children.
Amy Bielecki
Director of Marketing
Amy Bielecki
Director of Marketing
Amy Bielecki joined NEST in 2018 as Director of Marketing. Amy comes from Oracle where she was the Senior Manager of Product Marketing for the last seven years.
Amy joins NEST as an accomplished software marketing professional with more than 13 years of experience including SAP, Oracle and Capgemini. Her responsibilities will include establishing and implementing strategic and tactical communication plans designed to capitalize on market opportunities and generate demand in the facilities and technology space.
While at Oracle, Amy grew the Oracle Financial Services Analytical Applications brand and recognition in the Risk Management space; Oracle placed in the top 10 of the Chartis RiskTech 100® in 2013 and consistently moved up every year, placing 2nd in 2017 and 2018. Her experience includes new product releases, launch plans, market messaging, global marketing, campaign management, and event management.
Amy is a graduate of Salisbury University for both her MBA and undergraduate degrees. She is a proud volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey and is a founding member of their Red Shoe Society. When not at work, you can find her spending time with her husband and three children.
Read Amy’s latest article: How NEST Helps Service Providers Achieve Growth
Caleb Cummings
Director of Project Management
Caleb Cummings
Director of Project Management
Caleb Cummings joined NEST in 2021 as the Director of Project Management. Caleb brings with him 15+ years in project management, with more than 10 of those years in healthcare operations and management. In this role, Caleb is managing the NEST Projects and Construction department while overseeing its growth and client interaction.
Through his experience Caleb has developed 100+ health care facilities, managed the redesign of multiple facilities to increase efficiencies and patient satisfaction, and has overseen completion of various construction projects ranging from environment construction, single and multi-tenant developments and office space renovations for both private and public entities. His work has helped build industry relationships that have earned him accolades and praise including integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Caleb holds several certifications from the National Association of Safety Professionals including Certified Safety Manager, Safety Auditor, Hazard Analysis Technician, and many more. He holds a B.S. in Political Science, Legal Studies and Public Administration from the University of North Alabama.
When he is not working, Caleb can be found traveling with his wife and two sons or attending Tennessee Vols football and basketball games!
Nick Almond
Director of ISP Relations
Nick Almond
Director of ISP Relations
Nick Almond joined NEST in 2007 and has advanced his career from Compliance Team Member to his most recent role as Director of ISP Relations. Nick is responsible for maintaining the NEST ISP Relations team's infrastructure and overall management of the Operational departments within the NEST of Florida office. The fundamental objectives of his position include ensuring that NEST has fully vetted all compliant service providers performing services across US and Canada.
During his tenure at NEST, Nick has had the opportunity to work within all levels of the NEST Compliance Department to get a proper understanding of all that goes into the operation of vetting, hiring, negotiating, and partnering with service providers across the US. Most recently, he has been involved in developing and implementing viable processes to create structure and communication between all departments that may touch the NEST ISPs at one point or another.
Nick earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky and his Executive Master's in Business Administration from St. Joseph's University.
In his spare time, Nick enjoys giving back to the community. Hilton Head Heroes and Friends of Foster Children, two NEST Nurtures recipients and ongoing non-profit partnerships, are near and dear to his heart. Nick is a die-hard Philadelphia sports fan, but when he is not watching sports, you can find him spending time with his wife and two children or out on the greens for a round of golf.
Angelo Fiorentino
Director of Financial Planning & Analysis
Angelo Fiorentino
Director of Financial Planning & Analysis
Angelo Fiorentino joined NEST’s Financial Planning & Analysis team in 2019. In his role, Angelo is responsible for managing the business analyst team, internal and external budgeting and financial performance modeling, model building to optimize supply and demand in real-time, and company monthly sales and margin forecasting, including variance analysis. He joined NEST from Spencer’s/Spirit Halloween where he climbed the ranks over 6 years to a Senior Analyst controlling all supply chain financial and operational analytics.
While at Spencer’s/Spirit of Halloween Angelo corrected a 3-year long accounting issue, minimizing a year-end accrual reversal from $1.9m to $75k with procedures he put in place, negotiated a companywide freight contract through the supply chain, saving $900k annually in shipping, and reengineered the model for securing 3PL network allowing for increase productivity in shipping to stores, along with savings of $450k per year.
Angelo received his MBA focused in Accounting & Finance with Magna Cum Laud honors from Stockton University. Throughout his 9+ years career, he has increased his responsibilities and experience in all areas of business including financial reporting, forecasting and budgeting, retail operations, logistics, IT and systems integration, eCommerce, business process efficiencies and cost reductions, merchandise planning and allocation, store facilities, and banking.
When not working you can find Angelo spending time with his family or at the beach. He’s a big foodie and huge Philly sports fan but not necessarily in that order!
Careers at NEST
Join the pioneers of the Integrated Facilities Management revolution and pursue excellence in your career. When you join NEST, you gain the knowledge and skills only an industry-leading organization can provide. Our team-based environment and Open Book Management business model are what make the culture at NEST so unique. If you’re seeking a career with a customer service-driven organization that’s both hard-working and rewarding, you’ll feel right at home on the NEST team.
Community Involvement
Since the company’s founding, NEST has sought to be a beacon of positive change in our community, and this belief is at the core of all we do. Each year, NEST contributes to a number of local and nationally recognized charities. As the NEST team continues to grow, we aim to improve the lives of others by donating our time, raising funds, and building awareness for several esteemed causes.
In 2020, NEST created the philanthropic program, NEST Nurtures. NEST Nurtures focuses on supporting nonprofits and improving communities while expanding on the company’s philanthropic endeavors that NEST has fulfilled for over 25 years. Read the Press Release