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Commercial property managers face a constant barrage of phone calls to return, issues to tackle, and formidable to-do lists. Most Property Managers have duel responsibilities to their clients (Tenants) and to the building owner (Asset Managers). Their organizations consider them go-to problem solvers, but when the fixer needs to assemble her professional team of contractors, where should she turn?

“During a big storm, you would just sit there (at home) thinking, ‘Oh God. Are we going to lose tiles in the control room?’ I didn’t know what I was going to see when I walked into the office Monday morning,” says Stacy Thiele, a seasoned property manager who spent 14 years as VP of Operations for a distinctive commercial building along the Dallas North Tollway. The structure measures almost 50,000 square feet, features a unique arched roofline, and a non-traditional building envelope, which makes troubleshooting all the more complex.

“We really try to get to the heart of the problem, says Tracey Donels, KPOST Company Service Department Manager. KPOST Company offers turnkey commercial roof and waterproofing services for the Dallas-Fort Worth market, spanning leak detection, commercial roof maintenance, and even storm prep. “Their (property managers’) phones ring day in and day out with all sorts of problems. Something is always going wrong in their buildings.” Tracey feels that if he can make property managers’ phones ring eight times instead of 10 times in a day, that’s more time they can devote to the rest of their jobs. “Let me manage your building’s envelope. I will communicate. I will protect you and your client. I will get it done.”

Here, Stacy Thiele shares her four greatest frustrations as a commercial property manager, and how she dealt with them.

Frustration 1 - No One On Speed Dial: 

The Initial Process of Determining Who To Rely Upon When Problems Arise

Thiele’s background, like many successful commercial property managers, includes no experience in building engineering or maintenance. A successful stint as a commercial bank branch manager landed her the VP of Operations role at age 27. The sense of responsibility was vast.

“Vendors need to understand that when people like me are put into this role, we don’t have a ‘property managers for dummies’ reference manual. When I went into my role, I had to start from the bottom. Who are our vendors? Who are our plumbers? There’s not any of that,” says Thiele.

Thiele commenced a thorough process of research through every channel she could identify, sharing the contacts she made along the way. Property managers brand new to a given market often seek to identify their peer groups via online directories or web searches. The key is to reach out, ask a lot of questions, and keenly observe each referred vendor for traits indicating an abundance of professionalism.

Frustration 2 - Déja Vu 

Puddles Soak the Floor, Torrents of Water Flood the Door.

As severe weather systems pummeled North Texas with dizzying frequency, Thiele found herself mired in an on-going defensive position, which frustrated her. She had always approached her work with forethought and planning. She was a proactive person. But now? This vast building was a whole new animal.

Thiele’s company’s enormous footprint housed high dollar equipment and systems that absolutely could not get wet. A strong team offering commercial roof leak detection and comprehensive roof consulting proves invaluable in scenarios like this one.

“So often, I wouldn’t see problems until we were in the middle of the wind and the rain. There was water pouring through the front door sometimes. Water would short out our electrical systems, requiring me to deal with safety on top of everything else. It was frustrating,” says Thiele.

Thiele feels a having preventative maintenance contract would have been very helpful.

“I didn’t even know there was a preventative maintenance contract available for roofing. I would call someone when there was a problem. We were forced to be very reactive,” says Thiele.

Frustration 3 - Problem Diagnosis Scattershot

One Problem, Multiple Explanations

Thiele felt it was important to do due diligence research as she evaluated the theories various contractors and vendors offered as the cause of her building’s leaks and problems, particularly when those theories differed radically from one another.

“We had some fail points on the corners of the building. I had one contractor say all four of them need to be replaced. Then I had another say the ceiling and roof was causing the problem. Each would show the reasons why. So, who do you believe?” Thiele asked.

Scott Bredehoeft, Director of Business Development, KPOST Company, says situations like this call for a careful look at who is doing the telling. “There are proper and improper ways to fix roof and building envelope leaks. Is this company simply two men and a truck? When you leave discretion to your contractor, a lower tier contractor just might say, ‘I’m just going to go dump roof cement or caulk on it.’“

Bredehoeft advises property managers to ask roofing and WP companies how many crews they employ and whether they are tasked to specific jobs, like roof removal and application, or waterproofing. Companies that pull a crew off a new roof application to go check out a leak report at another site tend to perform their jobs with less precision. Jack of all trades, master of none.

“If a contractor has only one or two crews that do both new roofs and repairs, that ‘s a warning sign. We run 18 repair and maintenance crews/trucks. That clearly demonstrates a roofing contractor’s investment in theirbusiness to take care of their clients. The fact we keep those guys segregated from the guys who install new roofs and WP systems IS important! It is two separate skill sets. Just because you can do new construction doesn’t qualify you for service or remedial, doesn’t mean you have the skillset to man leak detection crew.”

Thiele knew that a combination of her own research skills and her ability to detect transparency served her well. “If I didn’t feel they were just trying to win a job, if I could tell they were trying to be a strategic partner with us, I hired them.”

Thiele asked open-ended questions to find out if the vendors’ answers she had so steadily researched lined up with what she thought they should be.

“I would call people to find out if one material was better than another. I looked for honor and integrity and then we developed trust. They were transparent, they were honest, and they were experts. They may be more expensive but they know what they are talking about. In fact, I would usually try to stay away from the cheaper bids,” says Thiele.

Frustration 4 - “Hey, Little Lady!” 

The Phenomenon of Treating Women Diminutively

Thiele was the boss, but awkward exchanges with male contractors eventually prompted her to include a male junior colleague in meetings, as a litmus test of sorts. Here, she reveals how gender bias impacted her interactions and ultimate hiring decisions:

“It was an automatic ‘no’ if I had a male counterpart with me, and I noticed the vendor talking to him and completely ignoring me. That would show they thought I didn’t know what I was doing. Understand your client,” Thiele says emphatically.

“I think that’s pretty old school. If you are getting an indication somebody is talking down to you in your position as a woman, that’s an indication this is someone you don’t need to be dealing with. ‘Hey, little lady!’ is just disrespectful” says Bredehoeft.

Thiele’s automatic ‘yes’ was consistently the vendor who met with her on site, expressed an interest in the company, and took the time to make sure she was on-board, in terms of the details of required fixes. Thiele’s ideal vendor was not only respectful, but also willing to take the time to become acquainted with the intricacies of the problems. They were “experts in their field,” she said.

Parting Thoughts

At the end of the day, it is up to the property manager to choose whom to hire, when, and for how much. As they assesses the contractors in front of them, property managers seek out potential collaborators who can be trusted to have their backs. Relationship building is personal. The key is to select partners who will help ease the burden and view the building’s maintenance as a crucial group project, with equal measures of transparency, respect, conscientiousness, and expertise.

“I think it’s about being transparent,” says Thiele, “and answering questions as sincerely and honestly as possible.”

Find tips and information in the KPOST Company white paper “If Farmers Predict a Rainy Season, Can You Keep Water Out of Your Building?“ Download a free copy and learn more about extending proper roof inspections as well as great tips for keeping water out of your building. Download now!

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Commercial property managers face a constant barrage of phone calls to return, issues to tackle, and formidable to-do lists. Most Property Managers have duel responsibilities to their clients (Tenants) and to the building owner (Asset Managers). Their organizations consider them go-to problem solvers, but when the fixer needs to assemble her professional team of contractors, where should she turn?

“During a big storm, you would just sit there (at home) thinking, ‘Oh God. Are we going to lose tiles in the control room?’ I didn’t know what I was going to see when I walked into the office Monday morning,” says Stacy Thiele, a seasoned property manager who spent 14 years as VP of Operations for a distinctive commercial building along the Dallas North Tollway. The structure measures almost 50,000 square feet, features a unique arched roofline, and a non-traditional building envelope, which makes troubleshooting all the more complex.

“We really try to get to the heart of the problem, says Tracey Donels, KPOST Company Service Department Manager. KPOST Company offers turnkey commercial roof and waterproofing services for the Dallas-Fort Worth market, spanning leak detection, commercial roof maintenance, and even storm prep. “Their (property managers’) phones ring day in and day out with all sorts of problems. Something is always going wrong in their buildings.” Tracey feels that if he can make property managers’ phones ring eight times instead of 10 times in a day, that’s more time they can devote to the rest of their jobs. “Let me manage your building’s envelope. I will communicate. I will protect you and your client. I will get it done.”

Here, Stacy Thiele shares her four greatest frustrations as a commercial property manager, and how she dealt with them.

Frustration 1 - No One On Speed Dial:

The Initial Process of Determining Who To Rely Upon When Problems Arise

Thiele’s background, like many successful commercial property managers, includes no experience in building engineering or maintenance. A successful stint as a commercial bank branch manager landed her the VP of Operations role at age 27. The sense of responsibility was vast.

“Vendors need to understand that when people like me are put into this role, we don’t have a ‘property managers for dummies’ reference manual. When I went into my role, I had to start from the bottom. Who are our vendors? Who are our plumbers? There’s not any of that,” says Thiele.

Thiele commenced a thorough process of research through every channel she could identify, sharing the contacts she made along the way. Property managers brand new to a given market often seek to identify their peer groups via online directories or web searches. The key is to reach out, ask a lot of questions, and keenly observe each referred vendor for traits indicating an abundance of professionalism.

Frustration 2 - Déja Vu

Puddles Soak the Floor, Torrents of Water Flood the Door.

As severe weather systems pummeled North Texas with dizzying frequency, Thiele found herself mired in an on-going defensive position, which frustrated her. She had always approached her work with forethought and planning. She was a proactive person. But now? This vast building was a whole new animal.

Thiele’s company’s enormous footprint housed high dollar equipment and systems that absolutely could not get wet. A strong team offering commercial roof leak detection and comprehensive roof consulting proves invaluable in scenarios like this one.

“So often, I wouldn’t see problems until we were in the middle of the wind and the rain. There was water pouring through the front door sometimes. Water would short out our electrical systems, requiring me to deal with safety on top of everything else. It was frustrating,” says Thiele.

Thiele feels a having preventative maintenance contract would have been very helpful.

“I didn’t even know there was a preventative maintenance contract available for roofing. I would call someone when there was a problem. We were forced to be very reactive,” says Thiele.

Frustration 3 - Problem Diagnosis Scattershot

One Problem, Multiple Explanations

Thiele felt it was important to do due diligence research as she evaluated the theories various contractors and vendors offered as the cause of her building’s leaks and problems, particularly when those theories differed radically from one another.

“We had some fail points on the corners of the building. I had one contractor say all four of them need to be replaced. Then I had another say the ceiling and roof was causing the problem. Each would show the reasons why. So, who do you believe?” Thiele asked.

Scott Bredehoeft, Director of Business Development, KPOST Company, says situations like this call for a careful look at who is doing the telling. “There are proper and improper ways to fix roof and building envelope leaks. Is this company simply two men and a truck? When you leave discretion to your contractor, a lower tier contractor just might say, ‘I’m just going to go dump roof cement or caulk on it.’“

Bredehoeft advises property managers to ask roofing and WP companies how many crews they employ and whether they are tasked to specific jobs, like roof removal and application, or waterproofing. Companies that pull a crew off a new roof application to go check out a leak report at another site tend to perform their jobs with less precision. Jack of all trades, master of none.

“If a contractor has only one or two crews that do both new roofs and repairs, that ‘s a warning sign. We run 18 repair and maintenance crews/trucks. That clearly demonstrates a roofing contractor’s investment in theirbusiness to take care of their clients. The fact we keep those guys segregated from the guys who install new roofs and WP systems IS important! It is two separate skill sets. Just because you can do new construction doesn’t qualify you for service or remedial, doesn’t mean you have the skillset to man leak detection crew.”

Gravatar

The Affordable Care Act crashed the party that is public health care with a moxie few could comprehend, shaking up the rules, rendering the script almost unrecognizable to old-schoolers who prided themselves on fluency in “the way it is.” Paper-based medical records? Over. Enter Electronic Healthcare Records. Utilitarian composite roof views from patient windows? Cold, sterile hospital environments? Phasing out and ending. Enter KPOST Company and evidence-based design concepts.

New healthcare mandates have rushed the scene, forcing systemic changes unprecedented in the last 50 years, since Medicare’s inception in 1964. Patients have found themselves increasingly relevant to the newly imagined status quo while veteran doctors circling the retirement question have found ample reason to ghost, dignity intact. The changes decidedly favor patients’ opinions, as evidenced by the push for patient satisfaction surveys, which impact hospitals and their ability to receive full compensation from the federal government. Healthcare reform brings with it encouraging glimpses of the future (think: well-designed hospital environments, improved patient experiences, streamlined records) and a bevy of scientific research that indicates the way forward, while complicated, promises more positive patient outcomes than ever before.

Patient Satisfaction Surveys: Environment Trumps All Else

“Healthcare reform has mandated green roofs for new construction projects. We did one recently for an oncology ward here in DFW. A local architect provided a great spec. The cancer patients looked out onto nothing. We combined astro turf with container gardens to transform their roof view into something truly spectacular,” said Keith Post, President of KPOST Company, a commercial roofing company featuring more than 270 employees, with 44 specialized crews, and two employees focused upon hospital design concepts.

In July 2014, The New York Times ran a story that truly encapsulates the shift toward green roofs and softer environments in response to patient feedback and research findings. The hospital, The University Medical Center of Princeton, New Jersey, developed and tested out a model patient suite, measuring patient experiences of everything from bed position to sink location; noise exposure to sleep disturbance; outside window views to direct sunlight exposure. The model suite residents reported more satisfaction with the hospital food and nursing care than their counterparts in the standard rooms, even though neither the food nor the nursing staff varied between the two groups.

Patients in the enhanced room ordered, on average, 30% less pain medication than their counterparts. Patient satisfaction rates soared from 61% to 99% following the hospital’s eventual move to a new facility featuring rooms designed like the model one. What changed, aside from patients’ perceptions of pain? The environment, the layout, the access to sunlight, and a scenic view out the window.

Under the new healthcare mandate laws, hospitals are penalized if too significant a proportion of patients report a negative experience or rate the hospital poorly.

Patient satisfaction with a hospital is largely NOT necessarily correlated to the quality of medical care received there, or by the resolution of the health problem. It boils down to environmental factors like the messages conveyed by the doctors, the kindness of the nurses and staff, as well as the physical hominess and comfort of the hospital environment‘s design. Many hospitals have even resorted to hiring “Chief Patient Experience Officers.”

Florence Nightengale Was Onto Something: The View From The Patient’s Room

“It is a curious thing to observe how almost all patients lie with their faces turned to the light, exactly as plants always make their way towards the light; a patient will even complain that it gives him pain "lying on that side." "Then why do you lie on that side?" He does not know,--but we do. It is because it is the side towards the window… count how many sick you ever saw lying with their faces towards the wall.” – Florence Nightengale

KPOST Company specializes in Dallas commercial roofing jobs that promote aspects of environmental and landscape design for hospitals. The first study proving patient exposure to direct sunlight significantly improved patient outcomes happened all the way back in 1984. Progress sometimes takes a while for organizations to embrace. Sunshine and green space outside patient windows reduce patients’ feelings of isolation, loneliness, and stress. Detailed landscape designs atop the previously vast, empty expanses of roof make sense from both a design and human perspective.

“Sure, these hospitals face a government mandate to install green roofs but they truly love them when we are done,” says Aileen Struble, Senior Estimator at KPOST Company. “I have a background in design, so I have been delighted to partner with hospitals across the metroplex to engineer unique roofscapes made from the highest quality materials. We are after longevity and beauty here. Form as well as function.”

KPOST Company: Coaxing Hospitals Back to the Dance Floor

Hospitals reap rewards under the current laws if patients rate their experiences highly, but they will increasingly suffer financial setbacks when patients express dissatisfaction. They must be vigilant about scheduling commercial roof assessments regularly, keeping up with preventative maintenance, and choosing a commercial roofing partner that will not leave them languishing on the sidelines. Hospital rooms cannot be easily vacated due to leaks or other roof structure problems, so they must stay on top of all aspects of roof care.

“The moral to this story is simply, ‘Don’t let the patient surveys come back to haunt you.’ Keep your hospital looking beautiful and your rooftops meticulously maintained. There is no place for a leak in a hospital. Ever,” says Post.

There is no substitute for a well-designed commercial roof system, cut from the highest quality materials and conscientiously applied, particularly when the client desires the highly specialized roofscape options inherent to the hospital beautification projects cropping up across the country. Laying astro turf and planning around the electric and air conditioning systems that also reside atop the roof requires a commercial roofing company of the highest caliber.

“The law states that the environment has to be pleasing and soothing to expedite healing. We do more than that. We offer full service roof-consulting services and create beauty where there was neglected space,” says Dalila Vallejo-Newhard, KPOST Company business development representative.

There is no telling which other sweeping changes will breeze onto the healthcare scene, ushering in yet another new era of patient care, but the guiding principles of quality craftsmanship, specialty waterproofing, leak repair, lightweight concrete maintenance, full-spectrum building envelope services, and preventative maintenance will not budge one iota. Dallas commercial roofing contractors with the advanced skillset to rise to the new challenges of green roofing will continue to be in demand as hospitals scramble to keep pace with the healthcare arena’s many mandates.

For more great tips, get a copy of our white paper “If Farmers Predict a Rainy Season, Can You Keep Water Out of Your Building?“ Download your free copy today and learn more about proper assessments and maintenance of your commercial property. Download now!

Gravatar

The Affordable Care Act crashed the party that is public health care with a moxie few could comprehend, shaking up the rules, rendering the script almost unrecognizable to old-schoolers who prided themselves on fluency in “the way it is.” Paper-based medical records? Over. Enter Electronic Healthcare Records. Utilitarian composite roof views from patient windows? Cold, sterile hospital environments? Phasing out and ending. Enter KPOST Company and evidence-based design concepts.

New healthcare mandates have rushed the scene, forcing systemic changes unprecedented in the last 50 years, since Medicare’s inception in 1964. Patients have found themselves increasingly relevant to the newly imagined status quo while veteran doctors circling the retirement question have found ample reason to ghost, dignity intact. The changes decidedly favor patients’ opinions, as evidenced by the push for patient satisfaction surveys, which impact hospitals and their ability to receive full compensation from the federal government. Healthcare reform brings with it encouraging glimpses of the future (think: well-designed hospital environments, improved patient experiences, streamlined records) and a bevy of scientific research that indicates the way forward, while complicated, promises more positive patient outcomes than ever before.

Patient Satisfaction Surveys: Environment Trumps All Else

“Healthcare reform has mandated green roofs for new construction projects. We did one recently for an oncology ward here in DFW. A local architect provided a great spec. The cancer patients looked out onto nothing. We combined astro turf with container gardens to transform their roof view into something truly spectacular,” said Keith Post, President of KPOST Company, a commercial roofing company featuring more than 270 employees, with 44 specialized crews, and two employees focused upon hospital design concepts.

In July 2014, The New York Times ran a story that truly encapsulates the shift toward green roofs and softer environments in response to patient feedback and research findings. The hospital, The University Medical Center of Princeton, New Jersey, developed and tested out a model patient suite, measuring patient experiences of everything from bed position to sink location; noise exposure to sleep disturbance; outside window views to direct sunlight exposure. The model suite residents reported more satisfaction with the hospital food and nursing care than their counterparts in the standard rooms, even though neither the food nor the nursing staff varied between the two groups.

Patients in the enhanced room ordered, on average, 30% less pain medication than their counterparts. Patient satisfaction rates soared from 61% to 99% following the hospital’s eventual move to a new facility featuring rooms designed like the model one. What changed, aside from patients’ perceptions of pain? The environment, the layout, the access to sunlight, and a scenic view out the window.

Under the new healthcare mandate laws, hospitals are penalized if too significant a proportion of patients report a negative experience or rate the hospital poorly.

Patient satisfaction with a hospital is largely NOT necessarily correlated to the quality of medical care received there, or by the resolution of the health problem. It boils down to environmental factors like the messages conveyed by the doctors, the kindness of the nurses and staff, as well as the physical hominess and comfort of the hospital environment‘s design. Many hospitals have even resorted to hiring “Chief Patient Experience Officers.”

Florence Nightengale Was Onto Something: The View From The Patient’s Room

“It is a curious thing to observe how almost all patients lie with their faces turned to the light, exactly as plants always make their way towards the light; a patient will even complain that it gives him pain "lying on that side." "Then why do you lie on that side?" He does not know,--but we do. It is because it is the side towards the window… count how many sick you ever saw lying with their faces towards the wall.” – Florence Nightengale

KPOST Company specializes in Dallas commercial roofing jobs that promote aspects of environmental and landscape design for hospitals. The first study proving patient exposure to direct sunlight significantly improved patient outcomes happened all the way back in 1984. Progress sometimes takes a while for organizations to embrace. Sunshine and green space outside patient windows reduce patients’ feelings of isolation, loneliness, and stress. Detailed landscape designs atop the previously vast, empty expanses of roof make sense from both a design and human perspective.

“Sure, these hospitals face a government mandate to install green roofs but they truly love them when we are done,” says Aileen Struble, Senior Estimator at KPOST Company. “I have a background in design, so I have been delighted to partner with hospitals across the metroplex to engineer unique roofscapes made from the highest quality materials. We are after longevity and beauty here. Form as well as function.”

KPOST Company: Coaxing Hospitals Back to the Dance Floor

Hospitals reap rewards under the current laws if patients rate their experiences highly, but they will increasingly suffer financial setbacks when patients express dissatisfaction. They must be vigilant about scheduling commercial roof assessments regularly, keeping up with preventative maintenance, and choosing a commercial roofing partner that will not leave them languishing on the sidelines. Hospital rooms cannot be easily vacated due to leaks or other roof structure problems, so they must stay on top of all aspects of roof care.

“The moral to this story is simply, ‘Don’t let the patient surveys come back to haunt you.’ Keep your hospital looking beautiful and your rooftops meticulously maintained. There is no place for a leak in a hospital. Ever,” says Post.

There is no substitute for a well-designed commercial roof system, cut from the highest quality materials and conscientiously applied, particularly when the client desires the highly specialized roofscape options inherent to the hospital beautification projects cropping up across the country. Laying astro turf and planning around the electric and air conditioning systems that also reside atop the roof requires a commercial roofing company of the highest caliber.

“The law states that the environment has to be pleasing and soothing to expedite healing. We do more than that. We offer full service roof-consulting services and create beauty where there was neglected space,” says Dalila Vallejo-Newhard, KPOST Company business development representative.

There is no telling which other sweeping changes will breeze onto the healthcare scene, ushering in yet another new era of patient care, but the guiding principles of quality craftsmanship, specialty waterproofing, leak repair, lightweight concrete maintenance, full-spectrum building envelope services, and preventative maintenance will not budge one iota. Dallas commercial roofing contractors with the advanced skillset to rise to the new challenges of green roofing will continue to be in demand as hospitals scramble to keep pace with the healthcare arena’s many mandates.

For more great tips, get a copy of our white paper “If Farmers Predict a Rainy Season, Can You Keep Water Out of Your Building?“ Download your free copy today and learn more about proper assessments and maintenance of your commercial property. Download now!

Gravatar


Jack Harris was used to living with pain. His were not just periodic tinges or annoying aches but constant, searing back pain. It started after physical wear and tear of being a Dallas Police officer forced him into early retirement from law enforcement and over the years developed into a full-blown, unrelenting agony, which never stopped hurting.

 

Jack refused to give in to this crippling pain. Since he was fortunate to have health insurance at his job at the Atomic Energy facility in Los Alamos, New Mexico, he decided it was time to fix this problem. He did his research on the treatments for spinal injuries and was examined by several medical experts who informed him he was a good candidate for spinal fusion. Unfortunately, after this surgery was scheduled, an insurance glitch forced the postponement of the procedure. This turned out to be one of those “blessings in disguise.”

 

It was about this time when Jack discovered Dr. Scott Blumenthal and Texas Back Institute. It was a meeting which would change his life forever. As this video clip will reveal, Jack decided to make several decisions which would test the mettle of anyone.

 

Rather than succumbing to the arbitrary decisions of his health insurance company he used his life savings to personally pay for a procedure which it refused to cover. He decided to control his health care.  In the process, he learned, first-hand about the advantages of the Texas Back Institute boutique medicine practice, the cutting edge technology of artificial disc replacement and the amazing skill of Dr. Scott Blumenthal.

 

Do You Have Five Minutes?

 

Here's Jack story. It takes less than five minutes to tell and  it shows what can happen when patients take control of their healthcare and how it affects the rest of their lives.

 

 

What About You?

 

Jack Harris is a lucky man. First, he had saved enough money for his retirement and this allowed him to follow his instincts and put his trust in a brilliant surgeon and organization which has only one focus – the health of its patients.

 

His story is extremely compelling and it has been gotten the attention of news media. Click here if you would be interested in learning more about the journey of Jack Harris as written by “D” Magazine.

 

If you would like more information on the unique services of the Boutique medicine practice of Texas Back Institute, click here.

Gravatar


Jack Harris was used to living with pain. His were not just periodic tinges or annoying aches but constant, searing back pain. It started after physical wear and tear of being a Dallas Police officer forced him into early retirement from law enforcement and over the years developed into a full-blown, unrelenting agony, which never stopped hurting.

 

Jack refused to give in to this crippling pain. Since he was fortunate to have health insurance at his job at the Atomic Energy facility in Los Alamos, New Mexico, he decided it was time to fix this problem. He did his research on the treatments for spinal injuries and was examined by several medical experts who informed him he was a good candidate for spinal fusion. Unfortunately, after this surgery was scheduled, an insurance glitch forced the postponement of the procedure. This turned out to be one of those “blessings in disguise.”

 

It was about this time when Jack discovered Dr. Scott Blumenthal and Texas Back Institute. It was a meeting which would change his life forever. As this video clip will reveal, Jack decided to make several decisions which would test the mettle of anyone.

 

Rather than succumbing to the arbitrary decisions of his health insurance company he used his life savings to personally pay for a procedure which it refused to cover. He decided to control his health care.  In the process, he learned, first-hand about the advantages of the Texas Back Institute boutique medicine practice, the cutting edge technology of artificial disc replacement and the amazing skill of Dr. Scott Blumenthal.

 

Do You Have Five Minutes?

 

Here's Jack story. It takes less than five minutes to tell and  it shows what can happen when patients take control of their healthcare and how it affects the rest of their lives.

 

 

What About You?

 

Jack Harris is a lucky man. First, he had saved enough money for his retirement and this allowed him to follow his instincts and put his trust in a brilliant surgeon and organization which has only one focus – the health of its patients.

 

His story is extremely compelling and it has been gotten the attention of news media. Click here if you would be interested in learning more about the journey of Jack Harris as written by “D” Magazine.

 

If you would like more information on the unique services of the Boutique medicine practice of Texas Back Institute, click here.

Gravatar

As the simmering heat of another late Texas summer recedes, autumn brings with it the dynamic thunderstorms, occasional hail, and temperature swings that wreak havoc on roofs accustomed to toasting in the sun. Now is the time to enlist the help of a trusted commercial roofing company, skilled at problem solving and communication, for preventative maintenance and the peace of mind that comes with it.

“Clients should know that when we climb up on each roof, we will clean it up and provide our clients with a maintenance plan that is ideal providing the peace of mind they expect from KPost. When a roof does not require maintenance, we say so,” said Steve Little, President of KPost Company. “We approach every assignment with high levels of integrity, and that is consistently reflected in the way we serve our clients.” “Clients asking for preventative maintenance for the upcoming storm season demonstrates proactive management of their company assets and limits business interruptions.”

The Farmers’ Almanac: Wet, Cool Fall Punctuated with Severe Weather 

Major rain-producing storms are stirring up and heading south now. This year The Farmers’ Almanac has issued a long-range weather forecast predicting:

  • Cool temperatures
  • More rainfall than usual
  • Three potential hurricanes capable of producing damaging storms 

Facility managers and building owners must schedule preventative roof maintenance calls soon if they wish to sidestep the litany of problems severe weather visits upon unprepared roofs.

Preventative Maintenance: Why Do It?

1. Facility managers should prioritize preventative maintenance in order to preserve any manufacturer or company warranties covering their roofs.

2. Emergency repairs simply cost more, by some estimates as much as 50% more, than maintenance bills.

3. The longevity and durability of the roof in question is increased substantially when basic maintenance and proper care occur regularly.

As building owners gear up for another wild autumn, it is important to recognize that when rain and variable temperatures follow sustained high temperatures, small holes and cracks do often form in roofing material. Little remarked, “The ice stores from last winter combined with the sweltering heat from this summer is going to cause a real mess this fall on those roofs that haven’t been maintained. Cleaning drains and removing debris that could possibly block scuppers and overflow drains are high priority service items during a preventative maintenance call. The weight of standing water destroys the integrity of a roof’s structure. Even just an inch of water standing in a puddle 10 feet by 10 feet weighs roughly a quarter of a ton.”

Tackling these problems while they are still small in scope yields repair bills that are also minor and an assurance that, come what may, the roofing system will stand up to the hail and high winds Mother Nature hurtles at it. Alternately, waiting for the roofing material to degrade to the point water actually leaks into the building yields heftier repairs, billed at a premium since rush jobs always cost more. Owners and managers must accept maintenance costs as a healthy and necessary aspect of property caretaking.

Waterproof It: Let the Rain Fall Where It May

Effective weatherproofing requires a highly skilled waterproofing division experienced with a diversity of manufacturer products and a thorough knowledge of trouble spots ranging from joint sealants to flashings to seams. “At KPost, we have separate WP and roof maintenance divisions because it requires specialized craftsmen for each trade,” says Shawn Morgan, KPost WP Division Manager. Pounding rain finds its way into the subtlest of cracks and crevices, particularly when left to unattended. Gutters and drains must be free of debris in order to function effectively and prevent standing water.

“Now is the ideal time to call up our expert team, before the foul weather hits. We will scrutinize the entire building envelope, locate the minor discrepancies others miss, and repair them before they cause damage. We spare our clients stress and preserve their peace of mind,” said Tracey Donels, KPost Company Service Manager.

Find more tips and information in the KPOST Company white paper “If Farmers Predict a Rainy Season, Can You Keep Water Out of Your Building?“ Download a free copy and learn more about extending proper roof inspections as well as great tips for keeping water out of your building. Download now!

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It’s all about the view. We desire to be at the top, to enjoy the horizon, uninterrupted by other buildings. It’s so peaceful, so beautiful, and frankly hard to find in the city. Rooftops have become a largely desired commodity in our high-rise world. That is why we see so many unusual and interesting uses of commercial roofing. From infinity pools to green spaces to lounges, like the one at The Taylor in Uptown Dallas, there is no end to unusual and unique uses for rooftops in commercial spaces. Of course, that also increases the complexity of the installation.

“Choosing to maximize a commercial roof space makes good business sense and provides a unique way to add value to tenants and guests,” said Steve Little, president of KPOST Company. “Pools, lounges, and general beautification are all excellent ideas to make the most of a commercial roof while expanding the livable, usable space of the facility.” 

Up on the Roof

Whether a hotel, high-rise condo, museum or football stadium, there is no shortage of unique and creative commercial roofing installations. Just in North Texas, we have the very interesting AT&T stadium, with its retractable roof, plus a multitude of other unusual roofing installations such as Perot Museum, the Omni Dallas Hotel and The Westin Galleria. The one thing these properties have in common is working with a reputable, experienced commercial roofing partner. Why is that so critical?

“These types of complex installations require a more specialized knowledge. Not every commercial roofing partner is well-equipped to handle unusual rooftop installations or high-rise projects,” said Little. It will be important to select the right roofing partner for both the installation and ongoing maintenance and repair.”

So what is it about these installations that make them so complex? There are a number of factors including:

 

  • Non-traditional use of water – whether it’s a pool or water feature, any time you put water in the air, there is the increased likelihood of leaks. Having the right plan for installation and maintenance will minimize that likelihood so you can enjoy the pool without concern of leaks into someone’s room. Also ensuring you have the right drainage systems in place keep the water where it belongs.

 

  • Unusual angles – the majority of commercial roof installations are at a slight angle to accommodate drainage, so to the untrained eye they are flat. When you add sharp angles or severe slopes, the installation and maintenance become more difficult. The commercial roofing team must have a strong focus on safety so you are confident they can access the roof without any issue. In addition, experience with the various roofing materials combined to create the unusual angle or slope is important as well. These are not the type of projects you want someone to climb on and off of repeatedly because he does not have the right experience and tools to complete the repair.

 

  • Brand it – with increased airline traffic, capturing the plane’s audience by putting your company logo and message on your roof promotes your brand and supports your marketing initiative!

 

  • Make it appealing – or even more functional. How many times have you stayed in a hotel with a view of the lower gravel roof? Not all that enticing is it? Now it is possible to enhance the look of that roof while keeping it functional. These beautification projects could include garden roofs that help the environment and save water by allowing for it to be used for plant life instead of draining off the roof. The complexity of these types of roofs requires expertise since the primary focus is to keep everything under it clean and dry. Plus the roof houses HVAC systems, venting and other much needed components of the building. So making it appealing should also mean ensuring that the roof still does the job.

 

Knowledge Equals Empowered

While the contractor is responsible for the installation of these roof systems, the continued maintenance will fall squarely on the shoulders of theproperty manager or building owner’s choice of contractor. Therefore, it is important to select a reputable commercial roofing partner who has strong experience with complex roofing installations AND maintenance. Use these tips to help you select the right commercial roofer for your complicated roofing installation:

 

  • Know the Score – the commercial roofer should have experience with complex installations and be able to provide examples. Testimonials and referrals are even better, as you will have a clearer understanding of their involvement in the project as well as the quality of work provided.

 

  • Safety First – obviously it is important to select a commercial roofing company with a strong safety record, but when it comes to unusual and unique installations, that safety record becomes paramount. There are too many things that could go wrong on a steeply sloped roof, or one with sharp angles, so ask for proof of the company’s safety record. It will provide peace of mind for everyone.

 

  • Where Everybody Knows Your Name – select a commercial roofing partner who has a web-based CRM (customer relationship management) system that can track all the maintenance on your roof, and also give you access to that information 24 x 7. Detailed record keeping that includes pictures and roof maps while providing transparency of the records are both a positive that empower you to keep your guests and / or tenants safe by knowing exactly what repairs have been performed and when.

 

Not all commercial roofers have the same skills, focus or abilities. When it comes to maximizing your rooftops, by all means do so in a way that is safe and provides a benefit to your customers. This will include selecting a commercial roofing partner who can ensure proper maintenance of your very unique roof!

“Specialized commercial roofing systems require a unique skill set, one that will cost a bit more, but will be worth it in the long run,” said Little. “The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten!”

For more great tips, get a copy of our white paper “If Farmer’s Predict a Rainy Season, Can You Keep Water Out of Your Building?“ Download your free copy today and learn more about proper assessments and miantenance of your commercial property. Download now!

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With summer ending, the school year is upon us, which means it’s time to organize carpools, confirm class schedules and purchase school supplies. The average cost of school supplies is around $55 per child and does not take into account the technology tools that some schools are now requiring.  No child should have to go without school supplies, that’s why this year the KPOST team is getting their kids ready and loading up their backpacks with fresh school supplies.

For the Back To School Backpack Program, KPOST Company employees packed 175 backpacks with school supplies for the elementary aged children of their employees.

“KPOST is a family and this is our way of giving something back to our family”, said Jayne Williams, CFO.  “We have to remember the reason that our employees come to work every day, to provide for their families and we wanted to show the kids we were thinking about them”.

A Culture of Giving

KPOST executives and team members believe in giving and do so year round. This philosophy is in alignment with their corporate culture, which includes developing award-winning employee safety programs , supporting the community, and providing excellence in all they do.

“This is just another reason I love working for KPOST,” said Christi Radogna, KPOST AR Manager. “It’s a common practice for companies to donate to charities, but what isn’t so common is to have a company look within and donate to their own employees.  I am a single Mother and school supplies add up very quickly, I am so appreciative and proud to be a part of a company that truly cares.”

Each backpack KPOST supplied contains over 15 items that are appropriate for any school district and contain all the tools the kids will need to have a successful start to their school year.

“When I gave my son Trevor the backpack,” said Christi, “he first asked if he could play with it now and then he stopped and said with a smile, can I work there too, they give away cool stuff!”

When it comes to community support, the teams at KPOST make it a point to be involved year round. This type of investment not only allows the KPOST team to give back, but also infuses the culture throughout the organization.

“Our employees see us supporting them and others in the community on a regular basis. It’s who we are at heart, and it’s important that everyone who works with us understand that and believe in it,” said Williams. “We expect every employee to be an active participant in giving back to their community.”

KPOST supports many different organizations in multiple ways. Following is a sample of the type of charitable action they take: 

Charitable Causes KPSOT is Involved In:
Conley Design – Packing Party for Troops
Aileen Struble, Senior Estimator serves on the Board. KPOST provides employees to help pack gift boxes for hundreds of Troops.
 
Petey Parker Teddy Bear giveaway
We collect throughout the year for Petey Parker.  Petey and her husband, Jim Fite, dress up as Mr. and Mrs. Claus and deliver a stuffed animal to every patient in several hospitals.   So far we have collected almost 150 bears this year.
 
Toys for Tots
We collect from our employees Toys for Tots every Christmas.
 
Savage Race to benefit ACT
It was the Savage Race where KPOST partnered with National Roofing Partners to collect monies for ACT, an autism charity.  We had 5 employees brave freezing weather to run and even swim in ice water
 
Bring Your Dog To Work Day
Collect money and items for Operation Kindness.  The last one raised almost $2,000 and 100 lbs. of food and toys.
 
NRCA Community Service Day
Every year KPOST employees participate in the work day at the annual convention of National Roofing Contractors Association.  We perform landscaping, painting, roofing, and other projects on 2 or 3 houses in the host city.
 
Various Charities
Every year we volunteer to provide labor and materials for roofing of local charities.

 

The idea of giving back is ingrained in the KPOST culture and is evident by the many charitable organizations that the company has supported over the years.  The Back To School Backpack Program is emblematic of the corporate culture and the values instilled in the employees to give back. KPOST Company prides itself on having a strong set of corporate values enhanced by high ethics and superior service, which establish the company as a highly desired partner in the commercial roofing industry.

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Texas is no stranger to severe and erratic weather, and Texans have even developed their own unique language to describe the heat. Here are a few colorful sayings courtesy of Texas Monthly.

So dry the catfish are carryin’ canteens

So dry the Baptists are sprinklin, the Methodists are spittin, and the Catholics are givin rain checks

Hot as a stolen tamale

Hot as a summer revival

It’s been dry so long, we only got a quarter-inch of rain durin Noah’s Flood

 Drier than a popcorn fart

According to a recent article by the Houston Chronicle this is one of the five worst droughts seen in Texas in the past 500 years, and it is quickly advancing towards becoming number three. In addition to the dry weather state Climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon predicts possible El Niño conditions, which could mean a wet winter and up to five inches of additional rainfall.

From tornadoes to high winds to massive thunderstorms, Texas weather is far from predictable. The question is do we hope for the best or are we taking steps to ensure that our properties are prepared for climate changes?

“When determining the best course of preparedness for a property, it is critical to consider the most expensive component of that building, which is typically the commercial roof,” said Steve Little, KPOST Company president. “You want to be prepared to take on inclement weather by understanding the roofing components, life span and appropriate preventative maintenance to ensure longevity.”

“A Drought Usually Ends With a Flood”

When deciding on the next steps to ensure your commercial property receives the right type of preventative maintenance and you are prepared for anything Texas can throw at you, it’s important to start with a thorough understanding of the state of the building materials and the associated warranties. This means having a sense of what type of maintenance has been previously performed, the materials used and how well they have been maintained, and the repairs performed in the past.

“If you have a prescriptive program that provides solid documentation on what materials were initially used during the building of the property, the warranty period of the materials, and the assessments and maintenance work performed, you have a track record that ensures you truly understand the state of your property. Think of it like a CarFax for your building,” said Luke Legrand of Conner-Legrand, Inc. an independent manufacturer’s representative of roofs, walls and skylights. Luke and his team work with architects, general contractors and building owners to ensure the best product is used for the project. They have the flexibility to recommend multiple products, rather than a single manufacturer line, and are well-equipped to make judgments on the best materials.

“To understand the importance of the right materials, you should first consider that a building is an active entity,” said Luke. “Some buildings may be bought and sold multiple times, so ensuring you know what materials were originally used as well as the maintenance plan not only help provide insight as to the value of the property, but also in how to budget for maintenance and replacement going forward.”

Because proper maintenance is important, it would seem logical that this would be a priority. Property managers and building owners would prioritize preventative maintenance; however, this may not be the case, and if you have inherited a building without good records, you may be in for some unpleasant surprises, particularly when Texas twisters or unexpected droughts hit.

“Come Hell or High Water”

The truth is we don’t know when Texas weather will take a turn on us, causing a leaky roof or other building issues. Without property assessments and maintenance, you may be out of luck and in the rain!

“Buildings expand and contract as the environment heats and cools, and so do building materials and components.   However, some materials will move more than others,” said Luke. “Of greater concern are the intersections where different types of materials meet. Manufacturers will give you a lifecycle that is based on their materials, but the wear and tear that occurs at these intersections can impact the overall building envelope. A building owner can benefit greatly from learning to look for issues before they become problems.”

By the time you see water inside the building, there is a build-up of water elsewhere that can wreak havoc throughout the building and outlying structures, including, but not limited to mold. And that’s only with a small amount of water. If there is a major weather event, then the wind gusts can rip up parts of the roof, while water seeps into places it should not be.

Texas weather can change in the blink of an eye. If your property relies on consumer dollars then the perception that you are not caring for your building can cost you more than the commercial roof repair. It can cost you losses in consumer confidence and negative tenant opinions resulting in revenue loss.

“Think about those establishments that depend on consumer traffic in the building. A retail business that has to block off floor traffic to prevent slip-falls not only presents a poor image, it has a large liability exposure. Consider a high-end restaurant with roof leaks; consumer confidence can be shaken and they simply may not return,” said Luke. “By the time you can see a leak, it becomes an emergency call, which always costs significantly more than planned and scheduled maintenance. Building downtime or operations disruption can be very costly, and is usually avoidable, or at least minimized with proper planning.”

Don’t Get Caught “Burnin’ Daylight”            

There’s no time to waste! In order to battle the continuing drought conditions and to prepare for whatever Texas throws at you next, you need a comprehensive plan delivered from your trusted roofing partner that ensures you are proactively caring for your commercial roof. Doing so will save you money on repairs, keep your reputation intact and keep your tenants happy.

You can find more tips and information in the KPOST Company white paper “If Farmer’s Predict a Rainy Season, Can You Keep Water Out of Your Building?“ Download your free copy and learn more about extending proper roof inspections as well as great tips for keeping water out of your building. Download now!