Adaptable, Communicative, Innovative, Mentor

Frank Borrelli, now enjoying his well-deserved retirement, had a colorful career in facilities management that began in an unexpected place: the storerooms of the Gallo Winery. Growing up close to the Gallo family, Frank's early days were filled with a mix of mundane and fascinating tasks, from sweeping floors to learning the ins and outs of shipping. This was no ordinary storeroom; it was a massive space filled with everything from tiny nuts and bolts to complex parts for the winery’s bottling lines and palletizers, along with office supplies and equipment.

One pivotal moment came when Frank’s boss uncovered a theft problem in the storeroom. As Frank recalled, “It was a collaborative thing. Everybody gets fired. I’m the guy sweeping up. I was very enthusiastic and got along with everybody. They told me on Monday that you’re going to start working in the storeroom on the grave shift. The only reason I got the job was because I had a clean record.”

In those early years, Frank benefited from the guidance of seasoned mentors—veterans from various branches of the military who shared their wealth of knowledge. Curious and eager to learn, Frank would wear his safety glasses and explore the winery, fascinated by the machinery and the myriad parts that kept everything running. Over five years, he worked his way up to a senior position, eventually training new employees.

In time, Frank sought new opportunities, which led him to Stanislaus State University, where he was tasked with setting up a secure parts room and retired as Director of Support Services.

The challenge was significant: he had to implement a system to prevent thefts, a task that put him in the difficult position of telling veteran employees they couldn't have unchecked access to parts.

“I’m 24 years old, and I’m here to tell guys who’ve been there 30 and 40 years, ‘Sorry, you can’t have this,’” Frank recounted. “It was a hell of a transition. They wanted to beat me up at first.”

This tough start didn’t deter Frank. Instead, it became a learning experience that shaped his approach to facilities management. He emphasized the importance of communication and relationship-building, both with staff and superiors.

“Be a great communicator. Always tell everyone what is going on, or it will come back and bite you hard in the end. Also, develop relationships with all your staff. When problems arise, they will come to you first if you have a way for them to communicate with you.”

One of Frank’s memorable challenges came while working for a state agency plagued by budget issues. He found that honest communication was key to navigating these tough times. “If you clearly communicate this, talk to the staff, ask for their ideas, instead of hiding the truth, everyone will come together and get the work done. We got through the pandemic and budget problems by talking, talking, and talking about how WE would get through the tough times, and we did together!”

Technological advancements also played a crucial role in Frank's career. He saw firsthand how applying new technologies to old processes could streamline operations and improve efficiency. Frank advises new professionals to always be on the lookout for innovations and to involve their staff in the process, ensuring everyone is on board and contributing to improvements.

For those entering the field of facilities management, Frank highlights a few essential skills: strong people skills, effective communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities. He believes that finding a mentor, asking questions, and continuous education are key to developing these skills. And when it comes to balancing day-to-day operations with long-term strategic planning, Frank’s advice is simple yet profound: “Always look at what is in front of you for the answer while always keeping the future in mind.”

Frank’s career wasn't all work and no play. He recalls a funny story from his early days at the university: tasked with delivering a thermostat cover to the Art Department, he walked into a room only to find a naked model posing for a class. Taken aback, he tripped over a desk, causing a scene that left both the model and students laughing. As he later discovered, the building maintenance staff were also having a good laugh at his expense, watching the whole scene unfold.

Frank Borrelli's career in facilities management was marked by challenges, growth, and plenty of humor. Now retired, he reflects on his experiences with a sense of pride and a wealth of wisdom to share with the next generation of facilities professionals, which he continues to share through mentoring young people, teaching part-time and actively networking with friends and colleagues in the higher education facilities field.

From Frank Borrelli's career and experiences in facilities management, here are five key lessons for the next generation of facilities teams:

Communication and Relationship-Building

• Always inform everyone about what is happening to avoid misunderstandings.
• Develop good relationships with your staff to foster trust and open communication, ensuring that issues are addressed promptly and collaboratively.

Be Adaptable and Embrace Learning

• Be curious and eager to learn from experienced mentors and colleagues.
• Adapt to new roles and responsibilities with enthusiasm, even when they involve significant challenges.

Implement and Enforce Effective Systems

• Establish clear procedures to prevent issues like theft, even if it means making unpopular decisions.
• Communicate the reasons behind new systems and involve staff in the process to gain their cooperation and support.

Navigate Challenges with Honesty and Teamwork

• Be honest about challenges and involve the staff in brainstorming solutions.
• Encourage a collaborative approach where everyone feels invested in overcoming difficulties together.

Embrace Technological Advancements

• Stay informed about technological advancements that can improve efficiency and streamline processes.
• Involve your team in adopting new technologies to ensure smooth implementation and collective buy-in.

By applying these lessons, facilities teams can navigate their roles more effectively, fostering a positive, efficient, and innovative work environment.

“For me, it’s all about helping others, giving back, and improving lives as you progress,” concluded Frank.

Explore the experiences of retired facilities professionals in the latest series from ARC Facilities -- Legacy Insights: Wisdom from Retired Facilities Professionals and follow us on LinkedIn.