Mar 18, 2020 |
As the World Health Organization officially declares this virus a pandemic, there are many concerns across the globe regarding our well-being. Our personal and professional lives are shifting as we, as a country and as a planet, figure out how best to stay healthy, stop the spread and also continue contributing economically. This is the first crisis in our time of the age of technology which allows many employers to offer work-from-home setups. Only time will tell which initiatives have proven successful in stopping the spread and maintaining progress in our professional lives.
For our industry in particular, which has been experiencing growth amongst a few challenges in the recent years, the coronavirus poses a pretty sizeable threat – material availability. Read more below from Construction Best Practices on how COVID-19 can potentially impact our industry this year.
As reported by GlobeSt.com, which offers commercial real estate news, the coronavirus has made the certainty of construction cost projections rather murky. “The impact of the virus is impossible to predict with certainty, but any prolonged slowdown in Chinese or global economic and manufacturing activity is likely to have significant ramifications for construction costs,” according to the JLL 2020 Construction Outlook, as cited by GlobeSt.com.
The virus may also impact the availability of materials. Because roughly one-fourth to one-third of the construction products that builders use in the United States are sourced from China, a sustained slowdown in Chinese production can lead to material shortages in the United States and rises in material costs, JLL said.
But there may be a silver lining: Reduced construction activity due to virus containment efforts will result in a reduction in demand of materials, offsetting price pressure. However, “Without the ability to accurately forecast the impact of the virus, we have widened our materials price forecast to account for the uncertainty,” JLL added.
Source: https://www.bestconstructionpractices.com/2020/03/coronavirus-poised-to-cause-materials-shortage/
Mar 2, 2020 |
What We’re Up To
2020 will be a busy year for the Powerhouse Business Development Team as we crisscross the nation attending conferences and trade shows to spread the word about our services for Construction, Facility Maintenance, Landscaping/Snow Removal and Rollouts. While this grueling schedule could wear out even the most seasoned teams, it energizes Powerhouse’s BD Team! We love being on the road because it means we get to see our clients and our partners, as well as meet prospective clients, all while telling the Powerhouse story.
With our experience in multiple industries we can help you deliver successful projects, improve your brand image, and implement programs on time and on budget. Let us show you!
Want to talk with us at any of the shows below? Lace up your running shoes and catch us if you can. Contact Us
| Show |
City |
State |
Location |
Begin Date |
End Date |
| StorePoint Fresh |
Austin |
TX |
JW Marriott |
1/26/2020 |
1/29/2020 |
| StorePoint Retail |
Seattle |
WA |
Hyatt Regency |
2/9/2020 |
2/12/2020 |
| StorePoint Fashion |
New Orleans |
LA |
New Orleans Marriott |
3/1/2020 |
3/4/2020 |
| RFMA |
Denver |
CO |
Gaylord Rockies |
3/8/2020 |
3/10/2020 |
| SPECS |
Dallas |
TX |
Gaylord Texan |
3/15/2020 |
3/17/2020 |
| NMFT Baltimore |
Baltimore |
MD |
Baltimore Convention Center |
3/17/2020 |
3/19/2020 |
| RestaurantPoint West |
Phoenix |
AZ |
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa |
3/29/2020 |
4/1/2020 |
| Vizient’s Conference |
Las Vegas |
NV |
Wynn Resort |
3/30/2020 |
4/2/2020 |
| HotelPoint |
Scottsdale |
AZ |
Western Kierland Resort and Spa |
4/5/2020 |
4/8/2020 |
| BuildPoint |
San Antonio |
TX |
JW Marriott Hill Country Resort and Spa |
4/19/2020 |
4/22/2020 |
| Connex |
Orlando |
FL |
Gaylord Palms |
4/20/2020 |
4/22/2020 |
| Atlanta Apartment Association |
Atlanta |
GA |
Cobb Galleria Centre |
5/13/2020 |
5/13/2020 |
| Banking Facilities Forum |
Austin |
TX |
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort |
5/19/2020 |
5/21/2020 |
| Apartmentalize |
Boston |
MA |
Boston Convention and Exhibition Center |
6/17/2020 |
6/20/2020 |
| Premier Conference |
Nashville |
TN |
TN Gaylord Opryland Resort |
6/23/2020 |
6/26/2020 |
| ASHE Annual |
Chicago |
IL |
McCormick Place |
8/2/2020 |
8/5/2020 |
| C-BuildPoint |
Bonita Springs |
FL |
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point |
9/20/2020 |
9/23/2020 |
| Florida Apartment Association |
Hollywood |
FL |
Diplomat Beach Resort |
9/30/2020 |
10/2/2020 |
| RestaurantPoint East |
Atlanta |
GA |
Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center |
10/18/2020 |
10/21/2020 |
| SeniorLivingPoint |
Santa Ana Pueblo |
NM |
Hyatt Regency Tamaya |
10/25/2020 |
10/28/2020 |
| NMHC OPTECH Conference |
Las Vegas |
NV |
Wynn Resort |
11/16/2020 |
11/18/2020 |
Jan 31, 2020 |
Your property’s exterior will make the first impression. Let us help you stand out.
Landscape Industry Trends
The Landscaping Industry has a direct correlation to the health of property markets, which has been on a steady incline since 2014. Because of this, we see several features within the industry rising as well. The Landscape Services Industry as a whole in 2019 hit some incredible mile markers:
- $99bn
- Over 500,000 businesses dedicated to Landscape Services
- An annual growth of 4.4% (2014-2019)
- Almost 1.1m industry employees
Here’s what we learned from 2019
Technology
This is a trend that does not discriminate! Technological advances have been touching every industry for quite some time and it’s up to us to keep up.
Design
The rush to catch up to your landscape’s growth has led to a different direction of landscape design. Without leaving the trend of more and more green space out, customers are opting in for a more low-maintenance landscape from the beginning. Choosing the design for your region and space can lead to overall less touches when it comes to maintaining your exterior. An asymmetrical design is an example of how some are choosing to fit in with this trend.
Wellness
Wellness is a trend that correlates with landscape services. As the mantra of a healthy mind and body grow, so does the need and appreciation for green space. Because everyone is starting to become aware of green spaces, businesses are trying to focus more on improvement and grooming.
Powerhouse is keeping up with these trends so that this industry doesn’t out-grow us. We know what’s important to our clients and our clients’ clients. We’re up-to-date on technology and we understand the reason for the variety of landscaping designs and the “why” behind all of it.
Powerhouse can be your easy button for landscape services. Don’t let these trends overgrow your exterior!
Powerhouse’s Exterior Services
- Snow and Ice Management
- Snow Removal
- Hauling
- De-icing
- Parking Lot
- Pressure Washing
- Sweeping
- Striping
- Repair & Sealing
- Concrete Repairs
- ADA Compliance
- Landscape Services
- Grounds Maintenance & Clean-Up
- Hardscapes
- Irrigation
- Tree Trimming
Sources
Total Landscape Care’s Green Industry Trends of 2019 (https://www.totallandscapecare.com/landscaping/green-industry-trends-2019/)
IBISWorld’s Landscaping Services Industry in the US - Market Research Report (https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/landscaping-services-industry/)
Turf Magazine’s 5 Major Social Trends Important to the Landscape Industry (https://www.turfmagazine.com/business-management/important-social-trends/)
Jan 13, 2020 |
Get to know Powerhouse in Retail & Restaurant Facility Business’s January Edition in an interview with one of our Principal/Owners, Robert Blake-Ward.
We spend a great deal of time on our core: people, process and technology
Retail&Restaurant: Where are you based and how long has Powerhouse been in business?
Robert Blake-Ward, Powerhouse
Robert Blake-Ward: Our headquarters is in Crowley, Texas, about 30 minutes south of Fort Worth. Powerhouse was founded in 2004.
R&R: What is your title and how long have you been with the company?
Blake-Ward: I am a principal/owner of Powerhouse and have been so since 2011.
R&R: What trades/services do you offer retailers and restaurants?
Blake-Ward: Powerhouse specializes in Construction Services (remodels and refresh projects), Facility Maintenance (scheduled and reactive services, integrated program management, interior and exterior) and customized Rollouts (high volume, high velocity, high impact projects across thousands of locations nationwide).
R&R: In what regions of the country do you conduct most of your business, or are you nationwide?
Blake-Ward: We work in all 50 U.S. states. Although based in Texas, our work takes us all over the map.
R&R: What makes your company’s “signature service” stand out in the industry?
Blake-Ward: We spend a great deal of time on our core: people, process and technology. Our Infinity platform allows for real-time update as work progresses in the field. Our people drive the results with great training and accountability for their project’s success – customer-centric teams who create a great project result.
R&R: What kind of feedback do you receive from clients?
When a client calls with an issue, our people react quickly and efficiently.
Blake-Ward: We aim to make every client a “Raving Fan of Powerhouse.” We often get complimented on our sense of urgency, which is a key ingredient in our customer service and success. When a client calls with an issue, our people react quickly and efficiently. When we get a work order, a Powerhouse employee answers the phone and is dedicated to getting someone out to location within the business hours.
R&R: Why should owner/operators choose your company to be their next vendor partner?
Blake-Ward: We have the people, process and technology, as mentioned earlier, but we also have the resources. We pride ourselves not only on our client relationships, but also on our Powerhouse Partner relationships – relationships with our key vendors across the country. These are partnerships that have allowed us to have constant, national coverage for all our clients’ needs.
R&R: How many retail/restaurant clients do you have, and is that sector growing for you? Would you like to name any of your clients?
Blake-Ward: We have more than 80 distinct customers of various types and sizes. Retail and restaurant are just two of the eight industries Powerhouse focuses on and where we perform the majority of our work. Retail clients are what started Powerhouse, and we’ve maintained many of those initial clients throughout Powerhouse’s lifetime. As the industry itself is constantly changing and growing, so does Powerhouse and the opportunities we are given.
R&R: Many traditional retailers, in particular, are downsizing their portfolios. Overall, restaurant/hospitality is growing. What other trends are you seeing in the industry?
Blake-Ward: We continue to see a hyper-competitive market where operators need to differentiate – they are innovating both their brand offerings and how they deliver it, blending the ordering/pickup expereince to serve different customer needs. Operators need to execute these programs faster than ever and with fewer resources to manage – they lean on partners to help manage more of the communication and planning of their projects.
R&R: What is your advice for FM vendors reacting to this shifting climate?
Blake-Ward: Partner with your suppliers; you’ll get more value in return. Don’t be afraid to try a new approach you haven’t done before.
In case you missed it, see how our Senior Director of Operations of FM answers this question in her article with Retail & Restaurant Facility Business.
R&R: What predictions do you have – for your company, your industry or both – in 2020?
Blake-Ward: Continued growth, continued opportunities and continued challenges, for everyone in our industry.
Oct 31, 2019 |
October 7-11, 2019
During the first full week in October there is always an exciting buzz around the Powerhouse Office. Powerhouse has celebrated Customer Service Week since 2016. During this week we celebrate and recognize all our incredible employees who exemplify our customer service expectations and core values. We also spend time fine-tuning our customer service skills while having a great time doing it. Our goal every year with Customer Service Week is to learn how to have fun while having a positive and lasting impact on people.
When we prioritize meeting the needs of our customers in a manner of excellence, integrity and humility, we create a relationship with the customer that is not only long-lasting but sets us apart. This is a huge component in how we have a positive and lasting impact on people.
-Fallon Leeth, Construction Coordinator
Customer Service Week showcases the creative ways an employee can improve the Customer Experience. Reading through all of the customer comments and feedback provides inspiration and innovative ideas to take your service to the next level. Having a positive and lasting impact is realized by delivering these experiences continuously over time, and that is what we strive for!!
-Dillon Coggins, Business Developer
