Operator Spotlight: Fernando Salazar, STACK Real Estate

Quarterbacks get all of the glory. But it’s the offensive line that often determines the quarterbacks’ fate.

It’s the same with commercial real estate.

To be sure, there are very talented people at the top, coordinating the various moving pieces and stakeholders required to tackle decarbonization.

But ultimately, their fate is going to be determined by the actions of those in the trenches; the building engineers, technicians and property managers.

As such an important part of the solution, we figured they deserved more recognition for the work they do and the ways they are adapting to a changing world.

Operator Spotlight: Fernando Salazar, Facilities Coordinator, Stack Real Estate

Enertiv: Tell us about your background, how did you get to where you are today?

Fernando: I had been working as an HVAC technician, installing heating and cooling systems in Salt Lake City, Utah. About 8 years ago, I got tired of traveling all over the city for work and decided I wanted to focus my efforts on one place.

When I joined STACK as a Facilities Engineer, there were only six buildings in the portfolio, three of which were my responsibility. It has grown a lot since then, I now oversee 15 buildings, and the five technicians who run them.

E: How has the job changed in the last 8 years?

F: Every day, you learn something new. You learn how to react to an emergency, you learn how to prevent the next one.

That’s why I like Enertiv, I now have more control over my equipment.

Before, we had equipment lists. Now we have information. We know the history of the equipment, we can make quick decisions about what part we need.

Everything that was on paper now lives in one place on Enertiv.

E: What advice would you give for operators that are resistant to this type of change?

F: If I were starting as a technician today, I would be grateful for what technology provides. All the knowledge that I’ve had to learn through trial and error is available from the beginning. You can be more effective at your job and you will have more opportunities in your career because of it.

That’s why, as their coordinator, I make a point to check the app with them every week. I want to make sure they are taking full advantage and appreciate the value of technology.

The other thing that’s great about Enertiv is the team behind it. Our client success manager is very helpful, he responds quickly, and I can tell he really wants to help us, he wants us to be successful.

I know some engineers think “oh no, another app, another thing,” but I think the Enertiv team has made a difference because they really care.

E: Can you give a specific example?

F: Sure! I remember being in a mechanical room and knowing that we had replaced one of the motors two years ago, but no one could remember which one!

More recently, I went with one of the technicians to the roof of one of our buildings to do an inspection. We noticed that a belt was cracked and needed to be replaced and we logged it right there in the app. Going forward, there will always be a record of exactly which rooftop unit had its belt replaced, when and why.

E: How much time did that save you?

F: It’s not really about the time it takes in terms of minutes and hours, it’s about where the information lives.

For example, when I needed to figure out which motor was replaced, I started digging through my emails, but then I’d get a call and need to address an issue. I’d come back later and start looking through the spreadsheet I used to keep track of replacements, but wouldn’t find the information I needed before the next emergency. All in all, it would take a week before I got the answer to my question.

Now, I know exactly where to look. It means decisions get made much faster.

E: What do you wish the broader commercial real estate industry appreciated more about the work of on-site engineers?

F: I want owners to know that I am on top of my responsibilities.

This isn’t easy. When you don’t have experience, you’re not as efficient. Over time, as you learn, you gain more confidence to implement solutions.

I have a great boss here at STACK. It always good to be recognized for how you’re getting better. It motivates me to keep learning.

It takes about two years to build up that experience. You have to see something a few times before it’s internalized.

That’s why I tell my technicians that while technology is valuable for us, it’s also a big responsibility. I want to make sure that the person who is reviewing the data for the whole portfolio can rest assured knowing that we are doing what we are supposed to be. We have a responsibility to use the app to the full extent possible.

E: How has the focus on energy efficiency and sustainability changed over the years?

F: I have always been conscious about it, but there’s always more that can be done.

We had an energy auditor come to our properties about 6 months ago. He taught me a lot and made me much more aware of how important it is, and what we can do.

Fortunately, my technicians are very capable and know how to program their building automation systems. We’ve started getting more sophisticated about how we set schedules and start up times depending on the season. We also caught some instances of heating the buildings when it was hot outside.

In one property, we were able to reduce gas consumption by 50%. That made me feel good, I know it’s important both for the portfolio and for the planet.

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