Thought Leader Interviews: Michael Schley
In our “Thought Leader Interviews” series iwmsnews.com interviews all important Thought Leaders from the IWMS industry. In our third interview we have interviewed Michael Schley, CEO and Founder of FM:Systems.
1. Please introduce yourself to our readers
That led to the first version of the product now called FM:Interact. The technology has evolved into a Web-based suite of products that help organizations better use their space, manage maintenance and operations, facility projects, lease administration and real estate management. We are currently celebrating our 25th year in business. As CEO, I oversee all company operations and guide the company’s product direction.
2. Can you explain a bit about your background and your career?
Before founding FM:Systems, I was the corporate Director of CAD services for CRS Sirrine, an international architectural-engineering firm headquartered in Houston. I have a Master of Architecture degree from the School of Design at North Carolina State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Case Western Reserve University.
3. Can you elaborate a bit more about your company? What makes your company unique?
FM:Systems is a leading provider of integrated workplace management systems (IWMS) and computer-aided facility management (CAFM) software. Our company is notable in that our customers are at the center of everything we do. We’ve built a team that can deliver on product and growth targets while not losing our focus on customer success. In other words, nurturing our core values while we scale the business. And in 25 years of business we’ve never had to lay off an employee.
2008 was a great year for FM:Systems in terms of both domestic and international growth, and I hope to build on this momentum and continue to expand globally.
How do you set yourself apart from competitors? Please be as specific as possible.
From a product point of view we focus on building products that are configurable. Every organization manages their workplace in a way that is unique and different to other organizations. We’ve invested heavily in building products that can be easily integrated with other products and processes that might already be in place.
Another main focus is to build products that are easy to learn and use yet powerful. Not everyone relying on FM:Interact is a power-user, so for those users we design workplace tools that are intuitive and user-friendly. Yet the power users get a product that can store all their workplace information and organize it in a way that is most meaningful to their organization.
We pride ourselves on taking exceptional care of our customers. Because of this several customers have been with us since our beginning. Our customer support is outstanding – we recently polled our customer base and received a 93% approval rating.
4. What motivates you as a person?
My goal is to create the highest quality technology products that are the best value for our customers. To accomplish this we must continue to listen to the needs of customers, remain one step ahead and evolve the technology to meet those and future needs. With that, we can remain focused on the need for change and the “next big thing” that will take facility management to the next level.
5. How do you want to be seen by your employees, the competition and independent business analysts?
I pride myself on always dealing with business matters and people – customers, competitors and employees alike – with the highest level of integrity. This is the foundation of my business. I think the market sees us a strong competitor – FM:Systems offers quality products at a competitive price, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to the success of our customers. We believe in building strong and lasting relationships with them and being responsive to their needs. Choosing FM:Systems means getting the entire product – software, service and support.
6. What does the term Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) mean to you?
Integrated is the key word in IWMS. You shouldn’t have to completely rebuild systems and processes that work for your organization to implement an IWMS system. A successful IWMS product should integrate quickly and easily with the other databases and software used in your company. Also, working with an IWMS system means the routine tasks of facilities professionals are taken care of, and they have more time to devote to their strategic work. This is when companies can deliver millions in savings by optimizing their portfolios and processes.
7. What do you think of the credit crunch? What impact does it have on FM and RE?
While there is no denying the economic situation is serious, I remain optimistic. Since starting FM:Systems in 1984 I’ve had to weather many economic downturns, and I see them as opportunities. So while organizations must navigate cautiously through the next few critical months, I do believe we’ll all be better for it in the end. Facilities and real estate are key assets and major expenses for our customers, so times like these force businesses to take a closer look at how they are managed. Better management of FM and RE can yield dramatic results. While this environment is difficult, I think it’s also full many opportunities to streamline processes and reevaluate priorities, all leading to a more efficient workplace.
8. What is your opinion about sustainability and IWMS?
Sustainability is a key topic on the minds of everyone in facilities and real estate, and again I remain optimistic that collectively our industry will find solutions. I don’t think it will be solved with software alone. It will take the efforts of numerous subject matter experts on issues such as energy efficiency, recycling building materials, architects, engineers, etc. working together to solve this complex issue. However, I do believe software can make a significant contribution in helping organizations capture and process the data needed to make informed decisions where sustainability issues are concerned.
9. How do you see IWMS in the year 2015?
Enterprises are just now beginning to understand the value of providing information about facilities to everyone in the organization. For example, one of our customers is a large pharmaceutical company that moves about 4,000 employees a year. They’ve used our products to greatly streamline this process – allowing customers to submit move requests via a simple Web form, automatic e-mail notifications that keep everyone on the same page, and so on. As a result, they’ve been able to increase their group’s productivity by 60% and they’re saving the company around $1.5 million a year in employee productivity by reducing the downtime associated with being moved. Another customer has realized $36 million in savings by better aligning their portfolio to business operations.
These days IWMS products aren’t always seen as mission-critical, but the more organizations adopt a solution and realize the results and value possible, they will be seen as a necessity. The potential savings can make a big difference in the bottom line of any organization, so I only see the industry continuing to thrive.
We have only begun to tap the potential for IWMS tools to drive significant business benefits in areas of facility performance and strategic facility planning. I think the capabilities of IWMS will continue to expand as organizations continue to grow globally.
10. What would be your Million Dollar Tip for our readers?
Be true to your vision and be true to your values.
Next interview
In our “Thought Leader Interviews” George Ahn, CEO of Tririga will be interviewed next week.
Michael,
thank you so much for sharing these insights with us.
Yours sincerely,
Steven Hanks