Trenton C. Patterson, a director of FM operations at CBRE, is proud to be part of the facilities management industry and urges insiders, company leaders, and the world at large to recognize just how crucial FM work is.
In his role, Patterson manages North American properties for a global beverage company on behalf of CBRE. The client has multiple facilities throughout the U.S., including a world headquarters and three customer-focused sites, as well as field offices across the continent.
Prior to joining CBRE in late 2024, Patterson spent nearly nine years at Havertys Furniture Cos., where he rose to become senior facilities manager. Before that, he worked for other commercial real estate companies in management and engineering roles.
Patterson has earned his CFM, SFP, and FMP designations from IFMA. Throughout his career, he has received several prestigious awards, including Manager of the Year from BOMA Georgia and the Achievement in Facilities Management, Martha Osborne CFM, and Distinguished Member awards from IFMA Atlanta. He also received the Havertys Challenge Coin for his commitment to the furniture company’s mission, and during his time as an engineer, he was honored with an Engineering Excellence Award. Furthermore, Patterson has been teaching building operations courses for 12 years.
To learn more about Patterson and his take on industry issues, please read the “Faces of Facilities” interview below:
How did you get your start in the field?
I have been involved with commercial real estate and engineering my entire life, thanks to my father, who was a chief engineer in Atlanta for 30+ years. Growing up, I worked alongside him on various pieces of equipment and systems, which sparked my interest in the field. During high school and college, I gained hands-on experience in several trades while earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Georgia State University. After college, I embarked on a career in operations management, which led to facilities management.
Through years of hard work and dedication, I grew as an FM by studying new technologies, earning my designations from IFMA, and working with others to grow my network of partners and resources.
Who has been your biggest influence in the industry, and why?
I have been fortunate to have many mentors and influences in my life, but my biggest influence will always be my father. He was one of the most hardworking and intelligent engineers in the industry. He was respected by everyone and had a passion for working on equipment and solving problems. In his own way, he was a “mad scientist,” always fascinated by the evolution, looking for new challenges and solutions, and eager to share stories of how systems worked before modern technology. He was the true definition of an engineer in that he found peace in the chaos, and when everyone else was panicking, he was calm and collected.
Although he was taken from us too soon, he remains my greatest influence, and I strive to honor him every day through the hard work and integrity he instilled in me.
What’s your best mistake, and what did you learn from it?
Throughout my career, I’ve encountered numerous challenges and made mistakes in various roles. Each mistake, whether it was a technical error, a misjudgment in operations, or a lapse in facilities management, has been a learning opportunity.
The most crucial advice I can offer is to embrace these mistakes as part of the growth process. Reflect on what went wrong, understand the root causes, and develop strategies to prevent similar issues in the future. This approach not only helps in improving your skills and knowledge, but also builds resilience and adaptability.
Remember, the path to success is often paved with setbacks. It’s how you respond to these setbacks that defines your professional journey. Continuously strive to learn, adapt, and enhance your performance with each experience.
What are some of the biggest facilities management issues at your organization? Are there any unique challenges?
As the director of facilities for CBRE working with a global beverage industry client, we encounter several key facilities management issues, along with some unique challenges and benefits compared to other organizations. One of the primary issues is preventive maintenance, which involves ensuring all equipment and infrastructure are regularly maintained to prevent unexpected breakdowns. This includes HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and client-specific equipment.
Another significant challenge is energy management, where we strive to manage energy consumption efficiently to reduce costs and meet sustainability goals by implementing smart building technologies and energy-efficient practices.
Additionally, optimizing space utilization to accommodate changing workforce needs, especially with the rise of hybrid work models, is a constant focus. Health and safety compliance is also crucial, as we must keep up with regulations to ensure a safe working environment for all employees. Integrating new technologies smoothly into existing systems to enhance operational efficiency is another ongoing challenge.
My client’s extensive network of facilities across North America presents a unique challenge in terms of scale and complexity, requiring robust systems and processes to coordinate maintenance and operations across multiple sites. Maintaining their high brand standards in all facilities is crucial, as it ensures that all locations reflect the company’s values and image, which can be more demanding than in other organizations. Our commitment to sustainability means we are constantly looking for ways to reduce our environmental footprint through initiatives like water conservation, waste reduction, and energy efficiency. The fast-paced nature of the beverage industry requires our facilities to be adaptable to new production methods and technologies, necessitating continuous innovation and flexibility in our FM strategies. Lastly, ensuring that our facilities provide a comfortable and productive environment for employees is a top priority, encompassing everything from ergonomic workspaces to wellness programs.
Overall, while we face many of the same FM challenges as other organizations, the scale, brand standards, and sustainability goals of my client add unique dimensions to our work. These challenges also present opportunities to innovate and lead in the field of facilities management.
What’s your favorite part about working in the industry?
I find my role highly rewarding due to the variety of tasks and the significant impact I can make on the organization, people, and industry. My days are filled with strategic planning, problem-solving, and hands-on management, ensuring that our facilities are safe, efficient, and conducive to productivity.
While the job comes with challenges like unexpected issues and balancing multiple priorities, it also offers opportunities for professional growth and mentorship to my team. I am a firm believer in continuous education and pushing myself to grow and learn more, but I find great fulfillment in mentoring junior staff, helping them develop their careers, and being a resource for them.
Overall, I enjoy this industry because it allows me to innovate, lead, and make a tangible difference in the workplace.
What changes would you like to see in the FM industry?
I would emphasize a return to appreciating the immense skill and expertise that facilities managers bring to the table. FMs manage a vast array of responsibilities, from maintaining complex building systems to ensuring compliance with safety regulations. We handle a multitude of tasks simultaneously, often preventing chaos before it even arises. Every day, we strive to create safe, efficient, and productive environments, which requires not only technical knowledge but also exceptional organizational and leadership skills.
Recognizing and valuing the critical role we play in the smooth operation of any organization would not only boost morale, but also highlight the importance of investing in continuous professional development for FMs. This appreciation would ultimately lead to more effective and innovative facilities management practices.
How can company leaders make facilities management a value within their organization?
Company leaders can make facilities management a core value within their organization by recognizing and appreciating the critical role that FMs play in maintaining a safe, efficient, and productive work environment. Regular acknowledgment of their contributions in company meetings, newsletters, and performance reviews can boost morale and highlight their importance.
Also, if leaders continue to invest in ongoing professional development opportunities, such as certifications, workshops, and industry conferences, this will demonstrate the organization’s commitment to their growth, which is important at all levels.
FMs should also be included in strategic planning sessions to ensure their insights and expertise are considered in decision-making processes, aligning facilities management with the organization’s broader goals and avoiding any mistakes that could occur without our input.
Promoting a workplace culture that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and efficiency, and recognizing and rewarding initiatives that contribute to these values, further elevates the importance of facilities management as a vital component of the organization’s success.
Where do you see the industry heading in five years? Are you noticing any major trends?
The facilities management industry is poised for significant transformation over the next few years, driven by several key trends. Sustainability and energy efficiency are at the forefront, with a strong emphasis on adopting technologies to monitor and reduce energy consumption, thereby lowering costs and minimizing environmental impact.
Digital transformation is another major trend, as the industry increasingly embraces digital tools and automation, including the use of Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and enhanced security measures. We are currently using a technology called HoloLens for our engineers and looking forward to the positive results that will bring to our team. The shift to hybrid work models is also influencing facilities management, with real-time data and IoT solutions being used to optimize space utilization and ensure safety and comfort for employees, which I am in favor of and promote often.
Additionally, cybersecurity is becoming a critical concern as buildings become more connected, prompting facilities managers to work closely with IT departments to implement robust security measures and prevent cyberattacks.
The industry is also facing a shortage of skilled labor, leading to increased outsourcing and consolidation, with technology being leveraged to make operations more efficient despite fewer personnel. This has been a concern of mine for almost a decade because many FMs and engineers are retiring, and there will be a large amount of information and wisdom lost in that transfer of knowledge out of the industry.
Lastly, there is a growing trend towards paperless operations, driven by sustainability goals and the need for efficiency, with mobile technology being used to oversee energy usage, track asset performance, and schedule maintenance.
These trends indicate a future where facilities management is more efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced, which has been an evolving aspect of FM for many years.
What are you most proud of?
In my career as a facilities manager, I have always prioritized integrity and upheld my principles, never compromising my values for the sake of others. I firmly believe in maintaining or enhancing the value of every asset under my management. My goal is to provide the most efficient, safe, and enjoyable environment for both my team and our customers so that we uphold our mission, vision, and values. This commitment to my convictions ensures that I have consistently delivered high-quality results and fostered a positive atmosphere for everyone.
Do you have any advice for people entering the profession?
Entering the facilities management profession requires a thoughtful and patient approach. It’s important to take your time and enjoy each step of your journey, absorbing as much information and knowledge as possible. Progressing properly means building a strong foundation before taking on more complex tasks, ensuring you are well-prepared for each new challenge as you progress in this industry.
Also, staying adaptable and open to change is crucial, as the industry is constantly evolving with new technologies and methodologies that require an understanding of how to approach each situation with a clear objective. Another key factor, as I said earlier, is maintaining integrity and upholding your principles, as you are responsible for enhancing the value of assets while ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
Building strong relationships with your team, customers, and stakeholders, focusing on sustainability, and staying organized are also keys to your success as an FM. If possible, find mentors and pull as much from them as possible.
Remember, the journey in facilities management is a marathon, not a sprint, so take your time, enjoy the process, and continuously seek to improve and grow in your role.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Facilities management is an incredibly dynamic and rewarding field that offers a wealth of opportunities for growth, innovation, and impact. At its core, facilities management is about creating and maintaining environments where people can thrive, whether it’s a bustling corporate headquarters, a vibrant tourist attraction, or a productive field office.
One of the most exciting aspects of facilities management is the variety of challenges it presents. Every day is different, and each facility has its own unique needs and opportunities. This diversity keeps the work engaging and allows for continuous learning and development. From implementing cutting-edge technologies to enhance operational efficiency, to designing spaces that promote employee well-being and productivity, facilities management is a field where creativity and problem-solving skills are highly valued.
Moreover, facilities management plays a crucial role in sustainability efforts. By optimizing energy use, reducing waste, and implementing green building practices, facilities managers can make a significant positive impact on the environment. This not only helps organizations meet their sustainability goals but also contributes to a healthier planet for future generations.
The field also offers numerous opportunities for career advancement. With the growing emphasis on smart buildings and sustainable practices, there is a high demand for skilled facilities managers who can lead these initiatives. Whether you’re interested in technology, sustainability, or operational excellence, facilities management provides a pathway to make a meaningful difference.
In essence, facilities management is about more than just maintaining buildings—it’s about enhancing the quality of life for everyone who uses those spaces. It’s a field that combines technical expertise with a passion for creating positive environments, making it a truly fulfilling career choice. If you’re looking for a profession that offers variety, impact, and the chance to innovate, facilities management is an excellent path to consider!
Are you or a colleague an FM professional interested in being profiled for the “Faces of Facilities” series? Please contact Editor Joe Bebon at JBebon@BLR.com.