In recent years, the popularity of electric bikes and electric scooters has grown exponentially, with more and more people opting for these convenient and eco-friendly modes of transportation. And it’s easy to see why — they offer a range of benefits, from reduced emissions to decreased travel time and increased affordability. As a result, they’re quickly becoming the transportation mode of choice for city dwellers and urban commuters, cementing them as a staple of modern life.

There is a catch, however. As with many lithium-ion battery products, e-bikes run the risk of catching fire or even exploding. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission received reports of at least 208 micro-mobility fire or overheating incidents between January 2021 and November 2022.

So it’s clear that there’s some risk involved — a direct consequence of which is the recent rise in insurance costs for multifamily property owners. This has led to the outright ban of electronic bikes and scooters by many landlords, who would rather avoid the potential risk altogether.

But what if there’s a way to ensure your building can offer this vital amenity to would-be renters and residents for safely storing and charging their e-bikes without the worry of fires? Enter CAM Property Services. Our Property Pros can help protect your multifamily property and its residents from lithium-ion battery fires in one of two ways:

• We can retrofit your property to better defend against fires
• Or we can design a custom e-bike/e-scooter storage facility to house them safely

Let’s take a closer look at each service:

Retrofitting Your Property

Fire safety begins with ensuring that your building has the ability to prevent the spread of fires. This is where CAM’s construction company, Omnia Pacific, comes in. Retrofitting comes in two forms: encapsulating existing space and upgrading existing fire systems.

Omnia Pacific can encapsulate an existing bike storage area with cinder block, install e-charging hookups for e-bikes and e-scooters, and retrofit all fire suppression systems to ensure the building is fully compliant with all fire safety codes and regulations.

We offer a range of fire suppression systems, including fire sprinklers and fire alarms, which can be installed to ensure that your building is equipped to handle any potential fire outbreaks. This includes fire-resistant features such as doors, walls, and windows, which can significantly slow down the spread of fire. Our goal is to protect your property and residents while providing an important amenity in today’s modern world.

Building a Safe Storage Space

Omnia Pacific can create custom-built e-bike storage areas that prioritize safety and security. Our expert team utilizes fire-resistant materials such as concrete, steel, and brick, to ensure that your e-bike storage area is well-equipped to handle any potential fire outbreak. We also install top-of-the-line fire suppression systems, including fire sprinklers and smoke detectors, to provide an added layer of protection for your property.

In addition to using fire-resistant materials and fire suppression systems, our team pays close attention to ventilation and space when designing e-bike storage areas. Proper ventilation is critical in preventing the accumulation of combustible materials that can contribute to the spread of fire. Our team ensures that there is adequate space within the e-bike storage area to prevent clutter and maintain a safe environment. With CAM and Omnia Pacific, you can advertise and trust that your e-bike storage area is not only a secure and convenient amenity but also designed with safety as a top priority.

To learn more about how CAM can help, call (800) 576-3050 today.

Southern California’s unprecedented precipitation this past winter relieved the region’s years-long drought conditions and helped in creating rain-soaked, snow-covered scenery for millions of Instagram accounts. However, with the onset of spring comes both warmer temperatures and the potential for uncontrolled growth of weeds, grass, and other vegetation to wreak havoc.

While it may not seem like such a big deal now (give it time, it will be), this excess greenery can quickly become a fire hazard waiting to happen. With wildfire season practically year-round in California, property owners must stay diligent when it comes to maintaining safe conditions under state, city, and community regulations. Failure to do so can result in costly fines, potential property damage, and possibly even worse outcomes.

Fortunately, you don’t have to combat overgrown landscaping alone — CAM’s Property Pros are here to help you manage the situation before it becomes unmanageable.

Fire Hazard & Weed Abatement

One of the most common causes of wildfires is an abundance of dead vegetation. Overgrown trees, weeds, bushes, and excess grass and leaves can all become fuel for wildfires should they be left unattended. In this case, property owners can face heavy fines for their neglect.

Fortunately, CAM Property Services has you covered. From tree trimming to dead plant removal, our Landscaping Pros start by giving
you a detailed report on the issues at hand, followed by innovative solutions to get the job done.

Fire Hazard Prevention

CAM also provides expertise in the form of proactive measures such as preventing the accumulation of dead grass and drying soil. Curb appeal is our specialty — we trim, mow, rake, and clean your property to keep it looking attractive and safe.

We also provide discing and fuel modification services, improving your soil’s health to nurture a variety of plants while also ensuring that wildfires don’t have the fuel required to spread.

Aerial Drone Surveillance

Unsure of where to check for fire hazards on your property? Maybe it’s time for a new perspective. CAM provides state-of-the-art drone inspection for a fresh vantage of your property.

CAM conducts full perimeter scans of your property, giving you detailed information on your landscaping and potential hazards present. With this new outlook, you can make better-informed decisions, and we can provide more innovative solutions. And that’s a win-win, from any perspective.

Wildfire season is coming, whether you’re ready or not. Click HERE to find out more about how CAM Property Services can help you prepare.

After an unusually cold and wet Winter, Spring has finally sprung here in Southern California. And you know what that means — it’s time for Spring Cleaning.

If you own and/or manage multifamily, retail or office property, this task can seem like a daunting undertaking. Fortunately, the Property Pros at CAM Property Services are here to help lighten your load with everything from repairs and enhancements to cleaning and landscaping.

JANITORIAL

Let’s start with the most straightforward way we can help achieve your Spring Cleaning goals. No matter the challenge, our Janitorial Pros will make your property truly sparkle. From general facility cleaning to floor and window care, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another team with as much experience and versatility to make your tenants happy. Our team communicates with you using state-of-the-art technology to get the job done efficiently and effectively.

DAY PORTER SERVICES

This Winter brought a barrage of storms to SoCal, resulting in potential harm to your property. Pooled water on rooftops and parking lots, can lead to bigger problems if left unattended and unreported. Fortunately, our perceptive and highly trained Day Porters can identify and report these issues before they become major headaches to their supervisor. Your mind will be at ease knowing a true professional is acting as your ‘eyes and ears’ keeping your property in tip-top shape.

PARKING LOT SWEEPING

Our Parking Lot Pros not only remove cigarette butts, paper, glass, bags, and all types of debris that create hazards and eyesores, we also know how to assess and extend the life of your asphalt. Compromised asphalt from recent storms will show ‘alligatoring’ and dangerous potholes can damage tires opening your property to liability claims. Water is abrasive and will remove and fade the striping of your parking lot and curblines. The Property Pros can help repair water damage by filling cracks and potholes to restriping the lot to full asphalt removal and replacement.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

April showers may bring May flowers, but they can also bring unwanted debris into your stormwater system. Fortunately, stormwater management is one of the many services our Property Pros excel at. We can help with compliance, design, and construction of your system to treat stormwater and handle anything that washes in.

LANDSCAPING

Speaking of May flowers, what about landscaping? Our Property Pros are experts when it comes to plant and flower selection, cultivation, irrigation design, and repair, resulting in landscaping that really wows. We also specialize in maintaining and selecting the right plants for the right season, so your property is always in bloom. And with all the recent rains expect to see weeds in your landscape, which can be prevented with application of pre-emergent herbicides.

As you can see, when it comes to Spring Cleaning, CAM is the right call to spruce up your property. Just let us fix all of the above!

Click HERE to learn more.

Company’s Associates Receive Industry Honors for Partner of the Year, Associate of the Year

TORRANCE, CA – (January 15, 2023) – CAM Property Services, one of Southern California’s largest and most trusted commercial property maintenance companies, recently earned three of the industry’s most prestigious honors from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA):

• Partner of the Year from IREM’s San Diego chapter for CAM Property Services/Business Developer Ben Arvizu
• Associate of the Year from IREM’s Inland Empire chapter for Area Manager Jaime Ramirez
• Associate of the Year from BOMA’s San Diego chapter for Ben Arvizu

“Awards like these give us a lot to be proud of, both on the individual level and as a team,” said David A. Herrera, President of CAM Property Services. “Working with organizations like IREM and BOMA help foster important relationships with our clients and colleagues. Ending the year on such a high note is the perfect way to kick off 2023.”

Arvizu is a 12-year member of the IREM San Diego chapter who currently serves on the Accredited Residential and Industry Partner Committees. He received the IREM Key Award in 2018.

Ramirez joined CAM Property Services in 2012 and has been active with IREM since 2016. He served on three of its committees in 2022 and will become a Board Member this year, proudly serving the Inland Empire.

Arvizu is a six-year member of BOMA’s San Diego Chapter and served as Chair of the Membership-Driving Committee in 2022. He received the You’re the Greatest Award from 2017-2021 and served on the Board of Directors (Member at Large) from 2020-2021, a role he’ll resume in 2023.

CAM Property Services provides a wide range of services, including day porters, landscaping and xeriscaping, janitorial, pressure washing, steam cleaning, ADA remediation and CASp, trash chute cleaning and repair, aerial drone inspections, and more. For more information visit camservices.com or call (800) 576-3050.

About CAM Property Services
Founded in 1987, CAM Property Services is one of Southern California’s largest and most trusted property maintenance companies, with five offices in the region and some of the country’s most recognized brands for clients, including CVS Pharmacy, Albertsons, and Smart & Final. For more than 35 years, CAM has provided a full range of maintenance services to more than 1,300 retail, industrial, government, educational, multifamily, and HOA client properties throughout Southern California and the Central Valley.

The Keys to Inspiring a Successful Company Culture of Innovation at CAM Property Services

Proactive organizations recognize the importance of consciously innovating and permeating that philosophy throughout all levels of the company. Superior results emerge when strategies, business models, structure, processes, technologies, tools, and reward systems fire on all cylinders in symphonic unison. As the Director of Operations for CAM Property Services, Matthew Budnick thrives on creating a vibrant company culture driving growth and innovation.

Here’s a little insight into Matt’s leadership behind the scenes:

Q. According to CAM President David A. Herrera, the core values of CAM Property Services are fundamental to the company culture. As a leader, how do you encourage your employees to exemplify those core values?

A. The key to culture is making sure the values are clear and put into action. We’ve created a friendly competition in which every employee strives to mirror our brand and embody our three core values – Friendly, Responsive, Partnership – and voted on by their peers and management to be recognized as a CAM Brand Ambassador.

By reinforcing our core values every step of the way, from an inspection report to a conversation with a client to the nomination process, employees at CAM Property Services are incentivized to do the right thing. In turn, it’s created a collaborative work atmosphere where employees are happy and encouraged to give 100% every day.

Q. How would you describe your corporate culture at CAM Property Services?

A. We work hard and we’re not afraid of getting our hands dirty. Our open-door policy is such that if anyone has a good idea, we encourage them to put it out there and, if it has merit, we’re going to implement it. For an employee who isn’t an executive or manager, that’s a fantastic opportunity to make a difference at CAM.

Q. How do you inspire innovative thinking to meet your clients’ needs?

A. When I first came on board, we didn’t offer many of the innovative services we have today. Now it’s part of our everyday culture to think of ways to meet our clients’ future needs. David is all about efficiency and getting people the latest tools to be successful. For example, I believe we were one of the first property maintenance companies to have an in-house app to produce reports and have the capability to communicate with our clients using the latest technology. What’s most essential for us is saving clients time and money, which all goes back to innovation.

Q. Would you consider the multifamily sector to be one of your areas for innovation?

A. We rely on facts, not feelings. Through our research, we saw an opportunity in the multifamily segment which was not being met by any other company.

We won significant contracts in this arena, mainly because of our trash chute cleaning service. It was this offering that propelled us into multifamily seven – eight years ago, and it has continued to be a large portion of our growing business.

Ultimately, the willingness to take risks has allowed us to try new services such as drone inspections. We want to be more than a maintenance and cleaning company; we want to continue to be the best partner and consistently add value to our clients.

Q. What is your proudest accomplishment at CAM Property Services thus far?

A. When I started here six years ago, we had no set way of aggregating business intelligence. Seizing the opportunity, we analyzed three – five years of data and began predicting trends through analysis of key performance indicators. We continue to expand on that data and are now integrating Microsoft Power BI and business intelligence so that it’s available on all our employees’ phones and tablets in real-time. This proprietary app will allow our team to increase efficiency, which ultimately improves our customer service and bottom line. It’s the way of the future, making decisions based on accurate information and facts. I’m driven by improving our efficiency, increasing our service quality, and maximizing our impact in the marketplace.

Leading a New Paradigm in Innovation and Philanthropy at CAM Property Services

As the President of CAM Property Services, David A. Herrera, known for his magnetic personality and unwavering leadership, has transformed CAM Property Services from a small property management company into an industry powerhouse. Today, Herrera is taking a hands-on approach to rebranding CAM, developing an innovative company culture, and investing in philanthropy.

Here’s a little insight to David’s leadership behind the scenes and what it truly means to be a leader with a benevolent mission:

Q. After being in business for over 32 years, which is most important to CAM Property Services—mission, core values or vision?

A. While all are important, at CAM Property Services, our core values have had the biggest impact in shaping the integrity of our business, keeping staff members engaged and supporting a fun company culture.

The core values, including being the most honest and accountable contractor possible, are really what have separated us from other competitors over the years. We want our clients to be customers for a long time. In fact, we have clients who have been with us since the beginning. Ultimately, we want CAM Property Services to be known for being a friendly, responsive, loyal, trusted, professional and innovative partner. In the end, it’s the honest and ethical approach to doing maintenance and construction work that has attributed to our success for the last 32 years.

Q. How has your mission evolved over the years?

A. Our mission at CAM is to enhance the value and appeal of our clients’ assets by providing innovative and unparalleled property services. The company was established as a result of the development of mini-malls and strip centers, which sprouted up in the early ‘80s, and gave us the “One Call, Does It All” platform from which to launch.

As the industry has become more sophisticated, the needs of our clients have changed, so we’ve evolved to specialize in new innovative services. A few interesting trends we’ve seen is the focus on multifamily property management and big shopping malls now being repurposed into office space like Google exhibited when they recently took over the Westside Pavilion.

With the refinement of our brand, CAM is now proud to promote that we make your job simpler and your life easier. We want all potential customers to know, ‘We’re CAM Property Services, the innovation facility experts. We’re your friendly responsive partners in growing your business – big or small, simplifying your life, and helping your property shine.’

Q. What is your proudest achievement at CAM Property Services thus far?

A. I’ve been working at CAM for the last 28 years, almost since the beginning, and I consider it an honor to be ranked among the state’s top professional property maintenance companies. We service over 1,300 commercial, multifamily units and institutional properties valued at over $7 billion across California. To be among the industry’s elite is very humbling.

Our team has survived some of the toughest crises along the way and every time we’ve grown stronger and better from those challenges. In some years, like so many other companies, we were just fighting for our economic survival. Now we are being much more strategic. So, it’s very satisfying to be able to sit here today and look back on our longevity in the marketplace. I don’t know everything but surrounding myself with great people and being able to listen and learn have been keys to my working relationships among employees and between management and staff.

The client relationships we’ve developed are very strong and that’s been integral to our success. Most importantly, though, I have the full support of my family. They are involved with all aspects of my professional career and I’m so grateful for that.

Q. What is something that we would be surprised to learn about you?

A. Three years ago, I was asked by one of my clients to volunteer for the Harmony Project, LA’s largest music non-profit that offers free music lessons and instruments for the kids year-round so they are able to gain access to teachers and artists that they would otherwise not be able to, and this past July I was honored to be selected as the new Chairman of the Board.

While research shows that music rewires the brain, what was most surprising to learn were the low graduation rates from high school, especially in the LA Unified School District, which are just over 50%. At Harmony Project, we have 3,500 kids in our program, and we are graduating about 70 kids per year that are high school seniors, so the graduation rate is well above 95% for our kids that are in the program.

One of the biggest personal joys is witnessing the kids’ achievement through grit. It’s exciting to strategize on building the next generation of Harmony Project and how we can take this program national. We highly encourage our staff to get involved in their communities to make the world a better place. Philanthropy is truly a passion that has made all the difference. The giveback is really important.

Q. What is the most gratifying part about being a leader and how do you develop your team to their fullest potential?

A. I’ll let you know when I get there (laughter).

Have you ever thought about what happens when the doors of a trash chute are opened?  It’s definitely something you should be thinking about and be aware of. Recent studies have discovered the inner surface of a chute can carry more than 30 different biological and bacterial growths. If a trash chute doesn’t receive proper and timely cleaning care, all of these germs and bacteria become airborne every time the chute doors are opened. These bacteria carry all kinds of illnesses and infections throughout the building, potentially affecting occupants.

Harmful Pathogens

Trash chutes are breeding grounds for some harmful fungal pathogens; for example: E. Coli, Salmonella, Legionella, Stahylococci Aureus and Pseudomonas. According to Environmental Research & Restoration, the lack of trash chute cleaning is potentially responsible for the increase in frequency of doctor’s office visits. Many pathogenic molds have the ability to inhabit the respiratory tract and become life-threatening. Items found in trash chutes contain organic waste ingredients, a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and disease-causing organisms to thrive and spread throughout the building.

Fire Hazards

Property owners and managers face building violations, odor, and fire hazard risks on a daily basis. The potential possibility for fire risks is the most dangerous. Dirty or substandard trash chutes can cause all of these conditions, although they are entirely avoidable and affordable within a community’s budget. Grease, sludge, and grime build-up, faulty trash chute doors, and clogged air vents are all genuine threats.  When gooey residue builds up, it prevents the chute doors from closing and can even ignite. If, during a fire, the trash chute doors do not close properly, a wind tunnel effect is created, funneling the fire up and down the building. The risk of fire is reduced when a chute is functioning properly and the chute doors are safety-approved. Your building is in violation of fire and safety codes if your chute doors don’t close or latch automatically. In order to keep a chute functioning properly, grease and sludge and grime build-up must be removed on a regular basis; otherwise you risk damaging the components of the chute which occur from build-up, therefore preventing the doors from closing. Furthermore, the collection of goo on the inside of the chute has been proven to be flammable even at temperatures as low as 180 degrees. It’s very important to eliminate risks of a flash explosion by keeping the chute clean and properly maintained. Chute doors that don’t close automatically can create a wind tunnel and increase the severity of a fire.

Cleaning Schedule

Trash chutes should be cleaned a minimum of twice a year, preferably in the summer and winter.  It is also recommended that you clean your trash chutes before and after major holidays; tenants welcome a cleaning in anticipation of holiday entertaining and an increase of visitors. A top notch cleaning process should also include maintenance and repair services.

A properly cleaned trash chute should include the following steps listed below:

Cleaning Process

■ Pre-treat interior chute walls and doors with biodegradable enzyme solution to de-grease, disinfect and deodorize

■ Pressure wash interior chute walls and doors at up to 3,000 psi to strip away grime

■ Steam clean trash room floor and walls

■ Service options: Trash room odor control blocks and water reclamation (important for water conservation during this severe drought or when you have a lack of drainage)

A properly cleaned trash chute leads to more than just a safe and cleaner living environment, it also eliminates breeding a breeding ground for vermin, neutralizes odors, and reduces the possibility of resident complaints.

Listed below are several basic maintenance and repair services associated with a properly maintained trash chute.

Maintenance and Repair Services Offered by CAM Services

■ Inspection of intake and discharge door each cleaning visit

■ Repair and replacement of worn hardware performed by trained technicians

■ Refurbish your existing trash chutes and doors to bring them up to code

The seemingly small task of cleaning and maintain a trash chute is more important than some would think and can be good for your business.  Putting forth the effort to keep your tenants healthy and happy increases the likelihood that they will stay in your building longer and reduces your liability.

Have you considered the steps involved in switching landscape vendors? Oftentimes, a switch is made to achieve budget savings or service quality. Whatever your goal is for making a switch, keep these best practices in mind to ensure a seamless transition that meets both parties’ expectations.

• One-time cleanup to ensure a fast transition
• Weeding
  • Control overgrown plants and create favorable growing conditions
  • Remove dead brush and plant material
• Mulch installation
  • Improve appearance instantly and inhibit weed growth
• Trimming
  • Cut back shrubs, trees, and hedges
• Irrigation audit
  • Optimize water schedule
  • Ensure all valves, lines and timers function properly
  • Repair broken sprinklers

Day porters commonly work in areas of heavy traffic where debris, dirt, and trash build up. They keep these areas spotless and appealing for those passing through. A specialized service maintains the professional appearance of a commercial property. In addition to cutting costs and ensuring a positive experience for customers, a day porter greatly improves cleaning efficiency and keeps a property looking professional.

High concentrations of people allow bacteria to spread through dirty surfaces. Offices and shopping centers are a few of the main culprits, where multiple employees work and interact with customers. The more foot traffic an area has increases the amount of spills that occur and leads to the creation of more garbage. To make matters worse, wind or foot traffic can lift debris and pollutants up into the air we breathe. Airborne dust usually travels indoors, which may cause employees to fall ill and creates a negative customer experience. We can’t resolve the problem with just a broom and picking up the obvious trash. A day porter is able to clean and disinfect lavatories, windows, carpets, remove graffiti, and empty trash.  Sweeping and mopping is a start but a day porter can go a step further. Regular cleaning with professional equipment ensures that a building is as clean as it can be.

In addition, research shows that hiring a day porter on a regular basis can prolong the lifespan of a floor. A day porter has the skill set to fix and prevent areas from bubbling or cracking. Moreover, slip and fall lawsuits have increased over the years, mainly due to poor care of cleaning spills and safety hazards. It is an accidental injury that is common in the work area and a nightmare for property owners and managers to deal with.

At CAM Services, we can help prevent dirty surfaces related issues by our experienced and knowledgeable day porter staff. Our staff can handle litter clean-up, vacancy preparation, set up a program to prolong your floors, maintain the safety of employees and customers, and assure you that your property is being taken care of. Call us at 800-576-3050 for an inspection today!