At CAM Property Services, when we say that “one call cleans it all,” we really mean it. No matter the size of the task, we can tackle any commercial or residential property management job.

We had the perfect opportunity to put our motto into practice when a new client reached out to us to take on a monumental project. The mission: Clear out a five-acre property used as an illegal dumping site for months. The client was looking to sell the property but needed the trash cleared out before showing it to potential buyers.

Our team hauled off a whopping 50 loads of illegally dumped materials from the site. Amongst the wreckage:

• Two boats
• Thousands of VHS tapes
• Four tons of roofing material
• Over 200 tires
• Four-dozen couches
• 50 mattresses

Situations like this are a great reminder of the top-notch service you receive when you trust CAM Property Services with your property needs.

What do valves get stuck?

Plumbing valves help maintain water flow into landscaping irrigation, sinks, toilets and more. These valves are not used often because once they are turned on, they are left on. In an emergency such as a broken water pipe, it is essential that shut-off valves are working properly to limit the damage and water loss. Water conservation from damaged valves is the main concern because the drought is putting a strain on consumption, and excessive water leaks can lead to heavy fines. Shut-off valves, also called stop valves or angle stops, are usually placed in hidden areas, making them easy to ignore over time. By not regularly maintaining shut-off valves, minerals in the water accumulate around the base of the valve and harden. Over time, the valves stiffen and eventually stick, making it harder or impossible to operate. Most people discover this problem when they have a broken pipe and need to use the shut off valve to stop an excessive water leak.

How to fix stuck valves:

Preventing shut-off valves from hardening is simple with these guided steps: first, check all valves on a semi-annual or annual basis. To do this, turn the valve to make sure it’s working properly with all its functions.  If the valve is shut and won’t budge, do not use excessive force to open it; the valves are made up of a chromed brass and can possibly break or even bend with applied force when using pliers or a wrench to loosen them. Our suggestion to this problem would be to loosen the bonnet nut with a wrench instead; this will cause the handle and stem to loosen up. If you do experience water leak from loosening the bonnet nut, start to re-tighten the bonnet nut slightly, where you have movement in the valve. It is important to monitor your valves to prevent any unnecessary water loss due to the severity of the drought and to watch your bottom line (huge water bill!). Making sure your valves are not stuck is an avoidable precaution to help conserve as much water as possible.

Protecting your pavement against issues stemming from natural causes can save you time and money in the long term. Asphalt naturally deteriorates over the years and it’s important to keep up with maintenance. Small cracks can lead to potholes, which are expensive to fill. After a year of new asphalt, the dark black color will fade into a lighter black and the asphalt will lose some of its elasticity, which causes the cracks to appear. There are three types of repairs that can be done on asphalt: filling cracks, seal coating, and power washing.

Determining what type of repair your pavement needs will save you a lot of time. Water and other moisture trickle into the cracks making it easier for the cracks to expand¹. If untreated, the asphalt starts crumbling and becomes brittle. Crack filling will prevent any moisture from seeping through the environment and into the pavement. Common causes for cracks to form on your pavement include tree roots, fuel, oil, heavy vehicles, and installation of sewers or electrical wiring. Filling cracks on pavement usually occurs after 2-3 years of normal wear and tear from traffic and environment².

After new asphalt has been paved, it is important to seal coat it after 6-12 months when the pavement begins to wear down. Seal coating provides a clean, polished black surface to prevent erosion and oxidation to occur. Power washing a pavement should be done before any cracks appear because power washing will widen the cracks if they’re not filled. Power washing removes debris, dirt and moisture that have built up with regular use. Also, power washing gives your property a fresh clean look adding curb appeal which customers really appreciate!

CAM Services Construction & Hardscape divisions address all issues regarding your pavement. Our staff is experienced and handles these types of issues on a regular basis. Call us at 800-576-3050 for an inspection today.

Summer is here and the longer, warmer days greatly affect the environment of your office. Even though people don’t always look forward to working in a cubicle with noisy coworkers, studies show that the addition of indoor plants, water fixtures, and access to a garden can increase alertness, longer attention spans, and lower blood pressure, leading to reduced employer’s health expenses. A happy and healthy staff will be even more productive and appreciate the brighter environment. Landscape design is crucial to an appealing property and thus requires the right balance of plants. Drought-resistant landscape is low maintenance and limits water usage, which is important due to current water restrictions in California.

Adding areas for outdoor meetings and work breaks will appeal to the health and well-being of your employees and surrounding community. More importantly, customers appreciate curb appeal when it’s clean, healthy, and in prime condition. Repurposing outdoor walkways with high and low vistas creates a better view and image for the company.

To encourage a healthy, active lifestyle, repurposing an outdoor space will give employees a reason to stay on-site after a long day of meetings. Additionally, it increases the social interaction between employees and brings a positive atmosphere back into the office. If you are interested in improving your property for the summer months, CAM Services has the right staff and expertise in design to get the most out of your property. Call us at 800-576-3050 and schedule a meeting today!

As this past winter fades into memory, Southern California is emerging from a season of abundant, record-breaking rain. In fact, according to the National Weather Bureau, Los Angeles has received more rain this year than Seattle.

The result? A lush spring season characterized by verdant landscapes and vibrant wildflowers. While the beauty of this transformation is undeniable, property owners must remain vigilant as the hot summer months loom ahead.

In a region known for its propensity for wildfires, proactive measures are essential to safeguarding your property and community. Here are five crucial tips to help protect your property from the threat of Southern California wildfires:

Create defensible space:

Creating defensible space around your property is one of the most effective ways to mitigate the risk of wildfire damage. Clear vegetation, dry leaves, and debris from around structures, creating a buffer zone of at least 30 feet. Trim trees and shrubs to prevent them from overhanging roofs or touching exterior walls.

Maintain your property’s exterior:

Regular maintenance of your property’s exterior can significantly reduce the risk of fire damage. Keep gutters free of debris and install gutter guards to prevent the accumulation of dry leaves. Repair or replace damaged roofing materials and ensure that vents are equipped with ember-resistant screens.

Create an emergency evacuation plan:

Prepare an evacuation plan for your property and communicate it to residents, tenants, and employees. Identify multiple evacuation routes and designate a meeting point outside the affected area. Keep important documents, medications, and emergency supplies in a readily accessible location.

Stay informed and be prepared:

Stay informed about weather conditions and wildfire activity in your area by signing up for emergency alerts and monitoring local news and weather channels. Keep a well-stocked emergency kit on hand with essentials such as water, food, and first aid supplies.

As Southern California transitions from a wet winter to a hot, dry summer, the risk of wildfires should be front of mind for property owners. By implementing these proactive measures, you can help protect your property and community from the devastating effects of wildfires. Remember, preparedness is critical to minimizing risk and protecting your assets.

You may have noticed a change in the air and on the road. The new wave of electric vehicles is coming.

President Joe Biden recently signed an executive order mandating that 50 percent of all new vehicles sold in 2030 (just eight short years from now) qualify as zero-emission vehicles. The legislation is a part of a global push for countries to become more eco-friendly. It’s also a telltale sign of where trends are headed in the U.S. auto market.

The question then becomes, is your company equipped to handle the influx of electric vehicles on the horizon? While it may feel daunting, the coming wave should be viewed as an opportunity.

That’s because you have a partner in CAM Property Services — Southern California’s leader in property maintenance services. We can help outfit your property with electric vehicle charging stations, to make it an eco-friendlier place of business, and more attractive to employees and clients, while driving revenue up.

Still not convinced? Here are three ways CAM Property Services can help:

First-mover advantage plus incentive programs

As an early adopter of electric vehicle charging stations, you can take advantage of several incentive programs. For example, with Southern California Edison’s Charge Ready program, companies can receive rebates of up to $2,900 per connector depending on the location of your property.

Installing an EV charging station introduces you to new customers

Another reason your company should invest in an electric vehicle charging station is that it will help put your business on the map, so to speak. Both Google and Apple have functions in their map applications that allow users to look up the nearest electric charging station. While charging their vehicle, owners will be looking for somewhere to shop, and your business will be on the top of their list.

It helps your company become more eco-friendly

Finally, installing an electric vehicle charging station helps your company’s eco-friendly image. Electric vehicles are a massive part of the current wave of sustainability, and by installing an electric vehicle charging station, you show that your business cares about doing its part for the planet. That eco-friendly image also helps your business. According to Forbes, 87 percent of consumers will have a more positive image of a company that supports social or environmental issues, and 88 percent will be more loyal to a company that supports social or environmental issues.

Ultimately there are a plethora of reasons to consider installing an electric vehicle charging station, but there’s only one company you can trust to do it right: CAM Property Services. Call (800) 576-3050 to find out how we can help you get ahead of the electric vehicle wave.

With dozens of robot vacuum cleaner models on the market and millions sold each year, it is no surprise that they have become one of the top holiday gifts. Chances are that you or someone you know has received one.

The iRobot Roomba seems to have started it all when they hit the market in 2002 and they have continued to improve features year after year. Since then, competitors have entered the marketplace, such as the Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac, Shark IQ, Ecovacs Deebot, Samsung PowerBot, and Neato Botvac.

Right about now, someone is asking themselves if they can use their new domestic robot to clean their office. The short answer is … probably not. While they seem to be getting better, robot vacuums are designed for light use. In fact, a recent lab test by Consumer Reports showed that the suction of a high-end robot vacuum picked up less than half the volume of dust collected by a manually operated upright vacuum cleaner.

A house has a small number of occupants, a relatively consistent floorplan, an easily controllable environment, light-duty cleaning requirements, and consistent floor and carpet surfaces, making it more suitable for automated assistance. Retail, commercial, and office spaces tend to have a much higher number of occupants, shifting layouts, closed doors, heavier floor traffic, and varying floor and carpet surfaces, which are all problematic for robot vacuum cleaners.

There are other barriers to domestic robot use in a business environment — loose electric cords, varying floor surfaces, multiple obstacles, limited battery life, and much larger floor areas. Some robots have been known to spread gooey messes from room to room or temporarily get lost by losing their navigation signal when operating too far from the charging base.

Professional decision-making often comes into play, especially with spot cleaning, such as removing gum from carpets or lifting black marks from hard surfaces. Automated floor cleaners lack the capacity for adapting to environments.

“Nothing can replace the decision-making capabilities of a professional cleaning crew. Robot vacuum cleaners cannot spot clean, move light objects, or open office doors. Additionally, our staff is trained to look beyond the tasks at hand and identify potential safety hazards or preventative maintenance issues,” said John Salido, Janitorial Division Manager at CAM Property Services.

CAM BUILDING SERVICES

You should also be aware that if your building houses a government organization, there may be rules within the building lease or collective bargaining agreement which prohibits the use of robotic cleaning devices.

If still inclined to give it a try, be prepared for a less than satisfying result when attempting to use a robot vacuum cleaner to clean your office.

For those interested in a more fulfilling office floor and carpet cleaning experience, professional building maintenance and cleaning services are the way to go. Contact CAM Property Services, a leader in professional property maintenance throughout California for commercial, industrial, multi-family, and institutional properties. Contact Us

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

The first impression you project to your tenants and their customers is an important factor in the success of your operation. For 32 years, CAM Property Services has provided clients with high-quality workmanship and specialized offerings to improve the value and attractiveness of commercial, retail, and government buildings.

Here are the Top 5 ways property managers can benefit when they contract building services from CAM Property Services:

Make Your Property Shine

From Class A offices and retail centers to universities and government facilities, CAM Property Services keeps buildings and businesses sparkling. Hiring a professional cleaning service to assist with your cleaning needs can improve your professional image. There is nothing more embarrassing than having customers or tenants view a business as unprofessional and messy. CAM uses the latest techniques, tools, materials, and green-certified cleaning solutions to ensure your business delivers a great first impression. Additional cleaning services include full-service janitorial programs, window cleaning, day porter, post-construction cleanup, and expert floor care. Big or small, we can do it all.

Expertise and Quality of Service

Every business operates differently, in fact, some facilities take it upon themselves to sweep and scrub. While this is certainly viable for smaller locations, medium and large-sized enterprises require more attention, care, and expertise. Not all commercial cleaning companies are equal in the level of service they perform. The range of services offered by CAM covers every need, from regular cleaning to restoration and remediation.

Hygienic Work Environment

Because of the high-volume of traffic that an office sees on any given day, it’s no surprise that they’re also a breeding ground for germs and bacteria to grow and spread among employees. Aside from the health concerns a dirty workspace creates, it can also pose potential dangers for accidents and personal injury to employees. Commercial workspaces benefit from industrial level cleaning, specialty services such as high/low dusting, heavy vacuuming, and industrial strength cleaning solutions. Additionally, professional industrial cleaning staff are trained in the most effective ways to clean an office, removing any potential health and safety concerns.

Higher Productivity and Employee Retention

A messy, unsanitary office stifles productivity. Employees become distracted, more irritable, and less motivated to get things done. Even worse, an unclean workplace tends to cause added sick days as germs are more easily spread. Conversely, hiring competent office cleaning services can result in fewer sick days and higher productivity. If a company fails to keep its workplace clean, employees may leave and find another job with a better sanitation regimen. Hiring cleaning services for your occupants is just as important as hiring them for your visitors.

Prevent Larger Problems

One of the most important jobs of a facility manager is to address small issues before they become big problems. Timely cleanups can prevent rodent infestations, accidents, or other hazards. Regular professional maintenance generally prevents these calamities from occurring. Cleaning services will maintain important aspects of your business so you can avoid problems that may become unmanageable.

Is it time for your business to hire a professional building cleaning service? Call the property professionals at CAM Property Services to discuss your specific cleaning needs.

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).