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 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!

As concerns about the environment continue to rise, California has increased their efforts to hold businesses accountable for violations. To reduce pollutants entering natural waterways and public water systems, the state has expanded the role of the California Water Boards regarding industrial stormwater runoff.

Pursuant to Senate Bill 205, the state Water Code now requires all eligible businesses renewing or applying for a business license to prove enrollment in a stormwater management program. It essentially makes it easier to catch violators by reviewing stormwater practices for all relevant businesses rather than performing random checks. The list of affected businesses is extensive.

Stormwater management is a consideration for businesses and public facilities alike, commonly implemented for shopping centers, office buildings, multifamily residential properties, municipalities, recreational parks, and industrial facilities. Here is a list of Standard Industrial Classification codes (SIC) for the businesses to which the stormwater program is automatically considered.

Stormwater runoff occurs when rain or snowmelt flows over land without soaking through the surface. This water can accumulate and transport pollutants such as oil, industrial castoff, or trash into the common waterways or ground sources. In fact, unmanaged stormwater is a major source of pollution for lakes, rivers, streams, reservoirs, and the ocean. Dry weather runoff is similarly a problem.

Fortunately, stormwater management practices have improved dramatically in recent years. Equipment, planning, and design have evolved to where they can manage the flow and filter water before sending it into municipal sewers. Sometimes this water is even reclaimed and used onsite for landscaping and other purposes.

Even before the state mandate, property and facility managers became increasingly involved in actively addressing public concerns for green initiatives. In fact, many forward-thinking companies already benefit from integrated plans for their properties. This includes sustainability planning, which incorporates public health and safety, environmentally green solutions, hi-tech efficiencies, and partner vendor relationships.

Stormwater management is another area where a strong property partner can use their inside knowledge to help with viable and affordable solutions. A facility company that provides landscaping, hardscaping, janitorial, handyman, and construction services can be well-suited to providing effective solutions for stormwater management plans and construction.

Major engineering firms and national construction companies might not be the right fit when it comes to state mandated stormwater management plans. Working with a company that does daily business within your industry, understands the nature of your specific property, and brings more relevant experience to the table can provide real benefits and save money. After all, you really do not need a company that manages large scale municipal water projects to implement your simple stormwater runoff plan.

In California, CAM Property Services has provided facility services for properties just like yours since 1987. Their in-house team and sister company Omnia Pacific Construction can develop and execute a viable stormwater management plan for your company as they have for many of California’s top companies. To learn more today call 800-576-3050.

Incorporating technology into property maintenance makes sense, especially when it saves time and money while improving results. Aerial drone inspections accomplish all of that for property managers, owners, and stakeholders.

Now in their second decade of mainstream commercial use, drones have become more efficient and effective than ever. Commercial property managers have come to rely on recorded video surveillance of their assets from all angles for maintenance, asset protection, owner reports, and insurance.

Easier access to previously challenging viewpoints means that property managers can view and identify potential maintenance problems in the early stages. Managers can reduce operating costs through preventative maintenance that might otherwise go undetected. Facilities can be inspected from better vantage points or perspectives not previously available.

With cloud storage options, drone video footage can be viewable by any authorized user anywhere in the world, at any time. This enables raw footage to be viewed for a closer, focused viewing if desired. It can also be edited for presentation. Regularly scheduled drone inspections can provide a video log of the progression on a particular area of interest or trouble spot.

Rooftop drone inspections are an obvious favorite. Seeing HVAC, utilities, and rooftop equipment from an overhead angle or the entire topography of a roof can reveal previously unnoticed problems. Accessing hard to reach positions can reveal new hazards.

Upper levels are easier to inspect with a drone. Storefront facades and sign cans are other examples. Even further up, consider the benefits of inspecting the vertical face of a multifamily or office high-rise tower to review windowsill gaskets, paint, cracks, and other structural items. Problems not seen at the ground level or even from a ladder come into focus with a drone inspection.

Drone inspections are also great for covering wide areas, high and low. Property perimeters, parking lots, alleyways, common areas, and landscapes can all be inspected and recorded to address concerns about maintenance, repairs, safety, security, and liability.

Another common use of a drone inspection is for incident response. Damage from trespassers, vandalism, graffiti, theft, or natural disasters can all be addressed and documented accurately. Regularly recorded inspections can provide a critical before and after record.

Periodic inspections of unoccupied or low occupancy properties can provide an elevated level of security for out-of-town owners through high definition video of property conditions and 24/7 access to archived video recordings.

Commercial properties are valuable assets. It makes sense to maintain a comprehensive and accurate insight into the physical condition on a regular basis with aerial drone inspections. Owners can monitor their assets from afar, managers can gain new perspectives, problems can be prevented, and issues can be diagnosed.

Today drone inspections are performed on all property classes such as shopping centers, industrial, office, government, retail, and multifamily properties. They are used by facilities that require visual inspections as part of regular maintenance or digital recordings of assets.

The best option for ordering a drone inspection is with someone who already knows and understands your property. Your facility maintenance provider is a good place to start, but many do not offer such services.

If you are interested in aerial drone inspections for commercial properties in California, you should call upon CAM Property Services. They have been providing the best facility services in California since 1987. Their “one call does it all” approach makes it easy for property managers to get nearly everything they need from a single source. Their team of skilled professionals offer drone inspections tailored specifically for the needs of commercial facility managers.

To learn more today call 800-576-3050.

For the residents who live there, a multifamily building is more than just a place to dwell — it’s home. When one thinks of home they think of safety and security, but your property could be riddled with potential risks.

They can exist anywhere, from high traffic areas littered with filth to unclean trash chutes contributing to poor air quality throughout the building. Fortunately, you don’t have to tackle these problems alone. CAM Property Services can help increase the overall wellness, cleanliness and health of your property inside and out.

DAY PORTER SERVICES

Identifying potential problems before they occur is the key to prevention, and it requires a knowledgeable team of professionals with experience in floor care, maintenance, janitorial, handyman services, and property inspection.

With CAM Property Services, you get that and more: A Property Pro who can tend to everything your building needs — including things you probably haven’t considered. Our highly visible and responsive day porters also help put tenants at ease by increasing the safety of your property. Peace of mind like that is priceless, and CAM can provide those services without going over your budget.

ENHANCED CLEANING

Residents rightly expect the building in which they live be kept up to a certain standard. Fortunately, CAM’s Property Pros are Global Biorisk Advisory Council certified to help you do just that: keep your building up to snuff.

Our experts in the field identify high traffic where diseases can spread and neutralize them before an outbreak occurs. We provide multiple tiers of cleaning services, from preventative measures to sterilizing confirmed infection zones.

TRASH CHUTE MAINTENANCE

Another aspect of your property that contributes to the well-being of your building is trash chutes. Maintaining your chutes is not only mandatory to avoid safety code violations, but it can also contribute to a more sanitary atmosphere that your residents and their guests will truly appreciate. With CAM Property Services, you can have cleaner, more efficient trash chutes and by extension, cleaner air and less unwanted odor, at a price you can afford.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to help revitalize your multifamily property to make it healthier, cleaner, and happier. Contact CAM Property Services today and let us get to work.

A federal district court in Northern California has determined that landlords need to be more proactive when it comes to the accessibility of their tenant spaces. Historically, commercial landlords have not concerned themselves with areas outside of their own exterior common area because their leases state that the tenant is responsible for ADA compliance. In this case, the court agreed that although the ADA allows landlords and tenants to allocate the responsibility for compliance between themselves, both parties are liable for violations in leased spaces with respect to persons with disabilities who are denied access. Both the landlord and tenant were made to pay the entirety of the plaintiff’s attorney’s fees and costs awarded by the court.

Landlords should make themselves aware of whether or not their tenants are meeting the accessibility requirements, even if their leases put the burden of compliance on the tenant. Be proactive to avoid costly litigation and court fees. Here are a few things you can do to reduce your risk:

• – Ensure that lease agreements include a stipulation requiring all tenants to obtain a CASp inspection and that the results must be submitted to the landlord
• – Require all Tenant Improvements or exterior renovations to be reviewed by ADA consultants employed by the landlord
• – Have vacant spaces inspected prior to signing new tenants
• – Always be sure to have common areas inspected

’Tis the season, and that not only means heavier traffic at your property but winter weather, as well. Although Southern California property owners are spared from the harsh winter conditions experienced in other regions, all it takes is one heavy rainstorm to put your building or parking lot out of commission.

So, is your property ready to weather the storm this winter?

It pays to be proactive, literally. By taking these necessary precautions before winter storms hit, property owners can save money by avoiding costly repairs after the fact. CAM Property Services is here to help you take action — before it’s too late.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

Heavy rain causes strain on your stormwater management system. If not fully functional, the Clean Water Act can impose fines as high as $5,000 per day. California standards can be even stricter, including regulations tied to business license renewal.

SITE MANAGEMENT

Stormy weather can also cause wear and tear on your building, which can lead to costly repairs. Be one step ahead of potential damage by hiring an experienced Area Manager from CAM Property Services. Our Area Managers can identify problems before they become catastrophes and can establish a presence that puts customers and tenants at ease.

LANDSCAPING

Winter can wreak havoc on your landscaping. From fallen leaves to muddy puddles, the first impression of your property can be significantly diminished. Take back control with the help of our landscaping pros at CAM. Utilizing the best irrigation techniques and seasonal floral, your landscape will never be out of season with our help.

As you can see, there are plenty of things to look out for when preparing for winter weather. Fortunately, the solution is only a phone call away with CAM Property Services. Start the conversation today.

Maintaining a luscious, green lawn cannot be accomplished with watering and mowing alone. Healthy turf depends on many factors including nutrients, which are essential elements (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) that are absorbed by the roots of the grass from the soil.  When the soil does not provide adequate nutrients for your lawn to be in healthy shape, fertilizer is necessary to fill the void and help maintain that potent green color of the grass.

When is a good time to fertilize your lawn? It usually depends on the color of your grass. A proper fertilized lawn will be a homogenous, dark green all over. When applying fertilizer on a lawn, it is always better to start with a dry lawn. Apply the fertilizer using either a drop spreader or a broadcast and use the recommended amount over the lawn. Following directions when fertilizing your lawn is extremely important because over-fertilizing can burn your grass. After completing the fertilizing process, it is necessary to water your lawn because material needs to wash off the grass and into the soil for the fertilizer to start working. Depending on the size of your lawn, fertilization should be used four times a year on average.

CAM Services has nearly 30 years of experience in landscape services on properties throughout Southern and Central California; contact CAM Services at 800-576-3050 for a landscape inspection by our proven staff.

As the world begins to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses are finding it challenging to entice employees to return to the workplace. In what has been called “The Great Resignation,” waves of workers are leaving their jobs at record levels, and the requirement to return to the office full-time is playing a big part in that movement.

According to a recent poll by McKinsey, a global management consulting company, 30 percent of respondents said they would consider quitting if forced to return to full-time, on-site employment, and about half of those who left their jobs cited a lack of a positive work-life balance as a primary reason. Faced with the challenges of this “new normal,” many employers are seeking to reach a middle ground, utilizing a hybrid model in which workers are on site or in office only a few days a week.

Businesses who find themselves in a similar predicament — welcoming employees back in a hybrid capacity — should take this opportunity to reassess how the workspace fulfills their current needs. Fortunately, CAM Property Services can help you navigate this “new normal.”

Redesign Your Workplace

Under this new hybrid model, only a fraction of the workforce is in the office at any given time. Due to that, businesses are needing 40 to 50 percent less space than before the pandemic. As the workplace shrinks, the need to remodel and reimagine existing space comes into play. CAM can connect you to specialties to navigate these obstacles — from planning and design to general construction and ADA remediation, we can help revitalize your space for “the new normal.”

Under this new hybrid model, only a fraction of the workforce is in the office at any given time. Due to that, businesses are needing 40 to 50 percent less space than before the pandemic. As the workplace shrinks, the need to remodel and reimagine existing space comes into play. CAM can connect you to specialties to navigate these obstacles — from planning and design to general construction and ADA remediation, we can help revitalize your space for “the new normal.”

Companies that improved overall performance during the pandemic relied on small, cross-functional, and cross-silo teams that worked with an in-person dimension. These teams brought with them a strong sense of socialization, something that has been missing in the remote work world. Taking a strategic approach to redesigning your office space in order to facilitate better collaboration, teamwork and socialization can help better maximize your company’s performance.

Make A Clean And Safe Space

It’s imperative that employees feel secure knowing that they are returning to a clean and safe work environment. Firms are starting to expect concierge-level, face-to-face services for workers for them to feel at ease about the cleanliness and safety on their return to the workplace.

CAM Property Services can fulfill this need by providing on-site professionals that ensure the facility is operating cleanly, smoothly, and efficiently. From ensuring that the interior office is up to code, all the way to cleaning graffiti and addressing vandalism, you can rest easy knowing our professionals are on the job.

CAM provides the highest quality services for over 1,300 properties across California, and that number is constantly on the rise. Whether you need to remodel your office or hire day porter services, our reputation for knowledgeable and personable care is unmatched, and we’re always taking on new clients, big and small.