John Catanese, Sr. Vice President, Chain Store Maintenance, LLC — an MCS Company
Take us on your career journey. How did you get started in the FM industry?
Soon after graduating college, I was employed as a worker’s compensation claims adjuster and quickly learned that I was either going to law school or getting out of insurance. I chose the latter and worked in sales for liquor distributor Miller House. I was craving national exposure and moved on to a facilities management position with a glass and gate company managing national corporate sales. Soon after, I partnered with Steve Hopkins to start Chain Store Maintenance.
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What’s a typical day like for you?
Face time — with customers and our corporate network — is extremely important. I spend a lot of time traveling and meeting with customers, visiting our self-performing service centers and meeting with large-volume subcontractor partners. When not traveling, I’m in our corporate office working with operations ranging from sales, service and projects to billing, supplier relations and IT.
If you could describe the FM industry in a few words, what would you say?
Dynamic, always-evolving, challenging, rewarding.
How has your ConnexFM membership helped you in your career?
The exposure, education and networking opportunities ConnexFM has provided over the years has been invaluable. It’s extremely rewarding to work together toward a common goal: the betterment of the facilities management industry.
What advice do you have for someone starting out in FM?
Be passionate about your role. Listen more than you speak. Tap into the knowledge available from your ConnexFM membership.
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What do you like to do outside of work?
As much as I travel for work, I enjoy traveling for pleasure — especially if there’s a beach involved! I last visited the Florida panhandle and loved the experience. I like nothing better than spending downtime with family and friends.