FACILITY PROFESSIONAL SPOTHLIGHT

JULY 2024

JEFF PYNCH, FMP

Jeff Pynch profile picture

How did you get into FM/ Accidental FM?

I worked in construction in the past, as we had a family business building custom home and doing concrete work. Then I started working in Rock Fall Management. That is when you are rappelling down the steep rock walls next to roads and break off the loose rocks and then cover with wire mesh. I wanted to get out of construction and rappelling and saw an ad for FM position at Umpqua Community Health Center (now Aviva Health) and thought “I think I can do that”.

One off weird experience in the industry

When I first arrived in my new role, we had just taken over the county health department and moved into a different building. During the move my office was apparently the “temporary storage space”. So, on my first day I was tasked with cleaning out my office that was literally stacked to the ceiling with random office furniture, boxes, cabinets and just about everything and anything you can imagine. My first thought was UhhOhhh what have I gotten myself into? That was my awakening that I had arrived in a new world. It took a few weeks to clear everything out of the office.

A highlight of your Facility or Operation

I think I would have to say that the entire process of watching the growth of our company. It has been a deeply rewarding experience to be a part of our companies evolution and watching our staff move into new roles within the company as well as outside the company. When I originally came onboard, we had 108 employees and ½ technician. We now have 320 employees; 11 buildings and I have 10 direct reports under me.