Page 18 - 2018 Jan Feb CFESA Magazine

END-USER REPORT

MICHAEL BUCK

FACILITY MAINTENANCE & ENERGY
MANAGEMENT / ACME MARKETS

End-user Q&A Session emergency basis within 4 hours or within
by Stephen Medlin 24hours. We do have parameters set where
they must respond within a certain amount
Marketing Admin, CFESA
of time. Obviously, we want them to send
technicians that are well trained and able to
I recently interviewed Michael Buck on how
resolve the issue on the first visit. If parts
collaboration with his local service agents
are needed and not in their standard truck
has improved the performance of his stores.
stock, we expect them to be able to order
Michael is currently the Facility Maintenance
the parts and complete the repairs within 24
& Energy Manager with ACME Markets and
hours.
was formerly involved with maintenance
at A&P Supermarkets. CFESA would like
Q: Many stores continue to offer a broader
to thank Kirby Mallon of Elmer Schultz for
range of prepared meals, requiring a larger
introducing us to Mr. Buck and organizing
kitchen. Is this true of your stores?
this interview.
A: Absolutely
Q: Has this impacted how you manage
Q: Do you have in-house maintenance or
equipment maintenance? Are you choosing
outside service agents?
to do more preventative maintenance?
A: We only use outside service vendors.
A: Yes, due to this we are scheduling more
preventative maintenance. We have rolled
Q: What are the criteria used for choosing a
out or presented to our executive team,
service agent?
preventative maintenance programs with
A: We look for agents that are factory
our primary service vendors. These bi-
qualified to work on equipment. For
annual service agreements cover several
example, we work with a company called
vital pieces of equipment, so we experience
Kasco / Sharptech that is BKI certified and
lessdown time moving forward.
they work on all our fryers. We work with
Elmer Schultz, and they are factory certified
Q: Has this maintenance initiative been in
for Rational ovens. Most of our vendors can
place for a while or have recent changes
cover and work on a broad spectrum of
triggered its implementation?
equipment. If we can have one vendor cover
A: It has come along in the last year after
one store, it makes things easier.
evaluating new equipment that is more
complex and a considerable investment. It’s
Q: Tell us about your relationship with your
like buying a car. For example, if you buy a
service companies and how they help you
car and don’t maintain it, it’s not going to
run your business more smoothly.
last.
A: It comes down to getting service on an
(continued on page 23)
18 CFESA Magazine | JAN / FEB 2018 | www.cfesa.com