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Fri. - September 05, 2008   
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Mark & Jason,
Hey guys, I attended your Heat Pump Troubleshooting class Wednesday at Talbert Woods. I have been a Maintenance Tech or Maintenance. Supervisor. for about 12 years now. Your class was the best service training class I have ever attended. It took me 3-4 years of on the job training to gain the same knowledge as I acquired in one day of your training. I appreciate Ya'lls teaching methods and look forward to attending another. Thank You. - MarJosh Galloway - Maintenance Supervisor, Palms Associates, Southridge Townhomes

Course Offerings

Classes

These classes are designed for anyone that wants to better understand Maintenance Operations and how to reduce expenses while increasing the quality of service to a customer. Please check our upcoming events schedule for the latest course schedules.

Note from Mark Cukro. In all of our classes we not only focus on developing the technical skills that are critical to a technician but we also emphasize the importance of how one communicates with the customer. Students will learn how to speak more effectively and professionally whenever they are in the workplace or engage in a conversation. Since I started my career as a technician I know what technicians experience day after day on the job and can relate to their concerns, frustrations, and understand the skill sets that are required for their success and resident satisfaction. We will assist them to become successful and have a positive impact on your organization. I guarantee that you or your associates will learn much more than expected in any of our seminars and that there will be an immediately noticeable difference in yourself and your technicians. These courses are fun, refreshing, and incredibly informative. I look forward to seeing you in the future!

  • Advanced Electrical Repairs – This course provides a more in depth understanding of electrical fundamentals, components, and repairs of an electrical system. The primary focus in this class is to learn what will be immediately useful in the field by practicing troubleshooting circuits and components. There is a greater emphasis on troubleshooting and wiring concepts while practicing workplace safety. Each student will practice how to use a Multi-meter and an Ammeter effectively and identify the root cause of the problem to avoid just replacing parts until the system works. This will result in completing more correct repairs in less time and will also greatly assist in resident satisfaction. This is a highly technical class and even the most experienced will benefit.
  • Appliance Repair Fundamentals – (1 day course) This course will provide an understanding of refrigerator, range, oven, dishwasher, and some microwave repairs. We will also cover how to read wiring diagrams, test components, replace elements, test motors, and common service calls. Each student will disassemble appliances and learn how to quickly diagnose the most common problems found in the field.
  • Basic Electrical Repairs – (1 day course) This course provides a basic understanding of electrical terminology, components of the system, the flow of electrical current, wiring concepts and workplace safety. The focus in this class is to learn what will be immediately useful in the field by practicing troubleshooting circuits and components. Each student will practice how to use a Multi-meter and an Ammeter effectively and identify the root cause of the problem and avoid just replacing parts.
  • Basic HVAC Fundamentals – (1 day course) This class is designed for Technicians and Service Managers at all levels. The class includes HVAC terminology, fundamentals of refrigerant and the refrigeration cycle, components and functions of an HVAC system. In this class the student will understand and practice troubleshooting to the individual component level. This will reduce troubleshooting time in the field and develop efficiency in system diagnostics.
  • Basic Plumbing – (1 day course) In this class we will discuss and breakdown a plumbing system all the way down to the smallest component in a faucet. Each student will have a basic understanding of plumbing terminology, plumbing fundamentals, safety in the workplace, and the installation of plumbing fixtures, supply lines, and drain lines as well as soldering fittings correctly.
  • Certified Pool Operator (CPO) National Certification - (2 day course) This designation is required in certain jurisdictions to operate swimming pools and spas. It is important to have this knowledge and certification to ensure pool chemicals are being used properly and when appropriate. We will dispel the myths in pool care and tremendously reduce chemical expenses and extend the life of your pool. Successful completion of this course will result in a five year certification from NSPF (National Swimming Pool Foundation). This is recommended for anyone working with pools as well as General Managers so they are up to date regarding local codes and can reduce risk and liability associated with maintaining a facility. Since we do not represent a pool supplier or pool service providing company I will teach students how to use less chemicals and get better results.
  • Certified Pool Operator Course - (1 day course) Highly recommended as an annual refresher class and for updates on code requirements. This course will teach the Pool Operator everything they need to know in order to manage a swimming pool more effectively and correctly. We will dispel the many myths that circulate in the field about pool care and make reducing chemical expenses simple. Anyone working on a property or with a company that manages a swimming pool should attend this course. This class does not result in a National CPO certification but in some local jurisdictions this class is all that is required to be a Pool Operator.
  • CFC/EPA/ HVAC Certification – (1 day course) This course is designed to provide associates with the knowledge necessary to pass the Federal EPA 608 exam. It has several sections which include Core, Type I, Type II, Type III, and a universal certification. Associates can pass any or all of the sections. If a passing score is achieved on all 4 sections they will receive a Universal certification. This certification is required by law for anyone that works on HVAC systems. Mark’s teaching methods give this class one of the highest success rates.
  • Communication Performance – This course is based on awareness and how to communicate with everyone effectively. We will use real life examples of the challenges we face in this industry and you will learn how to handle difficult situations with ease and professionalism. This course is for everyone at every level of the organization and we encourage teams to attend together so they may have fun interacting and getting to know each other in a safe and friendly environment. You will communicate much more effectively as soon as you return from this course. It is fun and energetic. If you want to have fun and improve the way your team performs immediately this course is for you.
  • DIY – Start Saving Money Tomorrow – This class is designed to provide a fresh and new perspective on how service and maintenance is delivered throughout different organizations. We will discuss new ways to save money immediately upon returning to the property after this session. Students will learn how to manage service teams more effectively and reduce the amount of time spent on task and projects. We will also discuss new ways to reduce the cost of make readies, reduce vacant electric, how to manage the team more effectively, how to identify the root cause of an issue, and many other areas that will reduce stress and make you successful.
  • Electrical Troubleshooting and Fundamentals – This course is designed for technicians at all levels and even the most experienced will benefit. This class provides an in depth understanding of electrical terminology, correctly troubleshooting components of the system, wiring concepts, and safety. The focus in this class is to learn what will be immediately useful in the field by practicing troubleshooting circuits and components in class. Each student will practice how to use a Multi-meter and an Ammeter effectively and identify the root cause of the problem.
  • Heat Pump Fundamentals and Troubleshooting. This course is designed for beginner to intermediate technicians. It is also a great refresher for more experienced technicians and a way to learn new tips and tricks of the trade. In this class we will cover how heat pumps are designed to work and how they are different from a “Straight Cool” system. We will take a look at each individual component and explain what it is supposed to do and why. After that, each student will have the opportunity to test each component with a Multi-meter and an ammeter and learn how to correctly diagnose the root cause of the problem. It is highly recommended that anyone that would like to attend this class also attends the Electrical Troubleshooting and Fundamentals class so they can really get the most out of the classes. Technicians will return to the property ready and able to make correct and timely repairs.
  • HVAC Advanced Troubleshooting – (1 day course) This class is designed for Technicians and Service Managers at all levels but technicians with some experience will benefit the most. In this class technicians will learn the diagnostic fundamentals of troubleshooting components effectively. This is a more in depth class than the basic and intermediate HVAC and students will learn how the components and functions of an HVAC system all work together so they may find the root cause of the problem faster. During this class the student will understand and practice troubleshooting to the individual component level. We will also spend more time on troubleshooting and how to properly install an HVAC unit to prevent future service calls. This will greatly reduce unnecessary troubleshooting time in the field due to poor installation or prior repairs, in someone’s home, and develop efficiency in system diagnostics. Time is money and this class will save both within the first few service calls.
  • HVAC Intermediate Troubleshooting – (1 day course) This class is designed for Technicians and Service Managers at all levels but technicians with at least some experience will benefit the most. In this class technicians will learn the diagnostic fundamentals of troubleshooting components effectively. This is a more in depth class than the basic HVAC and students will learn how the components and functions of an HVAC system all work together so they may find the root cause of the problem. During this class the student will understand and practice troubleshooting to the individual component level. This will greatly reduce troubleshooting time in the field, in someone’s home, and develop efficiency in system diagnostics.
  • Leadership Training for Service and Business Managers - (1 day course) This course is based on the Proven Leadership Principles that will have an immediate impact in your organization. This is a half-day class designed specifically for Service Supervisors/Managers. In this class we will discuss the difference between Management and Leadership. It also covers how to get buy in from associates, coaching, hiring, and the skills necessary to be an effective supervisor or Manager.
  • Maintenance for Leasing Associates - (1/2 or 1day course) This course is designed for anyone in the office that wants to learn how to assist in creating a more effective service department. You will learn new approaches to communicating effectively with the service team and understanding the value about many of the products we use such as carpet, vinyl, and mechanical systems. We will dispel many of the myths and deliver this information in an easy to understand but fun approach. You’ll learn how a successful service department operates and how you can make a difference. This class gets rave reviews and it will forever change the way you view maintenance and deliver service to residents and each other.
  • Maintenance for Managers - (1/2 or 1day course) This course is designed for Managers or anyone in the office that wants to learn how to create a more effective service department. You will learn new approaches to communicating effectively with the service team and understanding the value about many of the products we use such as carpet, vinyl, and mechanical systems . We will dispel many of the myths and you’ll learn how to hire better associates and get behind the rehearsed answers. This class gets rave reviews and it will change the way you view maintenance and deliver service to residents and each other.
  • Service Technician Development – (2 day course) Recommended for all service team members. This two-day course explains leadership fundamentals and how a strong commitment to provide exceptional service will impact the company’s bottom line. Attendees will also learn basic safety in the workplace, basic electrical repairs, basic appliance repair, and then apply this new knowledge in hands on labs. This class will reduce the amount of time spent on service requests and result in replacing the correct parts which will reduce expenses. Train the Trainer Course - ( 90 minutes -1/2 day or 1 day course) This class is designed to teach Trainers, Mentors, and Managers how adults learn so they can get better results through effective communication. We will cover adult learning principals, platform skills, how to use humor, and tell short stories that have a tremendous impact. Also covered, will be how to use visual aids correctly and the top 20 mistakes instructors make. This is a dynamic class for everyone at every level and it can be immediately applied.

These classes are designed for anyone that wants to better understand Maintenance Operations and how to reduce expenses while increasing the quality of service to a customer.

Since Maintenance Expenses are the largest controllable expense on a Property it is important for all to understand how they can be managed effectively so they reduce expenses and increase NOI. The reason we encourage everyone to attend is so each individual in the office as well as on the service team can communicate more effectively which will result in a significant increase in response time and a significant reduction in the time it takes to complete a service request.

For example, when a service request is written correctly the technician can bring the correct parts or tools to the residents home and quickly resolve the issue at hand. If a work order is written and it is too general it usually results in one trip to the apartment home to assess the situation and another to bring the correct tools and parts. This is not very efficient and can waste a significant amount of time. On top of that, you will know if someone or a contractor is not really giving you the whole truth and identify when they are.

As a result of attending these classes everyone will know the terms typically used in our industry, why some tasks take longer than others, and how to ask questions that make us more knowledgeable and effective.

Since resources for the service staff typically do not increase we need to work more efficiently and minimize time spent on tasks. This will reduce our expenses, positively impact our property NOI and allow us to complete more service requests on our property. For example, if each employee can save ten minutes a day it will collectively save the company thousands of dollars spent in time that can be used elsewhere. (this will also be covered in class)

Just think about all of the times you have received a phone call only to have a technician find out it was something so simple it could have been handled with a good question and a quick tip/short comment. Training every associate will pay for itself.

Often times someone in the office that has attended this class usually doesn't think they will gain much when they arrive but by the end of the second day they have learned how to better manage a service department. If you want to be sure you meet NOI regarding Maintenance this class is a Must.

When sending your associates to these classes, we suggest that you send your Supervisors first for their own education as well as being able to facilitate and encourage the use of the information in the field.


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