Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/825042
32 FEDA News & Views fl uorescent fi xtures with electronic ballasts and sensors to turn on only the lights where people were working. Even without the utility company rebate, this produces a two-year return on investment. Adding in the electric utilities' support, takes the return to three months. There is also a signifi cant public relations advantage. Environmental awareness, coupled with rapid return, can be turned into a strong sales point. Selective Pruning In most remodeling projects, it is faster, easier and cheaper NAFEM Show was one of the best ever, but it would be great to keep the momentum going and not wait another two years to see what's new. Notable Takeaways -There were several equipment copies/clones on dis- play—and not just the standard off-the-shelf stuff, but advanced technology equipment like microwave-assist- ed panini grills and induction ranges. Although some of this equipment may offer good performance, they are, nonetheless, high-tech products with complex systems and controls. Buying this type of product from a copycat man- ufacturer comes with risk. For example, will they be around when there are maintenance and/or warranty issues? -There appeared to be renewed interest in kettle-type cook chill systems used by commissaries and large institutions. Both Tucs and Groen have completely rede- signed their products, which I assume is related to the growth of home meal delivery services. Large commis- saries are popping up in many metro areas to service this market. -Cleaning, or lack thereof, is a big issue. As I walked the show, I had my eye out for new products that had been prototypes at NAFEM 2015, NRA, or the HOST show in Milan. At that time, those products were already selling in Europe, in fi nal development, or promised for a U.S. rollout in 2017. Sadly, every single one of the seven prod- ucts I went looking for were substantially delayed, in terms of rollout, or their manufacturers have no plan for them to be released in the U.S. market at all. The explanation given was that because many U.S. operators and chefs do not clean or maintain equipment, failure rates and warranty repair rates are excessive. Consequently, not only are users unhappy, but the cost to manufacturers is signifi cant. As equipment becomes even more automated, I believe this will be a big issue for operators—as the sophistication level of equipment escalates, so does the need for cleaning and daily maintenance. Foster Frable continued Perfect Location continued to rebuild rather than cutting, fi tting and patching. The offi ce area was a warren of small spaces, inadequate washrooms, patchwork electrical, and worn out utilities. The solution was to remove all the walls except those that were perfectly situ- ated for the master plan. Everything fell into place when the front door was moved to enhance the fi rst impression of the property and the counter entrance was redesigned for ease of customer parking and loading. Essentially, the area was com- pletely gutted and everything dead or extraneous removed. This left only the best parts and none of the compromises. There is Still Time to Change If our client has the perspicacity to see an opportunity and seize it, so can you. At the very least, fi nd the perfect location for a new facility. If there is an existing structure currently available, an investment partnership may be a vehicle for controlling it so that the facility is available when you need it. Renting the property to others can provide immediate income and help fund future remodeling. Similarly, tying up a parcel of land through outright purchase, or a fi rst option, guarantees availability when you are ready to move. Putting a master plan and team in place now, and preparing for the future, guarantees that you can move quickly at the perfect moment. The Latin phrase carpe diem means seize the opportunity. It is as true today as it was 2,000 years ago. About the Author Robert B. Footlik is a licensed professional engineer in the U.S. and abroad, who graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology as an industrial engineer, and has worked extensively in the fi elds of materials handling, plant layout, packaging and management systems, throughout the world. 8. Remember that we only have to develop an idea 80 percent to begin testing and implementation, and then the most critical step is to debrief as we progress on the execution of continual improvement. (Carey Lohrenz) 9. Focus on the countless interactions with other dealers and manufacturers that help me continue to grow, and learn how to address issues or questions that may seem diffi cult because we have not faced them previously in our business. 10. Take dance lessons or quit trying. My apologies to every- one who was unfortunate enough to have watched me participate in an impromptu dance party at the closing banquet. 11. Over the years, we've often heard Ray fondly say, "It's the people you meet and the relationships that you build that make the FEDA Convention a great investment." I'd like to amend that. "It's the people you meet, the relationships you build and the actions you take…." President's Message continued