INDOOR CURB APPEAL?
~Cheryl Stewart

Did you know that OLM doesn't just do contract management and consulting for landscape maintenance? We also offer the same services for your janitorial contracts! How do you select a janitorial contractor for your property? Answering key questions will narrow the field of contenders and assist in getting the right "fit." Some of these questions should be:

• Does the contractor have experience cleaning properties similar to yours?
• Can the contractor provide adequate references?
• Do you see the contractor at times other than reacting to on-going problems? We're not talking about going out to lunch here!

Problem solving:

• Does the contractor find resolutions to problems without continual prodding from you?
• Is he willing to locate and try different products "outside the norm" to solve problems?

After-hours access:

• Do you feel secure knowing the contractor is on your property?
• Are proper background checks being done prior to the contractor's employees coming to your building?
• Will the contractor show adequate responsibility with building keys and equipment?

Supervision and Training:

• Will the supervisor himself be adequately trained?
• Will the supervisor insure the employees receive proper and adequate training?
• Will training be ongoing?

Do you cringe at the thought of selecting a new contractor or changing an existing contractor? OLM, Inc. can make the process more painless with the preparation of clear bid specifications, bidder selection, contract preparation, and monthly inspections to insure the contract standards are being met. With a common understanding of your expectations, your buildings will be presented in their best light. Everyone wins!

For more information on OLM's services concerning janitorial maintenance contact Cheryl Stewart at cstewart@olminc.com or call the OLM office for more information.

Take the Day Off!
~Ginger Finley

August and September are slow months when it comes to excuses to take a day off from work - I mean holidays. OLM has found out about some maybe not completely authentic holidays that you've probably overlooked.

On August 6 take advantage of Wiggle Your Toes Day and/or Chinese Valentine's Day. If you happen to get into trouble for celebrating either of these, the 13th is Blame Someone Else Day. If that doesn't work, wait until the 25th for Kiss and Make Up Day. Probably not suitable for the office but should be effective on the home front!

September is International Square Dancing Month, which will come in handy to pick whatever day(s) you wish to celebrate. Let's move right past September 2, National Beheading Day (we don't even want to know how that one got started!) and to the 5th, Be Late For Something Day. Then there's Talk Like A Pirate Day on September 19, always popular with the radio disc jockey crowd. The first day of Oktoberfest in Germany is September 20. If you are wondering why Oktoberfest starts in September you'll have to wait until the 28th, Ask A Stupid Question Day, to find out.

If only we could get every day that ends with the letter "y" to be declared a holiday!