January 2020 began as a normal year , then a few months later COVID-19 hit . Seemingly overnight the country changed . In an unprecedented move , the government began shutting down travel , hospitality , sporting events , the list went on and on . However , we learned quickly that some services could not shut down .

Fire departments , police stations , grocery stores , gas stations were deemed essential . The word “ essential ” became a new phrase . A phrase a lot of us believed we understood . We quickly found being “ essential ” is subject to interpretation and not everyone agreed on what that meant . One thing we could all agree on , anything to that had to do with our home was essential .

It is estimated there are 129.69 million housing units throughout our country . As we are aware , many of those are apartment homes . During the pandemic , more people found themselves working from home . Homes have lighting , bathrooms , appliances , and HVAC systems . All which people rely on to work properly . In apartment homes , what did everyone do if these things no longer worked or needed repairs in this new pandemic gripped realism ? Well , they did what they always did and called maintenance .

Many of our management companies quickly sought out professionals to create policies and procedures to navigate the new challenges we faced . They had numerous conference calls via Zoom or Teams to talk through the new challenges while social distancing . They closed offices to keep team members safe . However , maintenance jobs did not stop .

I can tell you directly from my experience , the maintenance teams headed straight into these unfamiliar tasks with trepidation and an element of individual risk . These individuals picked up their tools and continued to work in apartment homes . However , this time , they brought some new tools . They wore masks , gloves , shields , goggles to protect themselves and residents . They also sanitized work locations before and after they started a job . They worked through emergency service requests . They worked in apartments when individuals were ill . They worked in units when people passed away . They just selflessly worked !

Often hear about the first responders such as fire fighters , police , nurses , and doctors and how essential they are . However , in my opinion , the maintenance team members were also essential in keeping the country moving forward . My heart goes out to all the maintenance team members , medical associates , public safety , sanitation , plumbers , and electricians . They are clearly giving their absolute all and continue to do so every day !

Recently , our company held a “ Maintenance Appreciation ” week . It included gifts , food , and time off . All of which were greatly appreciated by our maintenance teams . This is a small token of appreciation to them and their efforts . With that , I hope you will stop and thank your maintenance teams as they are part of an extremely hard-working group that never stopped working !

It ’ s been said that positivity can be just as infectious as a disease . Based on what I see and hear today , I am positive I see the light at the end of the tunnel .

Chris Beno is the Sr . Regional Maintenance Director at ConAm Colorado

Nick Hernandez is the Director of Project Management at BLDG Management www . aamdhq . org JANUARY 2022 TRENDS | 35

January 2022 | Page 37

It Was Never an Option to Shut Down Maintenance During the Pandemic