Richard Hamilton – SP51339 Herbert Towers, St Leonards

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In early 2016 Michael Baird and Transparent FM were recommend to us, whilst we were considering options at Herbert Towers to change building management companies. In the end we met with five different companies (and spoke to many more) but it was obvious from the start that Michael was not only the most knowledgeable but also the most passionate of all the people we met with.

A couple of months later the Strata Committee agreed unanimously to recommend TFM to our Owners Corporation as our new Building Management company, and an EGM was held soon after to confirm this. Michael also assisted us at this time to find a replacement cleaning company (he does not himself offer this service), who we have been very happy with.

Our complex was built just over 20 years ago and comprises 156 apartments in two towers, as well as pool, gym, spa and garden areas. Michael suggested one of his onsite building managers to work at our complex, four to five hours a day, five days a week, plus himself personally on call for emergencies outside of this time, as appropriate for our complex. We took this advice and have since had an excellent onsite building manager, who has a deep understanding of our complex and a friendly relationship with our residents. In the first few month of TFM taking over, the workload was significantly higher than the expected 20 to 25 hours a week, largely due to the state the previous building manager had left the complex in, but Michael and his team preserved, working well beyond the agreed hours and got the complex turned around, without asking for extra money.

One of the keys to Michael and Transparent FMs success is the focus they have on putting good systems and processes in place from day one. We immediately implemented a cloud based residential building management system recommended by TFM, which now tracks all issues, work orders, resident details etc. This allows residents to easily request access to facilities or resources, as well as being able to report any issues in their apartment in a clearly defined manner, and then track the progress to resolution.

Michael and his staff were able to introduce us to a variety of specialist contractors in areas such as plumbing, ventilation, tiling, lighting, security and access control, construction, pumps, maintenance, cleaning etc that they are using in their other buildings. After being initially apprehensive in some cases, we have since found that each one of them put forward was far superior to the incumbent we had prior to TFM starting with us.

I can confidently say that we are saving at least 25% on works such as plumbing, electrical, ventilation etc vs the previous contractors, on the same type of works, and more importantly the quality of the work is substantially better. All faults reported by residents are normally checked by our onsite building manager, prior to any work order being issued. Much of the work done on site is supervised by the building manager, and then checked after to verify that it is completed neatly and professionally. These types of checks ensure that unnecessary work is not being done, and if the work is not done to expectations, it can be rectified quickly.

As well as the onsite building manager, Michael provides phone and email after hours emergency support to our residents. As a Strata Committee member I have been able to contact him and talk with him at length to get advice on not just building works etc but also resident issues. While our onsite building manager is a knowledgeable professional building manger, when she is unsure of something she has Michael and his depth of knowledge to back her up. Michael’s passion and dedication rubs off on all his staff and it is not uncommon for me to receive an email or a phone call outside of hours or on Sunday from our onsite building manager as she has an idea or suggestion for improvement that she wants to discuss.

The passion and knowledge exhibited by Michael and his team has been complimented by numerous residents who have told myself and other committee members how happy they are that TFM now looks after Herbert Towers.

I am very happy to recommend Michael and Transparent FM to other complexes looking for building management services.

Barbara Kearns – Secretary Hereford Court

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As Secretary of the Strata Committee for SP 56640, Hereford Court, Glebe, I write in
strong recommendation of the building management company Transparent FM who
have been managing this apartment block of 90 units for the last 4 years.

The transformation that Transparent FM’s management approach has brought to the
smooth running of this building (after several years of highly problematic management
from a range of companies) has been beyond compare.

Director, Michael Baird is dedicated to giving good service and resident satisfaction. His
management style is not office-bound, it is hands-on, pro-active, well-informed problem solving.
Shortly after taking over this building, Transparent FM solved a water penetration
issue that had been troubling the building for years.

Another priority for this company has been seeking ways to save the Owners
Corporation money, from effectively installing all necessary energy saving fittings (which
has considerably reduced our energy consumption) to recommending and overseeing
the transferal of our laundry machines from rental to Strata ownership. This has turned
what was formerly a very unsuccessful arrangement, into an income stream for the OC.

Director Michael Baird, takes great pride in his company. He thrives on addressing
owners’ and residents’ concerns alike, and is a highly responsive point of contact. We
cannot recommend this company too highly.

Pamela Dilworth – Secretary Executive Committee of Palermo

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TransparentFM has been our facility manager since 2012.

Our 245 residential lot complex has never looked back since TransparentFM’s appointment and,
without reservation, I can recommend them as Facility/Building Managers.

TransparentFM have always provided us with a high level of professional and consistent service.
Staff are professional, courteous and always exceed expectations.

TransparentFM staff, led by Michael Baird, are not just ordinary facility/building managers. They adopt best practice and make efficient use of technology to save time and money and to ensure nothing gets forgotten. Staff are environmentally aware and understand that proper maintenance keeps a building looking good, feeling good, maintains property values and fosters a sense of ‘home’ for all who live here.

In a recent survey of residents, building management were highly commended for continously
striving to keep the wheels of Palermo well-oiled and for never being too far away when needed – even when ‘off-duty’!

Morrison Hammond – Secretary The Regent

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I have known Michael Baird over a number of years.

Firstly when he was an employee of a company that was Building Manager for Hereford Court, and he was on-site manager. We have a studio in that building.

Then when his company gained the contract for Hereford Court.

Then when his company gained the contract as Building Manager for The Regent, in which I have a studio, and am the Secretary/Treasurer.

His company had the contract for Glebe Gardens when my son and his family resided there.

I have found him to be a “can do” and “will do” person, who executes his responsibilities in a reliable and consistent manner. He employs competent staff.

I have no problem in recommending him and his company as a Building Manager.

EC member Glebe Gardens

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Transparent FM was contracted to deliver building management services for Glebe Gardens in September 2014.

Glebe Gardens has 103 units – a mix of townhouses and apartments. There is an internal courtyard comprising a 25 metre pool and maintained gardens, as well as an underground car park and a gym. The building construction was completed in 1998.

Michael Baird, Principal of Transparent FM, has diligently undertaken the role of building manager. His commitment to the Owners Corporation to maintain the building in good working order is a principal focus.

Transparent FM’s 24/7 service culture is exemplified in late night call outs and an excellent appreciation of Owners Corporation versus individual owner responsibility.

Michael introduced BuildingLink for the complex which has been a valuable database for storage of documents and a communication tool for corresponding with owners and residents.

Michael considers the communication needs of owners in undertaking complex wide improvements, is responsive to requests and expedites actions very appropriately.

Michael has a very straightforward manner and carries out activities with integrity and honesty. He is extremely autonomous, but appreciates when and what requires others input.

Glebe Gardens values Michael’s satisfaction in others knowing the complex is one for which he is the building manager.

Executive Committee Member, Hereford Court, Glebe

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We chose Transparent FM to manage our block of 90 apartments in Glebe because
they are just as the name suggests: Transparent. No hidden agendas, just
absolutely straight down the line, honest operators, dedicated to getting optimum
results for an OC. Such an ethos is very rare in an industry that tends to see Owners
Corporations as cash cows.

On top of that Director Michael Baird’s experience, dedication and enthusiasm are
beyond compare. He is ‘the best Building Manager in Sydney’ we had heard people
say before we took him on, and we are happy to add our voice to that chorus.

What makes Transparent FM so special? Michael Baird loves his job, and loves to
excel at his job. He does not need to be told anything twice – he is ahead of you in
whatever needs doing. Shortly after taking over this building, Michael solved a water penetration issue for us that had been troubling the building for years.

He is a dedicated and proactive manager who not only plans the building’s
necessary future works, but also looks for ways to save money for the Owners
Corporation through more effective management of the building’s facilities. He also
gets on very well with the residents. He thrives on addressing owners’ and residents’
concerns alike, and is an excellent point of contact for everyone.

BuildingLink, the building management software programme he has introduced, has
made storing documents and keeping track of decisions so much more
transparent too. All works, past or present, can now be monitored by Executive
Committee members at any time. All communication between stakeholders in this
building, from residents to EC members to non-resident owners, has been invested
with new life by this system.

Michael is a fantastic asset to the building. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

Treasurer of 51 Hereford St Glebe

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I have known Michael for a period of approximately four years, as the Treasurer of the Executive Committee of 51 Hereford St, Glebe.

During this time I have found Michael to be a very hard working professional. His passion for what he does is what separates him from his peers.

Michael has always found the time to discuss any issues or recommendations relating to the building. As an owner I am delighted at the work he has overseen during my time, transforming the building into a quality place of residence.

John Hutchinson

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I have known Michael Baird for the past 3 years and have seen him operating as a building / facilities manager to a number of strata schemes.

I have also had experience of being an Executive Committee member in a scheme where Michael was engaged as the building manager.

Michael tackles his work with enthusiasm and is conspicuous in that he goes out of his way to address the needs of all residents with whom he comes into contact, no matter what the hour of the day or the day of the week.

He brings to the job years of very hands on practical experience in managing buildings and has embraced technology as a tool that ensures his clients enjoy the benefits of more efficient services year on year.

Above all Michael is, I believe, trusted by his clients and all those he comes into contact with. This sets him apart from many others fulfilling this role in strata schemes.

I would have no hesitation in recommending his services to other suitable strata schemes. Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information or confirmation.

Tonja Gibson

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Our strata of 82 lots engaged Transparent FM to help us identify why we had high costs & long standing problems with the major plant & equipment in our complex. We were very pleased that within 1 year all the building assets had been reviewed & an effective management plan implemented. This has resulted in a 99% decrease in equipment outages and reduced our Building Management budget for 2015/16 by 18%.

What we appreciated most about Transparent FM was the willingness to work actively with the EC, their considerable experience in building management and the ability to put forward reliable contractors. This plus attending promptly to resident requests and updating our building portal has meant that our complex is now functioning more efficiently and has become easier for the Executive Committee to manage.