Barbara Kearns – Secretary Hereford Court

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

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

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

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.

Aleksandar Vurmeski – Strata Manager

Michael is a great building manager who takes a lot of pride in his works and brought Hereford Court up to scratch keeping it in a smooth operating state. We have been most impressed by the standard of professionalism demonstrated in their commitment to providing a great service to their client(s).

Michael organised a purchase by the owners corporation of new washing machines becoming the property of the owners corporation which have almost paid themselves off in a matter of 6 months.

Once paid off the rest of the profits will go to the owners corporation helping the levies reduce and contribute to the maintenance of the property and up keep of the washing machines and dryers.

The replacement was for leased washing machines and dryers where the owners corporation was profiting at a minimal.

Michael has also organised the replacement of BBQ’s to coin operated BBQ’s which will help with the maintenance of the BBQ’S and will definitely improve cash flow.

We are happy to recommend their services to anyone considering appointing TFM as caretaker/building manager.

Executive Committee Member, Hereford Court, Glebe

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

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.

Glebe Gardens Resident

Very impressed with Michael’s service. Was very thorough in articulating the process of solving a problem with our exhaust fans. Especially appreciate that he supervised the contractors to ensure effective and correctly charged repairs. He also fixed another unknown problem with a water pipe in the roof space, as well as provided extra information on how to prevent smelly gasses from rising up through the pipes in the laundry. Very happy.

Glebe Gardens Resident

I have found TFM to be very professional and helpful whenever I have had dealings with them. They respond promptly to any requests/queries I have had. Keep up the great work!

Glebe Gardens Resident

I do not live in my property so can only say that the communication procedures are very good in allowing absentee owners to retain some links with their properties.