Compass Properties Earns Globee® Award in 7th Annual 2022 American Best in Business Awards

MADISON, Wi – Compass Properties was named a Gold Globee® Winner in the 7th Annual 2022 American Best in Business Awards.  The company was recognized for “creating new and diverse relationships in the community” in the real estate and construction category.  Compass Properties Executive Vice President Todd Greenwald also received a Globee award as Executive of the Year in the operations category.

The American Best in Business Awards are open to organizations with at least one or more offices in the United States. More than 70 judges from a wide spectrum of industry experts participated in the judging process.

As a privately held and Wisconsin-based company, Compass Properties is exceptionally agile, responsive and keenly focused on building long-term relationships with tenants, business associates and community partners.  Compass Properties describes itself as a “True North” company where its direction is led by its values.

“Our True North approach means we operate as a value-based company and make decisions based on what’s right for our tenants, our stakeholders, our employees and our communities,” Greenwald said. “As a company, we embrace diversity,  and give back to our local and global communities.”

“It’s also reflected in our customer-focused, sustainable approach to facilities management that has been recognized locally and globally,” Greenwald said.  “Most important, we believe treating people fairly and with respect is just not the right thing to do, it’s the right way to do business. We believe this recognition from the Globee Awards further validates this  commitment.”

Click here to see the complete list of 2022 Globee Award winners.

About Compass Properties

Compass Properties is a privately held, Wisconsin-based company that develops, manages and invests in commercial properties primarily in Wisconsin.  The company’s sustainability practices have been recognized with Global, National, State and local awards and contribute to the health and wellbeing of those who work or visit our building.  Click here for more information.

About the Globee Awards

Globee Awards are conferred in nine programs and competitions: the American Best in Business Awards, Business Excellence Awards, CEO World Awards®, Cyber Security Global Excellence Awards®, Disruptor Company Awards, Golden Bridge Awards®, Information Technology World Awards®, Sales, Marketing, Service, & Operations Excellence Awards, and Women World Awards®. Learn more about the Globee Awards at https://globeeawards.com.

Compass Properties Receives 2022 TITAN Business Awards

Compass Properties earned 2022 TITAN Business Gold Awards for Inspiring Leadership and Outstanding Management in the commercial real estate category.  Compass Properties is a privately held company based in Madison that develops, manages, and invests in commercial properties, primarily in Wisconsin. The company has built a reputation for sustainable practices, community involvement and healthy office spaces.

Compass Properties commitment to sustainability and healthy office space were the chief reasons the company was recognized with the Titan Awards.  “Sustainability has long been ingrained in our culture and we manage all our properties with the goals of reducing waste, encouraging healthy lifestyles and saving energy,” said Todd Greenwald, Compass Properties Vice President. “We are proud of our sustainability practices, which have been recognized with Global, National and State awards, but more importantly contribute to the health and wellbeing of everyone in our buildings.”

Greenwald said that long before the pandemic, Compass Properties invested in the technology and adopted practices to create workspaces that positively impact the health, comfort, well-being, and productivity of the building’s occupants.

“Office space is no longer just about price and location; tenants want spaces that are safe, healthy, and managed in a sustainable way,” Greenwald said.  “Our role is to meet or exceed those expectations.”

The TITAN Business Awards program was formed with the sole mission of acknowledging the achievements of entrepreneurs and organizations worldwide. Over 800 nominated entries from across the globe were received this year, with participating countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Netherlands and Canada.

To see the full list of 2022 TITAN Business Award winners, click here.

 

Compass Properties Installs Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization Systems to Kill Pathogens and Prevent Spread of COVID 19

Madison, WI (date) — Compass Properties, a Madison-based commercial real estate management and development company, recently installed a state-of-the-art, needlepoint bipolar ionization (NPBI®) system in several of its area office buildings to help protect tenants, employees, and visitors from contracting the COVID-19 virus.

“Indoor air quality has become even more critical as it impacts the health, comfort, well-being, and productivity of the building’s occupants,” said Todd Greenwald, Compass Properties Vice President. “Needlepoint bipolar ionization is hands down the most impactful way we can actively target airborne contaminants and kill them. Though our primary motivation was to fight airborne COVID-19, NPBI also offers a robust solution to increase air ventilation efficiency and kill harmful airborne particles such as bacteria, allergens and other pathogens.”

The patented NPBI® system was created by Global Plasma Solutions (GPS), which recently released testing results that show a 99.4% reduction rate on a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) surface strain within 30 minutes. NPBI produces positive and negative ions that attach to particles and pathogens, such as the coronavirus, making them easier to filter and destroy.  It also combats dust, pollen, and mold spores. “For any kind of facility from commercial buildings to aircrafts, delivering the cleanest, safest indoor air environment will only become increasingly more important,” said GPS Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Charles Waddell.  “And our ozone-free technology is one of the most sophisticated products on the market.”

 

The NPBI systems used by Compass Properties were installed by Windsor, Wisconsin-based North American Mechanical this December in buildings at 4600 American Parkway, 5133 W. Terrace Drive, 406 Science Drive and 440 Science Drive in Madison. Company officials say the system will be installed in its CitySquare Office Center (Wausau) next, with other buildings following in 2021.

Experts say bipolar ionization used in large-scale ventilation systems worldwide could be a secret weapon in the war against COVID-19.  Hospitals including Johns Hopkins, Children’s Hospital Boston and the University of Maryland Medical Center have embraced the technology.  “Bipolar ionization has been used in healthcare for many years for many applications,” said Tony Abate, chief technical officer at AtmosAir Solutions. “We believe bipolar ion systems will become a standard in these critical environments to protect patients and staff.”

Greenwald said installation of the NPBI systems is among the many safety measures the company has put in place recently.  He said buildings managed by Compass Properties are regularly scheduled for extensive deep cleaning and disinfection, with new procedures in place to increase frequency of cleaning in high-density and high touch areas.  Compass Properties has also taken  additional measures to ensure high indoor air quality in its buildings, including comprehensive HVAC preventative maintenance, upgraded air filters, and increased outside air intake to dilute the potency of indoor germs.

Greenwald said despite all the safety measures, tenants, employees, and visitors are still required to wear masks and socially distance.  “Our new NPBI system is proven to deliver safe and clean indoor air, but it can’t stop direct transmission of the virus between two or more people indoors.  Preventing the spread of COVID in the workplace requires that everyone does their part — wear a mask, socially distance and practice good personal hygiene.”

 

Getting Back to Work: Preparing Your Workplace for Re-Entry After COVID-19

As Wisconsin businesses prepare for a return to the workplace, Compass Properties Vice President Todd Greenwald provides an update on how the company’s plans to help tenants get back to work safely and adapt to the evolving regulatory requirements.

Question:  What are the key considerations for re-opening your office buildings?

Todd:   It’s critically important that we and our tenants implement controls to minimize exposure risks and mitigate potential liability risks.  We will follow CDC and WEDC guidelines to maintain social distancing, hygiene and other day-to-day operations.  We advise tenants to have established procedures in place for prompt ID and isolation of employees suspected of having COVID-19, including contacting us as soon as possible if there is a confirmed case. We are modifying our management and operations to enhance cleaning and operations of all properties.

Question:   What areas of a building will be most challenged by social distancing?

Todd:   Elevators, stairwells, reception areas, break rooms and other building common areas will likely present the biggest challenge for social distancing. I believe we’ll all experience times at the elevator where we say, “I’ll wait for the next one.”  There are steps to address these challenging areas that includes both 6-foot separation of individuals and physical barriers as well.  Physical barriers may be placed in areas such as doorways and cubicle walls.  In reception and other common areas, the number of seats available can be limited and organized so there is at least 6 feet between seats.  Breakrooms, lunchrooms and other common areas should be carefully managed to reduce communal use. There is a possibility that conference rooms, fitness rooms and other large shared spaces will remain closed for 30 days after buildings reopen.

Question:   What are some of the steps you are taking to get buildings ready to reopen?

Todd:  All our buildings have undergone extensive deep cleaning and disinfection.  We have developed a detailed plan that includes increased frequency of cleaning in high-density and high touch areas which we have been doing throughout the Safer At Home order.  We have specific deep cleaning and disinfection plans in place if a building employee or tenant test positive for COVID-19.  Prior to building re-entry, we will implement HVAC maintenance with filter changes and increased infusion of outside air for re-entry where appropriate.  We have recently completed significant maintenance and flushing of water systems, including faucets, toilets, hot water heaters, ice machines, and filtration systems. We are currently focusing on reducing the touch points in high use common areas. This may include installation of hands-free faucets, foot operated door pulls, leaving stairwell doors open where allowed and other small ways to implement a touch free experience in our properties. Additional signage is being produced to remind everyone about social distancing and other ways to stay healthy.

 How will you share info with tenants and their employees with regards to COVID-19 guidelines?

Todd:  We plan to have social distancing rules and hygiene tips posted in common areas.  Employers should plan to share information like this with team members  electronically and/or by hardcopy at workstations. Employers may consider video or other training for returning employees to explain new workplace rules. We ask that all tenants provide us with their re-entry plan so we can assist where possible. Our team members will be wearing PPE including face masks and gloves. Additionally, our team members will be recording their temperature daily prior to starting any work duties. We will require the same from the contractors and vendors that perform work inside our properties.

How do you believe office space and future space planning will be impacted?

Todd:  All indications are that COVID-19 will remake the work environment to give employers and employees a greater variety of work areas. For years, the trend has been open office plans with a decreasing amount of privacy allotted to each employee.  Now, it looks as if social distancing will be part of the new norm moving forward, and that means more private spaces or personal offices for individuals, and more distance between desks. Open office space interaction is going to change dramatically.  I think you will see more physical barriers in the workplace, as well as greater spacing and fewer seating options in communal areas like breakrooms and lunch areas. There will be a need to support team members who work from home. Collaboration space is going to be a hot topic for the near future, designed to meet the need for flexibility and compliance with social distancing standards.

 

Compass Properties Announces Promotions

Compass Properties is pleased to announce the promotion of Todd Greenwald to Vice President of Real Estate Operations and Kim Kindler to Corporate Controller.

“Todd and Kim have made major contributions to the growth of Compass Properties and each are excellent representatives of our principled approach to doing business,” said Tyler Noel, Compass Properties President. “In their new roles, both will continue to be an important part of our sustainable growth and long-term future.”

Greenwald is actively involved with the Madison Chapter of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and currently serves as its president.  Prior to joining Compass Properties, Greenwald held property and operations management roles in commercial real estate. In Greenwald’s new and expanded role, he will oversee the company’s property management teams, manage day-to-day operations and continue to handle brokerage services for the Madison area and oversee leasing activities for our markets outside of Madison.

Kindler joined Compass Properties in 2012 and previously worked for its parent company Noel Group in the early 2000s.  In her new role, she will oversee the company’s accounting and financial reporting, tax finance project management and payroll processes.

 

One of a Kind Recycling App Chosen as Grand Prize Winner in Business Pitch Competition

Michelle Goetsch of Kronenwetter was the Grand Prize Winner of the Third Annual Central Wisconsin HATCH Regional Finale on Wednesday night (November 13). Goetsch was one of seven finalists selected to pitch their ideas to regional judges and a live audience at the event, which was hosted by Compass Properties and the Noel Family at the Noel Barn in Plover last night.

ERbin solves a simple but expensive problem – people don’t know how to recycle right.

Michelle Goetsch, ERbin

Goetsch’s winning business idea is an app called ERbin.  “Consumers can scan the bar-code of any product with the ERbin App and it will tell them how it needs to be recycled in their local community,” Goetsch explained.   In addition to earning the Grand Prize, Geotsch also won the $500 People’s Choice Award, determined by a popular vote of those in attendance.

Karolee & Tim Krause, Therapy Cubes

Karolee Krause of Stevens Point won second place and $2,500 for Therapy Cubes — a dice game that promotes personal and therapeutic storytelling., Third place and $1,000 went to Julie Kaprelian for Fresh Jar; a company that delivers fully prepared salads in mason jars.

Julie Kaprelian, The Fresh Jar

 

HATCH is funded by BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation with the help of a matching grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and support from the Portage County Business Council.   Other financial supporters of the Central Wisconsin HATCH Regional Finale include the  Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Brightstar Wisconsin Foundation, Judd S. Alexander Foundation, Dwight and Linda Davis Foundation, Ruder Ware, Incourage Community Foundation, BMO Harris Bank, Grow North and Copperleaf Management Group.

Throughout the evening,  The Portage County Boys & Girls Club  operated an Ice Cream Parlor to raise funds for a Walk-In Freezer.  According to the Executive Director Kevin Quevillion,  the Club is now serving more than 80,000 meals a year to area youth, and additional freezer capacity is needed to serve Club sites across Portage County.

The BGC Ice Cream Social was a BIG hit, despite the chilly weather!

Event host and local entrepreneur John Noel led off the evening with some words of encourage for the owners of the seven early-stage companies involved in the Hatch competition.  “Every day is school day for entrepreneurs,” Noel said.  “There is no failure, only learning experiences that help us get up, dust ourselves off and create something even better.”

For more info, check out the story on the Hatch Finale in the Wausau Pilot and Review.

Five Questions with Todd Greenwald

Todd joined Compass Properties in 2015. He focuses on our properties in the Madison area, is actively involved in promoting building sustainability and serves as President of Madison’s International Facilities Management Association Chapter. 

 

How would you describe the current CRE market in Madison, especially as it relates to office space?

The Commercial Real Estate in Madison, WI is HOT, and has remained strong throughout 2019. Activity remains high in all sectors, and we’ve seen a continued strong demand for office space.  One area of Madison that has been especially active is the East side, driven by CRE development that includes UW Health’s planned $255 million clinic on Madison’s Far East Side.. All our area properties have high occupancy rates and I believe that applies to most Class A and Class B office building in the area.

Co-working, or flexible office space is the fastest growing market segment in the US. Here in the Madison area,  that’s translated into a high demand for small office space  (under 1,500 sf) which has zapped the overall office space inventory.  STEM tenants (high-tech companies engaged in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are also driving the demand for Class A office space here in Madison and throughout the Midwest.

What are the most sought-after building amenities today, and has that changed from 10 years ago?

What was considered an “amenity” 10 years ago has become the standard for many clients – things like conference/training rooms, 24/7 access,  fitness facilities and attractive common areas.   Today,  most businesses are competing in tight labor markets, and want distinct office amenities to help them attract and retain employees.  Things like wellness programs, concierge services and communal spaces where people can meet, interaction and collaborate.  The creative use of outdoor space is becoming more common, such as an outside conference/meeting areas, community gardens, walking trails, bike racks and pet-friendly areas.  The solutions really need to be tailored to the needs of the tenants, in ways that support their teams and create productive work environments.

Compass Properties has developed a reputation as a green and sustainable CRE developer What are some of the ways that Compass Properties walks its talk?

Compass Properties has always emphasized the importance of our impact on the environment and community — we take that responsibility very seriously. For all of our properties, we set out with 3 goals in mind: reduce waste, encourage healthy lifestyles, and implement energy saving programs. We proactively look for ways that we can “be better,” and that’s helped produce some pretty unique opportunities.  In Madison, we were a part of Sustain Dane’s MPower program, which encouraged us to implement a number of operational changes (indoor bike storage rooms, hands free faucets, fitness rooms, water bottle refilling stations, LED lighting retrofits.) We have long been a proponent of “bike to and from work” initiatives, and we are one of only 13 companies in Madison and 44 companies in Wisconsin that has earned a Bicycle Friendly Business award from The League of American Bicyclists. We were honored to earn the Platinum Award of Excellence from the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA), as it validates the importance we place on sustainable facility management practices.  When done correctly, sustainability can be contagious. It can motivate tenants, employees and even community partners to seek out and collaborate on new ways to improve the environment and support healthy lifestyles.

 You recently became acting president of The Madison Chapter of IFMA. Can you tell us a little bit about the organization? 

IFMA is an amazing and diverse association for facility management professionals that has 24,000 members in more than 10​0 countries.  For more than 25 years, our Madison Chapter has focused on education, professional development and networking.  We are the largest area group specifically focused on the advancement and support of those involved in facility management.

 As president, I hope to advance our effectiveness through some new initiatives:

Our Chapter is strong because of our volunteers – it’s important to stress the need for new volunteers so we can continue to evolve and grow as an organization.

 What has made Compass Properties successful in its first 20 years?

Compass Properties has always focused on long-term relationships with the people we do business with, the people we interact with, and the people that are a part of our team. Every day, we make decisions that are in the best interest of those relationships, because they are vital to our success.  We are Wisconsin-based and privately held, which make us exceptionally agile and responsive. We have a customer-focused, sustainable approach to facilities management that has been recognized locally and globally.  Most important, we have a valued-based approach to the way we do business.  We believe treating people fairly and with respect is just not the right thing to do, it’s the right way to do business.

 

Vario Equity & Compass Properties Purchase Two Office Buildings in Madison’s American Center Business Park.

Wisconsin-based companies Vario Equity and Compass Properties recently completed their 1st joint venture with the purchase of two Class A office buildings located in Madison’s American Center Business Park.  The 4600 American Parkway and 5133 West Terrace buildings were purchased from American Family Insurance for approximately $19 million, according to Compass Properties President Tyler Noel.

“This was a great opportunity to acquire two properties that provide Class A office space inventory in one of Madison’s premier office parks,” said Eric Heiting, Vario Equity’s managing director.  “The Madison office market continues to be very strong, with some of the lowest vacancy rates in the Midwest. Current and future commercial real estate development on Madison’s far east side —  including UW Health’s plans to build a $255 million clinic near the hospital it opened three years ago — will drive office space demand well into the future.”

Vario Equity is the lessor of the properties.  Vario Equity was formed in 2018 with a vision to create an alternative investment portfolio of Wisconsin-based real estate assets for accredited investors.  Compass Properties will provide property management and development services.

4600 American Parkway

 

Noel said the properties were bought “off market” and a key part of the deal structure was the property management component.  “American Family wanted to make sure its employees and other tenants in the two buildings would continue to get outstanding maintenance and other property management services,” he said.  “They knew of our reputation for superior tenant service and our commitment to sustainability.”

5133 West Terrace

The American Center Business Park is located on 447 acres near the intersection of Interstate Highway 90/94/39 and U.S. Highway 151.  The park was developed with an eye toward protecting and preserving natural habitats and includes a mix of open space, ponds, wooded hills and more than three miles of biking and walking trails.

American Family Insurance recently completed an extensive capital improvement that updated the common areas of the buildings and upgraded many of the buildings’ amenities.  Noel said that Compass Properties will implement sustainable building management practices that reduce waste, encourage healthy lifestyles, and conserve energy.

 

 

 

Operation Bootstrap’s Holiday Basket Project is Community at its Best

The Noel Hangar once again served as the staging area for Operation Bootstrap’s Holiday Basket Project during the 2018 holiday season. Our employees joined volunteers from all walks of life to match applicant families with a Christmas meal and gifts for children to unwrap.   The baskets are organized and delivered by volunteers just before Christmas.  

Operation Deport is an all-volunteer social service agency unique to Portage county that’s led by Roseann Depot, who helped start the agency in 1964.    The organization helps families with basic needs and offers assistance that is not available elsewhere in the community.  “We want to do things to take care of people who have fallen through the cracks,” Roseann DeBot says. “We’re the umbrella agency.  If people are lost, we help them get back on track.”

For more info on how you can become a volunteer or donor or Operation Bootstrap or its Holiday Basket Project, please call 715-344-9950.

John & Patty Noel have been Bootstrap volunteers for as long as anyone can remember!

FIVE FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE OFFICE SPACE DECISIONS

 

The commercial real estate market is on an “accelerating disruption curve”  highlighted by rapid changes in tenant dynamics, customer demographic shifts and an ever-increasing focus on improved services and amenities. In today’s environment, offering the best financial deal is no longer enough to convince companies to sign leases for commercial office space.  Companies are making more strategic decisions regarding their office space needs and they are more willing to dictate exactly what they want.  Here’s five factors that are having a huge influence on their office space decision-making process.

Flexibility 

Flexibility has become the key word for companies searching for space, because their businesses are changing so rapidly.   Companies don’t want to be stuck in spaces that inhibit growth.  From movable walls to co-working spaces to buildouts, they want flexible space that can be adjusted to their current and future business needs.  Creating work space areas that can be easily adapted has become an essential element of office design. Modular soft seating, workbenches, desk pods and “meet point” are examples of  choices that support a well-designed and adaptable workplace.

Activity-Based Workplaces 

A number of articles and experts have called into question the effectiveness of open plan workspaces which started gaining popularity a decade ago.   Today, most work environments have evolved beyond open plan spaces to Activity-Based Workplaces.  (ABW).  This office concept creates task-oriented solutions that encourage movement and empower people to select the right space for the job at hand.  Typically ABWs offer more communal areas, open spaces and fewer private offices.  Forward thinking companies recognize that not every employee works best sitting at a desk all day –some of the most productive work environments are those that give employees the choice of alternative spaces from which to work. Hoteling, or providing plug-and-play stations for shared use are also gaining popularity.

Amenities

In the battle to attract top talent, companies are offering an increasing number of office amenities to attract and retain employees. These can include everything from on-site food service to health club facilities, concierge to high tech perks, bike storage to pet friendly services.   Our CityCenter@735 building in Milwaukee offers a wide range of amenities that are aligned with the goals of our clients.   “When I’m working with a client today, it’s critical to know their business and the type of employees they have, so we can determine what amenities are most appropriate for their needs,” said Sheldon Oppermann, Executive Vice President for Compass Properties.

Maintenance and Operations.

From office temperature to elevator speed, tenants want a problem-free environment. But if problems do happen, they want them resolved quickly.   One trend helps address this demand: online notification systems through which tenants can report problems and track response status.  When it comes to maintenance and operations, tenants tend to remember the bad, rather than the good.  Professor Roy Baumiester at Florida State University researched this phenomenon in their aptly named article, “Bad is Stronger Than Good.” According to Baumiester, “you are more upset about losing $50 than you are happy about gaining $50.”  In context of tenants: the hard work invested into a perfectly operating building might go unnoticed, but a day when things go wrong will not.  Responding in a timely manner and communicating clearly are best-practices that can reduce the impact of a negative experience.

Urban, Downtown Locations

The recent demand for office properties located in urban markets remains hot, particularly in downtown areas. Companies looking to attract and retain younger employees want offices close to walkable amenities and public transportation. To lure tech-savvy millennials, many companies that years ago moved out to the suburbs are heading back to the urban downtowns that offer the lifestyle this generation of employees desires. “The times have changed and the attitudes have changed,” says Stephen Friedman, a development adviser and urban planner in the Chicago area. “It isn’t just that millennials want to work downtown, it’s that so many of them want to live there.”

Have questions about available space in any of our Wisconsin properties?   Please contact us at (608)-294-9400, info@box2191.temp.domains or click here.