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Find Blog Articles for Florida’s Condo, HOA and the Management Industry. 

Before Storms hit Florida, Building Owners and Managers should have their Storm Drains cleaned.

Before Storms hit Florida, Building Owners and Managers should have their Storm Drains cleaned.

Before Storms hit Florida, Building Owners and Managers should have their Storm Drains cleaned

 

Clearing this helps with parking lot, loading docks and your building flooding and causing damage to your properties.

Generally speaking, you’re usually responsible for drains inside the boundaries of your property, while the sewerage company is responsible for lateral drains, which are outside of property boundaries, and sewers.

How to Maintain a Drainage System, find member companies on SFPMA 

  • Allow rain to help settle the loose soil before working the field
  • Driving directly on the tiles can crush the pipe and ruin the tile. Straddle the pavers instead for the first year.
  • Back-fill the open trenches carefully, so as not to damage the pipe
  • Clean up unused pieces of pipe and do not use the open trench for garbage disposal
  • Do not work the land if wet or moist with excess water
  • Rotate the location of cattle hay feeders
  • Clean drainage boxes once a month if present. Drainage boxes trap sediments

 

 

From Pipe Repairs to Cleaning of your storm Drains. You can find members of sfpma.com ready to help!

 

https://sfpma.com/listings/storm-drain-cleaning-repair/

 

 

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Working with vendors is a large part of serving on the board.

Working with vendors is a large part of serving on the board.

Working with vendors is a large part of serving on the board.

Every community has outside partners for services like landscaping, sanitation, cable and Internet provision, pool maintenance, plumbing, blacktop, valet services and more.

Finding and learning what they do and how they can help is important. Many people ask if its the Management Company’s responsibility to find the best vendors for the properties? Well we have found that Boards help in the selecting of the right companies. They give their suggestions to the Management companies. This way favoritism does not take place. Laws are being changed as we speak that will prevent this for Florida’s Property Management Industry.

Open and effective communication among the board, the management company and the vendors employed by the association is an important part of making the most of any community’s operating budget and improving the lifestyles of its residents.

Focusing on great communication and why it matters.

What can happen if communication among those entities isn’t consistent, open and effective?

“Ineffective communication with vendors can cost your community money, but more importantly, it can result in loss of trust,” according to Frank Mari, executive director of SFPMA “ That means trust that the residents have in both the management company and the board, and also the trust the board has in the management company to manage vendors and recommend the right vendors for the community.

Poor communication with vendors can cost your association money too. If you don’t understand the details in a contract and don’t keep an open line for questions and clarifications, you may not realize that your community isn’t getting the services you think you are signing up for…. and then you will need to pay for the missing elements separately, impacting your operating budget.

Mr. Mari says “Talk to your landscaper in the middle of winter, not just spring and summer,”. also “If you’re an auditor, check in with the board and management company a few times of year, not just when the audit needs to be done.” Call them ask them to do a walk through of the buildings with you, its a great time for communication, Remember Preventive Maintenance is Key.

If you aren’t sure whether or not your current property management maintains open communication with vendors, ask! It’s important to make sure that outside vendors operate in the best interests of your community. We are all well-versed in the importance of vendor relationships and effective communication, ” Frank explained. “Boards appreciate that we bring that additional level of support. Because of the trust we create with our members, almost any situation between boards and vendors can be resolved fairly.” If we are called in there are times we are the go between like a mediator does in any dispute, We get the facts, Listen to both sides and try to come to an agreement with both sides.

Speaking the language A basic part of communication is simply understanding the language each party is speaking. Most board members are not going to be experts in all the areas of running a managed community, but it’s important that you have a basic knowledge of the terminology being used. Board members are expected and required to execute contracts related to things like landscaping and other topics they may not be previously familiar with,”

Talk to your Property Manager and include your Law Firm with contracts. “That fiduciary responsibility means that they need to understand what they are signing, what the work entails. It’s not enough to just consider price. Board members need to know more about what vendors are doing in order to make sure it’s being done right.”

 

 

All HOA and Condo boards should be involved early in vendor selection discussions and leave the details of execution to the management company. It is important the board communicate any critical elements of their vision for the community to the vendor and be clear about what they require from each potential vendor they meet with. Board members must know enough to understand what they should expect, what level of service is being provided for their community and what reasonable expectations are for that vendor.

A landscaping company that cares for a dozen large properties isn’t going to hand-prune every shrub, but that may be what some board members expect because they don’t yet understand the basics of large-scale landscaping,” “Of course, a self-managed community is going require more knowledge from the board members as far as monitoring the work being done and knowing that contracts are being fulfilled properly.

Having a professional management company involved takes that responsibility off board members, because we know best practices, thanks to our experience managing multiple communities.” If you are looking for a Management Company Find Top Florida Companies on our Members Directory on https://www.sfpma.com

How can boards and management companies know they are up-to-date on the terminology and jargon being used by their vendors? Many management companies are SFPMA Members themselves, With this membership there are educational seminars or round tables that let board members hear directly from vendors. “In addition to our in-house educational opportunities, I suggest that board members go to home shows, garden shows and other trade events so they can interact directly with vendors and pick up literature on the latest techniques and products,”.

I ask our members to spend time at meetings, seminars and expos at every one of them get to know the vendors, Collect brochures.  Build those relationships. Listen to the keynote speakers as well. Over the years, vendors have shared with me how they have been impacted by SFPMA and how it makes them want to be part of our success. Obviously, you learn a lot that you take back to their boards and educate them on new information.

All of our members, partners and board members are asked to focus on professional development and educational opportunities that are offered by our Association to our Industry. vendors in many different disciplines host events that allow property managers to earn continuing education credits, and that many welcome board member attendance as well.

When you get to know vendors, you’re ready to work with them as partners, to optimize your community association’s budget and improve the lifestyles of the residents in your community.

State of Florida Property Management Association can help you work with vendors to make the most of your association’s budgets by learning about the Top Companies working in our Industry.

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The Keys to Success In Selecting a Security Provider

The Keys to Success In Selecting a Security Provider

The Keys to Success In Selecting a Security Provider

Article was Featured in the FLORIDA RISING MAGAZINE

Trident Ground Protection 

Great Security Articles

Accountability, Transparency and Responsiveness.

The number one complaint we here from potential new clients is“I can’t get anyone from my current
security company to address problems and issues with their guards.”
We’ve heard this about major national providers as well as many of the smaller companies that do
business in the south Florida market. See the “big guys” have large corporate structures with multiple
layers of management at the local, regional and national levels. As a client it can be difficult to know who
to contact within the organization that has the level of authority to deal with your issue.
Smaller providers may not have the resources or the experience to provide adequate supervision and
oversight of their personnel to detect and prevent sub-standard performance of their officers before it
becomes a problem for you. Additionally it may difficult to contact a manager or even the owner after
regular business hours.
Ask the company you’re evaluating if they are willing to remove an officer from your property if you’re
unsatisfied with the officer’s performance. Gauge their response to see if they will accept responsibility
for the officer’s actions and have a corporate culture that deals with unsatisfactory performance
appropriately or do they just move the poor performing employee to another site.
Ask for and check with references from other clients of the provider. See if there is a sincere attitude
toward fostering a business relationship built on mutual trust from their other clients.
Additionally try and determine if the company has a history of dealing with customer concerns in a prompt
and appropriate fashion.
Who you gonna call when you find a guard
sleeping or on their cell phone at 3:00am?
When evaluating security proposals do not to focus solely on the price. Focus on what that particular company provides aside from just a body.
Concentrate more on the 3 keys to successfully selecting a provider. Does the company bring accountability, transparency and responsiveness to the table?
Accountability – the obligation or willingness to accept
responsibility or to account for the actions of their employees.
Transparency – the key to fostering a culture of trust between
client and the customer.
Responsiveness– quick to respond or react appropriately to
problems or concerns of the client.
or Call us: Phone: 954-306-3956
Ask if the company has a practice of conducting regular unannounced and random site inspections of their
staff. Do they have a policy of performing random drug tests of their officers?
Does the company you’re considering provide you with the ability to contact a member of management,
someone with the authority to immediately deal with an issue or problem no matter what time of day or
night it is?
What are their prerequisites for hiring employees? Do they require a minimum amount of prior
experience and do they conduct and pre-hire assessments of the applicants to evaluate their individual
levels of conscientiousness, reliability and critical thinking skills or do they just hire a warm body?
At Trident Ground Protection we pride ourselves on providing our clients with accountability,
transparency and responsiveness. No matter what time of the day or night you can speak directly with a
member of our senior management team if you have an issue, problem or concern with one of our officers.
By contacting our global security operations center in Fort Lauderdale your problem is immediately
relayed to the appropriate member of our team who will react and respond immediately and
appropriately for you, the client in addressing issue.
Each person who applies to join our team is required to complete several personality trait assessments. If
an applicant fails to complete the assessments or score below our threshold, they are removed from
consideration.
Every employee is provided a copy of our 40 page employee handbook which outlines our policies for
conduct, appearance and attention to duty. They are also provided a copy of our employee safety manual
so that you can be assured our officers are complying with all safety rules and conducting themselves in
a safe and focused fashion.
Trident Ground Protection was founded with the intention of providing our clients with more than just a
guard. It is why we have embraced the philosophy of providing our clients with security services and
support.
We live in a society where nearly everyone has a cell phone these days.
Many companies, including Trident Ground Protection use cellular devices to
perform guard tours, report writing and time keeping functions.
However, do they have a policy that prohibits personal use of cell phones
while on-duty? Do they actively enforce that policy?
What other internal policies do they have to discourage poor performance or distractions while on duty.
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Before You Dig Call Ronnie-G The Pipe Guy at PRS-Pipe Restoration Solutions Phone Number 561-602-8660

Before You Dig Call Ronnie-G The Pipe Guy at PRS-Pipe Restoration Solutions Phone Number 561-602-8660

Before You Dig Call Ronnie-G The Pipe Guy at PRS-Pipe Restoration Solutions

Phone Number 561-602-8660

Our business philosophy is simple: We want to First, listen to your need. Second, identify the best solution and Third, deliver the highest quality end-result, all while giving you a great customer experience. PRS is a State of Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor that specializes in full pipe restoration. Whether it be sanitary sewer or storm, potable water, fire suppression or HVAC chiller lines, our goal is to provide solutions to the failing piping infrastructure utilizing the latest plumbing and trenchless technology available. We also carry a State of Florida Class “A” General Contractor’s license which sets us apart.

Members of SFPMA  Take a look at our Membership Listing  

 

Pipe Restoration Solutions

561-602-8660

Pipe Inspection, Pipe Cleaning, Pipe Lining and Pipe Replacement Company

 

When PRS looks at a project we want to ensure we are putting the “right” solution to the problem at hand.  Every project has its unique needs based on overall job scope, site conditions, project timeframes and difficulty level. At Pipe Restoration Solutions, we have found that when high-quality material and creativity comes together something special happens… Projects are completed with excellence and above expectation; Long term relationships are built; Problems are permanently solved.
Our business philosophy is simple: We want to First, listen to your need. Second, identify the best solution and Third, deliver the highest quality end-result, all while giving you a great customer experience.
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Have your Storm Drains Cleaned is a must before the Storm Season brings it full force!

Have your Storm Drains Cleaned is a must before the Storm Season brings it full force!

Have your Storm Drains Cleaned is a must before the Storm Season brings it full force!

Storm drains in Miami after several days of rain and it’s become apparent why they weren’t working properly. Check out all that debris, dirt and rocks

Brothers Backflow are members of sfpma –  https://sfpma.com/listing/brothers-backflow-specialists/

BROTHERS BACKFLOW SPECIALISTS

Broward: Ph. 954.382.2099 | Dade: Ph. 305.267.3992

Brothers Backflow Specialists is state licensed and insured in the plumbing and gas industry. Our technicians specialize in plumbing, backflows, propane, natural gas, medical gas and water restoration including everything from installing gas lines, testing backflows and repairing broken plumbing pipes. We provide services for commercial, residential, industrial & farm properties from Monroe to West Palm Beach County as well as backflow services in Orlando, Florida. Brothers Backflow Specialists is here to serve you 24 hours a day / 7 days a week and no job is too big or too small.

 

 

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Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane Preparedness

 Steps that should be taken for hurricane preparedness?

Keep informed – Read the Hurricane Help page

SFPMA.COM / State of Florida Property Management Association, Be Safe.

Most things are usually on hand but should be stocked up and easily accessible. If it turns out the hurricane has changed its path, at least you will have known you were ready.
If your city or town is in imminent danger of a hurricane, most likely evacuation announcements have been made, and should be taken seriously. Here is a checklist to consider before you leave: 

 

  1. First, get important papers and special photos in order and secured in plastic. Identification is difficult and time-consuming to replace: so be sure to include social security cards, birth certificates, high school diplomas or GED certificates, titles or deeds to property, as well as your hurricane insurance policy. Photos of special occasions or loved ones cannot be replaced, so including these is important as well.

 

  1. Think ahead and take video or photos of your property before you leave. This will help later on with any insurance checklist claims for damage that may need to be filed.
  2. If staying with relatives is not an option, consider booking a room in a hotel or motel in another nearby town or state. Make sure to get directions and put them in the car ahead of time. It is easy to forget that piece of paper in the rush out the door. A cheaper route might be to find temporary hurricane shelters. Usually nearby towns not in the direct path of the hurricane will provide these for people in need.

  3. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that your pet will have a place in a motel or hotel. Keep this in mind, and try to find alternate housing like pet-friendly hotels and motels or dog boarding kennels in areas out of the path of the storm until it is safe to return home.

 

 

  1. Designate a spot, in the hall closet, to keep a bag of clothes for each person in the household. Make sure to include sleeping gear if you plan on going to a temporary shelter.

  2. Along with overnight clothes, consider stocking your Hurricane Kit with the following: extra cash, generator, batteries, flash lights, battery operated radio/television, bottled water, toilet paper, non-perishable foods such as cereal or crackers, canned goods, a can opener, a small cooler, candles, prescription medicines and any over-the-counter remedies you use regularly; and if you have small children – diapers, baby wipes, formula, baby food.

7. Count on the power being out for at least a day or two. Remember that ATM’s will benon-operating, so have at least some hard cash in your Hurricane Kit (see no. 6, above) to see you through the storm.

When TV and computer games no longer operate, board games or a deck of cards come in handy! Arts and crafts, crayons and downloadable coloring pages are always great distractions for the kids – so make sure you’ve stored some of these supplies in a tote bag or in the car trunk.

8. If you decide to tough out the storm, stay downwind in your home. This means if the wind is hitting the living room windows, go to the room opposite the living room.

9. Plywood is a ‘hot’ commodity for those of who decide to stay. Boarding up windows that will take the brunt of the wind and rain is a wise decision. If board is not available, protect your windows from the wind by criss-crossing them with layers of duct or packing tape. This will be enough protection for light-to-medium winds, but learning how to build and install plywood hurricane shutters is your safest bet. If you can afford it, have them installed by a professional.

10. Finally, STAY INSIDE. However tempting it may be to videotape or take photos of the storm, be sure to shoot from indoors – where it’s safe, and dry!

Hurricanes are serious business. Weather forecasters can only predict so much. Educate yourself and stay on top of hurricane updates in your area. There is no harm in being overly cautious. In most cases where a hurricane is concerned, it truly is better to be safe than sorry.

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All American Asphalt

All American Asphalt

  • Posted: May 15, 2019
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All American Asphalt

Asphalt Services – Seal Coating – Concrete Services – Maintenance

Florida’s Top Company Seal Coating & Striping Parking Lots – Shopping Centers, Restaurants, Buildings, Condo’s & HOA’s, Banks, Churches…Throughout South Florida.

Contact us Today!  561-684-9183

https://www.allamericanasphaltpaving.com/

 

 

Members of SFPMA Find us on the Florida Directory

 

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Plan to Evacuate – A wide variety of emergencies may cause an evacuation. In some instances you may have a day or two to prepare.

Plan to Evacuate – A wide variety of emergencies may cause an evacuation. In some instances you may have a day or two to prepare.

  • Posted: May 12, 2019
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Evacuation

Plan to Evacuate

A wide variety of emergencies may cause an evacuation. In some instances you may have a day or two to prepare, while other situations might call for an immediate evacuation. Planning ahead is vital to ensuring that you can evacuate quickly and safely, no matter what the circumstances.

 

Before an Evacuation

  • Learn the types of disasters that are likely in your community and the local emergency, evacuation, and shelter plans for each specific disaster.
  • Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate.
    • Identify several places you could go in an emergency such as a friend’s home in another town or a motel. Choose destinations in different directions so that you have options during an emergency.
    • If needed, identify a place to stay that will accept pets. Most public shelters allow only service animals.
    • Be familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.
    • Always follow the instructions of local officials and remember that your evacuation route may be on foot depending on the type of disaster.
  • Develop a family/household communication and re-unification plan so that you can maintain contact and take the best actions for each of you and re-unite if you are separated.
  • Assemble supplies that are ready for evacuation, both a “go-bag” you can carry when you evacuate on foot or public transportation and supplies for traveling by longer distances if you have a personal vehicle.
  • If you have a car:
    • Keep a full tank of gas in it if an evacuation seems likely. Keep a half tank of gas in it at all times in case of an unexpected need to evacuate. Gas stations may be closed during emergencies and unable to pump gas during power outages. Plan to take one car per family to reduce congestion and delay.
    • Make sure you have a portable emergency kit in the car.
  • If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if needed. Make arrangements with family, friends or your local government.

 

During an Evacuation

  • A list of open shelters can be found during an active disaster in your local area by downloading the FEMA app
  • Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation instructions.
  • Take your emergency supply kit.
  • Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.
  • Take your pets with you, but understand that only service animals may be permitted in public shelters. Plan how you will care for your pets in an emergency now.
  • If time allows:
    • Call or email the out-of-state contact in your family communications plan. Tell them where you are going.
    • Secure your home by closing and locking doors and windows.
    • Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding. If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.
    • Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
    • Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a hat.
    • Check with neighbors who may need a ride.
  • Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts; they may be blocked.
  • Be alert for road hazards such as washed-out roads or bridges and downed power lines. Do not drive into flooded areas.

 

After an Evacuation

If you evacuated for the storm, check with local officials both where you’re staying and back home before you travel.

  • Residents returning to disaster-affected areas after significant events should expect and prepare for disruptions to daily activities, and remember that returning home before storm debris is cleared is dangerous.
  • Let friends and family know before you leave and when you arrive.
  • Charge devices and consider getting back-up batteries in case power-outages continue.
  • Fill up your gas tank and consider downloading a fuel app to check for outages along your route.
  • Bring supplies such as water and non-perishable food for the car ride.
  • Avoid downed power or utility lines; they may be live with deadly voltage.
  • Stay away and report them immediately to your power or utility company.
  • Only use generators away from your home and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage, or connect it to your home’s electrical system.

 

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Does your Family and your Communities have a Plan?

Does your Family and your Communities have a Plan?

  • Posted: May 12, 2019
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Make A Plan – Plan Ahead for Disasters

https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app

 

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States.  As we are approaching Hurricane Season we want you to be safe!

Know what disasters and hazards could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate. Check out the related links to learn what to do before, during and after each type of emergency.

 

Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area.  Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

 


 

Step 1: Put together a plan by discussing these 4 questions with your family, friends, or household to start your emergency plan.

  1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
  2. What is my shelter plan?
  3. What is my evacuation route?
  4. What is my family/household communication plan?

 

Step 2:  Consider specific needs in your household.

As you prepare your plan tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets, or specific needs like the operation of durable medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance.  Keep in mind some these factors when developing your plan:

  • Different ages of members within your household
  • Responsibilities for assisting others
  • Locations frequented
  • Dietary needs
  • Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
  • Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
  • Languages spoken
  • Cultural and religious considerations
  • Pets or service animals
  • Households with school-aged children

 

Step 3: Fill out a Family Emergency Plan

Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use them as a guide to create your own.

 

Step 4: Practice your plan with your family/household

Associated Content

 

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We are passionate about bettering cities, housing communities and the safety of their residents!

We are passionate about bettering cities, housing communities and the safety of their residents!

  • Posted: Apr 15, 2019
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As a paving contractor, we don’t solely focus on our paving work.

At Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating, we are passionate about bettering cities, housing communities and the safety of their residents! Contact us to evaluate your #HOA community’s paving needs at 954-691-0727 or head to PaveWithASP  We self-perform the entire state of Florida!

Atlantic Southern Paving & Sealcoating From idea or blueprint to finished surface, we offer all facets of new paving installation. Our crews have the technical expertise to perform these tasks to the standards set by local, state and federal requirements. This expertise allows us to pass inspections the first time so that your project can stay on schedule.

Atlantic Southern Paving & Sealcoating provides pavement maintenance & construction services to Florida for over 30 years. The solid foundation that Michael “Mickey” Curry started in 1992 employing the best people, using the best products and providing what the customer needs with a competitive pricing has enable Atlantic Southern to continue to thrive.

 

 

ATLANTIC SOUTHERN PAVING & SEALCOATING

Southeast FL  954-518-4315
Southwest FL  239-234-2155
Central FL  321-408-5010

Major Announcement! Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating has officially opened a new Fort Myers location serving Collier and Lee Counties! Contact us today at 239-234-2155 to manage your parking lot and asphalt pavement needs!

Our New Location serving Central Florida Locations!  Central FL  321-408-5010

 

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In House or Contract Security, That is the Question

In House or Contract Security, That is the Question

  • Posted: Apr 07, 2019
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In House or Contract Security- That is the Question

 

Mike the right decision with your security company

Do the terms FLSA, ACA, HIPPA, E-Verify or I-9 scare you? They should if you have in-house security, maintenance or housekeeping staff. These terms are just some of the federally mandated employment laws that HOA’s, condo boards and property managers must contend with. If you are not fully compliant with any of these it can cost you and your organization hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, penalties and yes, even back wages.

What can you do to eliminate these HR compliance headaches and ensure the safety and security of your business, building or property in the real world?
Outsourcing may provide the solutions you’re looking for.

Outsourcing can provide a viable and affordable solution for many businesses, condominiums, planned communities, office and professional complexes. The security provider you choose will take on the costs
and hassles of hiring, scheduling, HR administration, insurance, liability, training and outfitting employees.

If you’re looking for trained security officers, you’ll find that hiring your own staff can be extremely expensive. The last thing you want when it comes to security is less-than-qualified workers. A reputable security provider will have the money and resources to properly recruit and hire highly qualified officers. In other words, outsourcing can give you access to security resources of a caliber unavailable to you on your own, and save you money in the process.

Condo associations and HOA’s may not have the resources to properly vet security experts in their employ. The officers who fill these crucial positions, must be stable, reliable, trustworthy, and well-trained. A failure on any level could spell disaster.

 

 

By outsourcing or on-boarding your current in house staff to a firm that makes security their business, you can rest easier knowing that anyone they send your way has been properly vetted, trained, and held to the highest standards. After all, the security provider that hired them has a reputation to uphold, just as you do.

HR Costs/Bill Rate

According to the US Department of Labor legally required benefits such as social security, workers compensation insurance, unemployment and Medicare costs can add an additional 14.5% to your payroll costs.
If you provide other benefits such as health & life insurance, 401K contributions, and/or paid leave time those costs can add an additional 24% to your payroll and operating expenses.

What does this mean to you?

Let’s say your annual in-house security payroll is $75,000 per year. Factoring in the mandated benefits and your actual payroll costs leap to $85,875, that’s over a $10,000 increase. If you offer benefits your actual costs skyrocket to over $105,000. That’s $35,000 additional dollars you’re spending on payroll without any additional personnel or job tasks being performed.

Insurance Savings

You more than likely currently have general liability insurance coverage that protects you and any governing board from losses resulting in accidents or injuries that occur on the property. Risk is the single biggest factor in determining how much coverage costs. No one anticipates accidents or mistakes. The rising cost of general liability insurance is another area of concern for managers, board members and residents.

If you’ve had accidents or faced lawsuits in the past then expect to pay more.

A reputable security contractor will carry sufficient liability and workers compensation insurance which will provide you indemnification from losses and employee injuries and illness, thereby reducing your overall insurance costs and risk factors.

Better Training, Oversight and Supervision

As a board member or property manager how much time out of your day do you have to check on and provide oversight to your security personnel? Do you even know what to look for or what questions to
ask?

Any reputable and reliable third-party security provider should provide comprehensive supervisory and managerial oversight to its guards including random and periodic unannounced inspections of the site and the personnel assigned there.

Outside of showing your in-house team where to put packages, which contractors are allowed access and what the pool hours are, what training has your team received. Does your team have the expertise or resources to provide that training? A professional security company does.

At a minimum any professional security officer should be trained in emergency first aid, CPR and fire suppression.

“But we love our in-house staff and don’t want to lose them!” is something we hear very often when talking to property managers, condo board members and HOA presidents about on-boarding in-house staff. In a properly structured transition you retain your current staff. Pay rates and benefits remain unchanged as does seniority ranking.

As your operation grows, so too will your needs where support is concerned. You may acquire additional facilities that require additional physical security. Either way, flexible security solutions that easily adapt to the changing needs of your business or property are a must.
All of these factors are where outsourcing can really ease the transition process as your needs change, while you grow and expand. You have plenty on your plate already without having to worry about increasing on-site security teams. A reputable and reliable third-party service provider can handle these concerns for you.

 

 

Choosing the Right Provider

The south Florida contract security market is one of the most competitive in the nation. There are currently over 1,200 licensed security agencies in Broward and Miami-Dade counties alone.

These agencies range from huge national companies to one or two man agencies working out of someone’s home garage or spare bedroom. So choosing the right security provider is crucial.

When evaluating security firms you need to ask the following questions.

  1. Does the agency provide general liability insurance and do they indemnify you in the event of a
    loss from any incident or accident caused by any negligent, grossly negligent, willful act or
    omission or intentional act, of their guard?

  2. Are their guards actual employees of the company or are they paying them as sub-contractors?
    Some less than reputable security providers will do this to avoid the high costs of workers
    compensation insurance, payroll taxes and social security contributions.

  3. How responsive is their management team to problems, issues or concerns of yours?

  4. Do they utilize the latest technology to provide you officer accountability and transparency?

  5. Do they have an actual brick and mortar corporate presence or footprint?

  6. Do their supervisors or manager conduct periodic unannounced inspections of the sites and staff?

  7. What training have your guards had? First Aide, CPR, Fire Suppression?

  8. Do they conduct random drug tests of their employees?

 

Way back in the fifteenth century English satirist Gabriel Bell recognized that, “You get what you pay for;” which Webster defines as meaning “a thing that can be bought for a very low price probably isn’t very good”, and that’s especially true when evaluating security companies.
Any security provider that quotes you a bargain basement bill rate in the low teens ($14 per hour or less) is probably NOT going to provide suitable answers to these questions nor will they provide you the level
of service and support you need or want. They’re going to be using sub-contractors or paying their employees minimum wage to stay profitable. What caliber of officer are they delivering at that pay rate?

 

The Trident Ground Protection Difference

Dependability, discipline and dedication to the client are the hallmarks of being a member of the Trident Ground Protection team.

The principles of Trident Ground Protection have over 80 years of military, law enforcement, private security and special ops experience in both field, command and executive level positions. We pride ourselves in helping our clients – large or small. We have the expertise, knowledge and ability to secure and protect your property, business or event. Trident Ground Protection was established with one  goal in mind, to provide our clients with more than simply a security guard. Our team consists exclusively of true security professionals.

Trident Ground Protection actively recruits and hires our military veterans and former or retired law enforcement personnel. By hiring this caliber of employee, we provide our clients with a more disciplined, dedicated and focused security officer.

Our management and field staff are solely dedicated to providing you a level of service, awareness and discipline far above that of any other security provider. A member of our corporate management team is available to you 24/7 by way of either our corporate headquarters in located Oakland Park or after hours from our Global Security Operations Center located in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

When you contract your security functions with Trident Ground Protection we assume the liability for any incident or accident caused by any negligent, grossly negligent, willful act or omission or intentional act, of one of our team members up to one million dollars per occurrence. Our officers are employees of our company, not sub-contractors and are fully covered under our workers compensation insurance coverage.

As part of our commitment to provide the highest level of professional security services, every new client receives a vulnerability analysis, comprehensive threat assessment and crime statistics report for their site, building or property. We then use the results as the basis for designing a comprehensive and cost effective security program and post orders specific to your needs and desires.

We work with and build relationships with your local law enforcement agency to maximize leveraged law enforcement services g=for your property. Technology within the security industry has greatly advanced from the days of the old Detex Watch Clock Stations. © Trident Ground Protection deploys the latest and most advanced web-based applications for officer accountability and activity. As part of our commitment to transparency the systems allows you the client and TGP management to see in real time an officer’s location and review their current and past activity.

The system can also be configured to send instant e-mail alerts regarding incidents occurring at your property.

Personnel management has also accomplished via a web-based portal which only allows an officer to “clock in” once he or she is on site. It also can be set up to provide you, the client with e-mail notifications about late employees or personnel and scheduling changes. So whether your looking to develop a comprehensive security program, out-source your in-house security program or just in the market for professional and dedicated security services, you can be assured that Trident Ground Protection is the best solution.

We’re committed to providing you with top notch local support and knowledge. We approach every client with a focus on support, integrity, advocacy, and understanding.

Find out more about Trident Ground Protection

 

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