Ken Garrison

About Ken Garrison

Results-driven Facilities and Operations Leader with 25+ years of success managing large-scale facility portfolios, optimizing industrial systems, and leading cross-functional teams. Proven track record of driving $22M+ in cost savings through energy and process improvements. Adept at coordinating multi-site operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Recognized for strong leadership, data-driven decision-making, and strategic execution.Core CompetenciesFacilities & Operations Management, Budgeting & Financial Oversight ($5M+ budgets), Strategic Planning & Logistics, Team Leadership & Staff Development, Project Management & Process Improvement, Vendor & Contractor Management, Security & Fire Protection Systems, Regulatory Compliance (EHS, OSHA, NFPA), Data Analysis & KPI Reporting, Continuous Improvement (Lean, Kaizen)Professional ExperienceCBRE, Inc. – Knoxville, TN | Senior Facilities Manager | 2008–Present• Manage facility operations for 8 mixed-use facilities totaling 1.4 million square feet.• Lead a team of 10 facility professionals, including engineers and technicians.• Administer a $5.4M budget and consistently meet strict financial KPIs.• Delivered $22M+ in account cost savings over 5 years, with $900K+ verified.• Achieved an average customer satisfaction score of 4.07/5 across all sites.• Oversaw vendor relations and contracts for janitorial, security, landscaping, and mechanical services.• Implemented energy, staffing, and operational strategies to boost efficiency.Remotec, Inc. – Clinton, TN | Facilities Manager / EHS & Fire Protection Lead | 2002–2008• Oversaw SF robotic manufacturing and R&D facility.• Managed a $2M operating budget and led a $40M site relocation project.• Directed all preventive maintenance, security systems, and compliance initiatives.• Developed and enforced EH & S protocols and training programs.• Directed $20M manufacturing operations with a team of 75+ employees.• Reduced overtime costs by 33% and boosted production output by over 10%.• Streamlined labor tracking with an electronic time and attendance system.• Led scheduling, procurement, and cost-reduction initiatives.Earlier Roles Include:• Industrial Engineer / Kaizen Leader – Carlex Glass Company | Industrial Engineer / Facilities Manager – Kenco of Memphis Logistics | 1996–1997• Industrial Engineer – AutoZone Corporate | 1993–1996EducationUniversity of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN - Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering

Experience

1. Sr Facility Manager

   CBRE

   Jul 2008 — Present · Knoxville, TN, US

   Coordinate daily operations within 8 mixed-use facilities totaling approximately 1.4 MSF. Train, mentor, and manage a team of 10 employees including facility coordinators, chief engineers, operating engineers, and maintenance technicians. Consistently evaluate performance metrics and oversee all corrective and preventative maintenance work orders. Communicate effectively with various janitorial, security, landscaping, mechanical, and electrical contractors. Responsible for $5.4M in operating budget spend with a strict account financial KPI that all facilities must come in under budget. Successfully attained customer satisfaction results averaging 4.07 out of 5.00 for 8 managed.

Education

• University of Tennessee, Knoxville

  Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering

  1987 — 1993

Skills

• Customer Service
• Purchasing
• Negotiation
• Process Improvement
• Operations Management
• Team Building
• Management
• Facilities Management
• Contract Negotiation
• Contract Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Vendor Management
• Project Management
• Budgeting
• Corporate Real Estate
• Kaizen
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Project Planning
• Budgets
• Property Management
• Procurement