People Behind the Logo: Spotlight on Robert Preston, Facilities Manager at Apleona

Meet Robert Preston, a dynamic and committed Facilities Manager on the Dun Laoghaire contract at Apleona Ireland. In just over a year with the company, Robert has made an impact with his sharp problem-solving skills and dedication to excellence. His fast-paced role keeps him on his toes, but Robert thrives on the challenges it brings, embodying the proactive and supportive spirit of Apleona.

A Day in the Life of Robert

Robert describes his workday as moving at “10,000 miles per hour”—exciting and dynamic. Each day presents fresh challenges, but that’s exactly how he likes it. Whether managing issues or collaborating with his team, Robert enjoys the sense of achievement that comes with resolving problems and keeping operations running smoothly. In the evenings, Robert unwinds with a dog walk, cooking dinner for his family, and enjoying a moment of peace after a busy day. At the weekend Robert teaches karate twice a week and spending Saturdays in the gym. The balance of working out and family time helps him recharge for the week ahead.

Career Inspiration

Robert’s approach to work is largely self-motivated. He starts each day with a clear focus: to solve the next challenge on the list. With a tunnel vision for completing tasks and “buckets and buckets of coffee” fuelling his energy. He also credits Sean Quinn and Darragh Spain for their guidance and influence.

Skills and Achievements

Working at Apleona has allowed Robert to refine his skills, especially his talent for simplifying complex information into clear and concise messages. This ability has proven helpful many times in stakeholder meetings, where effective communication is essential for success. Robert values the collaborative efforts of his entire team but takes pride in contributing to their shared success. He has contributed valuable insights into the motivations and incentives of contractors, while also collaborating with his team to implement clever Excel formulas. These changes have enhanced the visuals and feedback of the reactive tracker list, showcasing his commitment to continuous improvement and teamwork.

If you were to Describe Apleona’s Culture in 3 Words, What Would they Be?

“Mature, autonomous, supportive.”

Overcoming Challenges

For Robert, every challenge is an opportunity for growth. “Every problem has a solution,” he says, emphasising patience and out-of-the-box thinking as essential tools for success. Rather than dwelling on past hurdles, he focuses on moving forward and tackling the next obstacle. Robert encourages newcomers to develop strong task-switching abilities and leverage the strengths of their team through effective delegation. “If you try to carry too much, eventually something will fall,” he advises—a reminder of the importance of teamwork and resourcefulness in Facilities Management.

“As a FM within Apleona, our job is to provide a quality service to the client, ensuring the highest of standards at all times and providing invaluable advice and expertise that creates a legacy of professionalism unmatched by other companies within the industry.”

Thank you, Robert!