FF&E Services-Client Needs

I knew that it would have a positive impact on my business and my professional development.  This past summer, the annual American Institute of Architects Expo exposed me to many new products, services and importantly best practices in the delivery of the services GET, LLC provides to our customers.  

Pulling a page from my new friends at the American Institute of Architects, I will begin a series of blog posts that will focus on an area of service we have been working diligently to break into and have patiently worked to be a market leader in through our friends in the regional architecture business-Furniture, Furnishings and Equipment or FF&E. 

The AIA, through their Handbook of Professional Practice, notes that this particular service plays an essential role in the use and operations of buildings.  End users need to be able to have a clear view or perception and feel about a building and how to achieve the functional requirements of their respective interior spaces.

FF&E represents a range of products that include among other things systems furniture, loose furniture, artwork, planters and window coverings. Custom furniture and custom lighting are also considered FF&E.  Existing furniture in an interior space that is being considered for refinishing or reupholstering also can be part of an FF&E package.

So why seek these services?  There are a host of reasons.  

Architects and companies like GET, LLC can offer a set of basic services to include, but not limited to, managing the acquisition of these products and being that single point of contact for all of their procurement needs.

Primarily, clients seek out FF&E services to furnish new spaces, to replace or upgrade existing furnishings, to refurbish existing furniture, to expedite and simplify procurement. 

Clients be rest assured that this furniture acquisition management service is a need that can be filled with professionals like architects or consultants including GET, LLC. Such relationship is of great value and creates the lasting business partnership that services both the consultant and the client.

For more on how GET, LLC through our friends at Savoy Contract Furniture and teaming partner American Hotel Register can assist you with your specific FF&E needs-don't forget our lighting sources are excellent, too-please check out our website at www.get-guam.com or give us a call at 671-483-0789 to discuss the best solution for your facility.  All the solutions are Made in America!

Guam-A Different Perspective

An interesting drama played out in Washington DC this past weekend as U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary Anthony M. "Tony" Babauta resigned from his post.

With the departure of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar expected in March and a second term for President  Barack Obama in full swing, the issues surrounding the DOI Inspector General's investigation into alleged actions by the former-Hill aide and Guam Legislative staffer have yet to be fully revealed.  

Washington insiders have revealed a number of different issues that may have led to Tony leaving Interior.  It is likely he will end up on K Street lobbying on any number of the issues he spent the last ten years working on up on Capitol Hill.  The Gonzaga graduate could help influence policy on renewable energy, trade, or insular area matters. One thing is for certain, his background and federal policy experience will be of great benefit to his next employer.  

So why resign?  

The Agat, Guam native ascended like a rocket to one of the highest posts ever held by a Chamorro in an executive branch agency.  In fact, some wondered how he was able to nab such an important job early in the current Administration as Senior Advisor to Secretary Salazar then Assistant Secretary without giving a single penny to the Obama Campaign or stumped for Obama during the 2008 election cycle.  Maybe it was his policy work with U.S. Virgin Islands Delegate Donna Christiansen, his professional staff experience with Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo or his often talked about-but quiet-role working on the staff of former Guam Delegate Robert Underwood. 

Regardless, many a Chamorro was proud of Tony.  Such an accomplishment is remarkable with all things considered and perhaps the career path will inspire other young men and women of Guam to do the same.  

Washington DC is a nasty town.  Though the seat of one of the greatest government's in the world, DC is a place where those with influence and a shred of credibility among the political elite play for keeps.  

Tony was a decision maker.  Not many people have respect for such authority.  Many others may have even less respect for a guy who may or may not have been going at the direction of the agency foremost on the radar of insular area people and others looking to profit in America's last Pacific and Caribbean frontiers.  Tony's actions probably aren't matching up with this President's agenda from now and into the Inaugural activities in 2017. 

On this side of the dateline, this may not bode well for the Democratic Party of Guam who were banking on a marketable and young policy wonk to perhaps get the nod to go against the incumbent Governor of Guam and retake Adelup for the first time since 2002. I don't think this will be the last time we will hear of this issue. 

There is an old saying that, "It seldom happens that a premature shoot of genius arrives at maturity."  Tony was the face of a sitting U.S. President.  His shingle says so.  It was the face that may have been hiding something that only in time will be revealed and hopefully any pain or heartache is mitigated for the sake of the other actors.