Vincent Rigas is an individual who is never complacent. He worked for Planned Companies throughout his college career. Once he graduated from Stockton University, he became a fulltime employee for Planned Companies. ��He is a person who takes the initiative to arrive early to prepare for his day. He truly cares about his job and has a strong work ethic.�� He goes above and beyond. He is a good role model on how every Planned employee should carry themselves on a day-to-day basis.

On Monday 11/8/21, Vincent Rigas worked his 7:00 am to 3:00 pm shift. During his shift, a resident walked in from taking her 2 dogs for a walk. As she entered the elevator one of the dogs remained outside the elevator with the owner holding the leash inside. The elevator door closed and began moving up, and subsequently, the dog was stuck outside the elevator and was being hung by his neck. Vincent with “cat like reflexes” jumped into action and ripped the dog’s collar off his neck, saving the dog’s life. He is a compassionate individual as you can truly see by his actions in consoling the dog once he was able to free him from the leash.

“I had no idea what was happening at first, but I heard unusual sounds and it all happened at once. I saw the dog squirming up at the top and I tried jumping at the collar to let it free. I felt so relieved to finally free the dog. The owner came back downstairs and was extremely thankful and appreciative”

Vincent’s actions today perfectly describe what it means to have the Planned Difference. Because of people like Vincent, we are able to provide a level of service for all our clients that goes beyond a professional agreement but becomes very personal. Our associates truly care for the people we service and will do incredible things to make sure they deliver the best service possible. We thank Vincent for his heroic actions and saving the life of that woman’s dog.

WARNING: This video may be disturbing to some viewers

One day as she was driving home from work, she came to the scary realization that she was unfit to drive home safely. She called a friend for help and was taken to the hospital.

After ruling out COVID-19, doctors determined her gallbladder needed to be removed and she also required a biopsy of her liver. As she was prepped for emergency surgery, all she could think about was wanting to get better – the inevitable medical bills never even crossed her mind.

As she recovered from surgery, the realization that she was facing high medical bills set in. Around that time, she received a text from her Ops manager encouraging her to apply for a grant from the FirstService Relief Fund. She worked directly with representatives from Employee Assistance Foundation – the third party administrator of the Fund —  who walked her through the application process and suggested she take cell phone photos of the documents she was required to provide. Within days she received notification that her application had been approved.

“The FirstService Relief Fund helped me get back on my feet much sooner,” said Vickie. “When the bills started coming in, I felt financially strapped. This gave me one less thing to worry about and I felt like a huge burden was lifted off my shoulders. The Relief Fund was a godsend.”

The entire process from application to approval and payment took about a week. Vickie is feeling great now, and resumed work on a part time basis.

Vickie’s story is not unlike others we hear from grant recipients. Health emergencies can happen at any time, and even with insurance, the financial impact can be crippling. The FirstService Relief Fund was established to help our people during times of personal financial hardship.

If you are facing a personal financial crisis or know a colleague who is, we encourage you to learn more about the

https://purpose.firstservice.com/our-people-firstservice-relief-fund/

When “B” started working as a high-rise Concierge with Planned Companies in the fall, he looked forward to going to work each evening and providing friendly service to residents and guests of the property.

One day, less than two weeks into his new job, a co-worker asked if B would switch shifts with him. B readily agreed. The following day he learned that the co-worker for whom he covered had tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, B would be required to quarantine for two weeks and produce a negative test result in order to return to work.

B was concerned about the well-being of his new coworker and about his own family. Had he unwittingly exposed his parents and grandparents to the virus? Soon his worries turned to his day-to-day financial responsibilities. Without work there would be no pay. And without pay, how would he keep up with his bills?

Fortunately, his supervisor told him about the FirstService Relief Fund. He applied right away and supplied the requested documentation. Within two days, he received word his grant application had been approved.

“It was the easiest thing ever,” says B. “It may have taken all of 10 minutes to complete the application.”

Just a few days later he received the funds to help cover his rent, cell phone and other bills.

“If you need help, ask for it. Everyone can use help at some point in their lives, and there is no shame in asking for it when you need it. The Relief Fund made this time 100 times easier for me,” said B.

B is happy to be back to work at a job he loves, and his colleagues are happy to have him back.

“This entire process showed me how much Planned and FirstService care about their employees. I am so lucky to be part of this great organization and have already recommended the company to friends and family. I give it a 10 out of 10, and would recommend anyone facing personal financial hardship look into the Relief Fund.”

If you are facing a personal financial hardship, we encourage you to check out the FirstService Relief Fund. There are a number of helpful resources available to you online. Please visit for more information.

https://purpose.firstservice.com/our-people-firstservice-relief-fund/

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PARSIPPANY, NJ – August 25, 2020 – For the associates of Planned Companies, sometimes it’s not a normal “day at the office” in their line of work. Recently, this rang true for two Planned Companies security guards, one based in New Jersey and the other in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.

From the smell in the air, Jorge Rodriguez knew something was amiss at his assigned building in Fort Lee, New Jersey. He smelled smoke – the kind of odor that could only be associated with a dangerous fire. It was 6 a.m. on a weekday and too early for anyone else to notice. Rodriguez alerted 911, sending the local fire department to the neighborhood and preventing a more serious catastrophe including a potential for injury and loss of life.

Terrell Washington, a Planned Companies security guard based at a Washington, D.C. condominium building, saw someone suspicious on the property and had a funny feeling they were up to no good. Washington confronted the person, then discovered the trespasser had a weapon in their possession. He acted quickly, summoning the police. His calm and quick response led to the apprehension of the trespasser and ensured safety of residents.

For their bravery and alert thinking, Rodriguez and Washington were recently recognized with Planned Companies’ Living Our Core Award for the second quarter of 2020. The award recognizes and honors those who exhibit Planned Companies’ values of Integrity, Teamwork, Exceptional Customer Service, and Never Being Complacent.

“When you consider that Planned Companies operates in 11 states and has more than 4,300 associates, you realize that our Living Our Core winners are truly the cream of the crop,” said Planned Companies President and CEO Robert Francis. “These are the people who reflect the tenets of our company, live our mission, vision and values, and set a positive example for their colleagues.”

Rodriguez, a West New York, New Jersey resident, has worked with Planned Companies for nearly four years. The 21-year-old loves his job and also the fact that he can progress through the company from one position to another.

“Planned is a wonderful place to work, always doing things to support their employees and show that they care,” Rodriguez said. “I was so excited and proud to receive this award, so much, I called my mother and grandmother right away.”

Washington, who lives in Bowie, Maryland, joined Planned Companies on January 1, 2020. After confronting the weapon-bearing trespasser, Washington has since witnessed a second crime in progress, the attempted theft of a motorized scooter. “My motto is to just take things one day at a time,” said Washington. “If you stay positive you will always see life from the bright side.”

In addition to Rodriguez and Washington, three other Living Our Core winners were recently named, including:

• Gladys Rivera and Frankie Rodriguez – both concierge staff at a luxury apartment in Harrison, New Jersey – were each individually recognized for customer service.
• Claude Jones, a porter/concierge for an office complex in Washington, D.C., who was recognized for never being complacent.

June Winners:

This month, we are proud to share TWO winners of our Highlight LOC Program:

Daren Merrimon:

While on security detail at a location which experienced attempted breaking and entering, Daren was on patrol and noticed a suspicious individual on the property. Knowing the history of the property, he continued to watch the behavior and contacted the police. After watching the individual attempt to break into the property, he was able to stop the intruder and provide the information to the police.

Wildaris Hernandez:

While on a special detail for one of our properties, Wildaris was very observant and noticed a suspicious person on property. He maintained his professionalism and continued to ask the proper ID questions and did not allow the individual enter the property. He continued to monitor the individuals behavior and activity and followed him until he was able to stop the individual who was attempting to break into an apartment. If it was not for Wildaris’s persistence, the intruder would not have been apprehended.

A few words from our CEO:

“Thank you Daren and Wildaris for your professionalism and diligence in performing your needed and professional role.��Your actions stopped a potential theft and impacted the safety and security of the property and those living in the complex.��THANK YOU.��Making a difference like this – working as a team, delivering on our service promise while never being complacent, has enhanced the quality of life for those we proudly and professionally service.��I so appreciate your actions and am proud of this well-deserved recognition for you both.��Keep making such a positive difference and have a great start to summer!”

Sincerely, Rob��Francis

The Living our Core program provides culturally continuous opportunities to recognize and reward our associates that demonstrate the Planned Core Values: Integrity, Exceptional Customer Service, Teamwork, and Never Being Complacent.

We would like to congratulate the employees who have gone above and beyond for our clients, their team, and themselves:

We had a medical call to one of our tenant employees at 3 Garret Mountain, where security guard Yency Canepa, who was first on scene, treated the tenant until EMS and police responded. Yency responded immediately and took control of the situation in a calm and professional manner.�� His demeanor was incredible, and his communication was spot on.

“We would be remiss if we did not advise you of the key role that Yency played in making sure that the Police and EMTs were promptly escorted up to the 3rd floor Ladies Room without delay and confusion. This was critical in getting our employee accessed and treated quickly.” – Susan Fischer, Senior Employee Relations Manager

Yency assisted someone who may have been having a heart attack. His actions and demeanor possibly saved a life. We’re happy to share that the injured individual is ok.

We have nominated Yency with our Living Our Core Award for Exceptional Customer Service. We’re proud to see our team members continuing to live their core values and enhancing the quality of life for the residents and tenants that we service.

Keep up the great work, Yency!

“I want to let you know what great workers you have to represent your company in Yesinia and Guadalupe.�� I have broken down my observations of them in 4 categories:��(comments apply to both women)

��Integrity:

Both ladies are extremely honest and trustworthy.�� Because of these traits, I never have to worry about items left out in my office while cleaning is taking place and never have to worry about their security. They come to me when they have made a mistake and will do whatever it takes to correct it.

Performance:

These ladies clean all common areas of two buildings, several trash rooms, at least four common area rest rooms and do it all with a smile, professionalism and humility.�� The result is extremely clean areas that smell wonderful!!

Complacency:

There is absolutely no complacency with these two dynamos; they continuously make suggestion on how my staff and I can improve.�� As a matter of fact, both have been trying to teach me Spanish so I can communicate with them better.�� A person that is willing to share their knowledge is one of the best to be around, they are eager to learn from me as I am from them.

Going the extra mile!!!:

I can’t say enough about these ladies;��going the extra mile doesn’t even express what they truly do every day.�� Yesinia will even start the coffee for me and the staff in morning, and she is not required to do that.�� That speaks volumes to her feeling apart of the team, as she and Guadalupe are not just a part of the team they are Watson Place family!

If these ladies are an example of the staff you have developed at Planned Building then you have been successful in fulfilling your company’s mission and vision.”

Our concierges, janitors, maintenance technicians and security guards have the ability to enhance the quality of life for residents, guests and others. We encourage our associates to continue to raise the bar in each and every way. Thank you to Yesinia Umaña and Guadalupe Ventura for living our Core Values and demonstrating exceptional customer service!