Every job at the Y has its challenges, but one department that is always working hard, often behind the scenes and without recognition, is the maintenance team. This crew works hard to keep our branches clean and safe, to follow preventive maintenance, and to fix things when they break – all with a smile on their face.
At both the Bear Levin Studer Y and the Pullum Y, we have maintenance teams led by directors with years of experience managing people and processes in a variety of operations. Cory Melville has been in this role downtown since March 2021. He came to the Y after years in the hotel and water park industries. Josh Upchurch landed in this role at Pullum just a week ago after a 20-year career in leadership with an automotive supplier. They have similar philosophies when it comes to keeping our Ys looking and running their best.
Both directors are quick to emphasize “safety first” and “perception is reality.” Josh draws on his years managing people and as a coach. “You have to explain what you need done and why we’re going to do it,” he said. “Explain the ‘why.’” Cory looks at the Y like he would a hotel, focusing on upkeep, hospitality, cleanliness, and creating a sense of arrival. He works hard to employ a team approach. “If everybody does their job, it’s a well-oiled machine. I train my staff that they need each other to succeed.”
Both Josh and Cory have the privilege of leading teams that include several adults with special needs. While that has been a new experience for Josh, he said, “My favorite thing about the past week has been the people and working with the team here.” Cory inherited a few members of his team and has worked alongside them to respectfully give them feedback and work with them to improve their standards. As a result, he’s dramatically decreased team turnover.
Both maintenance directors also emphasize that members are vitally important to their success. “The best thing members can do is their part, especially in sanitizing equipment to keep the spread of germs at bay,” Cory said. Members can also respect the maintenance team when they are working during hours of operation. The visibility of the team and two-way communication sets the tone.
Even though he’s just started at the Y, Josh is already working to set a high standard. “I look at things a little different. I don’t just walk by. I see things when I walk by. I want people to say: ‘Wow, this place looks nice!’”
Cory uses a sports analogy to explain how he sees it. “My team knows I hold them accountable because they are the backbone of this building,” he said. “They are the defense. Other staff play offense and might get more recognition, but defense wins games.”