FM Spotlight

Michael Gualano - Facebook

Published on: October 28, 2021

Michael oversees Facility Operations for Facebook’s NYC offices. He completed his undergraduate education at Rutgers University and is currently pursuing an MBA at St. John’s University with a concentration in Enterprise Risk Management. With unique professional experience in the sports, entertainment and tech industries, Michael is passionate about workplace collaboration and innovation. 

What is one thing no one knows about you?

I am a big yoga fan! Health and exercise has always been important to me, but discovering yoga has allowed me to clear my mind and find balance.    

How did you get into the Facilities/Workplace field?

Although uncertain about what I wanted to do with my career, I was always certain that I loved sports. From a young age I was intrigued by the operational components of sport and entertainment facility conversions. Understanding that Madison Square Garden converted its arena floor to offer both hockey and basketball games, oftentimes in the same day, fascinated me. I became interested not only in sport as entertainment, but also in how those venues operated.

This interest led me to a career that has involved the facility support behind Super Bowl XLVIII and large-scale arena conversions, the very thing that piqued my interest as a kid. I ultimately transitioned into the world of Corporate Real Estate and my current role of Facility Operations Manager at Facebook.     

What is your greatest success story?

I am where I am today by taking networking and the importance of asking questions seriously. Working in the sports and entertainment industry presented amazing experiences, but I was looking for a transition.  It proved my excitement for facility management, something I wanted to experience in a different environment. I needed to reinvent myself to break through and to thrive in the corporate office market, something I was able to do thanks to the incredible support system formed by reaching out and making myself vulnerable. 

I have been fortunate enough to drive significant impact in multiple organizations since and take continuing education seriously. The completion of multiple professional credentials has supported this journey, one of them being my IFMA FMP. I look forward to continuing my educational journey, including the current pursuit of my MBA from St. John’s University. 

Tell us about a favorite project highlight.

One of the many things I enjoy about working at Facebook is the constant push to be a leader in workplace innovation. Facebook has significant sustainability commitments, such as being water positive and aiming to have net zero emissions across our value chain by 2030. As a member of our Facility Operations Sustainability Action Team, I am proud to support these initiatives on an ongoing basis.

One fun sustainability project we recently completed is the installation of two rooftop beehives at our NYC office. These beehives provide pollinator habitat, support biodiversity in our neighborhood, and provide many employee engagement opportunities through educational workshops. And, yes! We will be receiving honey, something the Facebook culinary team looks forward to sustainably incorporating into our menu offerings.

Tell us about a challenge or obstacle that you face in the Real Estate/Facilities world.

Constantly innovating and accommodating growing organizations is a welcome challenge that is omnipresent in the Real Estate/Facilities world. It is critical to have a forward-thinking, strategic perspective at all times, while not losing sight of the important, day-to-day engagement that fosters a positive workplace experience.  

What learning experience would you pass onto future FMs?

Never stop learning; get involved; and challenge yourself. This field is constantly evolving, thus it is important to have a fresh perspective and to be able to anticipate what lies around corners. Make the opportunity to attend IFMA’s offerings, volunteer, and pay it forward whenever possible.