FM Spotlight

Ryan Baumann - IAC

Published on: August 1, 2022

“Ryan is a true professional who, from the start, has taken the lead to improve the performance of IAC’s iconic HQ facility,” said Luis A. Acevedo, Head of Corporate Facilities for IAC. “Aside from taking the day-to-day facilities operations to the next level through his technical skills, he has also been able to significantly improve the building’s energy performance to achieve ENERGY STAR certification. He is highly regarded as being a top performer and an outstanding leader and is a great pleasure to work with.” 

Ryan Baumann is the Senior Operations and Facilities Manager for IAC, managing IAC’s iconic Frank Gehry-designed building in NYC. He is responsible for overseeing the daily management of Facilities and Operations and is a key member in supporting the company’s Environmental Social Governance program through Energy and Sustainability initiatives.

What is one thing no one knows about you?

From ages 19 through 23 I served in The United States Air Force, where I worked as a Security Forces Specialist. I was assigned to base in the Mid-West, where I guarded nuclear weapons and a squadron of subsonic heavy bombers.

How did you get into the Facilities/Workplace field?

When I separated from The Air Force, after having completed my enlistment, I got a job as a handyman while I attended college. It was there that I got my first taste of the trades and learned the basics of electrical, HVAC and plumbing. I managed to secure an internship at NYU Langone Medical Center, where I was asked to stay on full time as an Assistant Operations Manager after I graduated.

Tell us about a favorite project highlight.

One of the first projects I pushed for when I started at IAC was an LED retrofit of all of the fluorescent, CFL and halogen fixtures in the building. We received an original quote of nearly $320,000, however, with careful planning and negotiating, I was able to drive the cost down to under $215,000 by handling the recycling of the old lamps, purchasing the new materials with ConEd rebates, and by going out to bid for the remainder. We were able to shave roughly a year off of the payback period and are due to break even on the project by early 2024.

What is your greatest success story?

While working full time and starting a family, I was able to earn an MBA from Rutgers University. The experiences and lessons learned have helped shape how I view my role in FM and have given me the tools and insights needed to be an effective leader.

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

Getting people to notice and appreciate the importance of the Facilities function is a constant challenge. When nothing goes wrong, it almost always goes unnoticed, but when something happens, it serves as a giant spotlight on the perceived failures or shortcomings of the department. This is where the power of forethought is most valuable. Anticipating challenges and diligent planning can head off most of the problems that can reflect poorly on the department. The remainder can be managed with careful pragmatism and the management of expectations.

What learning experience would you pass onto future FMs?

Invest in yourself and your team. Recognize that your successes and failures rest a great deal in the hands of those around you. Hire the right people for the job and equip them with all of the tools they need to succeed.

Interviewed by Sonya Verny, MCR.w, IFMA NYC Secretary & Executive Committee Oversight for the Communications Committee