Aundrea Aimaro – Thoreau Facility Services

Aundrea Aimaro, as the Service Director for Thoreau Facility Services, has been at the helm of the company’s operational and service departments, ensuring seamless management across two major branches.

Over the past two years, she has been pivotal in setting high standards, fostering team development, and advancing the company’s growth. Leading a team of around 50 employees, with members in locations such as Illinois, California, Las Vegas, Florida, North Carolina and even the Philippines, Aimaro has cultivated a culture of collaboration and efficiency.

“Leading this team over the past two years has been an incredible journey,” Aimaro says. “I’ve focused on setting high standards, fostering collaboration, and building a culture of efficiency. Seeing our team grow and contribute to the company’s success across multiple locations has been truly rewarding.”

With a structured leadership approach, she directly oversees regional managers and indirectly leads assistant regional managers, coordinators and customer service representatives. She ensures that every layer of the service department functions smoothly by maintaining open communication and providing daily check-ins with direct reports. Her proactive style helps streamline operations and boosts morale, ensuring employees feel supported and empowered to perform at their best.

Thoreau specializes in repair and maintenance, special projects and janitorial services, catering primarily to retailers, restaurants, co-working spaces, and dental offices. Under Aimaro’s leadership, the company has expanded its client roster by implementing strategic relationship-building tactics. Instead of relying on traditional cold-calling, Aimaro and her team take a consultative approach—educating potential clients about Thoreau’s services, identifying their specific needs, and tailoring solutions accordingly.

Developing her people

One of Aimaro’s key focuses is on professional development within her team. She has implemented annual career development plans, dedicating time to understanding each individual’s career goals and aspirations.

“I strongly believe that investing in employee growth directly contributes to the company’s success. My philosophy is simple: employees become unstoppable when confident and aligned with the company’s vision,” Aimaro explains.

Beyond the structured management of day-to-day operations, Aimaro’s leadership extends to mentorship and fostering a positive workplace culture. She encourages team members to take ownership of their roles, eliminate unnecessary apologies, and confidently embrace their positions. Particularly in a company where women dominate leadership, she ensures that every team member, regardless of gender, feels valued and supported. Her hands-on leadership and open-door policy have significantly impacted employee retention and satisfaction, solidifying Thoreau’s reputation as a company prioritizing its workforce.

Driving partner growth

While Aimaro oversees service operations, her role extends into sales and client relations. She is heavily involved in client engagement, nurturing existing relationships, and attracting new clients. By leveraging her ability to build meaningful connections, she has significantly contributed to Thoreau Facility Services’ overarching goal of continuous expansion and service excellence.

Another initiative Aimaro spearheads is vendor management. While Thoreau employs a hybrid model of in-house services and subcontracted vendors, Aimaro ensures that vendor relationships remain strong and beneficial. Some of these vendor partnerships span over 20 years, a testament to the trust and dependability that Thoreau has cultivated under her guidance.

“We are always onboarding new vendors to enhance service capabilities and broaden coverage areas, keeping pace with evolving industry demands,” she says.

Trade shows, client meetings, and vendor summits are also key aspects of Aimaro’s work. She actively participates in these industry events to showcase Thoreau’s capabilities, network with key stakeholders, and stay ahead of emerging trends.

“These efforts have increased visibility for Thoreau Facility Services and positioned the company as an industry leader in facility management solutions,” Aimaro notes.

Smart spend and industry engagement

Beyond operational management and client relations, Aimaro plays a key role in the Smart Spend Program. This innovative program is designed to optimize client expenditures by analyzing historical data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and areas for cost savings. By leveraging this data-driven approach, Thoreau provides clients with customized solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

The Smart Spend Program reflects Thoreau’s dedication to superior client service. The program empowers clients to make informed decisions about their facility management investments by offering detailed insights into spending patterns. Notably, this initiative is not limited to existing clients—it is also provided as a value-added service to attract new business.

“By demonstrating a commitment to transparency and cost-effectiveness, Thoreau sets itself apart from competitors in the industry,” Aimaro says.

Aimaro is also passionate about increasing Thoreau’s involvement in the broader facilities management community. She recognizes the importance of community engagement in strengthening client relationships and contributing to the advancement of the industry. Through corporate social responsibility efforts and participation in local and national industry events, Thoreau enhances its visibility and fosters collaboration with clients and competitors.

By engaging in industry-wide conversations and giving back to the community, Aimaro ensures that Thoreau Facility Services remains a key player in shaping the future of facility management. Her vision extends beyond the company’s immediate success—she aims to drive collective progress in the field, positioning Thoreau as a forward-thinking and community-conscious organization.

Aimaro’s impact on Thoreau Facility Services is multifaceted. From building a high-performing team to nurturing client relationships and driving innovative initiatives like the Smart Spend Program, she has proven an invaluable leader within the company. Her emphasis on mentorship, professional development, and strategic growth has enhanced Thoreau’s internal operations and contributed to its expanding presence in the facility management industry.

With a career marked by rapid advancement and a steadfast commitment to excellence, Aimaro continues to be a driving force behind Thoreau’s success. Her leadership exemplifies blending operational efficiency with a people-first approach, ensuring that employees and clients receive the highest level of support and service. As Thoreau Facility Services moves forward, Aimaro’s influence will continue to shape the company’s trajectory, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier facility management provider.

“Facility management is more than just operations—it’s about building relationships, fostering innovation, and contributing to a stronger industry. At Thoreau, we’re not just keeping up; we’re setting the standard for what’s next,” she says.