Let’s say you own a business that’s about to expand or you’re about to build a facility for your new one. And let’s say you have no time to tend to that project. How do you manage?

That’s where Dennis Clark comes in. As Director of Engineering and Management, Facility Management Consulting Services (FMCS), he represents the owners in design and build from start to finish by overseeing the general contractor. He is concerned with the entire construction process, from site preparation (for example, interior demolition) through project completion (turning over the entire "file" to the owner).

Dennis can also act as project manager by coordinating the contractors, assisting in the design, including mechanical, engineering, plumbing (MEP), administering the contracts, and more. He is involved in every aspect of site development, such as MEP, ventilation, cost estimating, fire safety, acoustics, emergency escape, energy conservation.

According to Dennis, "Every project is a joint venture." Teams can include architects, engineers of all types, geological-technical personnel, plumbers, electricians and painters. He seemed especially pleased by the performance of AutoCAD Software, which allows the development, use and printout of architectural plans up to 42" wide and as big as a roll. In addition, users can work on the plans via email, which greatly cuts down on travel expenses.

Dennis has been in construction management and consulting since 1975. He began Facility Management Consulting Services after over 20 years experience. His projects have been wide ranging.

Among the varied projects he’s successfully overseen are: shopping centers; computer facilities; restaurants; hotels/motels; hospitals/medical/lab facilities; industrial buildings; judicial facilities; underground storage tanks; parking areas; recreational facilities. His work has taken him throughout the eastern US, from Andover, MA to King’s Bay, GA.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Dennis on-site at the Pub @ Brother’s Encore in the Montclair Shopping Center. A few years ago, he was contracted to oversee the construction of their second Italian restaurant. Now he’s working on the attached Irish pub, modestly pointing out the castle atmosphere he helped bring to fruition: plaster-effect painting, granita bar counter, decorative fireplace, candelabras, columns and more.

Dennis established FMCS in 1997. He has a BS in Mechanical Engineering and continues his education through classes, seminars and journals. He is a member of a number of associated societies, including the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), whose R&D work has led to many current products, such as restaurant air cleaners.

Dennis is also active in the Nokesville Ruritans and the NBA. He’s on the Ruritan’s entertainment committee for Nokesville Day and the NBA membership committee. He and wife, Donna, have three children, JinAh, Matthew and Chad, ranging from age 16 to 25.