EMAIL INTERVIEW – Paul Oswald and Ken Sinclair

Paul Oswald, Managing Director, CBRE ESI

Paul has over 30 years of experience in building automation, system integration and energy management. His experience includes product strategy and development, business and channel development, and services.

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Sinclair:  ESI is now part of CBRE.  What are the plans for the future?

Oswald:  In a word, growth.  As part of CBRE’s Global Energy and Sustainability team, CBRE|ESI brings its experience and capabilities in smart buildings, building efficiency, system integration and building optimization to CBRE’s clients, in addition to serving our existing clients and the overall market.  It is a tremendous opportunity and we’re proud to be an integral part of the global leader in real estate services.

Sinclair:  Does this mean there are any changes in terms of what ESI does, its location, etc.?

Oswald:  Other than growth as I mentioned, nothing changes.  We will continue to serve this industry with innovative solutions and thought leadership, and we will remain based in Brookfield, WI.  That said, I expect that our growth will find us expanding to other locations to meet the needs of our clients.

Sinclair:  You’ve talked a lot about the need to effectively manage our only real asset – talent.  What’s new with regard to that?

Oswald:  I don’t think there’s anything really new as much as the on-going commitment to build on what we’ve been doing and continue to do the things necessary to attract and develop the best talent possible.  That is how we deliver value for our clients.  As part of CBRE, these efforts will continue in order to support our growth.

Sinclair:  Are you seeing any significant changes in the industry?

Oswald:  Other than just a tremendous proliferation of new entrants to the market for smart building solutions, no; but that in itself is a big thing.  There are so many new technologies and yet they all seem to be saying the same thing; cloud-based, big data, IoT, etc..  The problem is I don't see nearly as many people talking about the business drivers for the solution.  Simply put, why?  Why do you want a smart building, what are the business drivers for it, what are the expected outcomes you are trying to achieve, what does a successful solution look like?  The industry has a tremendous focus on the technology and a fixation on the buzzwords, but for what purpose?

Sinclair:  What are your thoughts on this year’s IBCon?

Oswald:  Overall good.  I think the conversations this year were better than last year and the subject matter had more substance.  We need to work on getting more prospective clients to this event since there is much to learn and this event has really done a great job of bringing together the best the industry has to offer in one location.