Have you ever attended an event in the Innovation Quarter? Or stepped foot in one of the many buildings that comprise the innovation district? If so, you’ve reaped the rewards of a job well done by behind-the-scenes people working in the Innovation Quarter.
A bustling ecosystem of people living, working, learning, and socializing on more than 330 acres of space, the iQ is powered by a group of people whose work is mission-critical within the iQ–even though they fly under the radar.
These behind-the-scenes individuals keep the Innovation Quarter’s buildings themselves in working order. They ensure everyone is safe and secure when they come to the iQ to work, to play, or to learn. They work hard to keep the many buildings that make up the iQ clean, well-equipped, and welcoming. The iQ wouldn’t be what it is without these unsung heroes.
These essential workers work for a handful of companies–Cushman & Wakefield, Sunstates Security, and United Maintenance Corporation (UMC)–that manage the property and buildings in the iQ, provide security, and perform vital maintenance.
Though there are many people working in the Innovation Quarter to keep it running, the three heroes in this article will give you a peek into the significant contributions the group as a whole make to the iQ each and every day.
MacKenzie King, Keeping Everything Squeaky Clean
In her four years working in the Innovation Quarter, MacKenzie King, project manager for United Maintenance Corporation (UMC), has always taken pride in her work, not just keeping areas clean, but also setting up for various needs throughout the iQ. In addition to keeping iQ buildings clean and at the ready during regular business hours, she also works events in Bailey Park, Biotech, Coal Pit, and BGCME.
“[UMC] takes care of many things, from setting up classrooms to working high-profile events, in addition to basic janitorial duties,” King says. “As you can imagine, the constant hustle and bustle of the iQ keeps me pretty busy, and no two days are ever the same.”
King’s days as project manager begin by making sure all areas of the iQ are properly staffed, and the team also performs quality inspections to determine where to focus their energy that day. They work closely with the Cushman & Wakefield property management team to make sure the buildings are functioning well.
Toward the end of each day, King follows up with her team to get a sense of what was accomplished that day, what additional work remains or supplies are needed, and more. In addition to those tasks, King takes care of payroll, invoicing, and other necessary paperwork, so the responsibilities of her role are broad.
“This young lady started with me a few years ago during COVID, performing disinfection cleaning,” Heather Freeman shares. As area manager of UMC, Freeman oversees maintenance services in the iQ and was impressed with King from the start.
“Her skills were above and beyond expectation, so I moved her to various positions throughout the campus,” Freeman says.
As a self-described “science nerd,” King loves being amidst the research happening at the Innovation Quarter. She also appreciates the various relationships she’s been able to develop thanks to her job.
“You never know who you will meet, what you will learn, or who or what someone might introduce you to,” King says.
Dale Moody, Keeping Everyone Comfortable
Moody has been working in the Innovation Quarter for close to a decade. As senior maintenance technician, he helps monitor the building systems that control the units on the roofs, the boilers, the chillers, air and heating systems, and more. Thanks to Moody, everyone in the iQ enjoys comfortable temperatures and well-functioning buildings–things most of us don’t think about unless they aren’t working properly.
“Every day is a challenge because you never quite know what you’re going to be doing when you come in,” Moody says.
Moody is part of a five-person maintenance team with Cushman & Wakefield, which manages many of the iQ’s buildings. He describes the team as a close-knit group. He has worked with some of his current co-workers at other facilities and even went to school with one of them.
“Don’t let his last name (Moody) fool you. Dale is our go-to guy for anything and everything when it comes to building operations,” Robia Gross says. Gross is general manager at Cushman and Wakefield and has worked with Moody for two years.
“Dale not only keeps Bailey Power Plant in order, but he is also often seen in our other buildings helping with special projects and filling in for his other team members,” Gross continues. “The iQ is near and dear to his heart, and he is–without a doubt–proud to work here.”
Moody says he loves working in the Innovation Quarter because it’s such a great environment. When he’s not on duty keeping buildings running smoothly, he sometimes brings his wife, daughter, and grandchildren to the iQ to enjoy concerts and restaurants. (Barcelona Burger is his top iQ restaurant recommendation, by the way!)
Gwen Vereen, Keeping Everyone Safe
Gwen Vereen has been part of the iQ security team for close to four years, and many around the iQ–Wake Forest students in particular–will recognize her welcoming, familiar face. As site security supervisor with Sunstates Security, she helps oversee safety and security in the Innovation Quarter by promoting security protocols, responding to security incidents, and making sure it’s a safe environment for everyone.
“I enjoy being around the faculty and the students,” Vereen says. “They really make my day when I see them, and I love that the students all have their own personality.”
“Gwen keeps our security team operating smoothly with a lot of things happening behind the scenes, and she does it with a smile,” says Lindsey Schwab, who is director of community relations at the iQ.
“Gwen has a lot of officers to keep up with, and she schedules and backfills shifts when there are conflicts, not to mention getting staff to fill in extra shifts when we ask for it,” Schwab says. “She is reliable, dependable, and consistent. We couldn’t ask for anything more from her.”
Before being promoted to site supervisor, Vereen worked at the security desk at the Bowman Gray Center for Medical Education (BGCME) building every day. Now, in her new role, she spends time in different buildings across the iQ.
“When I worked with the students every day, I used to put up signs to encourage them before test days and give them snacks and things like that,” Vereen says. “I would see them every day and know that everyone was working so hard. I tried to do little things to make them feel good.”
Though Vereen’s day-to-day looks a bit different than it once did, she still loves working in the Innovation Quarter and says it gives her a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
“It’s an honor being part of the Innovation Quarter, and I love that I learn a lot of things here and that I’m able to help people,” Vereen says. “It’s a special group of people in the Innovation Quarter.”
Take note of these faces and names, and be sure to say “hi” and “thank you” if you happen to run into them working in the Innovation Quarter! After all, the iQ wouldn’t be nearly the place it is without Moody, Vereen, King, and their teammates.
To learn more about the iQ and the mission that these individuals (and many others!) help bring to life, read about our mission.
