Co-Founder of Chain Store Maintenance receives highest honor for ConnexFM members, recognizing outstanding contributions to the multi-site/retail facility management profession
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Attleboro, MA – April 16, 2025 – Chain Store Maintenance, an MCS Company,
announced co-founder John Catanese was recognized by ConnexFM with the Lawrence W. Whelan ConnexFM Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor for members of the prominent multi-site facilities network. The award was presented to Mr. Catanese during the Awards Gala ceremony at the recent CONNEX2025 National Conference, held April 9 in Denver, CO.
The annual Lawrence W. Whelan Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes extraordinary accomplishments by ConnexFM (formerly PRSM) members, who have distinguished themselves by their career contributions to the multi-site/retail facility management profession.
Mr. Catanese was honored for his outstanding leadership, expertise, and lasting impact on both the industry and the ConnexFM community. He was a charter member of the ConnexFM organization, has sat on numerous committees, served two separate stints on the board of directors and is currently a member of their Legacy Council.
“I’m honored and humbled to receive this prestigious recognition,” notes Mr. Catanese. “It’s been a privilege to be a member of PRSM/ConnexFM for over 30 years and I remain grateful for the support I’ve received from the organization and fellow members who represent some of the most talented facility management professionals in our industry.”
Mr. Catanese co-founded Chain Store Maintenance in 1991 with Steve Hopkins and began developing a service provider network offering interior facility repair, maintenance, and renovations to retail, restaurant, banking, lodging and other commercial properties across New England. Under his guidance, Chain Store has grown exponentially over the last three decades and since 1996 supports the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Guam. In early 2023, Chain Store Maintenance was acquired by MCS, a leading national property services company, to form a comprehensive commercial facilities maintenance company providing both interior and exterior services through a network of service partners and the company’s own self-performing service technicians.
“John has long set an example for all of us through his commitment to facility management and customer-centric focus, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition,” notes Andrew Nolan, President, Commercial & Residential, MCS. “While we’ll never be able to fill John’s shoes, the next generation of professionals in our industry will do our best to follow his lead and carry on the core values he has demonstrated throughout his career.”
“John’s contributions to ConnexFM—dating back to our days as PRSM—have been nothing short of extraordinary,” added Bill Yanek, ConnexFM CEO. “His unwavering commitment to the facilities management and skilled trades industries has left a lasting imprint on our association and the broader community. What sets John apart is not just his professional expertise, but his relentless dedication to lifting others up—whether they are longtime colleagues or emerging professionals just finding their way in the industry.”
About the Lawrence W. Whelan ConnexFM Lifetime Achievement Award:
The Lawrence W. Whelan ConnexFM Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to professionals that have achieved prominence in their careers, served a minimum of 20 years in retail facility maintenance, been ConnexFM/PRSM members for at least 10 years, actively participated in ConnexFM committees or boards, made significant contributions to the organization, and are widely respected for their integrity and stature. This award celebrates a lifetime of accomplishments in the industry, emphasizing professionalism, leadership, and character. The award’s namesake, Lawrence W. Whelan was an industry pioneer who led the industry through his commitment to continued education and service expertise.
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About Chain Store Maintenance – an MCS Company
Chain Store Maintenance – an MCS Company, provides comprehensive, multi-site facilities maintenance services on thousands of commercial properties across the country. Core exterior services include landscaping, snow removal, backflow and parking lot maintenance, with interior services covering handyman, electrical, locksmith, plumbing, pest control, fire extinguisher maintenance and much more. The Company’s hybrid service delivery model combines self-performing capabilities in key markets with an expansive network of 30,000+ certified service partners to ensure work is completed no matter where properties are located. The Chain Store Maintenance technology platform seamlessly integrates with the leading FM systems, ensuring smooth processing and reporting on all work orders. Learn more at ChainStore.com.
About ConnexFM
ConnexFM, formerly known as PRSM, is the leading membership organization for multi-site facilities managers and supplier professionals. Established in 1995, and based in Irving, TX, ConnexFM empowers facilities management professionals with events, best practices, benchmarking, education, discussion forums and trusted partnerships. Members depend upon ConnexFM to help them achieve greater success and a competitive advantage through quality programs and resources. For more information visit www.connexfm.com.