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As CFMS founder Mel James has entered into his retirement, some of the staff of CFMS Consulting Inc. put down their reflections and well wishes. Twenty years of leadership and friendship has left a mark, as you will see in the following:
As highlighted in October news at CFMS’s interactive and evolving website (www.cfms.ca), Melville (Mel) James, the founder and driving force at CFMS Consulting Inc since its inception in 1992, officially retired on September 27, 2013. He will continue to visit the office and perform limited functions for the time being as he has for the last few years.
Mel brought me into the CFMS fold in 1992, having convinced me to help him pursue his dream of providing independent commissioning services to Clients. Up to then I had been a mechanical design engineer with Smith + Andersen Consulting Engineering. My HVAC design background, coupled with Mel’s expertise in controls and building automation was a strong basis for the Company going forward. Over the last two decades, Mel has helped direct myself and our fellow colleagues in reviewing, assessing and providing commissioning services to our growing Clientele on many aspects of the various HVAC and electrical systems. He has strived to encourage us to be better at what we do, to engage and participate in the various resources and amenities available to us to keep abreast of the ever changing technology, and most importantly to be better persons with those around us.
I and my fellow employees will forever value his presence and guidance going forward, as we strive to make CFMS ever more viable and exciting in the years to come.
Ed Trueman
I first met Mel James while working as a controls contractor. Mel was representing the consultant and conducting a site inspection and witnessing the controls demonstration. It was not until several years later that my resume was forwarded to Mel and fortunately he remembered meeting on the project. And as they say, “The rest is history.” Mel has been a mentor to many and has provided the opportunity for everyone who has passed through the doors of CFMS to increase their knowledge and advance their careers. He fostered a great working atmosphere, where employees are considered to be part of a family. Mel is a generous person. I wish him all the best in this next chapter.
Wendy Collins
I have had the pleasure of knowing Mel for almost eighteen years. Mel is a very unique individual as he always impacts those around him in very positive ways. Mel had and still has that direct impact on me both professionally and personally. I feel very fortunate to know Mel and am glad to be part of his journey into retirement. It’s a rare and special thing to have someone play such a significant role in one’s life and am honoured to call Mel my mentor but more importantly, my very good and close friend.
Chris Aaltonen
I first met Mel when I was working at St. Michael’s Hospital back in the 90’s, and was fortunate to be brought on board doing contract work with CFMS after having my first son. Mel introduced me to a whole new world in Commissioning. I will always look back fondly on my first couple of years full time with CFMS, as I spent much of it under Mel’s wing taking trips all over southern Ontario to countless job sites. He always behaved as a friend and mentor, encouraging next steps of growth. I’ve now seen him offer this gift to everyone who came on board as CFMS grew over the years, and don’t think that anyone – from students, to administrative staff, to senior team members – could say he didn’t touch their lives in a special way. After years of hard work, I wish Mel all the best as he retires!
Kristine Quan
It was an emotional day to see Mel James retire officially. I never thought that he would retire so soon because he was always so active in our industry, but he certainly deserves it. He has contributed a lot with his valuable knowledge and insight. Moreover, he has definitely enriched my life professionally and personally. Most importantly, his encouragement for us to think outside of the box was what made working at CFMS so satisfying. His presence in the office will be sorely missed.
Vanessa Leung
Working with Mel has been a wonderful experience. From my first day starting with CFMS, Mel was always there to provide a helping hand, offer advice, and teach – one thing I believe he does extremely well. With his experience in both the working world and in personal life, he is able to look at any situation and provide great advice and insight. His enthusiasm is always felt around the office.
Jurij Dziuba
When I came to CFMS Consulting in 2010, I was fresh out of university and new to Toronto, having just moved from St. John’s, Newfoundland. Starting a new job always has its challenges, but starting a new career in a new city is not for the faint of heart. That being said, when I first met Mel James, he immediately set my nerves at ease with a friendly “So, this is our new friend from the East Coast, eh b’y?”. Always quick with advice, a laugh and a slap on the back, Mel has been a positive role model in the last 3 years of my life and a well of knowledge to tap for second opinions, serious questions or bouncing ideas off of. Mel will be missed at CFMS, but he will most certainly not be forgotten, and I wish him nothing but the best in his future, be it family endeavours, new business opportunities or breaking par on the course.
AJ Hearn
“Mel James, is one of the few individuals in the commissioning and facility management industry, who always loved to share is knowledge without hesitation at CFMS and at seminars to educate the new graduates from colleges, university and building operations staff in the building automation, commissioning and facility management field.
At CFMS, Mel has been a guru to me and my colleagues in the building automation, commissioning and facility management field.
Mel has always taken the time, sometimes stopping the work he did, to clearly explain and answer to our questions in the building automation and commissioning field in a manner we all understood. We will miss his services in the days to come”.
Balaratnam Mahadeva
I started my job in CFMS in 2010 and I believe I was lucky that I got to know Mel and worked with him before his retirement. I never felt that he was the boss but a real mentor and friend. He was always available to answer my questions describing the details on a paper or whiteboard. He shares his broad range of knowledge and experience of work and life with everyone and I am grateful for all the advice he gave me on how to manage and struggle with difficulties at work and in my life. Your generous and kind character will always linger in my mind and I am so thankful for all you have taught me.
Daryoush Marandi
I have known Mel for only a short time, but long enough to see that he has a passion for what he does in both life and work. Mel: I have a great deal of respect for you, and I hope that you enjoy a wonderful and very well deserved retirement.
Amy Hsiao