Johnny Fichter, zone facility technician IV, facilities management and planning operations, cares for the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s still-new main building near the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Scott Campus.
And it’s an incredible facility. MMI Director Karoly Mirnics, MD, PhD, called it “a dream literally come true” upon its opening in 2021.
The building features 98,342 square feet (two football fields) of carpet. It’s covered by 5,380 gallons of paint. It’s made of 2,384 cubic yards of concrete.
It has:
- 906 doors (many of them motion-activated);
- 4,167 fixtures;
- At least 240 cameras.
Chillers. Cooling towers. Boilers and humidifiers.
An iconic wind-powered kinetic sculpture titled “Soar.”
Sinks and toilets aplenty, many of them lower and harder to work on.
And let’s not forget two swimming pools and a splash pad water play area. Each with an assortment of pipes and motors that must be maintained, with water that must be properly chemically balanced to ensure safety and health.
Fichter is tasked with caring for all of this, as the lone facilities tech to work at MMI full time.
He insisted he is not doing all this himself. “If I ask for help, help comes,” he said. “I’m not on an island all by myself.”
But for the most part, yes, day to day, he kind of is taking care of this incredible building by himself.
It’s a huge job.
He has more to keep up with than he ever has, in his 20 years at UNMC. And yet, “I told my wife,” Fichter said, “I feel so much more complete and so much more satisfied” working here in the new MMI building.
He loves having a connection to the clients and their families who come in. And he loves being a part of the team that works with these clients and their families.
“I’m just one of the many people who do a great job every day,” Fichter said.
His co-workers, supervisors and med center leadership agree. Fichter is the latest winner of UNMC’s Gold U award, given out six times a year to employees who consistently deliver outstanding performance and service to the university. The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will bestow upon him its KUDOS honor at its October meeting on Friday.
“Johnny looks for the best way to repair and maintain this beautiful facility we were entrusted with,” said Melonie Welsh, Robert F. and Myrna L. Krohn associate professor and director of community engagement at MMI, one of Fichter’s nominators. “His attention and respect for the building, ultimately lets the individuals we serve and their families know that they are valued and welcome at MMI.”
His pride, energy and respect are “infectious,” for anyone he comes across each day, Welsh said.
He’s in contact constantly with everyone across the organizational chart to ensure that each of the facility’s unique features is up and running to meet its unique usage needs.
That’s another challenge. Fichter has a degree in heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and that was his specialty through much of his UNMC career. In facilities management and planning, he’s worked in all three of the med center’s zones of patient care, education and research. But caring for the MMI building means he needs to be an expert in all kinds of things – including some aspects of facilities management he hadn’t previously thought of. “I’ve learned to adapt,” he said.
He ensures a kinetic sculpture moves freely. He’s hung more pictures than he’d ever imagined.
And, “I got my pool operator’s license,” he said.
Chemicals, pumps, heaters. He might spend 30% of his daily workday on the splash pad and pools.
But that still leaves 70% on … everything else, much of which must be uniquely suited to the unique needs of this unique place. He’s trying to train himself to learn to call for help when he does need an extra hand. But mostly, he said, “I just try to prioritize things.”
He used to wear boots to work. But now it’s tennis shoes, the better to help him cover the facility’s 220,078 square feet. He lifts a foot to show the wear on the soles. Almost time for a new pair. He’s in constant motion, keeping up with maintenance and repairs.
“It’s a lot,” he admitted.
But that’s OK. This has been the busiest and best job he’s had. He knows who he is working with. He knows who he is working for. He loves seeing their faces, as he greets them when they go by.
“It makes you feel good inside,” he said.
Congratulations Johnny – you do an amazing job and are always there when we call with any concerns. This is so well-deserved. You always have a smile on your face and know everyone’s name. Thanks Johnny!!
As busy as we all know that Johnny is, he is always pleasant and helpful! MMI is so lucky to have him! Congratulations, Johnny, on this well-deserved honor!
Congratulations – well deserved, Johnny! You work so hard for us and always have an amazing attitude. Thank you for all you do!
Congratulations!
Way to go Johnny!
Johnny, I don’t know what we would do without you. Congratulations well deserved!!! Christy
Johnny, thank you for being such a valuable member of the MMI team. Your contributions and dedication have made a real difference, and MMI truly appreciates everything you do.
Congratulations Johnny! It is a well-deserved recognition!
Congratulations Johnny! After working with you since you started at UNMC, it is great to see you being recognized for your contribution to the literal structure of our system. Thank you for your kindness, smile, and positivity you bring to the workplace.
Congratulations, Johnny! You truly deserve this award! MMI is incredibly fortunate to have you on our team!
Best Possum Wrangler this side of the Missouri! Thanks for all you do, Johnny.
Congratulations, Johnny! This is very well deserved. Here’s to 20 more years (hopefully) at MMI. ; )
Congratulations Johnny!! You have always been awesome, now you really get a chance to show everyone your skills and personality. I am so happy for you!
Congratulations Johnny on this well deserved honor!
Way to go Johnny, great guy.
Congratulations, Johnny! It’s so great to see your work being recognized this way. You are a tremendous asset to the UNMC community (and we miss you in Bennett Hall)!! Thank you for all that you do!
Congrats, Johnny – great story, Kalani!
Congratulations, Johnny. Well-deserved. We miss seeing you on the main campus, though 🙂
Congratulations Johnny! This is well deserved and great recognition for a long-term colleague at UNMC. You’ve always done a great job at whatever you are tasked with and go above and beyond to provide the best service possible which has always been appreciated!
Johnny has truly become an integral part of our department and I’m thrilled to see him recognized. He goes above and beyond each day and brings joy to the people around him at MMI. This ‘Jack of all trades’ really makes UNMC a better place and I can’t think of a person who deserves a Gold U award more than him. Congrats Johnny!!
I knew him when…. before he was famous 🙂 Congrats Johnny! Well deserved.
You are so deserving!! Congratulations!!
Congrats Johnny!! we are lucky to have you as a member of the MMI family!! award well deserved
Congratulations, Johnny!!
Congratulations, Johnny!!! You have ALWAYS been a bright & shining star on campus, and you make everyone’s day better just being you!!!
This award is a testament to your skill, creativity, and determination. Congratulations on your success.
Congratulations and well deserved!!
Congratulations, Johnny – a well deserved award for the person who always works with a smile on his face!
Congratulations Johnny! Your commitment to the well-being of our participants, unwavering dedication to MMI’s mission and all your contributions to keep programs running smoothly is truly exceptional and this award is so well deserved!! We are lucky to have you on our team!
Congratulations on achieving this recognition for your tremendous level of accountability and work ethic. You have supported so many positive memories for others I feel this is a well deserved everlasting memory for you. Thank you for being a team member that consistently epitomizes our ITEACH values.
We are so grateful to have you on our MMI team, Johnny! You help make us better every day. Congratulations!
Congratulations, Johnny!! MMI appreciates everything you do, and we are grateful for your positive attitude and smile every day!! Thank you!!
MMI appreciates everything you do, and we are grateful for your positive attitude and smile every day!! Thank you and Congratulations, Johnny!!
He used to be our tech when I was in UT1. We were always happy when it was him to come help. He was always friendly and helpful! Congrats!!!
Johnny is an absolute blast to work with. Being on his team is a pleasure and I couldn’t be more excited for him to receive this award!
Congrats Johnny!
Congratulations, Johnny!! Well-deserved recognition!!
Congratulations Johnny! MMI is very fortunate to have you.
Thank you for all you do.
Sending high praise to Johnny for all his great efforts and customer service!
In my world, Johnny is usually called upon when there is a problem. He ALWAYS responds with a smile and ‘can do’ attitude. His attitude makes a precarious situation better every time. Thank you for all you do and for your incredible demeanor. You make us all better people!