ConnexFM2026 Session: Unlocking Facility Potential: Harnessing IoT and AI Through Remote Equipment Monitoring
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This session provides an objective exploration of the evolution and integration of Remote Equipment Monitoring (REM) as an Internet of Things (IoT) and Building Automation solution within modern facility management. Attendees will learn how REM platforms leverage networked device connectivity and AI-driven analytics to deliver real-time asset data, proactive maintenance alerts, and operational insights. The session demystifies the core technologies behind REM, explaining how IoT sensors, data aggregation, and machine learning together create actionable visibility for facility managers across distributed commercial portfolios. Industry challenges such as workforce shortages and the pressure to maximize uptime are addressed through the lens of digital transformation, showing how smart monitoring tools are reshaping daily operations and long-term strategy for facility professionals seeking a competitive technological edge.
Clayton Callander
President
Impact Service Group
Clayton Callander is the President of Impact Service Group, a National HVAC Facilities Management firm located in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Clayton is new to the HVAC facility management business, but knows his way around the equipment - his first job after college included operating two R-114 chill water systems on a US Navy Submarine.
Clayton graduated from the US Naval Academy in 2013 with a Naval Architecture degree, then specialized in nuclear engineering. After working in the US Submarine Force for 7 years, he went to Harvard Business School, graduating in 2021. His first job as a civilian was in corporate strategy at Avis Budget Group. After a year there, he was asked to run Atlanta operations at Flexcar, a vehicle subscription startup that Avis was the main investor in.
Sensing that there were cooler (pun intended) careers out there and wanting to get back to his engineering roots, Clayton moved to Impact Service Group, working with Rich and Mark to help build the company for the future. They are rapidly modernizing the company, moving systems to the cloud and integrating IoT devices to allow customers and vendors access to real-time equipment data.
Rich Wetchler
Owner and Chief Growth Officer
Impact Service Group
Rich Wetchler is the Owner and Chief Growth Officer of Impact Service Group, a National HVAC Facilities Management firm located in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Rich has been around the HVAC facility management business for his entire life as his father was an integral part of the success of Sure Air Ltd., the pioneers of National HVAC service management for multi-location properties. Rich graduated Oneonta University in 1989 with a Financial Management degree. After 9 months working in the accounting world, Rich threw away his pencils and calculator and started his first job in the facility management field as a District Manager with Sure Air. Throughout his 11 years with the company, Rich continued to expand upon his HVAC technical expertise and learn the different aspects of the business. Working his way through various positions within the company, Rich was ultimately promoted to Director of Customer Relations. After Sure Air, he and Mark Benson (lifelong friend and work colleague) together opened Impact Service Group in 2002 with a sole focus on commercial HVAC management. For the past 23 years, with Mark focused on building the contractor network and Rich growing and managing the customer base and operations, the business has thrived. Even after 23 years, Rich and Mark are still best friends - most of the time!