Binns has a hat for every occasion at Reinhart

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Ken Binns describes himself as someone who likes to stay in the background at work. But as the facilities manager for Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, Binns is at the helm of various front-and-center firm operations, from supervising front desk reception and client services to managing its catering team and overseeing office maintenance.

Binns started working for Reinhart as a contractor in the copy center in 2002 before he was hired on full-time in 2008. In his role as facilities manager, he supervises a team of six people plus one part-time staff member. On paper, his job is to oversee the firm’s buildings, catering and reception. But Binns says “facilities manager” is just a title — he’ll jump in wherever help is needed. Binns also remotely supports Reinhart’s offices in Chicago and Phoenix.

The role requires him to wear many different hats.

“If Ken actually had a hat for all the hats he wears, Reinhart would need to build him additional storage space,” said Andrew Quackenboss, Reinhart chief financial officer.

Currently, Binns is helping the firm plan for extensive renovations at its Milwaukee and Madison offices. Binns has also been central in helping the firm recover from disasters; he headed clean-up and repair work after Reinhart’s Milwaukee office had suffered extensive water damage several years ago.

“I regularly admire Ken’s superb and oft-exercised problem-solving skills. He no doubt enjoys the challenge of sticking with a problem until it is resolved,” Quackenboss said.

Binns says the chance his job gives him to go the extra mile to overcome difficulties is one of his favorite parts of the work.

“We have requests great and small, so it keeps me active,” Binns said. “Keeping things going, trying to anticipate problems and trying to address issues when they arise so our attorneys and staff can continue about their day uninterrupted — that’s something I appreciate.”

Beyond the dexterity he has shown as a leader and problem-solver, Binns’s kindness and sense of humor are an invaluable asset to the firm, Quackenboss said.

“Because of Ken, our staff and attorneys enjoy walking off the elevator every morning to work in the welcoming, efficient environment he has helped create and maintain,” he said.

When he’s not in the office, Binns enjoys spending time with his wife, family and friends. He is also an active member of his church.
“We’re just normal, down-to-earth people,” Binns said. “That’s the energy I try to bring to work — let’s just get it done and have fun doing it, too.”