Phil Fluhr Joins Applewood in New Operations Management Role

Phil Fluhr joined Applewood in February, taking on a new Operations management position as Manager of Facilities Management, reporting to Ramon Vargas, Director of Building Services. Applewood Building Services encompasses a wide expanse of responsibilities covering over 600,000 square feet of buildings on Applewood’s 40-acre campus. The department is active 24/7 and 365 days per year.

Prior to joining Applewood, Phil was a Building Services Manager for an international infrastructure group overseeing construction and mechanical maintenance for a large military housing complex in New Jersey.

“Because Applewood is growing, adding new technology and upgrading our mechanical services, it was time to add a new level of management to ensure a seamless flow of operations,” says Ray Vargas. “Phil brings a wealth of expertise, including firsthand experience working with new equipment and technology and providing great customer service.”

Twelve employees report to Phil, who maintains a wide range of operations functions, including utilities, construction, safety and technology. “Our primary role is to provide outstanding customer service to our stakeholders, the residents, and ensure they have the best possible experience living at Applewood every day,” Phil explains. “My team is working behind the scenes day and night to proactively troubleshoot issues and prepare for external events well in advance.”

Phil notes that one short-term management priority is optimizing the department’s workflow to address issues quickly and effectively. “There is already a fantastic team of talented professionals in place here at Applewood,” Phil explains. “I aim to ensure they have the tools to do the most efficient job possible to successfully serve our residents and staff.”

A Jersey Shore native and father of four children, Phil enjoys spending time at the beach with his family and three-legged pup and improving his golf game at Shore-area courses.

Applewood currently has 17 full-time and part-time career opportunities in Operations, Dining Services and Clinical Services. Visit Careers to learn more about a career working with the CentraState Healthcare System family: https://applewood.com/careers/