OpticWise, Inc. – Converting Technology into a Thriving Source of Net Operating Income for Commercial Real Estate Owners

In the ever-evolving world of real estate, where digital transformation paves the way for success, OpticWise emerges as a trailblazer. Imagine a world where every office and apartment becomes a center of state-of-the-art technology, offering not just solutions but gateways to endless possibilities. OpticWise specializes in transforming technology and digital infrastructure, turning what was once a cumbersome overhead cost and a source of headaches into an asset that not only enhances tenant satisfaction but also generates income for Commercial Real Estate (CRE) owners.

Nestled in the picturesque Denver metro area of Colorado, OpticWise stands as the driving force behind innovative real estate projects that stretch across the nation. Their comprehensive management of connectivity and seamless mobility infrastructure solutions does more than just enhance communication and connectivity; it redefines the entire value proposition for property owners.

In an exclusive dialogue with CIO Bulletin, CEO Bill Douglas discussed how the company is providing cutting-edge technology to assist CRE owners and operators monetize the technology within their properties.

Interview Highlights

Q. What was the motivation behind starting OpticWise, Inc.?

The inception of OpticWise stemmed from the need to address connectivity challenges within multi-tenant real estate. Originally established as Summit Networks in 2005, we later rebranded as OpticWise in 2015, shifting our focus exclusively to apartments and office buildings. This transition was accompanied by significant investments in our SaaS platform, which underpins our distinctive 5S^® user experience.

OpticWise has garnered high regard from both Commercial Real Estate (CRE) owners and tenants, as we offer a premium solution for tenants and boast a team with extensive experience in managed services and deep technical expertise. Over eighteen years, we have assisted our clients in effectively managing tens of millions of square feet of commercial real estate, ensuring that owners maximize the financial returns from their technology assets.

Q. Can you explain about your services in brief?

OpticWise is all about enhancing the digital experience within today’s modern workplaces and multi-family residential buildings. We’ve distilled this experience into the 5S^® User Experience, characterized by Seamless Mobility, Security, Stability, Speed, and Service. By embedding these vital components into the user journey, both property owners and tenants reap the rewards. We empower property owners to effortlessly deliver the 5S^® user experience, which not only saves tenants time, headaches and money but also generates Net Operating Income (NOI) for property owners.

Of unique and major importance: The OpticWise Ultimate Privacy Policy, is a cornerstone of the 5S^® offering. We guarantee that no personal data is ever collected, stored, or shared.

OpticWise offers a comprehensive network and infrastructure package that enables property owners to manage their properties while reducing expenses. This means no more separate network costs for phone lines, video security, internet, WiFi for common areas, building controls, or access controls. OpticWise delivers a robust digital infrastructure (i.e. network) that consolidates all these services, ultimately empowering property owners to boost their net operating income while streamlining their operations.

We handle the day-to-day management and support for tenants and property management staff, ensuring networks stay resilient and fully functional. Property owners can concentrate on what truly matters – enhancing the tenant experience and advancing their property’s success – while we expertly manage the digital infrastructure. This all-encompassing offering positions OpticWise as a game changer in the industry, providing CRE owners with a competitive edge and unparalleled peace of mind.

Q. How will the Internet of Things impact the longevity of the business?

At the core of our business model lies a robust digital infrastructure. OpticWise adopts a proactive approach rooted in the Building of Things^® concept. This strategy involves creating a resilient and intelligent ecosystem that safeguards commercial real estate assets. This forward-thinking infrastructure not only protects a property from technological vulnerabilities but also transforms them into valuable assets for cost optimization, asset management, and revenue generation.

Our Building of Things^® approach is strategically designed to consolidate all property networks onto the fewest physical networks possible. By doing so, we significantly reduce both initial construction costs and ongoing operational expenses. This strategy has repeatedly proven its worth by saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in construction expenses and several thousand dollars each month in operational costs. The result is a substantial increase in the return on technology investments, underlining the sustainability and longevity of our business.

Q. Is the present security infrastructure enough to handle the data security requirements of IoT? If not, then how can it be improved?

Security is critical to ensuring the delivery of the complete 5S^® user experience and the Building of Things^®. Users on the platform—whether the ownership group, management team, colleagues within a commercial tenancy, or roommates in a residential tenancy—rely on the total privacy of their network traffic within a 5S^® campus. Each tenant device has access to encrypted authentication options native to the platform, as well as all IoT devices allowed in any private network.

Q. Tell us about your managed infrastructure solutions. In what ways will it benefit the asset owners?

Our solutions have a profound impact on the asset owners of multi-tenant CRE properties, where technology assets often take a back seat to physical building assets. Through the strategic implementation of our Building of Things^® methodology and our cutting-edge 5S^® Priority User Experience platform, we deliver a range of invaluable solutions.

Asset owners stand to gain in several significant ways:

1. Improved Market Positioning: By incorporating our managed infrastructure solutions, asset owners can better position their properties in the market. The adoption of cutting-edge technology amenities enhances their property’s appeal, making it a more attractive prospect for tenants.
2. Increased Income: Our solutions create opportunities for asset owners to augment their income streams.By offering high-quality technology services, property owners can attract and retain tenants more effectively, leading to a boost in rental income.
3. Control of Systems & Data: We empower asset owners with control over their property’s technology systems and data. This ensures not only data security but also operational efficiency, allowing property owners to manage their assets with ease.

The tangible results experienced by our clients serve as a testament to the effectiveness of our solutions:

• Significantly Increased Net Operating Income (NOI): Asset owners witness a remarkable uptick in NOI. The integration of our managed infrastructure solutions translates to higher revenues, and ultimately, greater profitability for their properties.
• Reduced Initial Costs (CapEx): Our approach results in substantial savings in capital expenditures (CapEx). Asset owners can optimize their budgets and allocate resources more efficiently.
• Decreased Operating Expenses (OpEx): Operating expenses are minimized thanks to the efficient management and support provided by our solutions. This paves the way for a more streamlined and cost-effective operation.

Q. What makes your products and services trustworthy? What makes your clients come back to you over and over again?

Providing a sophisticated, seamless, and secure network solution while turning our clients’ property wide connectivity into both a tenant retention tool and a profit center is what we do!

Here are a few reasons why OpticWise stands out as the ultimate & trusted choice for our clients:

Enhanced Property Valuation: OpticWise's expertise, coupled with our clients' ownership of technology infrastructure, supported by OpticWise's unwavering assistance, ensures a steady increase in net operating income. This enables our clients to maximize the value of their properties.

Unmatched Differentiation of Their Property: OpticWise’s cutting-edge technology and advanced connectivity provide tenants with a seamless digital experience, setting our clients’ properties apart from the competition.

Unparalleled Security & Reliability: Our designs incorporate built-in redundancy, ensuring unmatched reliability. Advanced security measures provide the utmost protection for each tenant.

Empowered Control: An OpticWise solution places our clients in complete control of their network infrastructure and internet connectivity. They own the infrastructure from day one, allowing them to generate revenue and seamlessly integrate additional services in the future without the expense of deploying a new network.

Enhanced Tenant Satisfaction: OpticWise recognizes the critical role of tenant satisfaction in our clients' success. Our reliable, high-speed connectivity, robust security, and exceptional user experience contribute to overall tenant satisfaction, fostering long-term loyalty.

In summary, OpticWise's commitment to innovation and excellence, alongside our client-centric approach, ensures that our products and services are not only trustworthy but also the reason clients return to us repeatedly. Our solutions enhance property valuation, differentiate properties, offer unrivaled security and reliability, empower our clients, and ultimately boost tenant satisfaction, which all combine to create long-lasting client relationships.

Q. Tell us about your compassionate team. What value do they bring to your firm?

Our team is the heart and soul of our company, infusing it with a unique and exceptional spirit. Our collective values not only define our culture but also underscore the immeasurable value our team brings to our clients. In addition to thriving on technical excellence, agility, and accountability, we pride ourselves on living and breathing these values:

1. Own It! (No Renters! Do the Right Thing.) Our team members take full ownership of their responsibilities and are unwavering in their commitment to doing what's right. This sense of accountability ensures that we consistently deliver the highest quality service and solutions to our clients.
2. On It! (No Procrastinators. Take Initiative, GRSD.) Proactivity is at the core of our team's approach. We don't wait; we take initiative. The "Get Real Stuff Done" (GRSD) mentality propels us to tackle challenges head-on, find innovative solutions, and exceed client expectations.
3. Make It Better! (No Status Quo. Hunger to Gain & Share Knowledge.) Our team thrives on continuous improvement. Complacency is not in our DNA. We have an insatiable appetite for learning and growth, and we eagerly share our knowledge to empower our clients and fellow team members.
4. Kick Butt & Have Fun! (No Politics. We Love to Win & Celebrate.) While we are dedicated and results-driven, we also recognize the importance of celebrating our achievements. Our team's unwavering commitment to success is complemented by our passion for enjoying the journey. We foster a collaborative and positive work environment, free from politics, where we take pride in both our victories and our vibrant workplace culture.

In essence, our team embodies these values in all that they do, creating a work environment and client experience that is defined by excellence, integrity, proactivity, continuous improvement, and a sense of shared accomplishment. It is our team's dedication to these values that sets us apart and ensures the continued success and growth of OpticWise.

Q. About the future, where do you see OpticWise, Inc. in a couple of years from now?

We envision OpticWise pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and fostering benefits that extend far beyond our client base.

Our future is one marked by ambitious growth, innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to benefiting not only our clients but also the broader industry and society. We see OpticWise as a global leader, shaping the landscape of digital infrastructure and redefining the standards of excellence.

Q. Is there anything else you want us to highlight that we might have missed?

Our Solutions generate income for CRE owners and have material impacts on property valuations. Net Operating Income (NOI), Return on Investment (ROI), and yield are consistently enhanced with all of our clients

OpticWise’s Visionary Leadership

Bill Douglas serves as the Chief Executive Officer of OpticWise bringing a wealth of entrepreneurial experience to the helm. With a remarkable track record of initiating, selling, acquiring, and exiting multiple businesses, Bill has consistently demonstrated a keen business acumen. His achievements have earned him recognition on prestigious growth lists, including INC. Bill graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech, a foundation that has undoubtedly influenced his strategic thinking. Additionally, he completed the Entrepreneurial Master’s Program at MIT, further enhancing his entrepreneurial skills. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill is a proud father of two adult sons. He is a man of diverse interests and enjoys activities such as fitness, biking, skiing, volleyball, and golf. These pursuits reflect his active and adventurous spirit, mirroring his approach to both business and life. https://www.linkedin.com/in/billdouglas/

Drew Hall is the visionary founder and Chief Systems Architect of OpticWise. With a profound expertise in network architecture, Drew has a demonstrated history of guiding teams in the creation and management of high-security, low-latency network applications on a global scale. Drew’s academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Baylor University, providing him with the solid knowledge base to excel in his field. Outside of the professional realm, Drew is a devoted father to two young sons. He relishes quality family time and finds joy in pursuits like mountain biking and the art of performing improv comedy. These diverse interests reflect his passion for both the adventurous and creative aspects of life. https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewhall33/

“At OpticWise, our solutions are not just transformative; they're financially empowering. By significantly boosting NOI, ROI, and yield for all our clients, we redefine success in real estate.”