— Interview with Tracy Gaw —
R&R: Where is Colt based, and how long has the company been in business?
Tracy Gaw: March 2023 until the present — so 1 year, 10 months. Colt is based in Dallas.
R&R: Please describe its connection to MaintenX.
Gaw: Colt has shared ownership and shared executive leadership with MaintenX. Our vision, principles, processes and overall mission are in line with MaintenX.
R&R: You are the new vice president of service at Colt — how long have you been with the company?
Gaw: I joined the MaintenX team in our Southern California office in 2011 where I worked for 8 years. In November of 2019, I moved to the MaintenX corporate office in Tampa, Florida. In July of 2024, our executive leadership team extended the offer to work with Colt, and I accepted.
R&R: What has been your career path to this point?
Gaw: After attending college, I spent 20 years in the restaurant industry. I’ve done everything from waiting tables, bartending, management and ownership.
R&R: What attracted you to the facilities management industry?
Gaw: The facilities management industry is truly an essential business. There will always be a need for repairs to retail and restaurant facilities.
R&R: Do you have any funny stories from your early days in the industry?
Gaw: The funniest part of me starting my career in this industry is what started happening in my everyday life. I was out to dinner with some friends and went to the ladies’ room. When I came out, I announced to the table that they needed to reset their toilets. Everyone looked at me like I was nuts. Once you’re aware of what it takes to get a facility running smooth and looking good, it stays with you everywhere you go.
R&R: What advice would you give to young people just starting out in FM?
Gaw: Be open to learning everything. If you approach every situation with the possibility of learning something new, you’ll go far in this industry.
R&R: In what regions of the country does Colt conduct most of its business, or is it even distributed nationwide?
Gaw: Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado.
R&R: What advantages does your geographic scope offer your clients?
Gaw: It can be challenging to find good vendors in these states. The ability to find support for multiple trades in these states from one vendor helps an FM manage their locations more efficiently.
R&R: What is Colt’s “signature service” and how does it stand out in a crowded industry?
Gaw: Our mission is to self-perform plumbing, electrical and general trades in the major metros of our states. Between MaintenX and Colt, we are the largest self-performing vendor partners in the country. In addition, communication and partnership are cornerstones of the foundation for growth in this industry. When we understand the needs and expectations of our clients and are able to meet and/or exceed them, this is when we shine.
R&R: What predictions do you have — for your company, your industry or both — in 2025?
Gaw: Colt is just getting started. We expect to have a surge in growth with both new and existing clients in 2025.
R&R: What are 3 recent projects you are most proud of?
Gaw: MaintenX and Colt worked together to support several of our clients during the very active 2024 hurricane season. We support with board-ups, sandbags and generators to restore power.
— Tracy Gaw is the vice president of service of Colt Professional Facility Repair. This Q&A originally was published in the December 2024/January 2025 issue of Retail & Restaurant Facility Business magazine. For more information in having your company profiled in a future Signature Vendor Spotlight, please contact Scott Royal at sroyal@francemediainc.com.