Clinton Fairbanks, founder and managing director of Soji REFM Advisory, discusses the future of Facilities Management and the impact of technology. TakeawaysBeing a Futurist in facilities management means continuously looking for ways to improve and innovate.The four pillars of technology in FM are software, hardware, AI automation, and innovation.Technology platforms in facilities management will rapidly improve in the next few years, with AI playing a significant role.Robotics can fill...

This weeks guest is Dr. Jake Smithwick, a professor at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. Jake and his team have assisted hundreds of owners improve performance outcomes across thousands of projects ($15+ Billion of procured services in construction, IT, auxiliary services, design, healthcare, insurance, and more). His industry experience also includes field inspection of nearly 2,000 roofing systems (74 million square feet) across the United States, and six years in the US Air Fo...

Kevin Bee, the District's Operations Manager at Naperville 203, joins the show to share his journey in facilities management, and the importance of creating a culture that embraces change. Kevin started as a custodian and worked his way up, gaining experience in employee relations and eventually becoming a leader. He discusses the challenges of laying the foundation for a culture that embraces change, including the need for consistency and effective communication. Kevin also highlights t...

Annmarie Bhola, Founder of Enhanced Building Solutions, joins the show as this weeks guest. Annmarie is a former plant operator with extensive knowledge in new construction and existing buildings. She focused primarily on MEP commissioning and energy efficient operations and brings 20+ years of industry experience to clients.  On this episode, Griffin and Annmarie discuss the importance of standardizing training, and leveraging video content to document tribal knowledge. Takeaways Training...

This episode features Alex Cummings, CEO of FlowPath, and Doug Donovan, CEO of Interplay Learning. Interplay Learning has developed cutting edge training technology for the essential skilled trades. Users are able to train and practice hands-on learning from any device or even in VR.  The FlowPath team has created an industry leading CMMS, focused on simplicity and the user experience for Technicians in the field.    Alex and Doug discuss the importance of using FM technology, like...

Lisa Keys, Founder of COS Consulting, joins the show to discuss Building Condition Assessments (BCAs) and their importance in facilities management. Lisa has 20 years of experience leading operational and facilities management teams within a diverse range of building portfolios in both the non-profit and public sector.  On this episode, Lisa highlights the core concepts and components of a BCA, how an organization can leverage a BCA, and where one should begin with a BCA. Takeaways Building...

In this episode, Rami Abdelhadi, Executive Director of Facilities Operations at Stanford University, discusses the challenges and strategies for talent acquisition and retention in the facilities management industry. He highlights the importance of apprenticeship programs and cross-training to build a strong pipeline of skilled professionals. Rami also emphasizes the role of facilities in supporting education and research, and the need for soft skills in career...

On this episode of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin interviews Barton Drake, Market Sector Leader for HED. Drake shares his vision for integrating a community's history with its future through architecture, and focuses on creating designs that are practical, cost-effective, and unite communities. His philosophy highlights the role of architecture in promoting sustainable development and respecting both tradition and the environment. Drake's experience and approach...

Summary On this episode, Griffin interviews Christopher Cioffi, the Commercial Programs Manager at IBHS (Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety), about preparing for severe weather and mitigating damage to properties.  Christopher emphasizes the need for routine maintenance, particularly on roofs, windows, and walls, to ensure they are in good condition. He also provides guidance on actions to take after a storm, including documenting damage and communicating with insurance...

On this episode, Griffin sits down with Chris Kaiser, the Director of Properties for the Arthur M. Blank Family Office. With a rich background spanning over two decades, Chris brings a wealth of experience from his roles as an Estate Manager, Personal Assistant, and his extensive involvement in the construction field. His military background, coupled with hands-on experience as a service technician and handyman, has equipped him with unparalleled skills in residential and commercial...

Jim Zirbel, Launch Leader at Couillard Solar Foundation, joins the show for his 3rd interview. On this episode, we dive into the transformative world of solar energy. Recently honored with the U.S. Department of Energy Solar X Prize, the Couillard Soalr Foundation is at the forefront of advancing solar energy use and technology. We explore the incentives and financial benefits that make solar energy an increasingly attractive option for many. From tax credits to reduced energy costs, we...

This week we're revisiting one of my favorite interviews from 2023. Dave Bishop shares his fascinating journey from a law enforcement career to one in facilities management. A key focus of the conversation is the deployment of work order systems. Dave dives into best practices for successful implementation, emphasizing the importance of thorough training and the role of internal power users as mentors to their colleagues.  Tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of work order...

On this episode of The Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin interviews Matt Aston, the president of GPRS. Matt shares his story of growing GPRS from a one-person startup to nearly 800 employees across 50+ cities. Matt has 20+ years of experience in utility locating and concrete scanning, giving him an insider perspective on the industry, how it has developed, and how it will continue to innovate. Takeaways Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a highly accurate technology used in...

David Miller, a seasoned expert with over 15 years of experience in operations management within commercial real estate and construction, joins our show to delve into the intricacies of budgeting in Facilities Management.  On this episode, we cover a range of topics, including the impact of facilities on business operations, the unique budgeting needs across different industries, and the fundamental principles of effective budget management in FM. Key Takeaways: Strategic Role of FM:...

On this episode, we're joined by Dan Clapper from Interplay Learning. We delve into how their technology is leveraging VR to revolutionize training in facilities management.  Dan highlights the significance of ongoing and cross-training in enhancing workforce skills, especially in the context of the Great Resignation. This conversation sheds light on the future of facilities management and how embracing continuous learning can mitigate the impact of widespread workforce changes.  Interplay...

On this episode, we're joined by Ben Montgomery, President of Premium Parking, to discuss the innovative world of free flow parking.   Ben introduces us to the evolving parking industry and explains how technology plays a crucial role in this new model. He highlights the benefits of free flow parking, including increased revenue, enhanced customer experience, and operational cost savings due to reduced maintenance needs. Additionally, we tackle the perceived challenges of implementing free...

John Powers, Founder and CEO of Extensible Energy, is this weeks guest.  John is an industry expert with over three decades of experience working in utilities and energy management.  He's authored over 100 papers and reports on energy efficiency, demand response, resource planning, load forecasting, renewable energy, and more.  If you're interested in decrypting the code behind your utilities bill, John is the expert to listen to. On this episode, we discuss: Occupancy behaviors and the...

Today we are joined by Lonnie Pilgrim, the Director of Buildings and Maintenance at Fort McMurray Public School District.  On this episode, we delve into Lonnie's experience in crisis management, specifically covering how he handled significant flooding in 2020.  Pilgrim shares the critical first steps he took to mitigate the damage, strategies he employed to manage and support his staff during the challenging period, and the key lessons he learned from the ordeal.  Whether you're in...

In this episode, we sit down with Perry Shimanoff, a seasoned expert with 35 years of experience in educational and government facilities maintenance. Perry is a Certified Master Custodial Trainer with ISSA’s Cleaning Management Institute (CMI). He is the founder and president of MC2 Management and Communication Consultants and has been involved in training both managers and frontline cleaning staff for more than 40 years. Shimanoff is a member of the Indoor Health Council (IHC), the...

Abby Massey joins the show as this weeks guest to talk about tax incentives in Facilities Management.  Abby's journey from a Building Engineer to Director of Tax Incentives at Calvetti Ferguson provides a unique perspective on the transformative power of tax incentives in the world of facilities management. Join us as Abby shares insights into two key incentives: Section 179D - Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction and Section 48 - Investment Tax Credit for Renewable Energy....

Martin Luckcuck, President and CIO of SMp3 Maintenance, joins the show as this weeks guest.  Martin's extensive career in supermarket facilities management has made him an expert in several key areas, including: Embracing New TechnologiesMeasuring and Delivering Value in Maintenance DepartmentsEffective Vendor ManagementProviding Top-Notch Support to TechniciansEnjoy! 

In the latest episode of The Modern Facilities Management podcast, we were joined by Sean Borris, President of Gemini Pipeline Rehabilitation Solutions. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Sean brings a wealth of knowledge in pipeline rehabilitation, having managed projects in diverse sectors such as commercial, municipal, and oil & gas. On this episode, we discuss: Common issues that lead to the need for pipeline rehabilitation, such as corrosion and wear.Insights on...

In this episode, we interview Kayla Gottschalk, Co-Founder of Collective Workplace  and IFMA Young Professionals Chair of Americas. Kayla holds IFMA SFP and IFMA FMG certifications, adding credence to her expertise in the field.  Collective is a community that consolidates valuable resources like podcasts, videos, and tools for professionals in facilities management and the broader employee experience sector.  Listen in as Kayla discusses the importance of cross-specialty collaboration and...

On this episode, we discuss the role of indoor mapping in facilities management with Morten Brøgger, CEO of MapsPeople. Morten advocates for the use of emerging technologies like indoor mapping to improve building security and safety.  Topics covered include:  Threat assessmentAsset mapping beyond just a list of assetsAI-driven mapsThe value of a digital twin. Enjoy!