In this episode, Brian chats with Kristy Colligan, the Facilities Logistics Supervisor for Lake Highland Preparatory School. Kristy shares her unique journey from being an associate athletic director to her current role at Lake Highland. The discussion centers around the intersection of athletic discipline and professional achievements, the vital role of mentorship, and the importance of effective communication in leading a team. 00:00 Introduction and Kristy Colligan's background in athletics a...
Sep 09, 2024•25 min•Ep. 21
In this episode, Glenn Robbins and Brian Gregory explore the intersection of facilities management and education leadership. Glenn shares his journey from a blue-collar background to becoming the superintendent of the Brigantine Board of Education. The discussion focuses on the importance of facilities in creating a conducive learning environment, especially for special needs students, and highlights strategies for long-term planning and collaboration. 00:00 Introduction and Glenn Robbins' backg...
Aug 26, 2024•31 min•Ep. 20
In this episode, Kurt Zastrow and Brian Gregory delve into the evolving world of educational spaces, focusing on the importance of adaptable and diverse learning environments. Kurt shares his expertise on how flexible classroom settings, digital literacy, and hands-on learning can significantly impact student outcomes and prepare them for future success. 00:00 Introduction and background: Kurt Zastrow's journey and role in Demco, exploring diverse learning environments in education. 05:30 The ne...
Aug 12, 2024•34 min•Ep. 19
In this episode, Craig and Brian dive deep into the challenges and advancements in using deep learning, machine learning, and AI in facilities management. Craig shares insights on how smart technology, like high-quality sound systems and AI-powered surveillance cameras, is transforming educational spaces and beyond. 00:00 Introduction and background: Exploring the intersection of technology and facilities management. 05:30 The rise of AI and machine learning: How facilities managers are navigati...
Jul 29, 2024•42 min•Ep. 18
FMX CEO and Host Brian Gregory sat down with Jeff Lettau, Director of Facilities Operations at Richland School District. In this episode, their conversation uncovers the significance of training and mentoring replacements, taking time off, and measuring success by the strength of the team you leave behind. The two delve into Jeff's unique leadership style, which he describes as a "benevolent dictatorship," and explore how he empowers his team by admitting when he doesn’t have all the answers. 00...
Jul 01, 2024•47 min•Ep. 17
Beyond Buildings host Brian Gregory sits down with Ret Weeks, the dynamic leader of stadium operations and capital projects for the Savannah Bananas. Tune in to discover how Ret and his team prioritize fan experiences, manage the challenges of a historic stadium, and continuously innovate to make baseball fun and engaging. This episode is packed with insights on servant leadership, operational excellence, and team culture. 00:00 Introduction to stadium operations leader Ret Weeks. 03:43 Brian an...
Jun 17, 2024•26 min•Ep. 16
In this episode of "Beyond Buildings: Exploring Facilities Management," Maciel Pais and Brian Gregory explore the impact of humor on team dynamics, the importance of budgeting and forward-thinking in school resource management, and integrating IT with facilities departments. Brian interviews Maciel Pius, the IT and digital learning director at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, who transitioned from a 17-year teaching career during the pandemic. They discuss the benef...
Jun 03, 2024•31 min•Ep. 15
In this episode, Director, Operations and Maintenance at Huntley Schools Doug Renkosik shares his unique 30-year journey from structural engineering to facilities leadership in public education. The episode delves deep into the challenges faced by Huntley School District during its rapid growth from 800 to 10,000 students, highlighting the adjustments required in staffing, budgeting, and building maintenance. Doug emphasizes the importance of building a reliable team, maintaining rigorous traini...
May 20, 2024•29 min•Ep. 14
In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with Lee Raspberry, Director of Construction and Planning for Bastrop Independent School District. Together, they discuss utilizing machine learning and artificial intelligence to optimize building automation systems. They cover: [00:00:54] Lee's background and what drives him to wake up and do the best job he possibly can every single day [00:02:46] The importance of sustainability and how energy management impacts the buildings we work, learn...
May 06, 2024•37 min•Ep. 13
In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with John Carrillo, Chairman of the Global FM organization. Together, they discuss the impact and importance of digitization and technology in the FM industry. They cover: [00:01:03] John's background and how he transitioned from architecture to facilities management [00:03:56] The impact joining an organization like IFMA had on John and why this is so important [00:05:48] Impactful moments in facilities management history and John’s prediction...
Apr 22, 2024•32 min•Ep. 12
In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with Paul Schuler, Manager of Maintenance at St. Vrain Valley Schools. Together, they discuss the significance of resilience and the impact of community engagement. They cover: [00:01:01] Paul's background and how he ultimately ended up managing maintenance at a K-12 district [00:07:46] What drew Paul back to work for a K-12 district after leaving to pursue another opportunity [00:12:35] The challenges and opportunities Paul experiences working...
Mar 04, 2024•37 min•Ep. 11
In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with Dr. CJ Huff, former Superintendent of Joplin Schools. Together, they discuss the significance of resilience and the impact of community engagement. They cover: [00:01:00] Dr. Huff's background in education and some of the challenges he's experienced over the years [00:07:31] Dr. Huff's experience entering the role of Superintendent [00:09:43] The Joplin, Missouri tornado and how Dr. Huff kept the schools in operation during this disaster [...
Feb 13, 2024•29 min•Ep. 10
In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with Brandon Chabola, Director of Plant Services at Penn Hills School District. Together, they discuss the importance of building trust in your team and overall strategies for team building and mentorship. They cover: [00:00:49] Brandon's background and his transition from lawnmowing to facilities management [00:04:04] How to transition effectively into a new facilities management role [00:05:31] Brandon's approach to building, growing, and pro...
Jan 29, 2024•26 min•Ep. 9
In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with Julius Carter, Director of Facilities at Issaquah School District. Together, they discuss the power of data and preventive maintenance in a school district and how AI can help make a facility leader's job easier. They cover: [00:00:42] Julius's background in maintenance and operations [00:02:48] The importance that structurally sound buildings play in a student's success [00:04:31] The power of data and the role it plays in Julius's day-to...
Jan 08, 2024•25 min•Ep. 8
In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with Burke Jones, Director of Operations at Derby Public Schools. Together, they discuss the importance of building trust and support in public school facility management. They cover: [00:01:46] Burke's background and transition from architecture to public schools [00:02:09] Projects Burke worked on as an architect [00:04:00] Burke's experience moving from the private to public sector [00:07:36] How Burke makes the public sector a fun and inter...
Dec 18, 2023•20 min•Ep. 7
In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with Tim Ivey, Chief Technology and Facilities Officer at Iredell Statesville Schools. Together, they discuss how to stay ahead of the curve by strategically planning your capital projects. They cover: [00:00:47] Tim's background and how he came to be in his current positon at Iredell Statesville Schools [00:04:22] Why Tim spearheaded a capital improvement project for his district [00:06:00] How Tim leverages the data from the district's Facili...
Dec 04, 2023•29 min•Ep. 6
In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with Dr. Gabriella Blakey, Chief Operations Officer at Albuquerque Public Schools. Together, they discuss the importance of advocating for yourself and others. They cover: [00:00:42] Gabriella's background and why she chose education as her career path [00:04:45] Gabriella's transition from teacher to principal to COO [00:09:00] The pressures and dynamics of being a female COO [00:13:00] The largest problems Albuquerque Public Schools is facing...
Nov 13, 2023•27 min•Ep. 5
In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with La Shawn Harrison, Space Planning Program Manager at Tesla. Together, they discuss the importance of diversity in facilities management and the value of gaining certifications in facilities management. They cover: [00:00:35] La Shawn's background and her journey from interior design and property management to facilities management [00:02:40] La Shawn's experience working as a female in a predominantly male industry [00:03:33] How unique ba...
Oct 30, 2023•18 min•Ep. 4
In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with Matthew D'Oyly, Director of Events and Conferences at Otterbein University. Together, they discuss what it looks like to effectively implement new software and processes to an established organization. They cover: [00:00:35] Matthew's background and how he came to work at Otterbein as Director of Events and Conferences [00:01:28] What it's like to adopt a new system or software at Otterbein [00:03:24] Overcoming "resistance to change" [00:...
Oct 16, 2023•25 min•Ep. 3
In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with Darin Porter, former Director of Facilities at Wheelersburg School District. Together, they discuss the power of clear, effective communication in facilities and maintenance management. They cover: [00:00:42] Darin's background and transition from construction to facilities and maintenance management in public education [00:02:30] The experience moving from the Iron Worker's Union to public education [00:03:55] How Darin and Brian met and ...
Oct 02, 2023•26 min•Ep. 2
In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with Matthew Pace, former Director of Maintenance and Operations at Queen Creek Unified School District. Together, they discuss the power of data-driven decision-making and its impact on team culture and performance. They cover: [00:00:47] Matthew's background and transition from his own private business as a landscaper to public education [00:03:47] Challenges faced in implementing data-driven approaches [00:05:18] "Grandma's Potroast" and how...
Sep 18, 2023•21 min•Ep. 1
